News
Benue State High Court Upholds Ayu’s PDP Suspension
A Benue State High Court in Makurdi, Friday, ruled that Iyorchia Ayu can no longer hold office as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) having lost membership of the party in his Igyorov Council Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of the state.
A member of the PDP in Benue State, Conrad Terhide Utaan, dragged Ayu to court following his suspension by his Igyorov ward executive committee after passing a vote of no confidence on him.
In suit No: MHC/85/2023, Utaan sought among other reliefs a declaration that, Ayu is no longer fit and qualified to hold office as the national chairman of the PDP, having lost membership of the party in his Igyorov council ward of Gboko, where he first registered as a member of the party.
He also sought a declaration of court that Ayu cannot hold himself out, function and preside over the affairs of the PDP as its national chairman having seized to enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership by virtue of his suspension by the ward executive committee of the party in his Igyorov council ward.
The plaintiff further sought an order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the National Chairman of the PDP having lost membership of the party in his Igyorov Council Ward, among other reliefs.
Ayu through his counsel J.J Usman, SAN, filed preliminary objections to the suit bothering on the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, saying it was an internal affair of a political party.
He also challenged the locus standi of the plaintiff, Utaan to institute the action, adding that the plaintiff had not exhausted the internal dispute resolution mechanism of the party, among other objections.
Utaan through his counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, argued against the preliminary objections and urged the court to discountenance the preliminary objections and grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.
Delivering his judgement that lasted for 2-hours, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, resolved all the issues raised in the preliminary objections in favour of the plaintiff and accordingly dismissed same.
Justice Ikpambese held that By virtue of Article 8(9)of the constitution of the PDP, Ayu seized to be a member of the PDP with his failure to pay his subscription and membership fee.
He ruled that Ayu’s membership of the PDP elapsed with his failure to pay his membership subscription fee.
On the claim that the ward executive committee of the party cannot discipline a member of the National Executive Committee, Justice Ikpambese held that going by the provisions of Article 46(1)of the PDP Constitution, the ward executive of the PDP have the powers to discipline a member of the NEC of the party.
The Judge pointed out that Ayu did not show proof that he has paid his membership subscription fee, neither did he challenge his suspension before any organ of the party or before any court, thereby leaving the court with the impression that he has consented to his suspension by his ward executive committee.
He said Ayu had lost his membership of the party even before he was suspended by his ward executive committee.
Justice Ikpambese accordingly resolved all the issues in favour of the plaintiff.
“The plaintiff has proven his case, all the questions for determination have been resolved in favour of the plaintiff, he is entitled to all the reliefs sought. I so order”
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Utaan, Mike Assoh described the judgement as sound, adding that the court has validated the action of the Igyorov ward executive committee of the party against Ayu, for his (Ayu) failure to pay his membership subscription fee.
The ward exco had also accused Ayu of anti-party activities after which they passed a vote of no confidence on him.
While reading their resolution at the time, the secretary of the party in Igyorov ward, Vanger Dooyum, said Ayu’s anti-party activities – alongside his allies – contributed to PDP’s loss in his ward and local government in the governorship election.
They also alleged that the PDP chieftain did not vote during the governorship and state assembly elections held on the 18th of March, 2023.
According to them, most of Ayu’s closest allies worked for the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) which resulted in the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.
Twelve out of the seventeen exco members signed the documents endorsing his suspension.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, for the first time, spoken publicly since U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution and issued threats of military action against terrorist groups in the region.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu avoided direct reference to President Trump but underscored Nigeria’s resilience and growing economic credibility. He cited the overwhelming success of the country’s recent $2.35 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed by 453 percent, as clear proof of “strong investor confidence despite political headwinds.”
“Nigeria remains open for business. The confidence of global investors in our economy is unshaken. We will continue to engage our international partners diplomatically while working tirelessly to defeat terrorism and build a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient nation,” Tinubu said.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, briefed the council that the Eurobond attracted $13 billion in orders, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform trajectory.
He added that the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on removing barriers to investment, reviewing tariffs and import restrictions, and improving fiscal discipline to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
Thursday’s FEC meeting marked the first in three months, with President Tinubu also swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) from Enugu State and Bernard Doro from Plateau State — bringing the cabinet back to its full complement of 48 members.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to crush terrorism and violent extremism, stating that no external pressure or political distraction would deter Nigeria from safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.
In a high-stakes moment for Nigeria’s diplomacy and domestic political agenda, President Bola Tinubu has spoken publicly for the first time in response to threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump — at the same time swearing in two new ministers to his Cabinet.
President Trump recently directed U.S. military planning toward Nigeria, warning that American assistance could be cut off if Nigeria continues to “allow the killing of Christians” — and even suggesting the possibility of U.S. intervention.
In response, Tinubu’s office, via Minister of Information & National Orientation Mohammed Idris, announced that the president remains calm and is taking the matter “with the depth it requires”.
The government emphasised that Nigeria is engaging via multiple channels — including religious leaders, international organisations and regional bodies — to clarify its position and dispel narratives of religious intolerance.
Analysts say the seriousness of the U.S. approach underscores global concern about Nigeria’s security and religious-freedom situation.
At a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held earlier today, President Tinubu swore in:
- Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro (from Plateau State) to fill the vacant Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Reduction.
- Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN, from Enugu State) to fill the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, following the resignation of his predecessor amid allegations of certificate forgery.
Their appointments were confirmed by the Senate and came at a moment of heightened domestic and international scrutiny.
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
The confirmation, which was carried out in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), came after Udeh successfully completed all required security screenings.
President Tinubu had, in a letter to the Senate earlier in the week, sought the lawmakers’ approval for Udeh’s appointment. With the confirmation, Udeh is now set to join the Federal Executive Council.
Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the current Attorney General of Enugu State, faced several questions during his screening. One question from Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) sought his view on the ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States, following threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Before Udeh could respond, Senate President Godswill Akpabio humorously advised him to “dodge” the politically sensitive question.
When he eventually replied, Udeh offered a measured response, noting that the issue was being handled directly by President Tinubu and emphasizing that it was “more of a diplomatic matter than a legal one.”
He commended President Tinubu for revitalizing Nigeria’s foreign relations, stressing that sustained international cooperation is key to improving the country’s global image and advancing its national interests.
PDP: 29 States Chairmen Supports Convention
JUST IN: Nancy Pelosi announces retirement from historic run in Congress
Tinubu Vows to Crush Terrorism as FEC Reconvenes after Three Months
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business2 days agoNigeria’s GDP growth not reflecting in citizens’ living standards – Sanusi
-
News2 days agoDSS Sacks 115 Officers (Photos)
-
Entertainment2 days agoRegina Daniels Declares Family Crisis, Calls Ned Nwoko Ex-Husband, Vows to Fight for Her Children [VIDEO]
-
News2 days agoChristians Killing in Nigeria: US Lashes back at China
-
Health2 days agoFCTA Resident Doctors Acknowledge Partial Implementation of Demands, Vow to Continue Indefinite Strike
-
Entertainment2 days agoWhy I don’t make political music – Angelique Kidjo
-
Business2 days agoRite Foods Mark Corporate Compliance & Ethics Week 2025
-
News2 days agoLocal Contractors Protest at N/Assembly over debts