Law
Again, Edwin Clark Urges Constitutional Compliance in Rivers Political Crisis
**Insists, defection by 27 lawmakers disqualifies them as members of Rivers House of Assembly
Niger Delta elder statesman and leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has expressed his deep concern over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which was triggered by the defection of former Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 27 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on the matter on Monday Chief Clark strongly criticized the actions of the defecting lawmakers, citing Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that lawmakers vacate their seats if they defect from the party that sponsored their election, unless there is a nationally recognized division within the party.
Clark made it clear that the defections, which occurred on December 11, 2023, have led to the automatic disqualification of the lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, rendering any further actions by them legally null and void.
Chief Clark traced the crisis back to tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Clark alleged that Wike, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had sought to control the current administration, causing a breakdown in their political relationship.
This rift was further exacerbated on October 29, 2023, when unknown assailants set fire to the Rivers State House of Assembly building. Following this incident, Amaewhule and the defecting lawmakers began pursuing legal means to cement their positions, despite their constitutional disqualification.
Clark further accused the defecting lawmakers of manipulating the judicial system to remain in power.
He claimed that they had filed multiple contradictory affidavits and withheld key information regarding their defections from the court, thereby obtaining rulings that favored their positions.
Chief Clark described these actions as a “flagrant abuse of court processes” and called for an investigation into both the lawmakers’ conduct and the judiciary’s role in the matter.
The elder statesman also directed his criticism at Nyesom Wike, accusing the former governor of intentionally creating instability in Rivers State. Clark alleged that Wike had used a combination of intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric to destabilize the current administration, further deepening the political crisis.
He urged the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and ensure that Wike’s actions did not go unchallenged, stressing that such behavior was a direct violation of constitutional principles.
Chief Clark reiterated that the Constitution must prevail and that the defectors’ actions were unconstitutional from the moment they changed political allegiance.
He called for a swift judicial review of all legal actions taken by the defectors and their supporters, demanding that any rulings obtained through fraudulent means be nullified.
In conclusion, Chief Clark called on all political stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritize the rule of law and work towards restoring peace and stability in the state.
He urged President Tinubu to ensure that all political leaders in the state adhered to the principles of constitutional governance and refrained from actions that could undermine the democratic process.
“This political crisis is a critical test for our democracy,” Chief Clark concluded. “We must resolve it in a manner that upholds fairness, justice, and the supremacy of the Constitution.”
Law
Alleged Fraud, Land Grabbing by Rebecca Omokamo: Falana Chambers Petitions EFCC, ICPC
Legal powerhouse, Falana and Falana Chambers, has filed petitions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, also known as Hajia Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu, and her firm, Homadil Realty Limited.
The allegations include financial fraud, forgery of documents, and illegal land grabbing involving Plot 4022 in Guzape, Abuja.
The petitions, made on behalf of the Yesufu family, accuse Mrs. Omokamo and her associates of conspiracy, forgery, and fraudulent acquisition of funds.
The legal battle dates back to 2014 when Mrs. Omokamo allegedly purchased the disputed land but subsequently lost its title documents.
The Yesufu family claims ownership and has been in protracted legal and investigative disputes over the land.
In a related incident in May 2024, a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Emmanuel Agbo, investigating the case, was summoned by the police after communications with Mrs. Omokamo.
She denied the allegations in conversations but later accused the EFCC of harassment in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu. Mrs. Omokamo claimed EFCC interference in what she called a civil matter, further alleging the unjust detention of her husband and staff.
However, subsequent investigations by the EFCC and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) reportedly uncovered extensive fraudulent dealings tied to Mrs. Omokamo.
The findings led to separate petitions to the ICPC, prompting further investigations into alleged forgery of land titles and fraudulent sales involving multiple properties, including a 2.3-hectare plot in Katampe District, Abuja.
