Africa
In Rivers State, a supreme iniquity? ~ by Chidi Odinkalu
The political control of the resources of the territory known as Rivers State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta has been a site of curious jurisprudence since the Acting Consul of the Oil Rivers Protectorate, Harry Johnston, procured the judicial liquidation of King Jaja of Opobo in December 1887 in Accra, present capital of Ghana.
The charge against King Jaja was the violation of a treaty obligation to assist the British “in the execution of such duties as may be assigned.” At the end of proceedings which lasted less than one day before a forum described by Elvar Ingimundarsson as a “Kangaroo court”, King Jaja was convicted and sentenced to exile. The court also prohibited the people of Opobo from designating a replacement for him.
At the end of February 2025, Nigeria’s Supreme Court continued a tradition of afflicting the people of the territory of Rivers State with curious jurisprudence. Separated by 137 years, the decision of the Supreme Court in the latest of the legal disputes from the political rift between incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, reprises essential parallels with the trial and exile of King Jaja with haunting similarity.
Former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
Now, as then, the underlying dispute is really about “a treaty”; in this case allegedly between the governor and his predecessor, the terms of which also appear to be about “the execution of such duties as may be assigned….” The court orders are against a ruling figure (Governor Fubara) from Opobo and the political effect is to seek to exile him from office while precluding any other Opobo person from replacing him.
Context is necessary to understand the case that the Supreme Court had to decide. Going into the 2023 election, the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, was term-limited. In 2020 and 2021, he publicly declared that he would not impose a successor on the state. In 2023, he did. His choice was a little-known public servant from Opobo-Nkoro, Sim Fubara. After the election, their relationship disintegrated. The reasons are subliminal in this case; the consequences are explicit.
In December 2023, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, including the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, ostentatiously announced that they had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2015, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that such defection is permissible only if the political party from which the legislators seek to defect is so hopelessly splintered that it “makes it impossible or impracticable for [the] political party to function as such.” If not, according to the court, “the defector automatically looses (sic) his seat.”
With the defection of Martin Amaewhule and his 26 other colleagues, the House of Assembly of Rivers State became factionalised. The remaining five members were loyal to the incumbent governor. Shortly after the defection of the Amaewhule faction in December 2023, the premises of the Rivers State House of Assembly were demolished ostensibly on the orders of the state government. The faction loyal to the state governor relocated to the Government House where, shortly thereafter, they purported to pass into law the 2024 Appropriation Bill for the State, which became law when the governor promptly assented to it.
The outbreak of litigation that followed has been inexhaustible. The appeal determined by a five-person panel of the Supreme Court on 28 February 2025 is one them. Essentially, it sought orders to restrain the Central Bank of Nigeria from remitting to Rivers State, its share of the proceeds from the Federation Account except to finance a budget passed by the Amaewhule faction of the State House of Assembly. In other words, this was litigation asking the judiciary to take sides in what is in fact a very grubby dispute over control of Rivers State’s money.
This case traveled up to the Supreme Court with supreme alacrity. The Federal High Court delivered judgment on 30 October 2024, a mere three and a half months after filing on 15 July. Not wishing to be outdone, the Court of Appeal delivered judgment on 13 December 2024, less than a month and a half later. The Supreme Court has been equally supersonic in bringing the case to judgment.
The Supreme Court dealt with two issues when it should have addressed at least three. First, it affirmed the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the case. Next, on the question whether the rump of the House of Assembly of Rivers State loyal to the governor could constitutionally sit to pass the 2024 budget, it held that they could not. In support of this position, the court cited precedent applicable to when the legislature sits on impeachment, a special procedure for which the constitutionally prescribed parliamentary arithmetic is different.
The third issue, it left unattended. The Court simply proceeded without deliberation or reasoning to grant all the orders asked for.
An injunction, the principal relief sought in this case, is notoriously a remedy in equity, only granted deliberatively. Over one century ago, the path-breaking decision in The Lusitania laid down the principle that “as a general rule of both civil and common law… the remedy must be commensurate with the injury received.”
There are four glaring problems with this Supreme Court judgment. The first is not what is in it but what is missing. Lawyers claim that “equity does not act in vain.” The Supreme Court did not bother to provide any reasoning or justification for its orders, leaving it open to legitimate accusations of having acted in vain or in a transaction. Granting the court every latitude on the violations that it found, its orders are an unreasoned overreach.
Second, ordering the Central Bank to withhold Rivers state’s share of the Federation Account is at best a rogue order that punishes the people for a dispute between politicians. It violates the maxim that “equity regards the beneficiary (in this case the people of Rivers State) as the true owner.” Their right to their share of the Federation Account is antecedent to, independent of, and unconnected with the dispute in this case.
