Biafra Day: Political Leaders Have Lost Grip on Igbo Masses, Say IPOB, CSOs

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) and other civil society organisations on Thursday lauded the people of South-east zone for observing the sit-at-home order in honour of Biafran heroes, saying it was an indictment on the political leaders for disconnecting with the masses.

IPOB in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said Biafrans have courageously proved the futility of any effort to suppress lovers of freedom, adding that it has become clearer that “the people listen to IPOB not South-east governors or Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“We salute the uncommon courage, determination and resoluteness of all Biafrans that defied the military threats, intimidation from Arewa Consultative Forum and South-east governors to sit at home across Biafra land.”

It stated further that “we commend the people of Ogoni, Idoma, Igede, Igala and others who afforded to observe and remember those that sacrificed their lives for us to be alive today. From Ogoja in the east to the border town of Igbanke in the west; from the Oturkpo in the north to the island of Bonny in the south, Biafrans observed in their own unique way a day of solemnity, reverence and respect for our departed heroes.”

The separatist organisation noted that aside from the observance of the Biafra Day in some parts of Nigeria, IPOB family members in the Diaspora also rallied in over 100 countries across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Australia and Africa.

On its part the ECA commended the leadership of IPOB “for their patience, tolerance, endurance and ability to lead, direct and guide the masses of eastern Nigeria with humility and determination in spite of the provocation of a clearly clueless oppressor.”

In a statement signed by the Secretary and Deputy Leader of ECA, Elliot Uko and Maria Okwor, respectively, the group which described IPOB as “the most oppressed and most persecuted mass movement in the world,” said it has proved over and again that it could not be wished away.

Buhari Begs Nigerian Youths Not To Run Against Him In 2019, Signs Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill

By Sunday Okobi with agency report

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appealed to Nigerian youths to postpone their presidential ambitions till after 2019.

He stated this at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, when he signed the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Bill into law.

According to him, “Your focus and contributions have now successfully increased the quality and maturity of Nigerian democracy and expanded the playing field for youth participation in politics.

“You, the young people of Nigeria, are now set to leave your mark on the political space, just as you have done over the decades in entrepreneurship, sports, art, media entertainment, technology, and several other fields."

According to NAN, the President had promised to give assent to the bill while addressing the country last Tuesday in a live broadcast in Abuja.

“In (a) few days to come, I will be joined by many promising young Nigerians to sign into law the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill,” he had said in his Democracy Day’s speech.

The ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill, passed by both Senate and the House of Representatives in 2017, seeks a reduction in the age limit for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, as well as state governors and senators from 35 to 30 and state assembly members from 30 to 25.

Addressing a gathering of youths who witnessed the signing of the bill, Buhari said: “You are undoubtedly Nigeria’s most important resource – not oil, not agriculture, not solid minerals – but you and all of us. Your energy, intelligence and talent are what will drive and develop Nigeria, long after we are all gone.

“This is an opportunity for me to affirm that this administration will continue to do everything in its power to make Nigeria work for you.

“I am confident each one of you will transform Nigeria in your own way – whether through media, agricultural enterprise, economists, engineers, or as lawmakers in your States or at Federal levels, or as State Governors – and even someday, as President. Why not?

“But please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!”

Senators Berate Buhari over Uncomplimentary Remarks About Senate

...Confirms Four out of Five CBN Board Nominees

The Senate on Thursday chastised President Muhamadu Buhari over his recent comments that National Assembly members who have spent over 10 years as lawmakers are bench warmers

President Buhari had last week at the Presidential Villa while playing host to the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said lawmakers have been in the parliament for 10 years  with nothing concrete to justify their stay-without sponsoring a single Bill

Reacting to Buhari's statement during plenary, Senator Dino Melaye  described  the president's remarks as unwarranted and un-parliamentary

Melaye, who came under Order 14 of the Senate which deals with members’ privileges, said his privilege as a senator had been infringed upon by the president's statement

He said having been a member of the National Assembly since 2007 he has contributed meaningfully to the law making process in the country.