Efforts to resolve the matter amicably, including appeals by Mrs. Omokamo’s husband and traditional rulers to the Yesufu family, reportedly failed. Allegations emerged that Mrs. Omokamo had sold the Katampe property to over 60 victims using forged documents.
Her purported resistance to settlement and her legal maneuvers to block investigations drew criticism.
In October 2024, Mrs. Omokamo filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent further investigations by the EFCC and ICPC. Simultaneously, her husband reportedly sought forgiveness from the Yesufu family, a move seen as contradictory given Mrs. Omokamo’s legal actions.
The Yesufu family, represented by Falana and Falana Chambers, has called for the prosecution of Mrs. Omokamo, her husband, and their accomplices.
They also requested investigation reports to aid civil proceedings. Meanwhile, the company’s secretary, Mr. Kolawole James Olowokere, recently withdrew his
Law
Osun Governor grants Christmas Clemency to chicken, egg thieves on death row
In a bid to mark the 2024 Christmas season with acts of compassion, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted clemency to Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo.
They were sentenced to death in 2014 for robbery-related offenses committed in 2010.
The duo, aged 17 at the time, had been convicted of stealing two fowls, eggs, and mobile phones from individuals in Okuku, Osun State.
Despite the minor theft, the court had sentenced them to death by hanging in 2014, sparking nationwide outrage over the severity of the punishment.
They were granted a prerogative of mercy alongside 51 other convicts who had varying levels of sentences in correctional centres in Osun, by the governor.
The governor’s decision, made on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, highlighted a broader push for prison reforms and justice review in the state.
Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated that the clemency alignsled with constitutional powers and the spirit of the season.
“This exercise of mercy follows the recommendations made by the State Advisory Council and underscores the administration’s commitment to fairness and humanity,” Rasheed said in a statement.
The letter of commutation, dated December 24, 2024, has been officially acknowledged by prison authorities.
The governor’s move has sparked debates over Nigeria’s judicial process, with human rights advocates praising the decision as a step toward addressing sentencing disparities and prison decongestion.
The case of Olowookere and Morakinyo, sentenced as teenagers, drew public attention due to the severity of their punishment relative to the crime.
Their release is expected to reignite discussions on justice reforms and youth rehabilitation programs.
In his address, Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of second chances and pledged to continue reviewing cases deserving of mercy while balancing justice with compassion.
Law
Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi regains Freedom, says he is innocent of defamation claims
After meeting his bail conditions, prominent human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has regained his freedom from the correctional center in Ekiti State.
Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning, following last week’s ruling by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, which granted him bail on the condition of a ₦30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own property), submission of his passport, and a ban on granting media interviews.
Addressing journalists shortly after his release, Farotimi reaffirmed his commitment to truth and denied ever spreading falsehoods against anyone.
“It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil,” Farotimi said. “But before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria. I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know.”
Farotimi’s legal troubles began following the release of his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, on July 2, 2024.
In the 116-page publication, Farotimi alleged that some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Aare Afe Babalola, had engaged in judicial corruption by influencing Supreme Court Justices.
Babalola subsequently accused Farotimi of defamation, leading to his arrest at his Lagos office on December 3 by operatives attached to the Ekiti State Police Command. Farotimi was transported to Ekiti State, where he faced defamation and cyberbullying charges.
In addition to the defamation claims brought by Babalola’s legal team, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, filed 12 more charges against Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ekiti on December 6, 2024.
Farotimi maintained that his book reflected facts and insights into Nigeria’s justice system, adding that his work was aimed at reforming rather than attacking the legal profession.
“It is the truth that will set this country free,” Farotimi said, vowing to continue his advocacy for justice and fairness despite the legal battles.
The case is expected to proceed in January 2025, with prosecutors set to present additional evidence. Meanwhile, Farotimi’s legal team is reportedly considering a motion to quash the charges.
Farotimi’s arrest and detention have drawn public outrage, with many civil society organizations condemning what they describe as an attempt to silence dissent.
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