Suspension Archives | Trendbrio.com

SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘unlawful suspension of Fubara, Rivers lawmakers’

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago011 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the unlawful suspension of democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State while exercising his constitutional powers to proclaim a State of Emergency in the state.” The suit is brought by Yirabari Israel Nulog; Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal; and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, who are members of SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers state. The plaintiffs are registered voters and voted in the 2023 general elections. Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd). In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the plaintiffs are seeking: “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state.” The plaintiffs are seeking: “an order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.” The plaintiffs are also seeking: “a declaration that by virtue of section 1(2) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.” In the suit, the plaintiffs are arguing that: “The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.” The suit filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by their lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN read in part: “Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law. “The suspension is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s obligations under article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. “The combined provisions of sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1) (2) and 305(1) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, balancing the exercise of the President’s power against the people’s right to participation in their own government, and the notion of respect for the rule of law. “Together, these Constitutional provisions presume that Presidential Powers under section 305 are to be exercised fairly and the duty of fairness requires that the people’s right to participation and democracy should be upheld even in the context of a declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State. “The combined effect of the provisions of sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1) (2) and 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution is that the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers state is unlawful and unconstitutional. “Democracy works best when everyone participates. The right to participation is the bedrock of any democratic society. “The suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers state has seriously undermined the ability of the Plaintiffs to participate more effectively in their own government, and the credibility and integrity of the country’s electoral process, as well as the notion of the rule of law. “The rule of law ought to be protected to ensure that persons and institutions operate within the defined ambit of constitutional and statutory limitations. “Where agencies of government are allowed to operate at large and at their whims and caprices in the guise of performing their statutory or constitutional duties, the end result will be anarchy and authoritarianism, leading to the loss of constitutionally guaranteed freedom and liberty. “Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution is neither absolute nor superior to other provisions of the Constitution. Rather, it is expressly made subject to other constitutional provisions. “The phrase ‘Subject to’ as a legislative device is used in a Constitutional provision or statutory enactment to make the provision of the section inferior, dependent on, or limited and restricted in application to the Section to which they are made subject to.” The plaintiffs are also seeking the following reliefs: No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

PDP dismisses BoT Chairman, Senator Wabara suspension

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The National Working Committee (NWC0 of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the purported suspension of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Party, Senator Adolphus Wabara. The Party stated this in a statement signed the Party’s National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba and made available on Tuesday The statement reads; “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the purported suspension of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of our great Party, Distinguished Senator Adolphus Wabara from the Party. “The NWC categorically dismisses the purported suspension as null and void and of no effect whatsoever not being consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules of our great Party. “For emphasis no State Working Committee has the power to suspend or take any disciplinary action against a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party without due recourse to the NWC as clearly provided under Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017). “Section 57 (7) is unambiguous in providing that; “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…” “The explicit import of Section 57 (7) is that the Abia State Chapter has no powers whatsoever to take any disciplinary action against the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, being a member of the National Executive Committee of the Party. “The PDP therefore condemns the purported suspension of Senator Wabara as reckless, unconstitutional and cautions those behind this act in defiance of the PDP Constitution to retrace their steps as the NWC will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary actions to preserve the stability of our Party and the sanctity of its Constitution. “The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our Party in Abia State, the South East Zone and indeed across the country to disregard the purported suspension.”

Public assault: Orile Ifo monarch remanded in Prison

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The suspended Olorile of Orile-Ifo , Ogun State Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi spent the night of Tuesday February 4 2025 at the Ifo Correctional Centre as he was unable to meet his bail conditions following his arraignment by the Nigerian Police at the Ifo Magistrate Court for his public assault on 73-year old Elder Abraham Areola. After he was suspended by the Ogun State Government for acts unbecoming of a traditional ruler following widespread criticism of his assault on Areola which was recorded and uploaded on the social media , the Nigerian Police also dragged him before Magistrate F. A. Iroko to answer to three-count charge of assault, conspiracy, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently admitted to bail with two sureties in the sum of N5m each, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. But at the close of business on Tuesday he was unable to perfect the bail conditions necessitating his remand at the Ifo Correctional Centre.Ironically, while brutalising Areola the monarch boasted in the the viral video that led to his suspension that he would ensure that his victim was sent to jail through his connection with the police. The monarch will have his day in Court on March 6, the date the Magistrate fixed for the continuation of the case against him. The Charge Against Him:“That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at about 1100 hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire to commit a misdemeanour, to wit: assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006. “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006. “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing one Areola Abraham ‘m’ to kneel down and assaulting him in public, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”

Public Assault: Ogun State Govt. suspends Olorile of Orile-Ifo for six months

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

In a bid to ensuring dignity of persons and for the protection of sanctity of our revered traditional institution, the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has placed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo on six months suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba. The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation. This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space. After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation. The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021. Meanwhile, the Monarch has been charged to court today 4th February, 2025, on three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.He was granted bail while the case was adjourned to 06/03/2025. The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and the core values of the noble profession.