Describing Buhari's statement as uncalled for, un-parliamentary and unpresidential, Melaye emphasised that two of the bills sponsored by him are awaiting the president's assent

"So I stand here to say I'm not a bench warmer and I know what I'm doing having contributed to motions and sponsored bills since I got to the National Assembly in 2007," the senator said.

He also accused the Comptroller-General of NSC, Col Ahmeed Ali (rtd), of openly campaigning for the re-election of Buhari during his visit to Aso Rock last week

According to Melaye, "It is very wrong for head of Customs to be involved in politics. Nigeria Customs is a para-military organisation while the CG is a rank and are both supposed to be apolitical

"Just like saying the Inspector- General of Police (IG) or Chief of Air Staff now mounting the podium to openly campaign for the president. This is not ideal and should not be tolerated."

He said lawmakers spent their time and energy to come up with bills "which have impacted positively on the operations of agencies like NCS and others that should not dabble into politics."

Melaye, who added that he has a disk containing all what Buhari said on the occasion as reported by local television stations, therefore called on the Senate to ask for an apology from President Buhari and stressed that a decisive action needed to be taken on the matter.

In his comment, Senate President Bukola Saraki, while asking Melaye to lay the disk before the Senate, emphasised that President Buhari may have been quoted out of context, "and as such, we should not rush to any conclusion on the issue."

He said public institutions such as Customs should not veer into politics.

"We must therefore protect the agencies by calling such agencies and parastatals  to order because they have a role to play in the development of the country," he said.

Melaye, who was sitting at the rear of the PDP wing of the Senate Chambers, thereafter limped with his walking stick and moved to the front and laid the disk before the Senate.

Also yesterday, the Senate confirmed four out of five non-executive director nominees for the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) presented to it by its Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions headed by Senator Adebayo Ibrahim.

The confirmed nominees are Adeola Adetunji and three Professors namely Mike Obadan, Justina Odinakachukwu and Ummu Jalingo

Saraki directed the committee to re-screen the remaining nominee, Dr. Abdu Abubakar, and report back to the Senate.

Abubakar who was screened along with other nominees by the committee last Wednesday was rejected based on avalanche of petitions against his nomination.

United States Hails Ayade's Industrialisation Drive

 

The United States Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. John Bray, has said he is impressed with the industrialisation drive of the Cross River Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, within his three years in office.

Bray stated this in Calabar, the state capital shortly after being conducted round several industries built by the Ayade-led administration in the state.

Industries visited were the Cross River Garment factory, the Rice Seeds and Seedlings factory, the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and the 21 megawatts power plant.

"I am really impressed as I have not seen a lot of things like these in Nigeria in my five years in the country. Seeing all these developments in one area is very impressive," the US Consul General remarked.

Bray, who was in Calabar to prepare grounds for some visitors into the state, explained that he had to take time out to see investments opportunities in the state and that what he saw is a beautiful state that would compel him to visit often.

On possible areas of collaboration between the US and the state, he said it was evident that such exists already with the American-made tractors on ground at the rice seeds and seedlings factory as well as American engineers at the power plant.

According to him, "There are always areas of collaboration. Seeing the American-made tractors in the rice city with US engineers on ground, that is an evidence of collaboration between the United States and Nigeria, though from a private sector, but there is collaboration already.

"It is beautiful because government cannot do everything, so seeing the private sector here and US products and engineers on ground, it is very great."

In his reaction, Ayade expressed delight that his efforts at developing the state were being acknowledged, adding that "it is a reflection of the fact that I have a pass mark from America and Germany. Americans don't mince their words, when they want to say something to you, they will tell you truly how they feel.

"This is my third year in office, and we have gone round three factories with many more to go if we have the time. I wanted to take him to the largest banana plantation in Africa few minutes away from here, but I am sure we have other things to do, but one day, we will be back and I will take them through."

