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Tag: Chief of Staff

  • Court sets aside arrest warrant against Fubara’s chief of staff

    Court sets aside arrest warrant against Fubara’s chief of staff

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, vacated the warrant of arrest issued on Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, agreed with the CoS’ counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, and Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, who appeared for Ehie’s co-defendants, that the court lacked jurusidction to have granted the order.

    Justice Nwite held that at the time the arrest warrant order was made, there was no pending charge before the court.

    He, consequently, vacated the warrant issued for the police to effect Ehie and five others’ arrest.

    The judge had, on Jan. 31, issued a warrant for the arrest of Ehie over his alleged involvement in the burning of part of the state’s House of Assembly on Oct. 29, 2023.

    Those ordered to be arrested along with Ehie are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benneth, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter also known as Rambo.

    Justice Nwite gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police’s lawyer, Simon Lough, SAN.

    He granted the ex-parte application as canvassed by Lough on the grounds that the six defendants had been at large to stand their trial in a seven-count preferred against five other suspected arsonists currently being prosecuted before a sister court presided over by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon.

    But Falana and Aladedoye filed separate motions on behalf of their clients

    While Falana filed a motion seeking an order to set aside the Jan. 31 order made by Justice Nwite, Aladedoye filed an application for a stay of execution of the arrest order.

    in a motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/112/2024 dated Feb. 2 and filed Feb. 7 by Falana, Ehie sought two orders, including “an order setting aside the order made on Jan. 31 for want of jurisdiction.

    “An order of this honourable court staying the execution of the order made on the 31st January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of this application.”

    Giving six grounds of argument, Falana argued that the I-G (complainant) had not filed any criminal charge or motion before the court.

    The senior lawyer argued that the court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the ex-parte application as the alleged offences of conspiracy, attempted murder, murder and arson took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    “He submitted that the court lacked the vires to grant an application to arrest and declare his clients wanted in respect of the alleged offences.

    “The complainant/respondent (I-G) did not adduce evidence of terrorism in the affidavit in support of the application.

    “The complainant/respondent did not cite any section of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013 (as amended) alleged to have been contravened by the applicants,” he argued.

    Also, Aladedoye in a motion on notice dated and filed Feb. 9 on behalf of the five defendants, sought two orders, including “an order staying execution or further execution of the order(s) of this honourable court made on the 31st of January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the applicants.

    “An order of injunction restraining the complainant from carrying out or further carrying out the orders of this honourable court made on the 31st January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the applicant in this case.”

    Giving three-ground argument, Aladedoye said that a notice of appeal had already been filed against Justice Nwite’s orders.

    According to the senior lawyer, the notice of appeal contains grounds which challenge the jurisdiction of this honourable court.

    He argued that their appeal would be rendered nugatory if their application was not granted.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    NAN reports that the I-G had, in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, arraigned Chime Eguma Ezebalike, 37; Prince Lukman Oladele, 47; Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, 40; Osiga Donald, 42; and Ochueja Thankgod , 35, before a sister court presided over by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon on Jan. 25 in Abuja.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

    The I-G, who arraigned them on a seven-count criminal charge bordering on terrorism and murder, declared Ehie and five others, said to be at large, wanted.

    Ehie, who was later appointed as CoS after he resigned as member and factional speaker of the Rivers Assembly, was alleged to be among the suspects being charged by the I-G.

    His resignation was said to be part of the agreements reached in the bid to reconcile Fubara and former Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister.

     

  • Nyseom Wike appoints Chief of Staff

    Nyseom Wike appoints Chief of Staff

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mr Chidi Amadi, as his Chief of Staff.

    Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, announced the appointment in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    Ogunleye said that Amadi, a former Chief of Staff to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, was appointed for his vast experience in public service.

    He added that Amadi had held several strategic political positions, including Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “As Chief of Staff, Amadi will play a pivotal role in supporting the FCT minister in the formulation and execution of policies and programmes aimed at advancing the development agenda of the territory.

    “He will also provide strategic guidance, as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of the minister’s office” he said.

    The director said that Amadi would be sworn into office on March 18.

  • Hearing in Fubara’s chief of staff’s motion against arrest warrant suffers setback

    Hearing in Fubara’s chief of staff’s motion against arrest warrant suffers setback

    Hearing of motions on notice filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, seeking an order vacating the arrest warrant against him and others could not proceed on Monday.

