By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The judgement of Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, affirming Ms Esther Nenadi Usman as the authentic chairman of the Labour Party, has been applauded by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP).

The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, comes after the Supreme Court had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Ms Usman as the leader of the opposition party, and not Mr Julius Abure.

In a statement today, CNPP described the lower court judgment as “a clear victory for constitutionalism, internal party democracy, and the supremacy of the rule of law.”

According to the group, the judgment, which it noted was “firmly anchored on the binding decision of the Supreme Court,” sends “an unmistakable signal that no individual ambition, factional interest, or political manipulation can lawfully override the authority of party constitutions and established democratic procedures.”

“The CNPP warmly welcomes and commends the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which affirmed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party and ordered INEC to recognise the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate authority of the party pending the conduct of a national convention,” the statement, signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr James Ezema, stated.

The group further praised the judiciary for what it described as courage and integrity in handling the matter, stressing that the ruling stands out in a challenging political climate.

“The CNPP particularly salutes the courage, clarity, and integrity displayed by the judiciary in this matter,” the statement read. “In a political environment where undue influence, intimidation, and coercion are often deployed to bend institutions to partisan interests, this judgment stands out as a reassuring testament to judicial independence.”

The CNPP warned that Nigeria’s democracy would remain endangered if the judiciary failed to act boldly in the face of pressure. “Unless the judiciary continues to act with boldness and fearlessness—resisting political pressure and vested interests—Nigeria’s democracy will regrettably continue to suffer stagnation and retardation,” it stated.

Addressing the broader implications of the ruling, the organisation stressed that democracy cannot thrive where court orders are ignored or selectively obeyed.

“Democracy cannot deepen where court orders are treated with contempt or subjected to selective obedience,” the statement said, adding that it also “cannot flourish where party constitutions are trivialised and internal democracy sacrificed on the altar of personal control and selfish ambition.”

It said the Labour Party leadership crisis, now resolved by the courts, should serve as a warning to all political actors.

“The leadership crisis in the Labour Party, now decisively addressed by the courts, must serve as a lesson to all political parties and actors that impunity is incompatible with democratic governance,” it declared.

The CNPP also issued a broader call to political parties and leaders across the country to recommit to democratic principles. “The CNPP therefore calls on all political parties and political leaders in Nigeria to shun selfish interests and recommit themselves to politics guided strictly by rules, principles, and respect for party constitutions,” the statement said.

It emphasised that political parties must respect internal structures and collective decisions. “Political parties must uphold their internal organs, respect collective decisions, and recognise that the supremacy of the party is superior to the ambitions of any individual or group,” the CNPP noted, stressing that “only in this way can parties earn public trust and contribute meaningfully to democratic consolidation.”

Turning to implementation of the judgment, the CNPP urged the electoral body and other authorities to act without delay. “We also urge INEC and all relevant authorities to give full, immediate, and unambiguous effect to the judgment of the court,” it said, warning that “the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral and democratic system depends not only on sound judicial pronouncements but also on their faithful and timely implementation.”

It congratulated Ms Usman and members of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, while urging restraint and inclusiveness in the discharge of their duties.

“The CNPP congratulates Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and members of the Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party and urges them to discharge their mandate with restraint, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to the party constitution, as they work towards a credible, transparent, and unifying national convention,” the statement added.

Concluding, the CNPP reaffirmed its belief that strong institutions and principled leadership are essential to national progress. “Nigeria’s democracy can only be strengthened through strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, and principled political leadership,” it said, describing the court judgment as “a step in the right direction” that “must be defended by all democrats.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

An associate of a suspected internet fraudster, Mr Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, Mr Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The agency brought the suspect before the court on Tuesday alongside his companies, 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited.

The defendants were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime to the tune of N206.0 million, contrary to Section 332(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, and punishable under Section 332(3) of the same law.

One of the defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against him before Justice Rahman Oshodi.

In view of his “not guilty” plea, the prosecution counsel, Mr Ayanfe Ogunsina, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial and also urged that the defendant be remanded at a correctional centre.

However, the defence counsel, Mr Kunle Adegoke (SAN), informed the court that he had only received the charge the previous day and had worked overnight to prepare an application for bail, which was already in process.

He urged the judge to release the defendant to him, assuring the court that he would produce him on the next adjourned date.

Justice Oshodi granted the application and ordered that the defendant be released to his counsel upon the filing of an affidavit of undertaking to produce him in court on the next adjourned date.

The case has been adjourned till March 24, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

One of the charges said, “That you, Sarumi Samusideen Babafemi, while being the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 606 Autors Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, conspired with Ismail Mustapha (a.k.a Mompha)now at large, Ridwan Momodu Allison (a.k.a Osama)now at large and Richard Ugbah sometime between 2013 and 2018 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your companies to conceal the origin of funds and thereafter transferred the sum of N37,600,000.00 (Thirty Seven Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) to one Omojadesola Shittu Allison, which you knew or reasonably ought to have known that such fund forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act”.

Another said, “That you, SARUMI SAMUSIDEEN BABAFEMI, while being the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, sometime between 2015 and 2018 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your company’s accounts to conceal the origin of funds and thereafter transferred the sum of N93,000 000.00 (Ninety three Million Naira) to one Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi, which you knew or reasonably ought to have known that such fund forms part of an unlawful act”.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has tasked the newly inaugurated governing board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on transparency and efficiency to boost the nation’s maritime objectives.

Mr Bolaji Akinola, the special adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the inauguration in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the former governor of Katsina State, Mr Ibrahim Shema, was named chairman of the board.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Oyetola described the ceremony as a milestone in strengthening governance and accountability in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector, “in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda”.

Before the inauguration of the current board, the NSC operated under an ad hoc management arrangement for nearly three years, following the dissolution of federal boards in mid-2023.

The minister said the board’s role would enhance institutional effectiveness and reposition the maritime sector to drive economic transformation.

He said the NSC, as the port economic regulator, plays a key role in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port operations.

Mr Oyetola said effective regulation is essential to reducing port costs, boosting trade, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness.

The minister asked the new board members to provide strategic direction, offer oversight, and work closely with management to uphold professionalism.

Other members of the board include Mr Pius Akutah, executive secretary and chief executive officer of the council, and Mrs Emi Membere-Otaji, representing the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

The board also includes Mr John Aluya, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Chiji Collins, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde, Mrs Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti, and Mrs Mele Kofo Gladem.

Additional members are Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representing Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited , Mrs Maharazu Adamu Dayi, and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the ministry of marine and blue economy.