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APC asks court to stop FAAC, AGF, others from releasing funds to Rivers LGAs

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), two others, and their agents from allocating or distributing any revenue from the Federation Account to any of the Local Government Areas/Councils of Rivers State or within Rivers State until a valid local government council election has been conducted by the 6th defendant to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State.

Also sought to be restrained in that regard are the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), and the Minister of Finance for the Federal Government of Nigeria (who are listed as the first, second, and third) in a fresh suit filed by the APC.

The plaintiff, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CV/1556/2024 is contending that in view of the recent decisions of the Supreme Court in the suit No: SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and others, and the Federal High Court, suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 funds could no longer be released to LGAs in Rivers because no valid election has been conducted in the state.

Listed as defendants in the suit are the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F); the Minister of Finance for the Federal Government of Nigeria; the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF); the Attorney General of Rivers State of Nigeria;  and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

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The party also wants an order of injunction restraining the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant by themselves (individually and/or jointly) by their servants, agents, hirelings, or proxies from distributing to, expending or utilizing any public fund of Rivers State for the use or benefit of any of the Local Government Councils of Rivers State until the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant have been able to conduct valid election to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State.

It seeks a declaration that the defendants fall within the category of ‘authorities and persons’ as provided for by Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), who are constitutionally bound to enforce and implement judgments, decisions and orders of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court of Nigeria and are therefore constitutionally bound to enforce, implement and give effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and others to the effect that “the amount distributed to and standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation Account must be paid by the Federation to only democratically elected Local Government Councils…” and the judgment of the Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024: All Progressives Congress (APC) v. Independent National Electoral Commission and others, comprising of an order among others “setting aside all acts or things done or purported to have been done …in furtherance of the conduct of the purported local government elections in Rivers State slated for the 5th of October 2024…”

The APC is equally praying for a declaration that the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant having failed to ensure the existence of and to put in place a system of local government by democratically elected local government councils in Rivers State by conducting a valid democratic election for local government councils in Rivers State, that is, for the election of Chairmen and Councilors for the Local Government Councils of Rivers State, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (representing the Government of the Federation) are not entitled to, and cannot allocate or distribute any revenue from the Federation Account to any of the Local Government Areas/Councils of Rivers State until a valid election to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State has been conducted by the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant.

In a supporting affidavit, deposed to by Tony Okocha, the plaintiff said: By the recent decision of the Supreme Court Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024 the apex court firmly held and declared in respect of distribution of revenue from the Federation Account, among others that “the amount distributed to and standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation to only democratically elected Local Government Councils.

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The APC said its suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024  challenged the process hurriedly being put into place by the AG of Rivers and RSIEC (5th and 6th defendants herein) for the purpose of holding Local Government Council elections for Rivers State.

It stated that “In the said suit, the plaintiff premised their challenge of the process on a number of grounds, including the ground that the processes being put into place for the holding of the proposed election which was fixed for the 5th day of October 2024 was in contravention of the provisions of items 11 and 12 of Part II of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as applicable provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in that requisite statutory notices were not given and provisions in respect of update of voters register were not complied with.

The APC said the suit was decided in its favour, wherein, Justice Peter Lifu in the  judgment delivered on September 30 held among others, that the processes put in place for the proposed LGA election in Rivers election were unconstitutional.

It added that the court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing to the RSIEC the voters’ register for the conduct of the proposed election fixed for the 5th of October 2024.

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The party stated that the court also issued an express order “setting aside all acts or things done or purported to have been done in furtherance of the conduct of the purported local government elections in Rivers State slated for the 5th of October 2024.

It stated that although the AG of Rivers and RSIEC were parties to the suit and represented by lawyers at all times, “the duo acted in contravention and absolute disregard of the decision of the court with the 6th defendant (RSIEC) therefore proceeding to conduct a purported Local Government Council election on the 5 day of October 2024, even though no voters register was released to it by INEC and notwithstanding that all processes put in place for the election including statutory notices, nominations among others had been set aside in the judgment of the Federal High Court.”

The APC insisted that the judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 is still valid and subsisting before, as at, and even beyond the 5th of October, 2024 and so remains until set aside by the Court of Appeal.

It stated that the election held in contravention of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and subsisting judgment of a competent Court of law is invalid.

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The party added that the Local Government Councils of Rivers State have not been “democratically elected” to qualify them to receive allocations from or distribution of revenue from the Federation Account.

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Politics

PDP: Anyanwu declares Govs’ move a ‘Coup’, illegal, insists he’s authentic National Secretary

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Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has rejected a resolution by the PDP Governors Forum appointing an Acting National Secretary, labeling it unconstitutional and a direct violation of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution and a Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Comrade Daboikiabo Z. Warmate, Anyanwu described the governors’ move as a “draconian” attempt to usurp party structures, calling it a “coup d’état” against the PDP.

Warmate noted that the PDP Constitution, specifically in sections 45, 47, 49, 57, and 59; the appointment, election, replacement, or removal of a national officer must follow due process. He maintained that Senator Anyanwu has neither resigned nor vacated the office of National Secretary, making the appointment of an acting secretary baseless. “Only the National Convention holds the authority to appoint or remove national officers, Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary until December 2025’, he said.

Warmate warned of dire consequences if the resolution is not immediately reversed, accusing the governors of acting beyond their constitutional powers and stirring internal party conflict, particularly one linked to alleged personal rifts with the FCT Minister.