    The matter, which was on number six on the day’s cause list before Justice Emeka Nwite, was subsequently adjourned until March 4.

    The development occurred shortly after counsel for the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Simon Lough, SAN, told the court that he had not been served with Ehie’s motion filed by Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN.

    On Sunday, Justice Nwite had fixed today for the hearing of two separate applications filed by Aladedoye and Femi Falana, SAN, on behalf of Ehie and five others declared wanted by the police.

    The judge had, on Jan. 31, issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Ehie and others over their alleged involvement in the burning of part of the Rivers House of Assembly on Oct. 29, 2023.

    Those ordered to be arrested along with Ehie (1st defendant) are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benneth, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter also known as Rambo as 2nd to 6th defendants.

    Justice Nwite gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought by Lough.

    The court granted the ex-parte application on the grounds that the six defendants had been at large to stand their trial in a seven-count charge preferred against five other suspected arsonists currently being prosecuted before a sister court.

    While Falana filed a motion seeking an order to set aside the Jan. 31 order, Aladedoye filed an application for a stay of execution of the arrest order.

    When the matter was called on Monday, Aladedoye, who appeared for Ehie, said his application dated Feb. 9, was served on the police same day.

    But Lough responded that he was not aware of Aladedoye’s motion, although he acknowledged the receipt of Falana’s application and had responded appropriately.

    He sought an adjournment to enable him respond to Aladedoye’s motion.

    But the judge confirmed Aladedoye’s affidavit of service in the court file.

    Lough, who restated that he was not aware of the application, said if he was in receipt of it, he would have responded.

    Falana, representing the 2nd to 6th defendants, prayed the court to allow his motion to be taken since the police had responded, but the judge said since both motions were on the same subject, it would be better to take them together.

    Shortly before adjournment, Aladedoye called the attention of the court to series of advertisements done by the police in the media, declaring Ehie and others wanted.

    He urged the court to make an order restraining the police from further publishing such adverts in the media pending the hearing and determination of the application.

    But Lough, who said that the adverts were done just when the order was made, assured that his office would await the court decision.

    Justice Nwite fixed March 4 for hearing.

    NAN reports that in a motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/112/2024 dated Feb. 2 and filed Feb. 7 by Falana, Ehie’s co-defendants sought two orders, including “an order setting aside the order made on the 31st January, 2024 for want of jurisdiction.

    “An order of this honourable court staying the execution of the order made on the 31st January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of this application.”

    Giving six grounds of argument, Falana argued that the I-G (complainant/respondent) had not filed any criminal charge or motion before the court.

    The senior lawyer argued that the court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the ex-parte application as the alleged offences of conspiracy, attempted murder, murder and arson took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    “He submitted that the court lacked the vires to grant an application to arrest and declare his clients wanted in respect of the alleged offences.

    “The complainant/respondent (I-G) did not adduce evidence of terrorism in the affidavit in support of the application.

    “The complainant/respondent did not cite any section of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013 (as amended) alleged to have been contravened by the applicants,” he argued.

    Also, Aladedoye in a motion on notice dated and filed Feb. 9 on Ehie’s behalf, sought two orders, including “an order staying execution or further execution of the order(s) of this honourable court made on the 31st of January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the applicants.

    “An order of injunction restraining the complainant from carrying out or further carrying out the orders of this honourable court made on the 31st January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the applicant in this case.”

    Giving three-ground argument, Aladedoye said that a notice of appeal had already been filed against Justice Nwite’s orders.

    According to the senior lawyer, the notice of appeal contains grounds which challenge the jurisdiction of this honourable court.

    He argued that their appeal would be rendered nugatory if their application was not granted.

     

  • Court to hear Fubara’s chief of staff’s motion against arrest warrant on Monday

    Court to hear Fubara’s chief of staff’s motion against arrest warrant on Monday

    A Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed Monday for the hearing of motions on notice filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, seeking an order vacating its earlier arrest warrant order against him and others.

    Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for Ehie and five others, Femi Falana, SAN, and Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, filed separate applications to the effect

    While Falana filed a motion seeking an order to set aside the Jan. 31 order made by Justice Nwite, Aladedoye filed an application for a stay of execution of the arrest order.

    The judge had, on Jan. 31, issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Ehie over his alleged involvement in the burning of part of the state’s House of Assembly on Oct. 29, 2023.

    Justice Nwite, who gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought by counsel for Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Simon Lough, SAN, also ordered the arrest of five other accomplices.

