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Why I went to Court to declare Ekweremadu’s Senate seat vacant -OAU Onyeama

Published

4 years ago

September 24, 2022

Top Enugu lawyer and politician Barr. OAU Onyeama has been in the news since he filed a suit asking a federal High Court sitting in Enugu to declare the Enugu West Senate position currently occupied by Senator Ike Ekweremadu vacant.

The action has received mixed reactions with some attacking his conscience for taking such a step against a man passing through difficult times in London.

But the legal luminary and former Senatorial aspirant who contested the 2018 PDP Senatorial primary with Ekweremadu has come forward to react and explain his actions.

Hear him: I can understand the emotions and sentiments of the people mostly employees of the Senator representing Enugu West.

Simply put, the name callings are uncalled for, as the law is straight on this matter.

I, Sir OAU Onyema ( Notary Public) have only instituted action for interpretation of the relevant sections of the 1999 constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, the Senate Standing Order 2015, the Senate legislative Calender 2022, the PDP Constitutions 2017, and the PDP Senatorial Guidelines For Nomination of Candidates 2018 / 2022. I did not manufacture their contents, and I only adverted the mind of the court to it.

I instituted this action without sentiment, but as a patriotic citizen of this country (Nigeria). The law is justice, and justice quite different from sentiments , friendship, pretence and name-calling. That is why the symbol of justice is a blindfolded lady, who hold a scale of balance.

As a lawyer, I am devoid of sentiment, emotions, pride or prejudice when it comes to what the law provides.

At all times, the judgment of the court ( which is the decision of the judge in line with the law) is recieved with mixed feelings. While those it benefits jubiliate, those it did not, go sulking.

7. The issue is that everyone cannot shy away from speaking- out. We understand the predicament of our brother, the distinguished Senator who is under incarceration because he wants to help his daughter; indeed I personally feel for him, and pray that he will be vindicated at the end.

However, I know that it is incorrect for our Senatorial zone (Enugu West) to remain UNREPRESENTED at the Senate while the proceedings are on, and decisions are being taken, all to our detriment.

What we thought was a minor issue graduated from days, to weeks, and weeks to months. This is the 3rd month now, that we are unrepresented according to the provisions of the constitution. He has already represented us for 19 years in the Senate, and issues arose in this final 20th year, making it difficult for him to continue offering his services.

I was triggered to speak-out, when the media became awashed with the fact that he was denied bail severally, and his pre-trial fixed for October 2022 and Trial to commence on or around 28th May, 2022, barely 1 day to the end of the current administration.

As a lawyer, my interpretation of this remains that it will be difficult for him to continue this representation under this circumstance. And the question remains, do we fold our arms and remain unrepresented until the end of this administration because of our Senator’s current travail.

The frustrations are that the seat is not delegatable, and he does not have a deputy, more so proceedings goes on with or without him, to the detriment of my humble self and the people of Enugu West.

Surely, it is not the best for the system, and anything one can do to help our system, in the interest of posterity, should be done devoid of sentiments.

The Senator is my Senator, and I grew under him. I ve contested for this seat of Senate thrice without success. That is years 2010, 2018 and 2022. I know the shrewdness, wickedness, meaness, injustice, treachery, inequity, betrayal, lack of conscience and sabortage I experienced, which resulted to my not securing PDP nomination despite my qualifications and hundreds of millions of naira expended. I have contested for House of Reps for Udi / Ezeagu / Federal Constituency twice in Enugu State being in years 2002 and 2006 PDP primary Elections with Hon Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi. I know what I experienced; and at each time, I am made to understand that lack of conscience, sentiment, and shrewdness are the norm, which must be imbibed by politicians. I did not fancy it, but the trait surely crept into me.

I contested the seat of the PDP primaries for the Senate of Enugu West District in 2010 and 2018 with the distinguished senator who is presently being held. It went the way it went, and I did not hold it against anyone.

