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Rivers: Niger Delta Group Writes CJN Ariwoola, Alleges Plot By Ex-Lawmakers To Intimidate Judiciary

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Rivers: Niger Delta Group Writes CJN Ariwoola, Alleges Plot By Ex-Lawmakers To Intimidate Judiciary—-A Niger Delta group, Concerned Niger Delta Vanguard, has written an open letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, alleging a plot by former lawmakers to ridicule the judiciary.

The group claims that the recent transfer of cases involving the defection of 26 state lawmakers in Rivers State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised grave concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process.

The letter was signed by Dr Ekandem Umoh, Oghenekaro Francis, Pastor Paul James, Obong Martins Ekarika, Sir Godhead Sylva and Chika Okpobiri.

According to the group, the transfer order has potentially undermined established legal principles and the rulings of previous courts, creating a perception that the judiciary is susceptible to individual influence and petition-driven manipulation.

The letter, therefore, urged the Chief Justice to investigate the circumstances surrounding the transfer order, reaffirm the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, and maintain the original court assignment.

The Concerned Niger Delta Vanguard expressed confidence in the CJN’s commitment to justice and fairness.

Read the full letter below:

The Honorable Chief Justice of Nigeria,

We are compelled to address you through this open letter with utmost concern and urgency regarding the recent transfer of cases about the defection of 26 state lawmakers in Rivers State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development has precipitated profound implications for the democratic process. As the Chief Justice of Nigeria, your esteemed position entrusts you with the vital responsibility of ensuring the inviolability and impartiality of the judicial process. This duty assumes paramount importance in matters of such elevated significance to the functioning of our democracy.

The defection of lawmakers, spearheaded by the former speaker of Rivers State, Martin Amaewhule, from the ruling PDP to the APC, and their persistent assertion of legitimacy as lawmakers, has engendered profound legal and constitutional questions warrant scrutiny. It is indeed reassuring to note that the Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, has taken a decisive step by granting an interim injunction restraining the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and the 25 other lawmakers from parading themselves as legislators, thereby upholding the sanctity of the legal process.

Considering these developments, We implore you to exercise your judicial discretion to ensure that the transferred cases are adjudicated with the requisite diligence and impartiality, thereby reinforcing the public’s trust in the judiciary and safeguarding the very fabric of our democracy.

The recent transfer of these cases from Federal High Court 4, Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, to Court Two, headed by Justice E. O. Obele, pursuant to a petition filed by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, a defendant in the matter, has raised grave concerns regarding the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process. The transfer order, issued in response to a petition by a party facing allegations, potentially undermines established legal principles and the rulings of previous courts, thereby creating a perception that the judiciary is susceptible to individual influence and petition-driven manipulation. This development raises serious questions about the potential for undue influence and partiality in our judicial system, potentially eroding public trust in the judiciary’s ability to function as a fair and impartial arbiter.

The ongoing reforms within your esteemed office, aimed at strengthening the judiciary’s image and ensuring its role as a fair and impartial arbiter, are seemingly contradicted by this recent transfer. It is essential to prevent the judiciary from becoming a haven for political opportunism, where lawmakers exploit legal loopholes to maintain power after switching allegiances. The constitution clearly intends to prevent such behaviour, and a Supreme Court ruling has reiterated the legal implications of defection, emphasizing that a legislator cannot defect and remain a member of a legislative house in Nigeria unless there is a division in the party at the national level, and which the case of Amaewhule seems far from such condition.

The constitutional ban on political defection by legislators seeks to prevent political opportunism and safeguard the integrity of our legislative institutions. As the custodian of the rule of law, the judiciary must not allow itself to be compromised or manipulated for political gains. The recent events necessitate a resolute commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law, ensuring that the judiciary remains a bulwark against political prostitution and a champion of the integrity of our democratic institutions.

Therefore, we urge you to take the following actions:

Investigate the circumstances surrounding the transfer order. Ensure this decision was based solely on legitimate legal grounds and not influenced by external pressures.

Reaffirm the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The established legal precedents and the rulings of previous courts must be respected.

Maintain the original court assignment. Justice Pam, having already begun the hearing process, is well-positioned to see it through to a fair and just conclusion.

We fervently implore you, as the guardian of justice and the embodiment of the judiciary’s highest ideals, to ensure that the judicial system is not compromised by political machinations or partisan agendas. The sacrosanct principles of the rule of law must be upheld with unwavering dedication, and the judiciary must never be perceived as a sanctuary for corruption, political influence, or ideological bias. The recent developments surrounding the transfer of these cases underscore the imperative need for vigilance, steadfastness, and an unyielding commitment to the timeless principles of justice and fairness.

It is essential that the judiciary, under your visionary leadership, resists any attempts to subvert the rule of law and uphold the integrity of the judicial process, even in the face of intense political pressure or ideological opposition. Your office plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the ongoing reforms in the judicial system, ensuring that justice is served with impartiality, and upholding the trust reposed in the judiciary by the citizenry.