    Those ordered to be arrested along with Ehie are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benneth, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter also known as Rambo.

    The court granted the ex-parte application as canvassed by Lough on the grounds that the six defendants had been at large to stand their trial in a seven-count preferred against five other suspected arsonists currently being prosecuted before a sister court.

    The I-G had, in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, arraigned Chime Eguma Ezebalike, 37; Prince Lukman Oladele, 47; Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, 40; Osiga Donald, 42; and Ochueja Thankgod, 35, before a sister court presided over by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon on Jan. 25 in Abuja.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

    The I-G, who arraigned them on a seven-count criminal charge bordering on terrorism and murder, declared Ehie and five others, said to be at large, wanted.

    Ehie, who was recently appointed as CoS after he resigned as member and factional speaker of the assembly, was alleged to be among the suspects being charged by the I-G.

    His resignation was said to be part of the agreements reached in the bid to reconcile Fubara and former Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister.

    But in a motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/112/2024 dated Feb. 2 and filed Feb. 7 by Falana, Ehie and others sought two orders, including “an order setting aside the order made on the 31st January, 2024 for want of jurisdiction.

    “An order of this honourable court staying the execution of the order made on the 31st January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of this application.”

    Giving six grounds of argument, Falana argued that the I-G (complainant/respondent) had not filed any criminal charge or motion before the court.

    The senior lawyer argued that the court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the ex-parte application as the alleged offences of conspiracy, attempted murder, murder and arson took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    “He submitted that the court lacked the vires to grant an application to arrest and declare his clients wanted in respect of the alleged offences.

    “The complainant/respondent (I-G) did not adduce evidence of terrorism in the affidavit in support of the application.

    “The complainant/respondent did not cite any section of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013 (as amended) alleged to have been contravened by the applicants,” he argued.

    Also, Aladedoye in a motion on notice dated and filed Feb. 9, sought two orders, including “an order staying execution or further execution of the order(s) of this honourable court made on the 31st of January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the applicants.

    “An order of injunction restraining the complainant from carrying out or further carrying out the orders of this honourable court made on the 31st January, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the applicant in this case.”

    Giving three-ground argument, Aladedoye said that a notice of appeal had already been filed against Justice Nwite’s orders.

    According to the senior lawyer, the notice of appeal contains grounds which challenge the jurisdiction of this honourable court.

    He argued that their appeal would be rendered nugatory if their application was not granted.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen kidnap speaker’s Chief of Staff

    BREAKING: Gunmen kidnap speaker’s Chief of Staff

    Gunmen have kidnapped Usman Sahabi, the Chief of Staff of Adamawa House of Assembly Speaker, Bathiya Wesley.

    Multiple sources said Sahabi was abducted at about 1 a.m. on Thursday from his house in Wurro-Chekke, a community in Yola South local government area of the state.

    “Five gunmen stormed his house at 1:00 am this morning and forcefully had their way into his room where they whisked him away at gunpoint,” one of the sources disclosed.

    Sahabi, a staff member of the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), reported for the radio house from the Assembly before he was appointed as the Chief of Staff by the Speaker.

    His brother said the abductors had contacted the family and demanded a ransom of N20 million to release Sahabi.

    The Adamawa State Police Command which confirmed the abduction, vowed to rescue the journalist.

    SP Sulaiman Nguroje, the spokesperson for the command said it had deployed all operational assets to rescue the victim.

    He said: “We deployed our operational manpower and we are working round the clock to ensure that the abducted journalist is rescued alive.

    “We have not rested on our oars since we learnt about the incident and are giving the criminals a hot chase till we rescue the journalist alive and apprehend the perpetrators.

    “DC operations have finished coordinating all rescue efforts and wish to assure his safe return to his family.”

  • Tinubu’s cabinet: Gov El-Rufai denies lobbying for Chief of Staff

    Tinubu’s cabinet: Gov El-Rufai denies lobbying for Chief of Staff

    Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has denied he is jostling to become Chief of Staff in President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

    El-Rufai stated this on Saturday while addressing newsmen in Gombe when he was in the State to inaugurate the construction of 550 housing units and Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) Service Centre.

    He described the reports on the different portfolios being assigned to him and published on national dailies as “mere speculations”.

    The governor said he was more interested in contributing to the development of Nigeria than jostling for positions.

