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Court dismisses Bulkachuwa’s suit to stop ICPC’s investigation against him

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A Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed the suit filed by Sen. Adamu Bulkachuwa, seeking to stop the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission from investigating him over the comment he made during the valedictory session of the 9th National Assembly.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, held that the suit lacked merit and ought to be dismissed.

Justice Ekwo said that Bulkachuwa, being a lawmaker, ought to understand the implication of the statement that he made on the floor of the Senate.

According to him, the legislative immunity that the plaintiff (Bulkachuwa) claims in this case does not avail him.

“It is the duty of every law-abiding citizen to assist and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their quest to carry out their statutory function.

“It is only where a law enforcement agency breaches the fundamental right of a citizen in the process of carrying out their statutory function, then a cause of action could be said to have arisen,” the judge said.

READ ALSO  ANGRY IGBOS: What Tinubu Has Done For The South East In Just 2 Years In Office

Bulkachuwa had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NASS clerk, the State Security Service, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police Force as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

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The plaintiff asked the court to declare that he “is covered, privileged, and protected by the parliamentary immunity as enshrined in Section 1 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017 and freedom of speech and expression made thereto is privileged.”

He also prayed the court to declare that without exhausting the internal disciplinary mechanism, recommendations, and approval of the 9th House of Senate, no other law enforcement agent of the Federal Government, including the defendants can invite any member of the Senate for questioning/interview.

Justice Ekwo said the utterance made by Bulkachuwa on the floor of the Debate on June 10 was not covered by Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

”The provision is that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

According to the judge, the clear words of Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) cannot be interpreted to mean that a person can say anything he likes.

“In a formal setting like that plenary session or committee proceedings of the Senate, it is not expected person who is privileged to voice any expression will utter words or express opinion or impart ideas or give information that cannot be defended under the Constitution.

“Upon studying the provision of Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it is my opinion, that the words uttered by the plaintiff on the floor of the Senate on Saturday, June 10, 2023, was a confession of doing an act that is prohibited by law.

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“When a person confesses that he influenced a judicial officer to help his friends and colleagues, such a person has gone beyond the limit of freedom of speech that is reasonably covered and protected by the provision of Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

READ ALSO  ANGRY IGBOS: What Tinubu Has Done For The South East In Just 2 Years In Office

“A person who has used the opportunity given to him by the constitution to express himself freely and uses the opportunity to expose his actions or conduct which the law of the land criminalizes has unwittingly invited law enforcement agencies to question him.

“This is what the plaintiff did in this case.

“I therefore find that that the speech of the plaintiff on the floor of the Senate on June 10, was a confession of an illegal act and Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) cannot be invoked to cover such and I so hold,” he declared.

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ANGRY IGBOS: What Tinubu Has Done For The South East In Just 2 Years In Office

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BREAKING: Tinubu appoints 9 new INEC resident commissioners

In the last few months, there have been rising agitations from several parts of the south east directed to the President.

Many of the Igbos have not been happy with the President. They are very angry.

They insist the eastern region has been abandoned and deliberately neglected. And for this reason, they have vowed to vote massively against the ruling party come 2027 just like they did in 2023.

Denying Igbo Presidency Over Secession Attempts Is Unfair – Obasanjo Makes Case For Igbo

While some south easterners believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fair to the Igbos, putting in place impressive infrastructure that many found unprecedented considering that the region totally voted against him during the 2023 presidential election, others do not see anything significant that government has done.

Interestingly, quite a handful of Igbo personalities have made concerted efforts to explain the fact of the situation to their people and show to them the many things the president has done for the Igbos in the last two years. Leading the charge for the Igbos support for the President come 2027 is the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi. He has taken advantage of every opportunity available to him to present facts to the Igbos showing that they have in no way been marginalised under the President Tinubu led administration. He consistyently lists out major infrastructural projects going on in different parts of the east. Others like Anambra state governor, Charles Soludo, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, have also been consistent in their call for Igbos to support and embrace the President on account of the remrkable things he has done for the region within the last two years that he assumed office. But to those who have expressed in clear terms their dislike for the president, none of these explanations holds water.