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He emphasized that only a national convention—not the governors’ forum—has the authority to appoint or remove national officers, slamming the move as illegal and a dangerous precedent for the party’s integrity.

Anyanwu called for calm and urged the governors to adhere to due process, warning that failure to reverse their decision could severely damage the PDP’s credibility and unity.

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Igbo Youths Set To Mobilize 5 Million Man-March In Support Of Tinubu, Kalu

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The Coalition Of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone after a meeting of its leadership have perfected arrangements and plans to organize a 5 million man grand endorsement rally in support of our esteemed president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Distinguish Senator representing Abia North senatorial zone in the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in the upcoming elections come 2027.

In an official press statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem (President General) and Comrade Okey Nwaoru (Publicity Secretary) which was made public on Monday, 14th April, 2025, the group noted that Kalu has impacted the lives of people in the southeast via his leadership prowess and henceforth it was time to pay him back by mobilizing and overwhelming support on his behalf.

You will recall Kalu has won the best Performing Senator in Nigeria, an award given by Senate Press Corp. He has won this award three times consecutively.

COSEYL through the letter confirmed that they will mobilize, sensitize and deliver over 90% of votes to Kalu in Abia North and President Tinubu across the Southeast geopolitical zone.

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“The rally is scheduled to take place in Abia State, and we will mobilize 5 million citizens from across the South East geopolitical zone. Our group is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will serve as a platform to highlight the outstanding leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu .

“We aim to mobilize the masses, showcasing the positive transformations led by Senator Kalu in Abia North constituency and reinforcing the president’s vision for our nation’s continued progress.”

This event is crucial in building momentum for the 2027 campaigns and ensuring that the South East remains a strong pillar of support for the President and Senator Kalu come 2027 general elections.” The Group opined.

The group further said that the huge and novel infrastructural developments Klau has attracted to Abia North and by extension Southeast has never been felt by the people of the zone.

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“Truly, the people of South East are very pleased and very certified with the exceptional leadership and transformational contributions of Distinguish Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the Senator representing Abia North senatorial district in the Senate, which have significantly impacted the South East geopolitical zone, and will contribute immensely to securing a 90 percent electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections come 2027.

“Senator Orji Kalu has proven to be a beacon of progress, consistently working toward the betterment of our region through building and renovations of schools, massive road construction, huge investment in agriculture for food sufficiency, youth empowerment programs and other democracy dividends too numerous to mention.

“Their unwavering commitment to the people has led to notable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other areas, fostering a sense of unity, trust, and development that has resonated deeply with constituents.

“Given this track record of success, it is clear that the Senator Kalu’s efforts have laid a strong foundation for ensuring that our geopolitical zone will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election come 2027.

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“Their transformational performance has created a groundswell of support, positioning us to achieve a remarkable 90 percent electoral victory in favor of the President.

“We are confident that with Senator Orji Kalu leading the way, the future is bright for both our region and the nation as a whole. Together, we are poised for success in the upcoming election, and we look forward to the continued progress under President Tinubu’s leadership,” COSEYL asserted.

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Bauchi gov, Atiku’s sons in war of words over 2027 electoral race

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A political spat has erupted between the sons of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over their fathers’ presidential ambitions.

Atiku’s son, Mohammed Abubakar, accused Governor Mohammed of failing to support the ex-VP in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Mohammed, who also chairs Atiku’s Presidential Support Organisation, alleged that Governor Mohammed’s presidential ambition is at the heart of the PDP’s internal crisis.

Atiku’s son was reacting to an earlier statement by Governor Mohammed’s son, Shamsudeen Bala, who said his father would not back Atiku’s presidential bid again.

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Shamsudeen had on Friday accused Atiku of undermining Governor Mohammed’s 2023 re-election campaign by aligning with the opposition and rallying political elites in Bauchi against him.

“Honestly, it would be difficult,” Shamsudeen said. “Because even if he (Atiku) wins, there’s nothing he would do for us except settle old scores. He didn’t support us in 2023—he backed the APC candidate and used Bauchi elites to oppose us. We barely survived it. He’s made it clear he doesn’t value us enough to engage in dialogue.”

But reacting on Monday, Atiku’s son fired back, accusing Governor Mohammed of secretly working with the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Let it be known to Shamsu that never has Atiku dissipated an ounce of energy towards his father’s political travails,” Mohammed Abubakar said in a statement. “Atiku’s politics transcends such shenanigans—he has always remained above the fray.”

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He added that any political tension Bala Mohammed faced in the lead-up to the 2023 election was purely local and had no link to Atiku.

“At no point has Shamsu’s father ever supported Atiku Abubakar in his political journey,” he said. “On the contrary, Nigerians still remember the ignoble role he played in 2023, when he clandestinely worked against his party’s presidential candidate.”

Atiku’s son also referenced recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that Governor Mohammed worked behind the scenes to thwart Atiku’s 2023 bid.

According to him, the Bauchi governor’s personal presidential ambition has impaired his leadership of the PDP Governors’ Forum and weakened unity among the governors.

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“We are also not unaware of his secret hobnobbing with Tinubu’s government,” the statement continued.

Concluding, Atiku’s son advised Shamsudeen to focus on constructive political dialogue.

“The focus of every patriotic Nigerian should be on promoting political discourse that moves our country forward—not on needless rantings.”

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