Ayade who commended Bray for accentuating and concentrating America investments and interests in Cross River State, noted that the deployment of American turbines, engines and other machines in the factories remain a source of delight to him.

Domestic Airlines Vow to Stop Paying VAT To FG

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has vowed that from June 14, 2018, its members would stop paying Value Added Tax (VAT)  to the federal government, estimated to be over N15 billion annually.

AON made this known in Lagos on Thursdsay during a meeting of the chief executives of airlines and attributed the short life span of domestic carriers to poor infrastructure, excessive charges and taxes; high cost and inadequate supply of aviation fuel.

The airlines accused the federal government of not being concerned by the above mentioned problems, but insisted that airlines failed due to lack of professionalism in the running of their business.

Executive Chairman of AON, Nogie Meggison, described the payment of VAT as unfair, and explained that it is only Nigerian airlines that pay the tax, while foreign carriers that operate into the country are excluded as well as other modes of transportation.

 “The AON’s position is that the VAT on airline ticket sales for domestic carriers must be removed completely forthwith as road transportation, rail, marine and international air travel carriers are not subjected to VAT,” he said.

He alleged that the federal government is using tax payers money to fund the proposed national carrier that is supposed to be private sector driven, noting that with government commitment to the national carrier, it is evident that it would not give all airlines equal operating environment.

Meggison also  explained that the establishment of this national carrier had been shrouded in secrecy and lacks transparency in its entirety, adding that using tax payers money and it’s apparatus to establishment an airline with a foreign core investor was not fair to Nigerian airlines and Nigerians.

Also speaking at the meeting, CEO of Top Brass Airlines, Roland Iyayi, a member of the body, said the government has provided for zero customs duty on commercial aircraft, spare parts and engines but unfortunately, in 2018, the industry was yet to fully benefit from this provision.

This, Iyayi explained, had resulted in airlines having some of their aircraft fleet grounded for days in some cases, thereby resulting in cancelled flights which in turn results in chaos at the airports to the displeasure of customers, adding that this situation is unacceptable and should be reversed forthwith.

On the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) 5 percent ticket sales/charter sales charge, he said airline operators have always contended that the imposition of a percentage tax model creates a distortion in the industry.

“We have recommended and continue to recommend that the unit tax model preferred and practiced by over 90 per cent of countries globally and as recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) be adopted immediately. It is worthy of note that all the industry agencies, including the NCAA regulator, are established as not-for-profit organisations, essentially designed for cost recovery.

“Unfortunately, over the years, successive governments have encouraged the sourcing and increase in internally generated revenues (IGR) by these agencies, thereby completely negating the primary purpose for which they have been established,” he added.

APGA Rejects Okorocha, Says He's Worse Than Prodigal Son

- Governor denies approaching party leaders

National chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye, on Thursday said his party rejected Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha's move to rejoin the party because his moves were not sincere.

Oye, who spoke to a select few journalists in his country home, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, affirmed that he is a Christian and very familiar with the story of the prodigal son, who returned to his father after squandering his wealth, stating that Okorocha's case was worse, as he was still unrepentant.

Okorocha, who won his governorship election on the platform of the APGA in 2011, had dumped the party, leaving with some of its members to the then newly formed All Progressives Congress, APC.

Recently, news of Okorocha's overture towards APGA surfaced, as he was said to have approached party leaders in the hope of actualising his dream of crowning his son in-law as governor of the state. He was also said to have offered the leaders of the party the sum of N3 billion to pave his way back.

But Oye speaking with journalists denied that any money was collected from Okorocha to bring him back to the party.

According to him, "An Igbo proverb says a man who refused to join a ship can not say he was chased away from the ship. Rochas chased himself away from the APGA ship, and I can tell you that he can never be a member of the party again.

"He won his governorship seat on the platform of APGA, but he took away our members and our mandate and joined APC. He started well in Imo, but immediately he left APGA, he lost vision.