Kano Pillars suspend Technical Adviser for three weeks

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Nigeria Premier Football Legaue campaigners, Kano Pillars have suspended their Head Coach Usman Sheriff Abdallah for three weeks. The coach’s suspension was announced on the club’s official X handle formerly Twitter on Sunday. “The management of Kano Pillars FC have suspended the club’s Technical Adviser, Usman Sheriff Abdallah for three weeks following poor results and his gesture towards the fans after the Sai Masu Gida’s 0-0 draw against Bayelsa Unitedd. “Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro-Yaro will take charge of the team,”Kano Pillars tweeted. Kano Pillars are currently in the 10th place on the NPFL log with 29 points from 21 games and are trailing Remo Stars, who are the league leaders with 16 points.

Max Air suspends domestic operations for 90 days

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The management of Max Air has suspended its operations for 90 days following one of the airline’s aircrafts that crash-landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The plane with registration number 5N-MBD (B733), carrying 53 passengers and six crew members, was arriving from Lagos when the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 PM. The Max Air stated this in a statement on its official X handle formerly Twitter on Wednesday. The statement reads; “This is to inform the general public that Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for 90 days effective midnight 31st January 2025. This is to enable us to carry out internal operational evaluation. “The proactive measure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to passenger safety and service excellence. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority and we believe this voluntary suspension will allow us to exceed industry standards and restore public confidence in our operations. “All affected booked passengers during the suspension period are enjoined to receive full refunds. Our customer service team will be available to assist all the affected passengers. “We are actively working with the aviation authorities during this period to ensure that every statutory requirements are met in view of the foregoing, therefore, we deeply regret the temporary inconvenience this will cause our valued domestic customers. However, we believe this investment in safety and reliability will significantly enhance our service quality delivery for years to come. “Regular updates will be provided through our website and verified social media channels.”

Court faults firm on suspension, orders salaries payment within 30 days

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

The Presiding Judge, Ibadan Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Dele Peters has declared the purported indefinite suspension of Mr. Dada from the service of Dee-Pee Global Packaging which has lasted over one year and eight months and continuing, without payment of salary as unfair labour practice, and wrongful determination of appointment. The Court stated that it is an unfair labour practice for an employer to deny an employee his salary and allowances under the guise of exercising some form of disciplinary control through indefinite suspension. Justice Dele Peters ordered Dee-Pee Global Packaging to pay Mr Dada the sum of Five Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (=N= 1,260,000) only being the arrears of salaries and allowances before and during the period of the illegal and wrongful suspension, 1st October 2020 till the date of this judgment January 2025, and the sum of N200k cost of action within 30 days. From facts, the claimant, Mr Dada, submitted that he was placed on an indefinite suspension on 3 October 2020, that he has not been recalled since then, that he was not paid any salary, and that his employment has not been terminated. Under cross-examination, Mr. Dada stated that he was not aware that the Company he worked for had shut down its operations; he did not visit Dee-Pee Global Packaging’s premises, and he had not had another job since he was suspended. In defence, the Defendant, Dee-Pee Global Packaging, averred that Mr Dada was indefinitely suspended for misconduct, which caused the defendant economic loss and consequently led to the company shutdown. Learned Counsel submitted that one of the ways of determination of contract of personal service or employment is by the death of either party and that the shutdown of the firm without resuscitation took her to the brink of winding up to date; that Mr Dada did not prove how he arrived at the calculation of his salaries and allowances, and urged the Court to dismiss the case in its entirety. In opposition, Mr. Dada’s learned counsel, Omoniyi Odeyemi with M.O. Ibrahim & T.M. Odeyemi argued that since indefinite suspension does not amount to termination of employment, the implication is that their client remains in continuous employment with Dee-Pee Global Packaging until he is recall or his employment is formally terminated or dismissed, and urged the Court to grant the reliefs sought. In reply, learned Counsel to the firm submitted that indefinite suspension without pay can amount to constructive dismissal and urged the Court to dismiss Mr Dada’s case in its entirety. Delivering judgment after careful evaluation of the submissions of both parties, the Presiding Judge, Justice Dele Peters stated that suspension even where it is stated to be indefinite is neither demotion from rank nor termination of contract of employment. The Court reasoned that an employer suspending his employee may impose terms of the suspension but in a general sense suspension of an employee from work only means the suspension of the employee from performance of the ordinary duties assigned to him by virtue of his office. Justice Peters maintained that nothing in the contract between the parties confers the firm with the power to suspend or to suspend indefinitely without pay as the Company has done, and stated that the conduct of Dee-Pee Global is nothing short of denying Mr. Dada completely of his means of livelihood.

Edo Governor, Okpebholo suspends recruitment into cicvil service

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of recruitment into the State’s civil service until further notice. The Governor has also ordered for a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May-November 2024. In a communication notice signed by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Musa Umar Ikhilor on Friday, the Governor accused heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into the State’s civil service. The notice read: “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government in the State. “Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process. “For the avoidance of doubt, this Administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity which expects that all employment exercise should be merit based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes. “In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May, 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government. “Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive.”