    El-Rufai noted that being in government was not the only way to contribute to Nigeria’s development, saying even if he was not in government, he would remain committed to the progress of the country.

    “I have not had that discussion with the president-elect and I don’t like to speculate.

    “I read in the newspapers all kinds of portfolios assigned to me but you know, I am a committed Nigerian.

    “I want to see my country make progress and whatever I can do to contribute to the development of the country, I will do it.

    “But, I don’t have to do it working in government. Everyone who is working either in the private sector or the civil society is contributing.

    “There is not just one way to contribute to the country and I will never stop working for Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

    The governor said upon leaving office in the next 22 days, he would take a break but be available to provide advice, where needed, on how to move the country forward.

    “I will be in the private sector, not any chief of staff. I will take a break and advise people like Governor Inuwa Yahaya if they need it,” he said.

    On Tinubu’s presidency from May 29, El-Rufai said Nigerians would not regret voting the president-elect, stressing that better days were ahead of Nigerians under Tinubu.

  • Arewa youths suggest Chief of Staff for president-elect, Tinubu

    Arewa youths suggest Chief of Staff for president-elect, Tinubu

    The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has urged President-elect Bola Tinubu to appoint a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, as his Chief of Staff in his incoming administration.

    AYCF disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, signed by its National President, Yerima Shettima.

    AYCF’s statement reads in part: “Hon James Faleke is a very loyal Tinubu supporter and associate who has proven to be reliable as ambassador to the President-elect any day.

    “Nigeria has had serious challenges caused by the communication gap between the President, ministers and even state governors. This is an opportunity for the President-elect to get someone with good skills in managing the relationship between him, officials of government and the rest of Nigerians.

    “We urge President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make sure he makes an informed choice of his Chief of Staff with loyal, proactive progressive and hale and hearty parliamentarian like Hon James Faleke.”

  • Anambra: Soludo appoints Chief of Staff, Security Adviser

    Anambra: Soludo appoints Chief of Staff, Security Adviser

    The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo on Monday, appointed Mr Ernest Ezeajughi as his new Chief of Staff and AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd.) as his Special Adviser on Security.

    The governor also appointed Mr Richard Nwora Madiebo, as the Chairman, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS).

    Soludo announced the appointments in a statement issued in Awka.

    The appointments bring to six political appointees the Governor has made since March 17 he took over.
    Ezeajughi, a former Mayor of London Borough of Brent hails from Awgbu in Orumba Local Government Area.

    Soludo had on Thursday few hours after his inauguration announced his first appointments with Prof Solo Chukwulobelu as the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Chukwudi Okoli as the state Accountant General and Mr Chinedu Nwoye as the Deputy Chief of Staff.

  • Electoral Act/PIB: Deputy Speaker’s CoS congratulates Northern caucuses for rubbishing southern lawmakers

    Electoral Act/PIB: Deputy Speaker’s CoS congratulates Northern caucuses for rubbishing southern lawmakers

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase has congratulated all the northern caucuses for rubbishing southern lawmakers o er the passage of the controversial Electoral Act Amendment Bill and PIB, passed on Friday.
    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the letter signed by Hon Aminu Ibrahim was well circulated among northern lawmakers through their WhatsApp pages.
    The letter reads:
    “On behalf of the Deputy speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and the Northern caucus leader Hon. Musa Sarki Adar. I am directed to write and formally congratulate and appreciate all the Northern caucuses for standing firm through their wisdom and strength to ensure the Northern interest in both PIB and Electoral act is adequately place in a position of advantage.
    “There is no doubt a house united will forever get whatever it wants giving the advantage we have in size. May God almighty continue to unite and bind us stronger. May HE bless and reward us all abundantly. Remain bless and wish you the best Holidays and Sallah celebrations. Thank you all.
  • BREAKING: Makinde appoints Ogunwuyi as Chief of Staff

    BREAKING: Makinde appoints Ogunwuyi as Chief of Staff

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has appointed Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, as his Chief of Staff.

    This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa on Monday in Ibadan.

    Adisa said that the appointment was confirmed in a letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun.

    He said that Ogunwuyi, prior to the new appointment, was the Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public, Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPPPA).

    He was a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and also a member, House of Representatives; representing Ogbomoso North/South and Oriire Federal Constituency.

    He holds a B.Sc. degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

    The Governor, on June 29, sacked all his commissioners, including his Chief of Staff Mr Bisi Ilaka.