….as Agbo cries for ₦11.345 million help to defend the case

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The director of competition at the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Miss Ruth David has taken the Managing Editor of Nigeria’s foremost online Sports Newspaper, Best Choice Sports, Amaechi Agbo to Appeal Court over a defamation suit which she lost at the FCT high Court.

Recall that Ms David on June 25, 2024 lost her defamation suit against Mr Agbo at the FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.

In the suit number CV/546/2019 filed on December 9, 2019, presiding Justice O. A Adeniyi held that the claimant failed to prove her case of defamation and therefore dismissed the suit for lack of merit.

Dissatisfied with the judgement and in an effort to intimidate the editor, the Director of Competition has appealed the ruling at the Appeal Court in Abuja.

…I am Being Persecuted, Intimidated; I need help – Mr Agbo Cries Out

Reacting to the development, the Managing Editor, Best Choice Sports said the appeal came to him as a shock considering that the matter was fairly adjudicated on by the originating court. He described the appeal as an act to intimidate, harass and persecute him for standing firm against maladministration in Nigeria football.

Mr Agbo who said that he needed a minimum of ₦11.345 million to defend the suit, added that he has been battling depression and psychological trauma and called on well-meaning Nigerians to come to his aid.

“I was shocked when I got a call sometime in August from a bailiff who told me she was from Appeal Court and that she has processes to serve on me. The address she told me was not the address of my office and potentially that was why she called. I directed her to my lawyer’s office.

“I was shocked to see that she is going on appeal because the originating court had dispensed justice fairly and justifiably. One interesting thing about this development is that she sacked her former lawyer and engaged the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. If you are knowledgeable about Nigeria’s legal system you would know that to engage a SAN in a case costs a fortune and that is where I am worried if there are more to this case than I am aware of.

“I am outtightly being persecuted, victimised, intimidated and tortured. To make matters worse, I can’t afford the services of SAN. But as it stands, I need not less than ₦11.345 million to defend this case. For over a month now, I am suffering depression and psychological trauma because I do not know where and how I am going to raise the money for the defence of the case. I really need help. I need Nigerians to come to my aid. I have been practising journalism for over 15 years, the said story I published was a programme aired on Channels Television which I quoted succinctly. This case has been on since December 9, 2019. It has drained me financially. I really need help,” he said.

Mr Agbo lamented that his lawyers have threatened not to represent him at the appeal unless their outstanding and current legal fees are paid.

“That is my dilemma. I have not finished paying the legal fees at the High Court which is ₦1.5 million. Now this one has come up again, I do not know where to start from,” he concluded.

From Attah Ede Makurdi.

The controversy trailing the truck of palliatives seized by Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday, took another dimension as member House of Representative for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Rep. Terséer Ugbor, has engaged a team of lawyers to challenge the action of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue State Government in court. 

The legal team is expected to examine the accusations and consider taking appropriate action to safeguard the image of Hon. Ugbor in order to set the record straight in the court of law. 

 Ugbor who spoke with the Correspondent  through a WhatsApp chat, said  he is suing the Alia government for defamation of character and is requesting for N1bn as compensation, which he intends to use in building a housing estate for displaced people in Kwande. 

While attending the United Nations General Assembly in the USA, Ugbor learned that  the governor had confiscated and handed over a truck load of relief materials to anti graft agencies which he secured for his constituents from the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) for investigation by operatives of EFCC and ICPC. 

“While in the USA for the United Nations General Assembly at the invitation of the Presidency, I have learned that NEMA has approved additional palliatives for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in response to my requests for more assistance”. 

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula says the “truck was caught offloading relief materials meant for IDPs of the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency at a private residence in Makurdi”. 

According to Tersoo Kula, “It was later discovered that the goods were released from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, and were supposed to be sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency”.

The statement quotes Governor Alia, who ordered the impounding of the truck at Government House as expressing dissatisfaction with the findings and directed anti-graft agencies to carry out further investigation, even as he called on relevant officials to ensure that the materials were distributed to the rightful recipients.

However, in a swift reaction, Representative Terseer Ugbor disputes the accusations, claiming that the governor’s actions were unnecessary and politically motivated. 

“I have decided to defend my reputation and ensure that the palliatives get to those in need. Despite the challenges, I  encourage my constituents to stay strong and peaceful.

“In light of this development, I have instructed my legal team to examine the accusations and consider taking appropriate action to safeguard my reputation and set the record straight in court. 

“My support for the transportation, storage, and distribution of palliatives to displaced individuals in Kwande is not a new endeavor, yet it has seemingly provoked the governor’s displeasure”.