"He is worse than the prodigal son, and that is why we refused to take him back. He was not sincere with his return. He is an unrepentant sinner and APGA can not take such a man. He is only coming to APGA because his APC ship had left him."

He said fielding Okorocha in 2011 was a mistake by APGA because of the hasty need to change the Ikedi Ohakim government, which caused the party not to run a thorough background check on him.

"He does not fit into APGA. He is not a team player, he acts like Lord of the manor. He is not charismatic, he is not credible either. That is why you see even his fellow governors rejoicing when he was sidetracked by his party men recently."

The national chairman vowed to ensure that Imo State which his party won in 2011 was retaken again in 2019, insisting that this time, the party had set in place mechanisms to ensure that a credible personality emerges as candidate.

"As you can see, we are already working. We will hold a very credible primary election in Imo to ensure that the best candidate emerges. We had 20 aspirants there  last month, but right now we have 14 aspirants. Six of them have dropped and we are confident that the best would become our candidate."

But Chief Press Secretary to  Okorocha, Mr Sam Onwuemedo, said denied that the governor made moves to join APGA.

He said Okorocha being a foundation member of a mega party like APC could not by any imagination start negotiating with a mushroom party that had no structure in Imo State for anything.

Onwuemedo said: "Why can't these APGA people do their politics without calling Okorocha? You see Okorocha had become a brand in Nigeria politics that anybody who wants to get credibility must mention his name either in the positive or negative."

Pipeline Vandalism: Nigerian Air Force Vows to Flush out Re-surging Militants in Lagos

Following the recent resurgence of militants-cum-pipeline vandals in creeks bordering Lagos and Ogun States, the Nigerian Air Force on Thursday vowed to flush them out indefinitely.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who made this disclosure at the inauguration of some buildings for its personnel at 041 Communications Depot Shasha, Lagos, stressed that the Force  would take advantage of its aerial power, adding that they will continue to flush them out just like they have been doing in the past. 

According to him,  "We have been in Lagos, Taraba and other states in the country. Very soon, something is going to be worked out which will involve not only the Air Force but all military formations.

"Our commanders are giving us all the inputs. Just like we flushed them before, we are going to continue to flush them with the support of other security agencies."

On the recent quarters built for airmen the CAS said the force had brought in 7,000 personnel in the last three years, thus necessitating the need for adequate quarters.

He said: ""Professionalism is not just about equipment and training but most importantly about the human beings because human being is the most important resource.

"The whole essence is to ensure Nigeria and Nigerians are secure and be able to go about his or her business without fear. 

"Thus, we embarked on massive construction of new accommodation as well as remodelling of old ones to address the infrastructural deficit of the past. This is thereby gradually solving the accommodation challenges of the NAF. 

"It is quite important to ensure that the living condition of our tireless and harworking personnell is given high premium.

"Human beings, being the most important resource in organisation ought to have their welfare needs addressed in order for them to be effective in discharging their assigned roles and responsibilities."

He said the NAF Base Shasha, being one of the base in Lagos area was critical to the successful conduct of NAF operations. 

"It was therefore appropriate that such a base receive a commensurate provision of facilities for the general wellbeing of personnel and their families. 

"The project being inaugurated is dedicated to one of our pilots who paid the supreme price while on a national assignment. 

"The project is therefore named after the senior officer who passed on while on recscue mission on an Alpha-Jet aircraft.

"It is hoped that this would create the enabling environment and serve as motivation for personnel to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently," he added. 

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continued support for the military especially the NAF through the provisions of platforms and logistics support to operate them, he said they recently received some new platforms while awaiting the delivery of others. 

Punch Chairman Wale Aboderin Dies

The Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne Aboderin,  is dead. He was 60 years old.

His death was announced today by the newspaper.

According to the newspaper, Aboderin died early Thursday morning after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He attended the Government College, Ibadan and trained as a pilot in the United States.

He was also Chairman Punch Commercial Printing Limited and Lukahed Properties Limited.