14. Indeed, I ve never gone to court to challenge the party or anyone for over 22years that I have been denied party Nomination to National Assembly, despite my loyalty, and consistency in the party. Many left the party and returned, and were rewarded, but I have never left PDP, even for once, despite all the disappointments meted to me for no just cause, and I have never been honoured or rewarded. I was forced to learn the bitter lesson that, loyalty to the party does not pay anymore. I work hard to excel on my own. Other incredulous factors now reign supreme, in the choice of candidate.

All these notwithstanding, as a litigation attorney, Notary Public and an employer of labour, I always retire to my shell and face my legal practice. There I remained, till the present unfortunate incident which created a vacuum in the Seat of Senate of Enugu West district.

I then reviewed the provisions of the law, as the next available runner-up in the Senatorial Primary election which sent the present senator-in-trouble to the 9th Senate; and realized that I am the next in law to go in as his replacement without any bye election, in line with the laws, hence I sued, so as to ensure that our representation in the Senate does not suffer set-back.

I am aware that many of those who worked against me during our primary election with the present Senator, has taken to the radio and media to criticize my audacity and temerity to sue, irrespective of whether it is right or wrong. I do not blame them, for they are apprehensive of loosing their allowances. But, if I find myself in the Senate within this last lapse, I do not think my priority will be to sack any aide of the Senatorial Constituency offices. We will work together as brothers.

Mind you, the Senator whom I am seeking for his seat to be declared vacant by default has been in the Senate for 5 ( Five) Tenures of almost 20years. We are at the 19th year plus, before this trouble erupted. Is it this remaining 1year, which I sought to complete because of his default of representation, that they are so bitter about.

To them, let all keep quiet, fold arms and watch the remaining 1 year of the 9th Senate eflux without representation of our people, and the attendant loss, no problem. Honestly, my father Barr T.A.Onyema did not train me that way. I cannot encourage waste in the system; even in my own private enterprise.

Some of the senator’s hench-men and beneficiary, like Mr Emeka Ezenwugo of my maternal town- Umuabi, Udi has bolded-up to fiercely confront me, threatening fire and brimstone, but I am not perturbed. God has designed the destiny of all man, and only time shall tell.

The State authority has intervened, to see how the issue could be sorted out, and for more time to be given, considering the predicament of our brother-the Senator, and their position is seriously recieving attention.

This matured intervention is considered a better approach, rather than threat being offered by Mr Ezenwugo.

It is about 11 (eleven) lawyers in my chambers and other Senior lawyers outside my chambers that reviewed the laws and instituted this action; and I am only the Plaintiff as the next available runner- up. Any other person from Enugu West district could have been the plaintiff and still bring up the reliefs sought; so even my demise does not solve the problem. It is the law in action; and the primary Cause of action of ‘declaring the seat vacant’ survives the exit of parties, hence parties can always vary, and the case continue.

In summary, the action was brought on good faith, without prejudice or sentiment. It is all about speaking up to save the country.

I was disappointed with those supporters saying “what of when Governor ‘this and that’ were in prison, were they not taking their salaries and allowances as Senators? I felt so bad with these illustrations, and shall we continue in a lackadaisical attitude in this country, where abnormality is made a norm? Mind you, those cases of Ex- governors in prison, that were then recieving salaries were NEVER judicial precedents. No court pronounced it right. And to the best of my knowledge, no one sought to declare their seat vacant by default. Is it unheard-of, that a person in prison will be taking salary for job not done , or sitting allowance for sitting not done, and no one raises eye- brow. So shameful for a nation. Meanwhile, our children have been out of school for almost a year now because of incessant strike of aggrieved lecturers seeking for their entitlements.

I will only seize this opportunity to ask our people to stop being pretentious, or allowing sentiment to becloud our sence of reasoning. People, should find something doing, so that they can feed themselves and their families; by that, they can have independent reasoning to give the best of appraisal to issues.

Someone has represented for 19years, out of his 20years (5 tenures) mandate; and issues arose that he is in default of representation in the 20th year, and someone with good sense, is saying that it is evil or Satanic, to sought for another person to complete the representation in the few months remaining. I believe, you will know who is actually evil or satanic.

Having played politics in the Apex in Enugu State for over 22years, the outcome from the pupil, is what he was taught.

