Court declines request to suspend Ireti from ADC, party’s activities

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday rejected application to restrain the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The judge, Peter Lifu, refused the application filed ex parte by some ward leaders of the party in Wuse district of the FCT. The plaintiffs accused the senator of engaging in anti-party activities.

Instead, the judge directed the plaintiffs to put the lawmaker on notice so she can respond to the allegations. An ex parte request exempts the adverse parties from participating in the hearing. The judge listens to just the applicant and takes a discretionary decision that will only be in place temporarily.

The ward leaders asked the court during Thursday’s hearing to restrain Ms Kingibe from parading herself as a party member and from taking part in its activities.

But ruling on the application, the judge said the court must exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously, especially in political matters.

He said justice would be best served if both parties have the opportunity to present their cases.

The judge then ordered that all court processes be served on the senator to enable her to prepare her defence.

He adjourned the matter until 20 April for the hearing of all pending applications.

Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, who appeared for the senator but was not heard regarding the ex apte application, told the court that he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the suit.

He added that he served the objection on M. S. Garba, who appeared for the plaintiffs during Thursday’s proceedings.

The suit

The plaintiffs, Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, filed the suit on behalf of themselves and other ward members. They listed Ms Kingibe as the sole defendant.

In the ex parte application, the plaintiffs said the ward executives suspended the senator on 10 March over alleged anti-party activities and disregard for the party’s constitution.

They urged the court to grant an interim injunction restraining her from acting as a party member pending the determination of a motion on notice.

They specifically asked the court to bar her from attending meetings, performing functions reserved for party members, or representing the party in any capacity.

They also asked the court to restrain her from interfering in the administration of the ward, including its register and other official activities.

The plaintiffs based their suit on five grounds, including allegations of gross misconduct and confiscation of ward records.

They argued that the ward followed due process in suspending her and that a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee ratified the decision.

They said that despite the suspension, Ms Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issued press statements as a party member, and allegedly used security aides to intimidate ward executives.

“Her actions constitute flagrant disregard for the internal mechanism of the party,” the plaintiffs said.

The contention at the grassroots of the party reflects the tension rocks the party in many states and at even the national level.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Wednesday that it had suspended recognition of all leadership factions of the ADC following a ruling by the Court of Appeal and ongoing litigation over the party’s leadership.

Splitting pipeline surveillance contracts will create gaps for criminal infiltration – Rep Agbese

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, says breaking pipeline surveillance contracts into multiple arrangements could expose Nigeria’s oil infrastructure to criminal infiltration.

Agbese spoke in Abuja on Thursday amid renewed calls by some groups for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.

On Wednesday, the Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CNDEN) asked the senate to facilitate the full decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts across oil-producing states.

Agbese warned that politicising the contracts or fragmenting the current structure could undermine national security and reverse recent gains in oil production.

The lawmaker said pipeline protection is a strategic national security assignment that requires coordination, discipline, and trust.

“Pipeline surveillance is not a contract that can be shared like political patronage. It is a strategic national security function aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifeline,” he said.

“We must be careful not to reduce it to a tool for appeasing every interest group.”

The lawmaker said the current structure has contributed to improvements in crude oil production and a decline in pipeline vandalism in recent months.

He attributed the progress to what he described as a coordinated and centralised surveillance system.

Agbese said dividing the responsibility among multiple actors could weaken oversight and create operational gaps.

“When you proliferate such a sensitive responsibility among too many actors, you inevitably create gaps,” he said.

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“Those gaps can be exploited. You risk introducing moles into a system that requires the highest level of confidentiality and integrity.”

He warned that unvetted actors in surveillance operations could compromise intelligence and embolden oil thieves.

Agbese said protecting oil infrastructure is directly linked to Nigeria’s fiscal stability.

“Our oil assets are not just regional resources; they are national assets. Any disruption to their protection affects government revenue, public spending, and the broader economy,” he said.

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The lawmaker also cautioned against framing the debate around pipeline contracts as a struggle for entitlement.

“There is a difference between inclusion and fragmentation. We must not confuse the two,” he said.

“What we need is a system that works — one that delivers results, protects infrastructure, and supports national revenue generation.”

Agbese urged groups protesting the contracts to engage government institutions through dialogue rather than public agitation.

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“At a time when the country is working hard to stabilise oil production and improve revenue, we must avoid actions that could derail progress. This is not the moment for division or politicisation,” he said.

The legislator noted that pipeline surveillance requires professionalism, trust, and a clear chain of command.

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“Not every responsibility can be democratised. Some require precision, trust, and a clear chain of command. Pipeline surveillance is one of them,” Agbese said.

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