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Senior lawyer caution against misinterpretation of Supreme Court Judgement

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* Calls for urgent sanity

By Francesca Hangeior

Renowned legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday O. Ubani, has raised alarm over what he describes as a “disturbing and dangerous trend” in Nigeria’s legal and political spheres: the deliberate misinterpretation of Supreme Court judgments by litigants.

In a strongly worded statement titled “The Dangerous Trend of Misinterpreting Supreme Court Judgements in Nigeria: A Call for Urgent Sanity”, Ubani cautioned that this growing practice threatens the judiciary’s authority, public trust, and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.

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Ubani highlighted that parties in high-profile cases are increasingly cherry-picking parts of Supreme Court rulings to suit their agendas, spinning misleading narratives that sow confusion and prolong conflicts.

Citing Rivers State Crisis in the dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ubani noted conflicting interpretations of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Assembly’s actions post-defection and the Governor’s compliance with agreements, leaving the public uncertain about the legal outcome.

On the PDP Leadership Tussle, the senior lawyer noted that the internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between Mr. Samuel Anyanwu and Mr. Okorie Okoye persists despite a Supreme Court decision intended to resolve it. Ubani lamented that both factions claimed victory, deepening the party’s crisis.

Also speaking on Labour Party Leadership Dispute, Ubani said that Following the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 judgment (SC/CV/56/2025) striking out a suit recognizing Barrister Julius Abure as Labour Party chairman, Ubani observed that rival factions continue to assert opposing positions, disregarding the court’s clear stance that it lacked jurisdiction over the party’s leadership.

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“The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of justice in Nigeria,” Ubani stated. “Yet, parties manipulate these judgments to suit selfish ends, leading to public confusion and worsening the disputes the court aimed to settle.”

Ubani outlined three major dangers posed by this trend:

Undermining the Supreme Court: If parties treat the apex court’s rulings as optional, its authority weakens, shaking the foundation of Nigeria’s judicial system.

Endless Conflicts: Misinterpretations prevent disputes from ending, defeating the purpose of judicial resolution and fueling perpetual litigation.

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Loss of Public Trust: When court decisions fail to bring clarity, people may lose faith in the judiciary, paving the way for lawlessness and disrespect for the rule of law.

To curb this menace, Ubani emphasised the need for clearer Judgment as he urged the Supreme Court to issue unambiguous rulings with specific orders to close loopholes for manipulation.

He called on lawyers to uphold professional integrity, advising clients truthfully rather than twisting judgments to appease them. “It’s dangerous for lawyers to become merchants of confusion,” he warned.

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Gov Oborevwori’s top aide suddenly resigns from govt

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In a shocking political move, Harrison Gwamnishu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization, has tendered his resignation, citing deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of escalating insecurity across communities in the state. Gwamnishu submitted his resignation letter on Friday, April 25, 2025, addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State. He emphasized that his decision followed “considerable reflection” and was driven by a “deep sense of disappointment” over the administration’s failure to act on security concerns he consistently raised.

In his letter, Gwamnishu detailed his efforts to draw the government’s attention to the worsening security situation, including numerous messages, calls, and submission of blueprint documents proposing actionable solutions.

However, he lamented that all attempts were “thrown out,” and meaningful solutions were “not being accepted” by the administration.

“As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community,” Gwamnishu wrote. “However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.” He further stated that his resignation is intended to serve as a wake-up call to the administration, urging it to prioritize the safety and security of Delta State citizens.

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Just in: Senator Natasha tenders satirical ‘apology’ to Akpabio

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has penned a biting, satirical letter of “apology” to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, laced with sarcasm and veiled criticism. The letter, which surfaced on social media on Sunday evening. The post read:

From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

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How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

I remain,
Yours in eternal resistance,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken

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FG warns against growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday raised the alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa, which is increasingly targeting vulnerable young Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, it was revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, especially in crypto-related operations.

The warning comes after the recent rescue of about 231 Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities in Accra, Ghana.

The victims were rescued and are currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra.

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The government said, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.”

The Ministry therefore warned Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.

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“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ebienfa further stated.

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