The latest Igbo personality to come out to speak passionately to his kinsmen is celebrated Nollywood Icon, Zack Orji. He also recently joined the list of Igbo prominent personalities persuading the easterners and Nigerians at large to support the government of President Tinubu. Expectedly, this very profound call for support of Mr. President by Zack Orji has not gone down well with the Igbos but he does not seem to mind. This, indeed, is not the first time he would be coming out to solicit support for the President. And with the video having gone viral, it is understandable the volume of scathing attacks the celebrated actor has come under in the last few days from his own people.

In the said video, Zack Orji began by greeting Nigerians. He then went on to state his mission: “It is 55 and a half years since the Nigerian civil war ended and for the first time since the war ended in the history of this country, a president in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set up the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) along with its subsidiary, the Southeast Investment Company, with a take-off capital of N150 billion.”

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“Today, the Southeast has a Minister of Works for the first time in the person of His Excellency Engineer David Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi State. President Tinubu has also approved the allocation of three billion dollars for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the long-abandoned eastern rail line corridor, to boost transport and economic activity.”

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

He went further. “In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the era of infrastructure marginalisation, isolation and neghlect is over, marking the beginning of a new chapter of transformation, inclusion and nationwide connectivity.”

“The Southeast today is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The main objectives of the Southeast Development Commission are to drive sustainable growth, promote investment, support infrastructure development and improve the standard of living in the Southeast region.”

“And the overall vision is to position the Southeast as the preferred investment destination in Africa by 2035. The President’s Southeast Superhighway project is another landmark legacy project that will end infrastructure marginalisation in the Southeast. Ladies and gentlemen, the Bible says in the book of John 8.32, Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. And in the book of Isaiah 1.18, the Bible says, come now and let us reason together”, Orji noted.

The celebrated actor continued: “These landmark legacy projects in the south east truly encapsulate the three ‘R’ concept which was voiced soon after the Nigerian civil war, that is Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation. In addition to south easdt region, there are other landmark projects going on in other geopolitical regions of this country. What can we say in respect of all of these? Fellow Nigerians, relax, President Tinubu is fixing Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, well done and we appreciate you big time. May God almighty continue to keep you, inspire you, strengthen you, sustain you, lift you and perfect and embellish everything that concerns you and your dreams and aspirations for this country in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour.”

Those who have been following closely the infrastructural developments steadily taking place in the east have come out to applaud the effort of Zack Orji. They agree with him totally that the President has not done badly for the south east in only two years.

READ ALSO  ANGRY IGBOS: What Tinubu Has Done For The South East In Just 2 Years In Office

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, also recently echoed the sentiments of Zack Orji and Umahi. He says President Bola Tinubu is the only commander-in-chief to remember the Igbo ethnic group since the civil war.

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“The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo,” Kalu said. Yakubu Gowon, former military ruler, launched the three Rs programme — reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration — to heal and rebuild the country after the civil war which lasted from July 6, 1967 to January 13, 1970.

Kalu said the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of the south-east has just started with the establishment of the SEDC.

“He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt,” the deputy speaker added.

“As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanise the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.”

It must also be noted that, contrary to the narrative that only about five Igbos havbe been appointed into different positions under President Tinubu, there are actually about seventeen Igbos in the government. And for the first time in the history of Nigeria, the South east has been given a top ministerial position such as the Minister of Works held by Dave Umahi. Below is the full list of appointments from the South East:

(1) Dr. Doris Anite Uzoka-Minister of State for Finance (2) Bianca Ojukwu-Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (3) Nkeiru Onyejiocha-Minister of State for Labour (4) Sen. Dave Umahi-Minister of Works (5) Dr. Uche Nnaji-Minister of Science and Technology (6) Uzoma Nwagba- MD, Credicorp (7) Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka-Managing Director, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (8) Adesua Dozie-Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, NNPCL (9) Hon. Mark Okoye-MD/CEO, South-East Development Commission (SEDC) (10) Philip Ikeazor -Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability, CBN (11) Sophia Mbakwe -Executive Vice President of Business Services, NNPCL (12) Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu-Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment (13) Chioma Nweze -SSAP on Community Engagement (14) Kingsley Stanley Nkwocha-SSA to the President, Media and Communication (Office of VP) (15) Kingsley Uzoma-SSA to the President on Agribusiness & Productivity Enhancement (Office of VP) (16) Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo-SSA to the President on Public Engagement.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the region is also enjoying huge transformation in terms of road infrastructure. The Minister of Works has been busy overseeing massive road projects going on in the several parts of the East.

