News
Court to deliver judgment in suit challenging Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday scheduled a date for judgment in a case brought by the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance, CSOCLC, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State last year.
Justice James Omotosho set Friday, March 9, 2026 for judgment after both the plaintiff’s counsel, Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe, and the defence lawyers adopted their processes and presented arguments supporting and opposing the suit.
In the fresh lawsuit, CSOCLC questioned the President’s authority to remove elected state officials during a state of emergency.
The NGO argued that while the President may declare an emergency under Section 305 of the Constitution, he does not have the power to suspend or remove elected executive or legislative officers and appoint an interim administrator.
Justice Omotosho, however, highlighted the similarity of the case to previous ones he had dismissed, citing jurisdictional issues under the old Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act of 1962.
He also referenced a Supreme Court decision from December 15, 2025, which dismissed a related case on procedural grounds.
Acknowledging these earlier rulings, Ahaaiwe insisted they were mistaken.
The lawyer argued that the 1962 Act is a “spent” law, deliberately omitted from statute books before the 1999 Constitution came into effect.
He further contended that a 2025 presidential order modifying the alleged non-existent law is “unconstitutional, null, and void”.
“The constitution has fully covered the field on emergency powers. No executive proclamation can alter the express provisions of Section 305,” he added.
Lawyers representing the 1st to 5th defendants, including the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation, relied on the same 1962 Act and the modification order.
They argued that only the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over such disputes and urged the court to strike out the case.
The plaintiffs had requested 26 reliefs, including a declaration that Rivers State cannot be governed by an appointed administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, outside the constitutional provisions.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
A fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano has destroyed properties worth over N5 billion, affecting over 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The market’s Chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed this to newsmen in kano on Sunday.
Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the market’s history, with four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses razed.
Goods, equipment, and valuables were completely burnt, crippling the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
The chairman further revealed that seven persons were declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Zakari added that investigations were ongoing to determine their whereabouts to confirm whether they were alive or dead.
He said emergency responders and security agencies were working to unravel the cause of the fire.
Zakari described the incident as a tragedy that would never be forgotten in the history of the historic market, stressing the urgent need for support to enable the affected traders to rebuild their businesses.
He, however, commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for visiting the scene while the fire was still raging, stating that the Governor’s swift response demonstrated concern and solidarity with the victims.
Authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of the inferno, as the affected traders continued to salvage what remained of their properties.
Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million, saying, “from God we come, to Him we shall return.
“I am here and it is heartbreaking to see goods worth billions of Naira destroyed by fire.”
Abubakar commended Yusuf for visiting the scene, demonstrating concern and solidarity with the victims.
Musa Ibrahim, a market trader, recounted his experience, saying that he lost goods worth over N340 million in the fire.
“The fire had consumed everything we had,” he said, pointing to the remains of his shop
The Units Chairmen’s Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ughelli North chapter led by Coach Charles Tuedor held an interactive session with Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders at the residence of Amb. Thompson O. Akpososo in Afiesere Community on February 14, 2026.
The meeting was marked by a significant donation: Hon Chief George Osikorobia, the first Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman elected under the PDP platform, donated a party secretariat to the PDP. He urged the units chairmen to continue spreading the party’s message across the LGA.
Party leaders, including Hon Pastor Stephen Kesiena Nomuoja and Hon Daniel Emaye, commended the units chairmen for their unwavering efforts and commitments towards the party’s growth. They urged them to remain steadfast and continue working towards the party’s success.
Hon Dr Olotu Akpodiete JP, the Ughelli North, South, and Udu Federal Constituency House of Reps Aspirant, represented by Hon. Ovo Erhabor thanked the units chairmen for their resilience and assured them that the party will overcome its current challenges. He urged the unit chairmen to sensitize the electorates on the importance of getting their voters’ cards, emphasizing that it is crucial for the party’s success in 2027.
The meeting organizers thanked sponsors, including Hon.Dr.Olotu Akpodiete JP,Hon.Oke Umurhohwo,Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja,Madam Rita Agbah, Hon. Daniel Emaye,Hon. Alex Akporute, Amb. Comrade Kpoharor Emmanuel, Chief Scott Udu, Hon. Karo Akpososo among others
Just in: Ex-Governor of Kaduna alleges NSA imported poisonous chemical
SAD: Seven declared missing as fire destroy goods worth over N5bn in Kano
Akpodiete urges PDP Unit Chairmen to Mobilize Voters for 2027 Victory
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