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Category: News

  • Rivers Govt Reacts To APC’s Call For Emergency Rule 

    Rivers Govt Reacts To APC’s Call For Emergency Rule 

    The Rivers State Government has firmly dismissed recent calls by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state, Tony Okocha, for the implementation of emergency rule in the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, characterized Okocha’s demands as “Bobo juice,” implying that they were frivolous and unworthy of serious consideration.

    During a press briefing, Commissioner Johnson expressed that Tony Okocha’s statements were merely “ranting” and did not merit a response.

    He accused Okocha of being notorious for spreading misinformation and engaging in scaremongering tactics that lack credibility.

    “Nobody would take such a character serious in the state,” Johnson added, reflecting the government’s dismissal of Okocha’s influence and assertions.

    The commissioner also referenced a past incident where Okocha had caused a public stir by claiming an outbreak of cholera in the state.

    Following these claims, a team of medical experts was dispatched to investigate, only to find that the allegations were false.

    He said: “On Tony Okocha, I don’t think that what Okocha said is worth giving any attention. We should not break our heads over what Tony Okocha said.

    “The other time, he said there was a cholera outbreak when the medical personnel visited the place they said there was nothing like that.

    “Another day he (Okocha) said he was welcoming members of the House of Assembly who defected to the APC. What is the position today?

    “He also said that he was going to ask the members of the House of Assembly to commence impeachment of the governor. What is the position today?

    “All these talks are what we call Bobo juice, He is talking to himself. He is not talking to anybody, and he is not talking to Rivers people.”

  • Court ‘Postpones’ Ruling On Kano Emirate Tussle

    Court ‘Postpones’ Ruling On Kano Emirate Tussle

    A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its judgement on the Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm, Thursday.

    The court judgement was initially scheduled for 12 pm today but was moved before noon.

    Recall that the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and also overturned the establishment of four emirates in Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    A newly passed state law was also used to reinstate the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was ousted by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

    However, a key figure in Kano emirate, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, contested the legality of the law and requested the court, through his lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), to declare the law invalid.

    The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, upon receiving the motion last Friday, adjourned the case to Thursday for consideration of the request.

    The judge will also issue a decision on a request for a stay of proceedings made by A.G. Wakil, the lawyer for the State Attorney General and Kano State Government, who was also involved in the lawsuit against Danagundi.

    This case is of significant interest as it will shape the future direction of the emirate dispute.

    The Kano State command of the Nigeria Police Force has since admonished the public to remain peaceful and patriotic as the Court delivers its ruling.

    In a statement issued earlier, the command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, reiterated the commitment of the command to protect lives and property while warning against any attempt to incite violence.

    “In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the command will strictly enforce the ban on public protests, processions, and unlawful gatherings imposed by the state government.

    “Violators and their sponsors will face legal consequences. Adequate security personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order.

    “The public is urged to cooperate with the security forces and provide actionable information to preserve peace and detect deviants. Non-state actors, including vigilantes and hunters, are advised to refrain from participating in security operations under any guise,” he said.

  • IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, May Move For Negotiation With FG

    IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, May Move For Negotiation With FG

    Leader of the indigenous people of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu has through his lawyer told Justice Binta Nyako of the federal high court that he will under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act seek negotiations with the federal government.

    Lead counsel to Mr Kanu, Alloy Ejimakor made this known in open court after he moved two applications brought before the court.

    The first application is to move form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.

    Mr Ejimakor says if the applications are denied they will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

    Responding to this counsel to the federal government Adegboyega Awomolo told the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the federal government, the fiat given to him does not empower him to negotiate.

    The defendant should approach the Attorney General of the federation.

    The form 49 application is a contempt charge against the DSS for failing to obey the orders of the court, granting Mr Kanu unfettered access to his lawyers which the DSS has failed to comply with.

    The second application is challenging the remaining 7 count charge retained by the court after it had struck 8 count out of the 15.

    Justice Nyako held that she could not overrule herself, the defendant should go on appeal.

  • Governor Fubara Orders Audit Of Local Government Accounts 

    Governor Fubara Orders Audit Of Local Government Accounts 

    As the political crisis in Rivers State is yet to resolve, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for the audit of local government accounts in the state.

    He gave the order after he swore in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony was currently ongoing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, amid tight security. 

    The swearing comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Victor Jumbo.

    Earlier, the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment bill into law but Fubara failed to assent to the bill. 

    While the governor did not sign the bill, the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule vetoed him.

    The amended bill which the governor failed to assent, empowered the Rivers State Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councillors where it is deemed impossible to hold elections before the end of their three-year tenure.

    However, the court nullified the amended law, prompting an appeal. 

    The appeal court is set to deliver a ruling on the matter on June 20, 2024.

  • Gov Fubara swears in Rivers state caretaker committee chairmen

    Gov Fubara swears in Rivers state caretaker committee chairmen

    Rivers governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

    The swearing-in was done on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    The ceremony comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo.

    See the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara below:
    1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson

    2. Ahoada East LGA – Hon. Happy Benneth

    3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green

    4. Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs

    5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan

    6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree

    7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua

    8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon

    9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa

    10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji

    11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri

    12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden

    13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji

    14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana

    15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo

    16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe

    17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi

    18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan

    19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald

    20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam

    21. Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip

    22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo

    23. Tai LGA – Hon Matthew Dike

  • Wike loyalists storm council secretariat, vow to resist Fubara’s caretaker team

    Wike loyalists storm council secretariat, vow to resist Fubara’s caretaker team

    There is ongoing tension in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA) in Rivers State as youths, loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, gathered around the council premises amidst a crisis over local government administration.