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The Minister himself, at several fora, has hailed the impact of President Bola Tinubu in the Southeast and the entire country in general.

READ ALSO  ANGRY IGBOS: What Tinubu Has Done For The South East In Just 2 Years In Office

He credited Tinubu with reversing years of federal neglect in the Southeast.

“Before now, many Southeast states had no federal projects. But today, the federal presence is visible across the region. That is true national integration,” Umahi said.

For instance, the 107 km dual-carriage Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is being reconstructed under MTN’s Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme. Initially delayed due to cost variations, the project is now progressing, with construction 50-70% complete as of March 25, 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Works has set a May 10, 2026, deadline for completion. The project is expected to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities in the Southeast region. The Minister of Works has emphasized that MTN will be held accountable for any structural failures, ensuring RCC Company Nig. Ltd. adheres strictly to contract terms, with no cost variations allowed unless contractually justified.

The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway connects Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Rivers, strengthening regional trade and mobility.

The 56.10-kilometre Umuahia-Aba section (Section II) is undergoing rehabilitation and reconstruction, with the Federal Government setting a June 2025 completion deadline. Minister of Works David Umahi has instructed Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. to complete earthworks by April 2025, with only two kilometres of earthwork and four kilometres of asphalt work remaining.

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Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made adequate budgetary provisions in the 2024 and 2025 budgets to ensure the project’s timely completion.

The aforementioned is the reason why many do not agree with persons from the south east who claim the President has done nothing for the south east. But the imprints of the government in several parts of the region appear unhidden, crystal clear, yet unseen and unappreciated by many Ndigbo. Some say the president is gradually winning the Igbos over. Others disagree. They insist even if the president lines up the streets of the eastern region with gold and massive infrastructure, it is a waste of time because the Igbos have their preferred choice of president. No matter what the President does, they will not give him their votes. But 2027 is still fairly a long time away, there is still time for the Tinubu administration to prove to the Igbos that they have nothing to fear, that they are under the care of a president who loves them just as he does his own people.

– WALE LAWAL (08037209290)

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FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

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As Nigeria gears up for its next presidential election, the political landscape is heating up, especially for the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Numerous factions are mobilizing against his administration’s policies, which could significantly affect his re-election prospects. Click link to continue reading.

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2027: How Jonathan as PDP candidate may favour Atiku to become President (Full voting breakdown)

Tinubu may face formidable challenges from former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom are preparing to launch vigorous campaigns in 2027.

The upcoming election is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with several prominent political figures signaling their intentions to challenge Tinubu’s presidency.

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

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Among them, Goodluck Jonathan has been actively engaging in strategic consultations with various political stakeholders, seeking to build alliances and strengthen his position for a potential comeback.

Despite some critics pointing to notable achievements during his tenure, President Tinubu’s policies have faced backlash, which could culminate in a tough electoral battle. The following list of 20 states reflects a blend of political discontent and regional dynamics that may hinder Tinubu’s chances of securing victory in these areas:

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1. Kano
2. Sokoto
3. Kaduna
4. Taraba
5. Niger
6. Zamfara
7. Benue
8. Anambra
9. Enugu
10. Abia
11. Bayelsa
12. Oyo
13. Adamawa
14 Kwara
15. Bauchi
16. Kebbi
17. Delta
18. Jigawa
19. Katsina
20.Ebonyi

The insights derived from this analysis underscore the multifaceted challenges that President Tinubu could encounter in these states, ranging from personal grievances to broad political influences.

As the election draws nearer, the dynamics within these regions will be closely monitored and could significantly impact the overall electoral outcome in 2027.

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2027 Election: Why It Would Be Difficult For Tinubu – Fresh Analysis Predicts Possible Results

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2024 Budget

The race for the 2027 elections in Nigeria has clearly begun this year, with key political stakeholders aligning themselves and defecting to parties they believe will enhance their chances of success.

Atiku Abubakar remains a prominent contender in the presidential race, but he is not alone. Other candidates, including Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and even former President Goodluck Jonathan, are emerging with a common goal to unseat Tinubu in 2027.