We have confidence in your unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, even in the face of formidable challenges. Your resolute leadership and unshakeable dedication to the highest ideals of the judiciary will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the integrity of the judicial system and the democratic process in our nation, and We remain optimistic that the judiciary, under your stewardship, will continue to be a shining beacon of integrity, justice, and hope for our nation.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

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BREAKING: After Historic Osun Victory, Adeleke Backs Tinubu for 2027 Re-Election

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BREAKING: After Historic Osun Victory, Adeleke Backs Tinubu for 2027 Re-Election—-Fresh from securing a second term as Osun governor under the Accord Party, Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in 2027.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027, shortly after securing another four-year term as governor of the state.

Adeleke made the declaration in his victory speech following his successful re-election in the August 15 governorship election, where he contested under the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor’s renewed endorsement of Tinubu adds another significant dimension to his remarkable political journey. Adeleke won his first term as governor in 2022 on the PDP platform but subsequently moved to Accord ahead of the 2026 election, successfully defending his seat as an incumbent under his new party.

Adeleke Praises Tinubu After Election Victory

In his post-election remarks, Adeleke expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, who had called to congratulate him on his victory.

The Osun governor praised the President for what he described as his role in ensuring that democracy continued to thrive, while acknowledging Tinubu’s congratulatory gesture following the election.

Adeleke’s comments represent a notable development given the political rivalry and tensions that characterized the build-up to the Osun election.

Before the poll, the governor had repeatedly called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. His campaign also exchanged accusations with the APC over the conduct of the electoral process and the role of federal authorities.

Renewed Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Ambition

Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu for 2027 is not entirely new.

The governor had previously declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign before the Osun governorship election. In June, while formally launching his Accord Party re-election campaign, Adeleke described his support for the President as “unshaken and total.”

He again reaffirmed that position after winning the Osun election, emphasizing his continued backing for the President’s second-term ambition. Vanguard and Punch both reported the governor’s renewed endorsement following his victory.

Adeleke also described Tinubu as a son of Osun, further highlighting the personal and political connection he says exists between the President and the state.

Adeleke’s Historic Political Switch

The endorsement comes just days after Adeleke achieved a major political feat by retaining the Osun governorship despite switching parties.

The governor was elected in 2022 as a PDP candidate but later abandoned the party following a prolonged internal crisis. He subsequently joined Accord and secured the party’s ticket to contest the 2026 election.

His decision created considerable political uncertainty because he was defending his position as an incumbent governor without the PDP structure that had originally brought him to power.

Adeleke ultimately overcame the challenge, winning another term under Accord and strengthening his position as one of the country’s most prominent politicians outside the traditional major-party platforms.

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke

President Tinubu has also congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the result as a reflection of the will of the people.

The President said the outcome demonstrated that democracy continues to flourish in Nigeria and urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to serve the people of Osun State.

The development creates an interesting political dynamic ahead of 2027, with Adeleke now firmly positioned as an Accord governor who is publicly supporting the incumbent President’s re-election bid.

For Adeleke, the immediate priority will be delivering on the mandate he has just received from Osun voters. But his decision to publicly back Tinubu also signals that his political calculations extend beyond the state and into the increasingly important national contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

After securing a historic second term under Accord, Adeleke has now turned his attention toward the next political battle — throwing his weight behind Tinubu’s bid to remain President beyond 2027.

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JUST IN: From PDP to Accord, Adeleke Makes History as Incumbent Governor Wins Re-Election in Osun

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JUST IN: From PDP to Accord, Adeleke Makes History as Incumbent Governor Wins Re-Election in Osun—-The Accord Party candidate defeated APC challenger Bola Oyebamiji by 66,252 votes after winning 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas.

Jubilation has erupted across Osun State after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner of the 2026 governorship election, securing another four-year term in office.

Adeleke, the candidate of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who recorded 444,815 votes. The result gave Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes.

The governor’s victory was formally announced early Sunday at the INEC collation centre in Osogbo by the Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, following the collation of results from the state’s 30 local government areas.

Adeleke won 19 of the 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in the remaining 11, highlighting the closely fought nature of the contest despite the eventual margin in the overall vote tally.

The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished a distant third with 17,180 votes, while the other candidates shared the remaining votes.

Celebrations Break Out

News of Adeleke’s victory triggered celebrations among his supporters across the state, with party loyalists and residents taking to the streets to celebrate his return to the Osun Government House.

One of the most prominent reactions came from Afrobeats superstar Davido, Adeleke’s nephew, who had played an active role in his uncle’s campaign. Shortly after INEC announced the result, Davido posted “WE DID IT UNC!!!” on X alongside a video of himself celebrating the victory.

Davido had served as chairman of the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Council and had been heavily involved in mobilising young voters for his uncle during the campaign.

Adeleke Extends His Stay in Government House

Adeleke’s re-election gives him another four years to pursue his administration’s agenda after first winning the Osun governorship election in 2022.

His victory also represents a significant political achievement for the Accord Party, as the governor successfully defended his position against a strong challenge from the APC.

The election was held across Osun’s 30 local government areas on Saturday, with the final results collated into the early hours of Sunday before INEC made the declaration.

With his victory now officially announced, Adeleke is set to begin another four-year tenure as governor of Osun State, while supporters who gathered to celebrate his success hailed the result as a fresh mandate from the people.

For the opposition APC, the defeat means another setback in its attempt to regain control of the South-West state.

The outcome also brings an end to an intensely contested election that attracted significant attention across Nigeria, with Adeleke ultimately emerging victorious and securing his place at the helm of Osun State for another term.

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