Day: 13 May 2025

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned until May 26, 2025, the constitutional suit filed by Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the prolonged political crisis in the state, which he said posed a threat to national assets in the oil sector.

He subsequently suspended the state’s democratically elected leadership and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s Sole Administrator.

In reaction, Dr. Dagogo filed Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025 on April 9, 2025, contending that the President’s actions were unconstitutional and exceeded his legal authority.

During Monday’s hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, Cosmas Enweluzo, SAN, informed the court that all defendants had been properly served and that they were ready to proceed.

The defendants listed in the suit include President Tinubu, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Nigerian Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Ibas.

Of the defendants, only the fifth, Vice Admiral Ibas, was represented in court through his counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who requested more time to respond to the originating summons.

After hearing from both sides, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted the extension but emphasized that the case would proceed on the next adjourned date regardless of any further delays.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Enweluzo maintained that President Tinubu’s actions were unconstitutional.

Enweluzo said, “The President cannot act as a ‘Tin god.’ He does not have the constitutional authority to suspend elected representatives or govern over four million Rivers people and those doing business in Rivers State by fiat.

“It is a constitutional aberration and must not be allowed.”

He added, “The insecurity narrative is unfounded. In Benue, Plateau, and Borno States, serious security challenges persist, people are being killed, and some local governments remain under Boko Haram control.

“Yet no state of emergency was declared there. Rivers State has remained relatively peaceful.”

While commending Dagogo for taking legal action against the president’s decision, Enweluzo said, “We are grateful for principled leaders like Dr. Farah Dagogo who are willing to defend the Nigerian Constitution.

“Citizens have a right to be governed by officials they have elected and represented by legislators of their constituencies in Degema, Bonny, and others.”

Providing insight into the reason for the adjournment, Enweluzo explained that counsel for the fifth defendant informed the court that their team was at the court registry filing documents in response to the originating summons.

He noted that the fifth defendant’s counsel requested an adjournment to finalize the filing process, and in the interest of fairness, they did not object.

Enweluzo further stated that although all other defendants had been properly served, none had filed a memorandum of appearance, conditional appearance, or any form of legal response to the suit.

Meanwhile, counsel to the fifth defendant, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, declined to comment on the matter.

Fubara: Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers faces legal test as court sets May 26 for hearing

Ademola Lookman was on target as Atalanta defeated AS Roma 2-1 in their Serie A clash at the Gewiss Stadium on Monday.

Lookman passed a late fitness to be included in the starting line-up.

The Nigeria international opened scoring for La Dea in the ninth minute with Belgium international Charles De Ketelaere providing the assist.

It was the winger’s 20th goal across all competitions for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season.

The 27-year-old was in action for the entire duration of the game.

Bryan Cristante equalised for AS Roma in the 32nd minute.

Atalanta got their winning goal through Ibrahim Kakari 14 minutes from time.

Serie A: Lookman on target in Atalanta’s win over AS Roma

Denise Bidot, the girlfriend of popular American rapper Lil Wayne, has accused him of physical abuse.

The 38-year-old model made the allegation in an Instagram post on Sunday.

Expressing her frustration with Lil Wayne, she claimed that the singer dumped her on Mother’s Day via text message.

“Breaking up with someone on Mother’s Day is diabolical. Prayers up though. God always pulls me through. Walking with faith.

“Wayne literally kicked me and my daughter out on Mother’s Day today. I’m just recovering from surgery. I’m five weeks out from a whole mommy makeover. I can’t even lift my boxes. But this man has his assistants coming to help kick us out and break up with me through text.

“This man has actually laid a fucking hand on me. And I took it. They always say we are so stupid for love, and I thought it was a mistake. But I know other women he’s put his hands on.

“I know he flew in two girls today, and who knows how many he has,” she added.

Bidot further requested lawyer recommendations from her followers.

DAILY POST recalls that Wayne, who is yet to respond to the allegations, was previously linked to model La’tecia Thomas before announcing his relationship with Bidot in 2020.

Lil Wayne’s girlfriend Denise Bidot accuses rapper of abuse