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Defection: Court Sacks Ebonyi State Governor Umahi And His Deputy

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Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi
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A Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and his deputy, Eric Igwe, to vacate their seats as the sitting governor and deputy respectively, on grounds that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the election on March 2019 and not its candidate.

Having defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Umahi and his deputy cannot transfer the mandate of the PDP to the APC.

Citing section 221 of the constitution, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the PDP immediately send names of replacements to INEC so that fresh elections can be conducted.

Justice Ekwo also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cease from recognising Umahi and Igwe as the governor and deputy governor of the Ebonyi State.

Delivering judgement in the case, the presiding judge, Justice ordered the governor and his deputy to vacate office, adding that their defection was illegal, null and unconstitutional.

He ordered INEC to receive names of candidates from the PDP to replace Umahi and Igwe.

The governor and his deputy defected from the PDP on whose platform they were elected into office in the 2015 and 2019 general elections to the APC.

Determined to reclaim its mandate, the PDP sued the Umahi, Igwe, the APC and INEC.

The court noted that the crux of the matter was the defection of the 3rd and 4th from the PDP to the APC, adding that the averments of the 3rd and 4th Defendants did not address the issue of defection rightly and frontally but rather resorted to general denial to affidavit evidence.

Justice Ekwo said the depositions of the 3rd and 4th Defendants in their counter affidavit were “evasive and insufficient” to competently challenge the Plaintiff’s originating process.

It was the opinion of the court that the “Immunity Clause” in section 308 of the Constitution is not absolute.

The court ruled that “Section 308 is a veritable constitutional shield” and not for political reasons.

Justice Inyang said Umahi and Igwe did not controvert the deposition that total votes scored in an election belong to a political party.

He stated that evidence abound that the 2nd defendant (APC) contested the Ebonyi State Governorship election held on March 2019, with its own candidates.

“It can be noted that the Constitution does not deal with the issue of defection lightly,” the court stated.

“The 3rd and 4th Defendants cannot transfer the votes and victory of the Plaintiff on March 9, 2019, to the APC.  Office of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state belongs to the PDP.

“The option for Umahi and Igwe is to vacate office and wait for next election to contest election under the platform of its new party,” the court declared.

The court said the act of the APC, Umahi and his deputy is aimed at dismantling the 1999 Constitution.

Consequently, the court declared that under the democratic system operated in Nigeria, the plaintiff won the majority of votes during the election and is entitled to enjoy same till end of tenure of office for which the election was made.

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FCTA Unleashes Crackdown On Traffic Offenders, Street Beggars In Abuja

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In a bold and sweeping move to restore sanity in Nigeria’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared war on traffic offenders and the swelling population of destitute individuals littering Abuja’s streets.

FCT Minister, Dr. Nyesom Wike, is not mincing words as he orders a full-blown enforcement blitz, warning that lawlessness on the roads and the growing menace of street begging pose a serious threat to public safety and the city’s reputation.

After a high-stakes security meeting held in Life Camp, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, revealed that the days of recklessness and disorder are over.

“We will no longer tolerate it,” Adewale said, throwing down the gauntlet.

Within one month, security agencies impounded a staggering 675 vehicles for offences ranging from lack of documentation to illegal tinted windows and unauthorised transport operations, including unregistered ride-hailing cars.

But that’s not all—273 destitute persons have also been rounded up and relocated to a temporary shelter in Bwari for profiling. Authorities say they will be returned to their states of origin after due process.

The message is clear: Abuja is not a dumping ground, and the FCTA is tightening the noose on all forms of urban nuisance.

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Olubadan-In-Council Appoints Ladoja As New Olubadan

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Rashidi Ladoja
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The Olubadan-In-Council has nominated former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan.

Ladoja was nominated at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Monday, August 4, 2025.

“We, the members of the Olubadan-In-Council, have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland,” stated the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who presided over the meeting.

Ajibola added that the resolutions from the meeting will be forwarded to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who will schedule a date to present the staff of office to the new Olubadan.

He explained, “The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried this week, so a ceremony this week is not feasible. Governor Makinde may decide to set the presentation for three weeks, two weeks, or one week from now.”

Oba Olakulehin passed away at the age of 90 on July 7.

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Tinubu Asks Content Creators To Use Their Influence To Promote Unity

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged young Nigerians involved in digital media to leverage their platforms as tools for national progress during his address on Friday.

He encouraged them to establish businesses that create job opportunities, produce content promoting unifying values, and act as positive catalysts for societal development. He emphasised the importance of verifying information before sharing it.

At the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” President Tinubu stated:

“Your generation has recognised this moment. You are utilising digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability. However, as your influence increases, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility.

“I urge you to continue using digital platforms to advance our nation. Build businesses that create jobs. Produce content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to promote unity, not division.”

He praised the creativity and resilience of Nigeria’s youth, noting that digital media serves as a driving force for economic and social transformation.

“It is no longer merely an accessory to life,” he added. “From developing innovative platforms to establishing vibrant online communities, you are demonstrating the determination that is redefining what is possible for this country.

“You are not waiting for the future; you are building it. Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change, broadening representation for those previously unheard.”

The President affirmed that his administration is committed to supporting digital innovation through the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies that foster a thriving startup ecosystem. However, he cautioned practitioners to remain vigilant against disinformation and cyber threats.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, acknowledged digital media practitioners for consistently advocating for Nigeria and positively representing the nation on the global stage:

“You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria, determined to reach for the stars. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our nation has begun its long-overdue journey toward greatness. The road may be challenging, but it is necessary,” he stated.

In a goodwill message, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted the significance of the Summit. He noted that lessons from recent elections in countries like the U.S. and Germany illustrate how digital media have become crucial battlegrounds—not just for entertainment—but for shaping electoral outcomes.

“However, social media is not a fair battleground. As a public square, it is often chaotic and unregulated. Users frequently ignore the rules. Divisive content is rampant, and deepfakes and AI-generated material are increasingly used against political opponents. Posts are driven by clicks, not truth or accuracy. Misinformation spreads five times faster than official corrections,” Onanuga observed.

He expressed optimism that the Summit would address these challenges, focusing on strategies to combat fake news and misinformation.

Segun Dada, the summit convener and Special Assistant to the President on New Media, emphasised that in less than a decade, digital media has evolved from a tool for personal communication into a powerful engine for communication, innovation, and influence.

He stressed the importance of harnessing this force for the benefit of Nigeria while managing inherent risks, such as privacy concerns and threats to social cohesion.

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