Chief Edwin Clark, a respected Niger Delta elder, has demanded an investigation into the alleged misuse of oaths by lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to former State Governor Nyesom Wike.

The lawmakers are led by Martins Amawhule.

Clark has accused them of contradicting themselves about their party loyalties while under oath.

Clark, a chieftain in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), released a statement on Wednesday.

He stated that Amawhule and his associates had given statements under oath, sometimes claiming they were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and at other times aligning with different political affiliations. This, Clark said, is a serious matter that requires police investigation.

Clark’s statement also criticized recent court rulings on the Rivers State House of Assembly situation, calling the judgments “obtained by fraud.” He claimed that Amawhule and other lawmakers withheld essential information, which he argued influenced the decisions by Justice James Omotoso and the Court of Appeal.

The issue traces back to December 11, 2023, when Amawhule and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly left the PDP and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Clark emphasized that this act violated Section 109(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which says that any lawmaker who switches parties without just cause should lose their seat. He argued that by leaving the PDP, these lawmakers effectively gave up their positions in the Assembly.

After the defection, Amawhule and his colleagues reportedly filed legal documents that contained contradictory statements about their party affiliations. Clark believes that this deception invalidates a January 22, 2024, ruling by Justice Omotoso. In Clark’s view, the court did not consider that the lawmakers should have lost their seats due to their defection.

Additionally, Clark voiced concerns over actions taken by Justice Okorowo, who halted efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace the lawmakers after they defected. Clark pointed out that this decision came just before Justice Okorowo’s promotion to the Court of Appeal, raising questions about the judgment’s timing.

In the statement, Clark also expressed disappointment with the Court of Appeal’s recent comments directed at the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Duma Boko Sworn In As Botswana’s Sixth President Amid Celebrations And Calls For Change

Duma Boko took the oath of office as Botswana’s sixth president today in a historic ceremony at Gaborone’s national stadium, marking a new chapter in the nation’s political landscape.

Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), won a decisive victory over the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), ending its nearly 60-year reign.

Dignitaries from across southern Africa, including leaders from Madagascar, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, gathered alongside former Botswana presidents Festus Mogae, Ian Khama, and Mokgweetsi Masisi to witness the transition of power.

During his address, Boko, 54, pledged to serve with integrity, stating, “I will maintain the Constitution of Botswana and uphold the laws, and…serve the people without fear or favor.”

In his inaugural speech, Boko reflected on the significance of the moment, urging citizens to embrace the nation’s fresh start. “This is your story,” he declared. “Together, we usher in a new political dawn.”

Botswana’s recent election saw an 80% voter turnout, with youth constituting over a third of the electorate.

The UDC’s progressive agenda resonated particularly among young voters and those seeking change amid rising unemployment and economic challenges.

The UDC’s landslide win, securing 36 parliamentary seats, signals a shift in the nation’s political landscape and a new era for Botswana’s democracy.

Conducting LG POLLS without 6-month notice will face nullification – AGF

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi, SAN, Thursday, warned that henceforth, local government elections conducted without 6 months’ notice would face nullification.

According to the AGF, the government is committed to enthroning sanity at the third tier of governance.

Any state Governor who fails to give six months’ notice before conducting local government elections will face nullification in courts,” he quoted as saying.

The AGF stated this recently, at the 12th convocation of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state.

Lately, state governors across the country are reportedly engaging in late minute rushes to conduct local elections without recourse to the law setting up election matters just to meet up with the alleged three-month moratorium

While some states gave up to four months’ notice before the council polls, a good number of governors gave between three weeks and one month