News
Groups Urge Supreme Court To Review Judgment In Multi-million Dollar Contractual Dispute
A consortium of civil society organizations have appealed to the Supreme Court to review its judgment in a multi-million dollar contractual dispute between an indigenous company, Owigs and Obigs Nig. Ltd and the Zenith Bank Plc.
The groups anchored by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative, Independent Public Service Accountability Watch, among others, made the call Tuesday in Abuja at a press conference
The convener of the groups, Stephen Ebira, while speaking on the matter faulted the judgment of the apex court, insisting it was punctuated by decisions and misrepresentation of facts, contrary to the evidence adduced before the trial court.
He noted that the said judgment sought to be reviewed which was in favour of Zenith bank, which amounted to a miscarriage of justice as the wrongdoer was declared innocent and rewarded, while the victim of the said contract gone awry was held liable and punished.
While restating that the Supreme Court should be a place for the restoration of hope for the ordinary and aggrieved persons and not where truth is strangulated, as was the case in the judgment under reference, the groups insisted that the judgment cast a terrible slur on the presumed integrity of the apex court.
They also said it has dealt a lethal blow on the integrity of the nation’s banking sector when playing any role in international businesses.
“The judgment in appeals no: SC.709/2020 delivered on May 24, 2024, is a broad-day robbery of justice.
“The Supreme Court should be a place where justice is birthed, not assassinated and buried.
“It raised a red flag for investors and tarnished the surviving fragment of the nation’s reputation before the international communities, and should be quickly reviewed,” the statement emphasised.
Our correspondents gathered from the court processes that the law suit bother on a breach of an international commercial contract for the export of solid minerals on a 100% credit basis, with letter of credit confirmation by the confirming bank (Zenith Bank) as required by the fundamental credit term of the contract.
The main contract, according to the claimant’s, Owing and Obigs Nig Ltd, in the contract marked: JYOONL-OO1/ KTTA 140415, is a quadrilateral agreement between the buyer, seller, LC issuing bank, and LC confirming bank, comprising four interdependent and interrelated autonomous contracts.
Sadly, it noted, the confirming bank (Zenith bank Plc) was alleged to have maliciously breached the critical fundamental credit term without any reason whatsoever, thereby, activating the contract’s default clause, triggering off specific damages without remedy amounting to millions of dollars.
The appellant argued that the judgment of the apex court curiously created a fake irrevocable documentary letter of credit with SWIFT MT 700, without a confirming bank, contradicting the original document and making a mockery of international trade standards and practices.
“This false irrevocable documentary letter of credit with SWIFT MT 700 is issued for contract agents and facilitators instead of the buyer-seller contract,” the NGOs states.
They also alleged that the judgment altered parties in the case by the misconceived irrevocable documentary letter of credit which listed only three parties, excluding the confirming bank/respondent, instead of the four parties as contained in the processes filed in the court.
They claimed that “in the judgment, the Supreme Court re-wrote an international contract for the parties in favour of the breaching party by subsisting a non-party with the actual party, and removed the liabilities of the legitimate party to a non-party contrary to the evidence on record and protocol upheld by Uniform Trade Customs and Practice which ruled and governed the contract.- A treaty to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The seller’s bank (Zenith bank PLC) was declared the issuing bank instead of confirming bank, contrary to the evidence on record and serial admissions by the bank, in order to absolve the confirming bank as the breaching party from it’s default liabilities, they stated.
The appellant’s claimed that “it’s fundamental right to generate/earn revenue and profits through legitimate business transactions as established by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was maliciously breached due to the malicious violation of contract No JYOONL-OO1/KTTA 140415”.
The appellant explained that “it’s decision to approach the apex court was not to seek special damages or rights, as misconstrued by the court, but rather it was to enforce the specific remedies outlined in the contract’s default and liability clause; which specifically warned against breach of contract and consequences including the appellant’s right to generate revenue, which the breaching bank violated under the sales contract.
“The case of the appellant is that after securing an export licence to export solid minerals sometimes in 2014, Zenith bank Plc agreed to offer export finance facility if it could secure an export trade contract backed by an acceptable letter of credit from foreign entity/company.
“Following discussions with the bank, the appellant engaged the services of an international agent, Eglone Group Asia Pte Limited based in Singapore, to help it broker/secure foreign buyers for tin Ore, tantalite ore and columbite ore.
“Eglone Group Asia Pte Limited eventually succeeded in getting two buyers for the appellant (Owigs and Obigs Nig. Ltd) in March and April 2014.
“The first contract that was secured is contract No. Jy-OONL-001, dated March 5, 2014, which was executed between the appellant and Guangdong Jiayuan Metals Co. Ltd of China for the supply of Tin ore; while the second contract with contract No. KTTA 140145, dated April 15, 2014, was executed between the appellant and King-Tan Tantalum Industry Ltd of China for the supply of Columbite ore and tantalite ore.
“However, due to the failure of the appellant (Owigs and Obigs Nig.Ltd) to execute the contract on time, the contracts were cancelled, and penalty fees were deducted by Zenith bank from the appellant’s account”.
According to the appellant, “the cancellation of the contracts was because Zenith bank failed/neglected to confirm letters of credit issued by the buyer’s bank, the Industrial and Commerce Bank of China (ICBC).
“It was based on this that the appellant commenced legal actions against the bank, claiming monetary damages for the negligence”.
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
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