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OMMATA leadership crisis: Court restrains Enugu North LG from conducting election
An Enugu State High Court has restrained Enugu North Local Government Council from changing the leadership of Ogbette Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA), Enugu against the association’s constitution.
The court presided over by Justice C. A. Ogbuabor also restrained the council from conducting an election for OMMATA members except as and by the methods provided in the association’s constitution 2005.
It would be recalled that the OMMATA had been enmeshed in leadership crisis following which the state government instituted a caretaker leadership committee for the association.
The caretaker committee leadership under the supervision of the Enugu North Local Government Council had set out to conduct an election without recourse to the association’s constitution.
However, some traders led by Mr Samuel Chukwu and four others on behalf of themselves and the concerned chairmen, secretaries and members of Commodity Units of the market approached the court to challenge the action.
The plaintiffs also filed a Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction restraining the defendants from conducting the said election in disregard to the constitution of the association or any amendments, thereof.
Joined in the suit as defendants, are the Enugu North Local Government Council and chairman of the local government council.
The defendants however, filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
The defendants averred that the originating processes were neither signed by the plaintiffs nor their legal practitioner in accordance with Order 6 Rule 2(3) of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2006.
The defendants also claimed that the plantiffs’ counsel failed to affix stamp and seal of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) as provided in Rules 10 of Professional Conduct on the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.
Ruling on the submissions of the parties, Ogbuabor held that the defendants did not seem to deny that they were about to conduct an election in a manner inconsistent with the constitution of the association.
“They argue that they are statutorily empowered to regulate and supervise the market in which the plaintiffs operate and that the suit amounts to interference with government functions,” he said.
The judge said that the balance of convenience under the present circumstance was in favour of an injunction, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
“The court, hereby, makes an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from conducting an election for the OMMATA members except as and by the methods provided in the association’s constitution,” Ogbuabor said.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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