A sports enthusiast and philanthropist, he was the founder and chairman of the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation, and also a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association.

He was a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.

He is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.

IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Order Successful In Onitsha

The Sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in remembrance of the fallen heroes of Biafra and those killed in the struggle for the actualization of Biafra recorded total compliance in Onitsha and Nnewi.

It was reported that all the markets and shops in the two cities were under locks and keys including commercial banks in observance of the directive as people stayed back in their 

All the Federal high ways, especially Onitsha Enugu expressway, from Asaba end of the road to Zik’s roundabout, down to New Motor Spare Parts, Nkpor, and further to former Ogbunike Toll Gate were ghosts of themselves as motorists and people deserted the roads.

Roads such as Upper Iweka, which is known for its busy nature, and the ever busy Onitsha Enugu expressway, including the roads and its adjoining streets were deserted by both motorists and pedestrians, while in some streets in the area, youths turned the roads to football playing fields.

Also from Upper Iweka fly over and down to the Niger Bridge, Army and Police patrol vehicles were seen parked at strategic positions, while at Uga Junction to Atani road, men of the Nigerian Navy were seen at their check points.

Also, from the usually busy Awka road to Old Market road, Court road, Venn road, Ezenwa street – all close to the Onitsha main market – where major commercial and artisan activities go on in Onitsha,
commercial and business activities were totally shut down.

Also, Federal and State Government establishments and offices were all under locks and keys in spite of the directive by the state government to civil servants in the state to report for work.

In the same vein, Public and Private Schools in Onitsha were all closed as parents had even withdrawn their wards living in schools’ dormitories were between Monday and Tuesday.

However, none of the members of IPOB and MASSOB were seen on the streets of Onitsha and Nnewi and nobody is being molested for walking round the roads and streets.

FOREIGN: All the Ways the British Monarchy Will Change After the Queen Dies

As the last real monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has more power, respect and influence than any of her successors. And although there will still be a British royal family, the monarchy will see significant changes once she dies.

See all the ways the British Monarchy will change after the queen dies, ahead.

1. Prince Charles will become king

Prince Charles doesn’t have to become King Charles. | Carl Court/Getty Images

At the time of her death, Prince Charles will automatically ascend the throne. That said, he may not be called King Charles. When a monarch ascends the throne, the new king or queen can pick a regnal name, which is either their first name or any of their middle or Christian names.

If Prince Charles wants to change his name, he could become King George, King Arthur, or King Philip, as his full name is Charles Philip Arthur George.

Atiku Floors Buhari In Online Presidential Poll, Buhari Ahead In Another

Former Vice President and leading presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and President Muhammadu Buhari have trounced each other in online polls over voters’ choice for the 2019 presidential elections.

In a Twitter poll conducted within 24 hours of President Buhari’s celebration of his third year anniversary by Mark Essien, prominent pro-Buhari influencer via @markessien handle, respondents were asked a straightforward question: “Who would you vote for in 2019 Presidential Election?”

Atiku polled 43 percent  as against Buhari’s 35 percent while blogger and online newspaper publisher, Omoyele Sowore and former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Kingsley Moghalu polled 7 percent and 15 percent respectively.

An overwhelming majority of the 9,067 respondents voted for Atiku, giving him an 8 percent edge over President Buhari as at the close of voting on Wednesday morning.

The result of the poll reflects the latest NOI/Gallup showing Buhari’s support has dropped phenomenally and his scorecard in critical sectors of economy (16%), job creation (15%) and poverty alleviation (12%) was adjudged abysmal.

However, in another online poll by Japheth Omojuwa, another social media influencer, Buhari is getting his pound of flesh as he has so far garnered 46% of the votes to Atiku who is on a distant third with 18%.

Moghalu is second with 24% while former Kano state Governor, Rabiu Kwakwanso is behind with 13% of votes so far.