Given the current economic climate and the rising cost of living, it is undeniable that a significant portion of Nigerians would prefer to vote for an alternative candidate rather than pledge their support for Tinubu again.

While some of Tinubu’s tough decisions are producing results, this understanding is largely confined to those with a deeper grasp of economics—a far cry from the average citizen who is simply trying to make ends meet.

READ ALSO  ANGRY IGBOS: What Tinubu Has Done For The South East In Just 2 Years In Office

Political opponents are capitalizing on the existing hardships to secure votes for the 2027 elections, and many affected households are desperately seeking relief from their struggles.

However, if the landscape changes substantially—perhaps by 50%—due to ongoing transformations across various sectors, no amount of campaigning or propaganda could thwart Tinubu’s chances for reelection in 2027.

Candidates like Peter Obi and Goodluck Jonathan are unlikely to command even 30% of the votes in the South-South region; both are headed for a stalemate.

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Meanwhile, Tinubu’s initiatives and the support of governors and senators keen on retaining their political offices will guarantee a decisive victory for the president. With Akpabio at the helm of the National Assembly and his influence in the Southern zone, Tinubu can expect over 70% of the votes.

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

In the North, while Tinubu may face challenges in Kano due to Rabiu Kwankwaso’s influence, he will ultimately split the votes between Atiku and Kwankwaso, thereby undermining Atiku’s chances. With the backing of numerous northern governors, Tinubu is poised to secure around 30% of the votes in that region, leaving Atiku, Kwankwaso, Jonathan, and Obi to divide the remainder.

Turning to the East, although Tinubu received 25% of the votes last election, Peter Obi’s sway has diminished significantly due to the crises plaguing the Labour Party. Many Igbo citizens are disillusioned with Obi’s political instability, leading to a fragmentation of his support base.

Tinubu’s connections with the governors of Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Enugu will guarantee a substantial victory for the APC, as several of these governors have already pledged their support for the president in the upcoming election. Atiku stands no chance in the Southeast, and Jonathan lacks the political clout to garner votes.

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

In the Southwest, Tinubu’s victory is assured across all states, including Osun, where Rauf Aregbesola, once a political ally, now poses no real threat to the APC’s dominance. The only state where Tinubu might face a substantial loss is Kwara, due to internal conflicts among some APC members, which could potentially give the PDP an advantage.

For political reasons, it will be difficult for Tinubu to lose the 2027 election to opponents like Atiku, Jonathan, Kwankwaso and Peter Obi except the four of them come as one even that it still be the difficult for other reasons.

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2027 Election: ADC’s Coalition Dumps Peter Obi, Amaechi As Party Set To Persuades Atiku Over Jonathan

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The recent return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the political arena has significantly altered the focus and strategic planning within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as it seeks a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 elections.

This shift has resulted in less attention on other prominent figures from the southern region, such as Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, who had previously been seen as strong contenders. click link for full details 

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

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2027: Why It Would Be Difficult For Tinubu – Fresh Analysis Predicts Possible Election Results

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2024 Budget

The preparations for the 2027 elections in Nigeria are actively underway this year, as key political leaders are forming strategic alliances and exploring new party affiliations to strengthen their chances of success.

Atiku Abubakar continues to emerge as a significant contender for the presidency. However, he is joined by other important figures, including Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and even former President Goodluck Jonathan. Together, these candidates share a collective aim: to bring about a change in leadership and unseat Tinubu in the upcoming elections....Click link to continue reading

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

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BADLUCK: Father Mbaka’s Prophecy On Goodluck Jonathan Resurfaces Amid 2027 Presidential Ambition [VIDEO]

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VIDEO: Tension as Father Mbaka releases scary prophecy, sends strong message to Tinubu ahead 2027

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, discussions and prophecies regarding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy have intensified.

A video featuring Father Mbaka, a prominent and often controversial cleric, has attracted considerable attention.

In this resurfaced prophetic message, Mbaka warns that Goodluck Jonathan is undergoing a transformation into what he refers to as “Badluck.”

READ ALSO  FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu May Likely Lose To Jonathan, Atiku In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)

This warning is particularly significant as Jonathan aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 election.click link for Mbaka’s video here

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