The Supreme Court has set February 10, 2025, to hear two separate suits filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the validity of the local government elections conducted in Rivers State in 2024.

On the same day, the apex court will hear five additional cases related to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which began in October 2023 when a faction loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The crisis intensified after Fubara sealed off the state Assembly complex in response to impeachment moves. Subsequently, lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, which Fubara dismissed as illegitimate. This led to the creation of a controversial three-member Assembly that took critical legislative actions, including passing the 2024 budget.

The legitimacy of the Assembly and its decisions have become a legal matter, progressing through the Rivers State High Court, Federal High Court, and the Court of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court.

Legal Consolidations and Disputes

The Supreme Court has consolidated four appeals for a streamlined hearing, including:

Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Government
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Governor
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. RSIEC
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Accountant General of Rivers State
These appeals, along with the two separate APC suits, will be heard on February 10.

2024 Local Government Elections

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) scheduled the local government elections for October 5, 2024, despite objections from the APC. The APC alleged that RSIEC violated a bill extending the tenure of local government chairmen, passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.

The Ongoing military onslaught against the terrorists in the North West has secured more wins as troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s namely, Aminu Kanawa, the Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday.

Troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Bello Turji’s close allies namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

Additionally, troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others. Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.

Troops also neutralized another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s Enclave around Fakai high ground.

He is identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu.

The late, Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s Camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fire fight.

The death of Bello Turji’s second in command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the NW of the country, as well as their military and fighting capabilities. These group of terrorists were notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the NW, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States.

Overall, troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed. Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.

The Kebbi State Police Command has nabbed Muhammad Sani, also known as Kado, for allegedly shooting two children at a wedding ceremony in Koko/Besse LGA of the state.

The victims, Al’amin Garba (9) and Bello Shehu (7) were shot during the ceremony at Unguwar Magaji. Al’amin Garba died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Bello Shehu sustained severe injuries to the ribs and was admitted to a hospital in Koko.

Upon receiving the report, police officers from the Besse Divisional Police Headquarters quickly responded, arresting the suspect and recovering the firearm used in the attack.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, condemned the incident and urged the public to surrender any firearms in their possession to the police to ensure public safety.

He also ordered a swift investigation and prosecution of the suspect. (Text, excluding headline: Daily Trust)