“My  duty is to help secure benefits for my constituents. In other states my efforts would have been acknowledged with gratitude 

“The current climate crisis championed by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Benue State is”unusual “.  The claim that SEMA was not informed was premature because the seizure of the palliatives occurred upon their arrival in the state before any unloading, raising suspicions of political motives behind the ordeal.

“Accusations that the palliatives were unloaded at a private residence are unfounded, as the truck was parked in front of a well-known warehouse in Makurdi, not in a clandestine location”, Ugbor explained. 

He urged the people of Kwande /Ushongo  to remain resilient and peaceful during these difficult times, remembering the words of Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” he stressed.

By Mark Akudu, Kogi 

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Kogi State Branch, has congratulated Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on his victory at the supreme Court affirming him as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.

In a statement signed by the Kogi State NIESV Acting Chairman, ESV Idris Yusuf Abbas and Publicity Secretary ESV Eniwaiye John on Saturday described the verdict of the apex court as a clear affirmation of Governor Ododo’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the democratic ideals that the nation holds dearly.

According to the statement “Your triumph is not just a victory for you, but for the entire people of Kogi State and the professionals in the built industry. Since you were elected as Governor of Kogi State, various sectors are now wearing a new look which is evidence of your good leadership roles as a visionary leader. 

“The confidence that the professional bodies have placed in you is evident in the widespread support you have received throughout this legal journey. We are proud to stand with a leader who values professionalism in selection of senior civil servants into MDAs and offices, youth engagement in politics, and the development of our state”

The Statement added that Governor Ododo’s  administration has shown a commendable dedication to the welfare of civil servants in the State,  by prioritizing wealth of experience and creating opportunities for the career junior and senior civil servants to thrive in their respective fields. 

“We have seen firsthand your efforts in promoting fairness, justice and unity, and this has not gone unnoticed by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Kogi State Branch.

“As you continue to lead, we are confident that you will remain steadfast in your dedication to the people of the State, continue with all the ongoing projects, ameliorate housing needs, open up access roads in existing government lay-outs and create low cost housing estate lay-out scheme to ease accessibility to housing plot by senior and junior civil servants, and the general public.

“The Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the State urge you to continue championing the causes that matter most to the state and ensuring that the professionals in the built environment in both public and private sectors are constantly engaged, in moving the state forward. 

“We have recently sought for collaboration with the Director General, Bureau of Lands headed by Hon. Samari A. Teina FCA who assured the Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the state of a better collaboration, being a major players in land related matters such as property/assets valuation for all purposes, property rating, facility and infrastructure management, Compensation and right of way valuation, auctioneering, project finance & management, environmental valuation, business assets and intellectual property valuation, land advisory services, property development, property consultancy services with relevant agencies by putting in place adequate regulations and enforcement of standard, towards enrichment of the state.

“Your victory at the Supreme Court is a victory for all who believe in the power of democracy and the rule of law. It is a testament to the fact that when leaders govern with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility, the support of the people and the legitimacy of their mandate will always prevail.

“Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved victory. We look forward to a more productive administration, working together to build a modern city for the entire state and Kogites in diaspora” the statement stressed. 

From Justine Davis, Jos 

The Central Bank of Nigeria appears to face a serious legal battle as aggrieved sacked staff of the financial Institution has approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division to challenge their unjust termination of service from the Apex Bank, without any offenses committed in the course of their service years.

Over 100 of the victim through a legal representation led by Ola Olanipekun SAN the Team Counsel had on Thursday, 22 August,2024 approached the National Industrial Court to seek for redress with various claimants, making nothing less than 300 million naira demands, amounting to billions of nairas as damages from the Defendant.

Recalled in 2023 and  2024, the Apex Bank embarked on mass sacking of its senior officers, Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistants among others under the re-organization policy of the CBN Governor, Olayemi Michael Cardorso.

Part of the relief sought by the claimants Counsel, Mr. Olanipekun SAN, is for the reinstatement of the claimants and general damages caused by the Defendant within the period they were forcefully disengaged from service.

The counsel submission is that the termination of the claimants appointments contravene the provision section 14 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and Articles 6,4,3(a) of Human Resource Policies and Procedure Manual (HRPPM).

He further stated that, “we urged your Lordship to be guided by the decision of Supreme Court in the case of Marine Management Associates Inc.& ANOR vs National Marine Authority (2012) LPELR-20618(SC) where the Apex Court held this;

“The case is indeed well settled that in a case of breach of contract, which is what the present case is, the assessment of the damages is calculated on the basis that the loss was either in the contemplation of the contract or is an unavoidable consequence of the breach.