Those supporters who have gone to URBAN RADIO, AND DREAM FM radios to be castigating and slandering my name, are only doing a great disservice to the meaningful States intervention. I strongly advise them to retrace their steps and retire home, if they have no ideas or solutions to offer.

News

Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: Has A Daniel Truly Come to Judgment?

Published

43 minutes ago

June 6, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.

Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement

The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.

News

1966 Coup: Aguiyi-Ironsi family honours Fajuyi’s ‘supreme sacrifice’

Published

24 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The family of the late former Head of State, Maj Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has paid tribute to the late Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi, describing his death as a “supreme and heroic sacrifice” that remains one of the most defining symbols of loyalty and national unity in Nigeria’s history.

Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”

The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.

They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.

According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.

The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.

It further appreciated Nigerians, institutions, and well-meaning individuals who had consistently honoured the memory of Fajuyi, describing such support as proof that “the sacrifice of a true patriot is never forgotten.”

The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”

The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.

It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.

Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.

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Anambra APP Celebrates Ugochinyere’s Emergence As Reps Minority Leader

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.

Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.

According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.

“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”

“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”

Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.

“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .

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Rights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, over alleged abuse of office and misuse of police powers by officers of the Enugu State Police Command in connection with a controversial land dispute involving Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC accused the Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services, Enugu State Police Command, and other officers of allegedly interfering in ongoing land litigation, intimidating community members, and using criminal proceedings to influence a dispute that is already before several courts.

According to the organisation, the controversy centres on an agreement through which Ostara Farms Limited allegedly acquired about 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals said to be acting on behalf of the community for a consideration of N50 million.

RULAAC said a significant number of community members have challenged the transaction, alleging that the agreement was entered into under questionable circumstances and contains terms that unfairly favour the company.

The rights group noted that several lawsuits concerning ownership and control of the disputed land are currently pending before courts in Enugu State, including Suit Nos. A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025 and A/61/2025.

Despite the ongoing litigation, RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have increasingly become involved in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The organisation alleged that criminal allegations arising from the burning of a company-owned caterpillar by unidentified persons were being used to target outspoken opponents of the land transaction.

According to the petition, rather than identifying those directly responsible for the incident, the company allegedly supplied names of community leaders and critics of the land deal who were subsequently treated as suspects.

“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police processes and a dangerous weaponisation of criminal justice mechanisms to suppress dissent, intimidate citizens and gain advantage in a civil dispute,” the organisation stated.

RULAAC further linked the matter to an earlier land dispute involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), noting that both companies are reportedly associated with businessman Kingsley Tobechukwu Eze.

The organisation recalled that concerns over police involvement in the PEIWA dispute had earlier been brought to the attention of the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

It also referenced reports that Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, relating to the alleged forgery of a survey plan connected with the acquisition of ancestral lands in Enugu.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused in Count I; “That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forgery of the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 and thereby committed an offence contrary 3 (6) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

COUNT II

“That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did make or utter the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 knowing same to be false or with intent that it may in any way be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act…”

RULAAC also referred to findings reportedly contained in the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes adopted in December 2024.

The organisation urged the IGP to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over investigations and prosecutions arising from the Ostara Farms dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against one CSP Justice Attah, the Officer-in-Charge, Directorate of Legal Services in Enugu, and review any criminal proceedings allegedly initiated for purposes of harassment or intimidation.

Meanwhile, in a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, the organisation called on the IGP to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, over the repeated failure of police authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, the charges were filed following investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that investigations had been completed and prosecution was ready to proceed.

The organisation, however, lamented that despite the filing of the charges, the defendants have repeatedly not been produced before the court for arraignment, resulting in prolonged delays.

RULAAC said the cases came up before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed concern over the inability of the prosecution to present the defendants for plea.

The rights group warned that the continued delays could lead to the cases being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure the production of the defendants on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and facilitate diligent prosecution of the matters.

RULAAC maintained that its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are exercised impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.

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Police Declare 6 IPOB Members Wanted Over Protests Against Kanu’s Jail Terms

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .

The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.

The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them

The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.

According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.

The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.

The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.

The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.

The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.

The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.

The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.

As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.

The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.

The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.