Connect with us

Headlines

Court strikes out suit seeking to remove Matawalle as Zamfara Governor

Published

on

EFCC says Matawalle under probe over N70bn fraud

By Matthew Eloyi

A suit attempting to oust Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle from office has been dismissed by a Federal High Court in Gusau.

The Governor was sued by certain members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Advertisement

Justice Bappa Aliyu, who presided over the hearing on Monday, said the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the issue.

He, however, said that because the case was neither pre-election nor post-election, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not preclude a governor from defecting from a political party.

The judge went on to say that neither the APC nor the PDP constitutions make it illegal for a governor to defect to any other legally recognized political party existing in the country.

Advertisement

If it was a pre-election matter, he said, the claim should have been filed before an election petitions tribunal, noting that only the tribunal or the State House of Assembly has the jurisdiction to remove the governor for defection.

Reacting to the judgment, the national leadership of the APC commended the judiciary for defending the Constitution and what it referred to as the popular mandate of Governor Matawalle.

The party, in a statement by its national secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, said “The Federal High Court (Gusau Judicial Division) in dismissing the suit challenging Bello Muhammad Matawalle Governorship of Zamfara State upon his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the whole case was devoid of merit.

Advertisement

“Based on Monday’s judgment, the honourable court held that there is no provision in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which states that a Governor will lose his seat whenever he defects to another party other than the political party upon which he was elected.

“That Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle has the right to assembly and association with respect to joining or belonging to a political party. In exercise of his right of freedom of association guaranteed under section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he can defect to any party of his choice and still maintain his seat as the Governor of Zamfara State.”

The APC congratulated Governor Matawalle on his affirmation by the court, saying the development would boost his administration’s effort in tackling the security challenges in Zamfara.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
Continue Reading

Headlines

“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Published

on

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

Advertisement

Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

Advertisement

“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

Advertisement

On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Headlines

King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

Published

on

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

Advertisement

He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

You May Like

Copyright © 2025 Acces News Magazine - All Right Reserved.

Verified by MonsterInsights