“The fact that the damages as in the present case are difficult to assess does not disentitle a claimant to compensation for loss sustained from Defendant’s conduct of breach of contract. Also the fact that the amount of such loss cannot be precisely ascertained, does not deprive a claimant of all remedy as stated by this Court in Nzeribe vs Dave Engineering Co.Ltd (1994) 8NWLR (P361) 124 at 147.” He referred 

Olanipekun in a Court document made available to some Journalists stressed that for instance one of his clients amongst many who still have 9 years in service was forcefully terminated without any serious reasons and without any due process by the defendant.

He prayed the court for “An order of this Honourable Court that the Defendant shall pay forthwith all monthly salaries and allowances that the Claimant would have earned in the course of his service/employment, being the sum of (N178,386,127.00) or such other sums in that regard, from the effective date of unlawful termination of his appointment up and until his due date of lawful retirement on 4th August, 2033.

“A declaration of this Honorable Court that the Claimant’s employment with the Defendant, evinced by letter Ref:PERS/CDEV/AP68/02/43 cannot be arbitrarily terminated and without recourse to the terms of the employment/appointment, the Defendant’s Human Resource Policies and Procedure Manual and/or observance of due process of law.

“An order of this Honorable Court setting aside the purported termination of the Claimant’s employment vide letter titled ‘Re-organization’ dated 24th May, 2024, for being arbitrary, unlawful, null and void.

“An order of this Honorable Court that the Defendant shall reinstate the claimant to the position of assistant Director or other higher position, all monthly salaries, allowances and other emoluments/entitlements which he would have earned if his employment had not been unlawfully terminated, being amount of N1,621, 455.70 calculated monthly and evidenced by his salary payment; and/or such other monies in that regards as this current or subsequent promotion/grades would be entitled up and until the date of the judgment.” He stated.

Recalled that the Apex Bank sometimes in May 2024 sacked over 200 staff drawn across various states of the federation without any satisfactory reasons as most of the letters only carries “Re-Organization” indicating that their services were no longer needed following the re-organization of the Apex Bank under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

From Ene Asuquo,Calabar

The special Adviser to immediate past governor of Cross River, Ben Ayade Oscar Ofuka, has dragged the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Anthony Owan Enoh, Security adviser to governor  Bassey Otu, retired Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono, Secretary, Cross River State Cocoa Allocation Committee, Mr. Amba Ogar and six others for sponsoring his unlawful arrest and detention by Nigeria police.

Mba Ukweni (SAN), who is a Counsel to Ofuka disclosed this to The Nations News Nigeria reporter while giving an update on the cocoa rift in Cross River State during a telephone conversation in Calabar.

Ukweni claimed that his client dragged appointees of the state  government to court in other to seek re-dress over the unlawful arrest and detention, since July 8,2024,  where he had been tormented, dehumanized and subjected to all sort of abuse, locked up at different police cells including 245 Battalion military cell at Afi Barracks Ikom,Cross River State for just no reason.

Ukweni  stated that such attitude amounts to gross violation of Ofuka’s fundamental human right stressing that as he speaks Ofuka who had been taken to different medical centres has a problem with his neck.

 In application for the enforcement of fundamental human rights  to life, Ofuka  is set to claim  damages of N5billion legal suit against the respondents; the matter had been fixed for hearing on August 22,2024 .

In suit No. HC/87F/24 after the court granted him bail; Ofuka accused the respondents (officials of Cross River State government of using their offices corrosively, tormenting him without justifiable reason.

The suit was filed by human rights lawyer Mba Ukweni (SAN) on behalf of Ofuka against the Secretary to State Government ( SSG), State Security Adviser and other (respondents ) after Ofuka was detained on allegation of murder and conspiracy by Nigeria police.

Ukweni alleged  that Ofuka had been  framed up by appointees of state government because of a matter that was pending at the Effraya High court in Etung local government Area of the state where it is suspected that Ofuka  might defeat the respondents who are appointees of government.

Ukweni said, “The first  six respondents are worried about the progress of the investigation by the force headquarters, which will certainly reveal the falsity of the petition written by the second respondent”. The lawyer maintained.

Ofuka who is recuperating at the police medical hospital Càlabar, who spoke with our Correspondent in an emotion laden voice  claimed, he could remember is that he felled down  from the vehicle, hit his head on the floor and was being dragged by security officials stressing that he was latter told by family members that he was in coma.

“I was told that they rushed me to Arubah diagnostics medical centre, that’s all I could remember,”Ofuka stressed.