News
Igala Kingdom judgement is modern day slavery – Lawmaker
Member representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sha’aba Ibrahim has described the Federal High Court judgement on Tuesday in Lokoja as “trappings” of a modern day slavery, vowing that the judgement would be appealed.
He said the people of Lokoja, Ajaokuta and Koton Karfe have rejected the ruling in its totality, the ceding of the affected areas to Igala Kingdom.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Saturday, the lawmaker who revealed that he was speaking on behalf of the people of the affected areas said the ceding of the three Local Government Areas was not only in bad faith, but would be a return to the era of human slavery, adding that the action commenced, maintained and prosecuted in complete disregard to extant laws.
The legislator further extrapolated that the judgement was a complete violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Land Use’ Act 1978 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, Ratification and Enforcement promulgated to promote and protect human rights and basic freedoms in the African Continent.
Accordingly, he sees a nullity in the judgement particularly that the people of Lokoja, Kogi and Ajaokuta were not parties to the proceedings.
He explained that they were not at anytime aware of the pendency of any action in respect of their ancestral land despite being in active possession for over two centuries prior to this action.
He maintained that since the judgment of a court binds only parties to the proceedings, they therefore consider the pronouncement of the court ceding their land to the claimant as bizarre and ‘ipso facto’ unacceptable.
Speaking further he said “the claim before the court as gleaned from the processes filed was in effect one of declaration of title to land. it is our humble position and an elementary principle of law that the Federal High Court, sitting in Lokoja lacks the jurisdiction over land matters or action connected therewith.
“Assuming, without conceding that the Court had jurisdiction, commencing ‘an action for declaration of title to land Which is a contentious and disputed issue vide originating summons is not only strange and inappropriate but outrightly bad and incurably so. ‘
“That the cause of action in this case having arisen since 1940, is
statute barred, stale and thus rendering the action unmaintainable altogether.
“That the claimants case before the court was in respect of land the boundaries of which were vague and unascertainable, thus rendering the action incurably bad.
“That the action by the claimant and the reliefs sought failed to take cognisance of the cordiality of relationship between the component ethnic units of Kogi State and is capable of causing a breach of the peace.”
He urged the people to remain calm and law abiding, disclosing that they have commenced the process of redress to set aside the said judgment at the Court of Appeal.
CAPITAL POST recalls that the Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Lokoja in a matter between His Royal Majesty, Michael Ameh Oboni, Attah Igala and the Attorney-General of the Federation and one other had delivered Judgment on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2020 where inter alia, the court granted the claimants reliefs suggesting that Ajaokuta, Lokoja and Kogi Local Government Area were part of the Attah Igala’s Kingdom and thus ceding the said Local Government Areas back and recognising them as part of Igala Kingdom.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended Senator Basheer Lado, for redefining the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, stating that, for the first time in a long while, the office is fully meeting its expectations.
Speaking during his visit to the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters accompanied by distinguished senators, Akpabio described the visit as a significant step in strengthening Executive-Legislative relations.
He praised the Special Adviser and his team for maintaining the confidentiality of communications between the President and Senate, and also, ensuring a seamless flow of information. He further emphasized that the office is now more result-oriented.
Additionally, he acknowledged the office’s diligent efforts in tracking all Bills passed by the Senate and assented to by the President, underscoring its critical role in legislative efficiency.
Expressing his satisfaction, Akpabio noted that he and the Senate delegation were proud of the office’s achievements and looked forward to sustaining the existing cordial and productive relationship between the Executive and the Legislature throughout the administration.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Senator Lado presented an Award of Excellence to Senator Akpabio.
In his remarks, Senator Lado reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. He lauded Akpabio for his unwavering dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion, and advancing it through legislative action.
Ahead of the 2025 political party Congresses, Plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) stakeholders has endorsed the defection of the candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections and the leader of Justice and Rebirth, Barr Gyang Zi SAN, to the All Progressive Congress (APC) with the view to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the enlarge meeting of the stakeholders from Plateau North senatorial zone at the residence of Barr. Gyang Zi in Rayfield Jos.
The communique which was jointly signed by Dr. Ayiki Sati Director General, Justice and Rebirth and
Barr. Samuel Galadima- 2024 Chairmanship candidate of Jos East LGA among others said the call became imperative on the sideline of the leadership tussle at the National Level which violates the core principles and values for the formation of the Party as an alternative for Nigeria for the protection, sustenance of democracy and Social Justice.
They regretted that the leadership tussle has also divided the party into factions leaving party loyalists and supporters in the state of despondency and confusion not knowing where they belong.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering included LP candidates from the 2023/2024 general elections, party executives, and support groups from the six local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District.
Besides, the focus of the discussions was centered on the state of the Labour Party at both national and state levels and the need for political realignment ahead of the 2025 party congresses and conventions.
The stakeholders further frowned at the structural weaknesses in LP and resolved to advise Barr Gyang Zi, to leave the party and join the APC while expressing confidence that the APC would provide him with a platform to advance good governance in the state .
The communique also emphasized the importance of political consultations, particularly with APC leaders at both state and national levels. It called for collaboration with Plateau State APC leaders, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, Sen. Diket Plang, and other party officials.
According to the communique, supporters of Barr Gyang Zi also pledged to mobilize grassroots support for the APC, stating that their leader’s defection would strengthen the party in the state.
They urged the APC leadership to formally receive Gyang Zi and his supporters into the party, marking their official transition from the Labour Party.
Stakeholders also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and less privileged individuals are sidelined in the democratic process and accordingly officially denounced their membership in the Labour Party, declaring their support for the APC.
They assured that all LP structures aligned with Gyang Zi would follow suit, shifting their loyalty to the ruling party in the state and at the National level.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.
He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development,” Governor Ododo stated.
He further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for the President as he leads Nigeria toward greater prosperity, sustainable development, peace and stability.
-
Politics1 week agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
Politics1 week agoYahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
-
Foreign1 week agoHouthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting
-
News1 week agoWhy Christ Embassy’s Pastor Chris holds Abuja mega crusade – Fisho
-
News1 week agoUmeh denies receiving $10,000 with other 42 Senators to support state of emergency in Rivers
-
Crime1 week agoGhana’s anti-drug agency nabs Nigerian drug kingpin, Uchechukwu Chima, seizes $2.1m worth of cocaine, heroin
-
Politics1 week agoAtiku, El-rufai, Obi condemn Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor, demand reversal
-
Business1 week agoFlutterwave, FIRS collaborate to digitize tax collection in Nigeria