US Shale, Unfavourable Arbitrages Undermine Sale of Nigerian Crude Oil

...Iran seeks OPEC support against US sanctions

The influx of United States’ shale oil into refineries in northwest Europe and the Mediterranean, coupled with unfavourable arbitrages both east and west have hurt demand for Nigeria’s sweet crude in the international market.

This is coming as Iran’s oil minister, Bijan Zanganeh has asked the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to support his country against what he called “illegal, unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions” referring to the United States sanctions on Iran after the United States pulled out of a nuclear deal with Tehran.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that while Angolan cargoes were gradually clearing yesterday, as the state-owned firm, Sonangol was said to be offering Dalia grade at a discount of $1.30 to dated Brent with only a couple of cargoes remain from the June programme and about half the July programme sold.

However, unfavourable arbitrages have affected demand for Nigeria’s light sweet crudes, particularly from traditional buyers such as Indian refineries that have started to snap up shale instead.

India’s Reliance Industries, which owns the world’s biggest refining complex, reportedly imported 1.26 million bpd of West African grade in April, down 3.8 per cent from March and down 10.7 per cent from a year ago.

The force majeure on exports of about 250,000 barrels per day Bonny Light crude has remained in place following the leak on Trans Forcados Pipeline, while repairs are ongoing on the Trans Ramos pipeline, which also feeds crude to the Forcados terminal.

Oil traders were quoted as saying that a handful of cargoes remained from Nigeria’s June loading programme as Nigerian grade struggled to find buyers.

According to the traders, with stiff competition for buyers in Europe and Asia from both Mediterranean and US grades, Nigerian crudes have felt the pinch badly in the past few weeks.

In a related development, Iran’s oil minister has asked OPEC to support his country against what he called “illegal, unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions.”

US President Donald Trump earlier this month abandoned a nuclear deal with Iran and announced the “highest level” of sanctions against the OPEC member. Iran is the third-largest oil producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries after Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

“I would like to... seek OPEC’s support in accordance with Article 2 of the OPEC Statute, which emphasises safeguarding the interests of member countries individually and collectively,” Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said in a letter seen by Reuters.

The letter was addressed to the United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei, who holds OPEC presidency in 2018.

In another development, crude oil prices rebounded sharply yesterday supported by a report that Saudi Arabia, other OPEC states and non-OPEC allies aim to stick to a global pact on cutting oil supplies until the end of 2018.

The producers are ready to make gradual adjustments to offset any supply shortage, a Gulf source familiar with Saudi thinking said.

The oil producers participating in the output reduction deal are satisfied with the result of their agreement, which was due to end at the end of 2018, the Gulf source told Reuters.

United States crude ended the session $1.48, or 2.2 per cent, higher at $68.21. The contract fell about $5.50 a barrel, or 7.6 per cent, over the last five trading sessions.

Global benchmark, Brent rose $1.94, or 2.6 per cent, to $77.33 a barrel, after trading as low as $74.81 earlier.

Brent crude has dropped by as much as $5 a barrel this week from a 3½-year high of $80.50 a barrel on May 17, after reports that OPEC and Russia may increase supply at a June meeting.

---

Court Annuls Rivers APC Congresses

...Congresses that produced our Exco not before any court, says Ojukaye

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday declared the Ward, Local Government and the State Congresses of the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on the May 19, 20 and 21 respectively null and void.

Some aggrieved members of the APC loyal to Senator Magnus Abe had approached the court for succour on the allegation that they were shut out of the ward congress of the party in the state on the May 5 and sought an injunction restraining the party from going on with the congresses until their grievances were addressed.

On the resumed sitting of the court on May 11 when the court was to rule on the issue of injunction, youths suspected to be members of the party, with the assistance of the police, invaded and sealed the gates of the state High Court Complex in a bid to stop the court from sitting.

However when the court was later re-opened later that day, the Presiding Judge, Justice Chiwendu Nwogu, issued an Interlocutory Injunction stopping the party from using the outcome of the congress on the May 5 to hold the Local Government congress of the party on the May 12 and adjourned till May 29th.

