Gabriel Dewan, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, recently administered the oath of office to nine out of the 16 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers.
As reported by The Nation, the swearing-in ceremony occurred in the early hours of Friday in Jos, the state capital.
Additionally, one of the members representing Jos East was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, according to the report.
The unfortunate demise of Paul Omotoso, the Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has left a void in the political landscape.
Hailing from Imesi-Ekiti, Omotoso, a prominent politician and lawyer, succumbed to a brief illness in the early hours of Wednesday, as reported by his family.
Despite his recent participation in several political engagements, Omotoso's health took a turn for the worse on Tuesday, prompting his immediate transfer to a government hospital in the state capital. Tragically, he passed away thereafter.
This news comes as a shock to many, especially considering Omotoso's resilience, as evidenced by his recent abduction by gunmen in July 2023. Following a five-day ordeal, he was eventually released.
The loss of Omotoso closely follows the passing of Fatai Adams, Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who departed in mid-February. These consecutive losses are deeply felt across party lines and serve as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life.
There appears to be an end to the political crisis rocking Rivers State as the member representing Ahoada East Constituency II at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has withdrawn his contempt proceedings suit against 25 of the 27 defected lawmakers.
Ehie, a close ally of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had declared the seats of 27 lawmakers vacant over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress.
Ehie filed contempt proceedings at the Rivers state high court in Port Harcourt against 25 of them in which he challenged their sittings and legislative activities. (APC).
Ehie later resigned his position in the House of Assembly following the peace deal reached between Governor Fubara and Wike.
However in the latest development Ehie has withdrawn his suit against the 25 lawmakers.
When the matter came up for hearing of applications pending before the court today, counsel to the Claimant, Mac-Barango informed the court about a Notice of Discontinuance filed by his clients. He applied that the court should give effect to the said Notice.
Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has extended the interim order stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) from taking any action against the 26 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Okorowo extended the order following an application by counsel for the lawmaker, Steve Adehi, who appeared for the Rivers House of Assembly.
He held that based on Order 26, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court, the court had the discretionary power to grant the plea in the interest of justice.
The judge held that he was persuaded by the reasons given by counsel for the lawmakers that granting the order would be better in the interest of justice.
Justice Okorowo subsequently adjourned the matter to January 24 for a hearing. On December 15, he granted the ex-parte motion filed by the 26 lawmakers who dumped the PDP for the APC.
The court had restrained INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the 26 assembly members.
It also restrained INEC, PDP, and the House of Assembly from declaring their seats vacant and withdrawing their respective certificate of return pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Inspiration 92.3 FM is operated by Amazing Inspirations Media Limited. © 2022