Third, being aware of the ongoing litigation on the legal consequences of the defection of the Amaewhule faction of the State House of Assembly, the Supreme Court short-circuited a contingent appellate process and issued dispositions on a dispute that was neither before it nor necessary for the determination of the issues it was called upon to decide. In doing so, the court chose with a touch of injudicious shamelessness to accept the invitation to take sides in the underlying political dispute in Rivers State.
Fourth, the Supreme Court announced revolutionary jurisprudence on the judicial fly, claiming that, in cases where there is a disputed defection, “only the [legislature] can declare a seat vacant for defection and not the Governor of a State. Not even the Courts can do so.” It takes heedless audacity for an apex court to castrate the judiciary. That is exactly what the court did with this line in italics. When the Supreme Court laid down the contrary principle in 2015, it was by a panel of seven Justices. This Supreme Court purports to overrule that principle without even citing, acknowledging, or considering its earlier decisions on the same point. Moreover, a five-person panel of the Supreme Court cannot overrule a seven-person panel.
When Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, showed up reportedly to turn the sod on proposed judicial digs with Nyesom Wike last October, there were unheeded warnings then concerning the prohibitive institutional costs of such dalliance with a notorious political litigant who has a reputation for instrumentalizing the courts. Many will look at this recent decision from the Supreme Court and say “we told you so.” For the CJN, it will be argued that she was not on the panel; to which the response will be, she chose the judges and constituted the panel.
On 1 December 1887, the Kangaroo court of Rear Admiral Walter Hunt-Grubbe ruled that the presence of King Jaja in Opobo “would be fatal” to British commercial interests and authorized his eventual exile to West Indies. The judgment was widely seen as a transactional travesty and its effect, it was said, was “to haunt the British colonial administration in West Africa for a long time.” It may similarly be said of what the courts of post-colonial Nigeria did in the 137th year of that iniquity that they sought in another transactional travesty to exile another figure from Opobo from his position because his presence would be fatal to the interests of Nigeria’s most prolific political litigant.
A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached on chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu.
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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.
The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.
This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.
On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.
On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.
This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.
Why Express Entry Remains Key
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Impact of the Rising CRS
The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.
Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.
Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.
With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.
The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.
With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.
What Applicants Should Do
Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.
Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.
For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.
The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.
With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.
However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.
The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.
The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.
This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.
At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:
Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.
Nigeria-Japan Partnership
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.
Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan’s Vision for Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.
He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
Youth and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.
What This Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.
It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.
This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad
At least five more bodies, including two children, have been exhumed in coastal Kenya in connection with the country’s most infamous starvation cult.
Police confirmed on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the discovery is linked to the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” a tragedy that shocked the world in 2023.
The fresh graves were found near Binzaro village in Kilifi County’s Chakama area, according to Robert Kiinge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He revealed that officers had excavated at least 27 sites spread across a five-acre plot.
“We retrieved five bodies,” Kiinge confirmed.
He explained that most of the remains were in advanced stages of decomposition, suggesting they had been buried more than a year ago.
However, one of the victims may have been buried as recently as seven to eight months ago.
Tragically, two of the bodies were those of children, estimated to be between five and seven years old.
Kiinge added that the evidence strongly pointed to a link with the original Shakahola massacre, where more than 400 victims of a starvation cult were discovered in 2023.
The cult was led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently on trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of manslaughter. Mackenzie has denied all charges, but his followers have continued to draw scrutiny from investigators.
So far, 11 people have been taken into custody in connection with the new graves.
Three of them, however, are being treated as victims rather than suspects.
“The people we have in custody today are followers of Mackenzie,” Kiinge told reporters, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
Post-mortem examinations are expected in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.
Until then, police have avoided speculation.
The renewed discoveries come just weeks after a Mombasa court adjourned Mackenzie’s trial due to new evidence.
The case has reignited national debate about the regulation of fringe religious movements in Kenya.
Following the Shakahola tragedy, the Kenyan government introduced stricter oversight measures for religious organizations.
However, these proposals have been met with resistance from some groups, who argue that tighter controls infringe on constitutional protections separating church and state.
The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.
This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.
This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.
Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country
United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)
South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)
Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)
United States: $368.92m (6.54%)
United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)
Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.
Other contributors included:
Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)
Belgium: $70.54m
France: $47.33m
Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)
Singapore: $36.79m
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.
The NBS noted:
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”
A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.
50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.
Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.
Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves
8% of natural gas reserves
12% of oil reserves
65% of the world’s arable land
Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035
Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:
1. Technology
2. Oil & Gas
3. Power and Renewable Energy
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Infrastructure
7. Strategic Minerals
Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.
Diversification of investment partnerships particularly within Asi
a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.
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