But the party went on with the local government congresses on May 12, insisting that it has not received any court order stopping it from going on with the exercise and that no injunction could stop the congresses as it was a process that had long begun.

However, the national leadership of the APC, on May 18, announced the cancellation of the ward and local government congresses conducted in the state on the earlier dates.

In a memo signed by the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, the party directed that the ward, local government and state congresses of the party in the state should hold on May 19, 20 and 21 respectively.

Following the directive of the national leadership of the party, the state APC held the congresses in which Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree was elected through consensus as the new Chairman of the party in the state. Members of the party loyal to Senator Magnus Abe boycotted all the congresses.

At the resumed sitting of the court yesterday, counsel for the aggrieved members of APC, Henry Bello, told the court that he had been duly served the motion on notice, adding that there was nothing to show that the person who served him was not counsel for the party.

But, Tuduru Edeh, who told the court that he has the mandate of the APC to represent them in court, insisted that Chieme Chiweikpe, who has been standing for the political party, had no authority to represent the party, having been suspended from office as legal adviser of the party since last year.

Edeh also told the court that the defence had not been served and that appeal has been entered on the matter, urging the court to step down the matter till the appeal is heard.

After listening to the arguments, Presiding Judge, Justice Chiwendu Nwogu, said there was no evidence to prove that appeal has been entered, adding that even the court registrar could not also confirm the development.

Nwogu in his ruling, stated that the cancellation of the result of the APC congress held in the state on May 5 and 12, and rescheduling the same congresses for May 19, 20 and was to make the matter academic.

He ruled that it was wrong for the APC to go against the order of the court, noting that the political party had earlier attempted to lock the gate of the court in order to stifle justice.

He stated that the attitude of the APC holding the same congresses barred by the court on a later date was contempt, stressing that it was targeted at arm-twisting the judiciary.

Nwogu described the congresses of the APC in the state in the face of the order as an act of disobedience, noting that the conducts of Tuduru Edeh, who had come to take over the matter, was unprofessional.

He said he was satisfied with the reports of the court which shows that all the parties in the matter had been duly served, noting that no record could prove that the matter has been entered for appeal.

Nwogu also said the order of the court meant that the parties should maintain status quo and not to renew dates or events, adding that the attitude of APC amounts to contempt.

"The order was made to maintain status quo and not to renew dates or the events. The attempt of cancelling the earlier congress and holding same on later date is to frustrate this suit and make the matter an academic exercise.

It is a way to declare the Judiciary moribund. I hereby, annul the congresses of the APC held on the 19th, 20th and 21st. I declare it as null and void and also stop them from holding any other congress in the state pending the outcome of the suit," Nwogu held.

He stated that the ruling was to restore the status-quo of the parties in the suit and adjourned till June 26 for hearing of the originating summons.

But in its reaction, the state Chapter of the APC, insisted that the congresses that produced the new executive of the party was not before any court.  

The newly-elected Chairman, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, insisted that the APC Ward, Local Government and State Congresses that took place May 19, 20 and 21 respectively which saw to his emergence as the State Chairman were not a subject of any court action.

“The reported annulment must be connected to the matter relating to the disputed May 5 and 12 Ward and Local Government APC Congresses of which our lawyers have actively been pursuing. As far as we are concerned, we were not served any fresh cause of action against the May 19, 20 and 21 congresses. It is unthinkable and unimaginable because no such linkage exists.” He stated.

He said it was absurd for anyone to talk about the new set of congresses even when the party’s counsel had filed a notice of preliminary objection against the jurisdiction of the court and the notice of appeal to that effect brought to the notice of the court over the May 5 and 12 congresses that the national leadership of APC eventually cancelled.

“We believe that the court knows that it is its duty to determine the matter of preliminary objections and other motions filed by APC counsels before it can question subsequent congresses or actions of the party. At this moment, there is no court action and/or order on the State Exco or all those that emerged at different levels of the party on May 19, 20 and 21 congresses,” he said.