    Police presence was heightened around PHALGA and other local council areas across the state to maintain order following reports of unrest.

    Speaking to Channels Television, Maxwell Enwukwe, a former Council Executive and current coordinator of grassroots development initiatives in PHALGA, emphasized their commitment to ensuring peace and order.

    “These are youths from Port Harcourt Local Government Council. We have come to ensure peace and order in our local government council because yesterday, we received information that some individuals gathered hoodlums to besiege the council even during a public holiday,” Enwukwe stated.

    He further explained, “Today, we have come to see why that happened, but fortunately, the police have taken over the local government council premises, and everyone is here peacefully. These are supporters of grassroots development initiatives loyal to the Minister of FCT.”

    Despite the police presence, the crowd remained stationed at the PHALGA environment, which is near the Rivers State Government House, indicating heightened tensions over the leadership dispute.

    The crisis was triggered by the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in Rivers State on Tuesday, with conflicting claims over tenure extension by the State House of Assembly.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, however, maintained that there was no official extension of tenure and has proceeded to nominate caretaker committees for the 23 local government councils in the state.

  • I left Nigeria better than I met it – Obasanjo

    I left Nigeria better than I met it – Obasanjo

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that his administration was one of the best the country has had so far.

    Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta, yesterday, June 18, at the Safe Online Youth Fellowship Bootcamp organised by NerdzFactory Company, supported by Meta at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

    He recalled landmark achievements his administration recorded while in office between 1999 and 2007.

    He said he was responsible for setting Nigeria free from the bondage of immense debt, adding that he takes pride in the celebration of the 25 years an uninterrupted democracy, which started during his reign as democratic ruler in 1999.

    He said: “When I came in as elected President, I wanted to get debt relief because we were spending $3.5 billion every year servicing debt and the quantum of the debt was not going down. Today, I can say that I made Nigeria better than I found it from an economic perspective.

    “I found $3.7 billion in the reserves and we were spending $3.5 billion to service our debt. By the time I left, we had a debt of about $36 billion with the debt relief, and I left with a debt of $3.6 billion. Also, I left a reserve of over $50 billion. I also achieved excess crude for the country worth over $25 billion.”

  • NFF Considers Three Coaches to Replace Finidi George as Super Eagles Boss

    NFF Considers Three Coaches to Replace Finidi George as Super Eagles Boss

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has narrowed down its search for a new head coach for the Super Eagles to three candidates.

    This follows the resignation of Finidi George last weekend.

    With the team’s fixtures in the next window fast approaching in September, the NFF is under pressure to make a swift decision.

    According to sources, the three coaches in contention for the top job are Antonio Conceicao, Samson Siasia, and Salisu Yusuf.

    Antonio Conceicao, a Portuguese coach, boasts an impressive resume with stints in Romania, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia. His tactical skills and player development expertise make him a strong contender for the role. He was fired by Cameroon in 2022 but is eager to return to coaching.

    Samson Siasia, a former Super Eagles coach, also has an impressive coaching record, particularly with youth teams. He led Nigeria’s U-20 and U-23 teams to podium finishes at various tournaments, including the Olympic Games. Although his FIFA ban for match-fixing is set to expire in August, his controversial past still raises eyebrows.

    Salisu Yusuf, a Nigerian coach, has an impressive track record in the domestic league, winning NPFL titles with Kano Pillars. He has experience as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles and Head Coach of the Super Eagles B team.

  • Rivers LGA crisis: No tenure extension for chairmen, Fubara declares

    Rivers LGA crisis: No tenure extension for chairmen, Fubara declares

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has held a crucial meeting with heads of security agencies in the State amidst the ongoing local government succession crisis.

    Rising from the state council security meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Governor warned against what he described as a grand plot to arrest his supporters.

    He said his administration would no longer allow arresting his supporters on trump-up charges, saying security agents must pass through him before undertaking such action.

    The Governor assured that he would fearlessly lead the way to ensure peace in the state and also protect all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.

    Fubara said no extension of tenure of elected local government chairmen, explaining that the law was unambiguous on it adding that the court also affirmed the position of the law.

    The Governor said: “Let me also say this. I’m also aware that there is a grand plan to come and arrest some of our supporters. This time around, you have to pass through me to arrest them because I don’t think there is anything that any of those people following us has done. Rather, thy are standing on the side of truth. 

    “If it will cost us our lives to stand on the part of truth, we will do that. And I will be the one that will lead the course”.

    Governor Fubara further said: “Let me assure everyone, more especially, the great and peace- loving people of Rivers State: the law is the law. The law has said that there is no extension of tenure. 

    “The court said so, and whoever that is assuring anybody anywhere of whatever, I advise them to desist from it because peace is what we need in this State.

    “I assure everyone of you that whatever it takes to make sure that we maintain peace and order, we are not going back on that”.

     Fubara explained that the Security Council Meeting was called because of the recent threat to the peace of the state by the outgone chairmen of the local government councils.

    He said: “You are all aware that the tenure of the council chairmen ended yesterday, 17th June, 2024, and today, we have ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration to be in charge while they await further directives.

    “It’s really unfortunate that we started hearing some disturbing news from some LGAs of invasion of council secretariats, and it is really unfortunate. So, we have called the Security Council Meeting so that the needful will be done.

    “We are also aware that our enemy is also planning a lot of things. But we will not fall into that plot. We will not also allow him or them to destroy the peace that we are enjoying in the State,” he added.

    He thanked the media and the peace-loving people of the state for their support, and urged everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the state.

  • I felt like a stranger to myself – Simi 

    I felt like a stranger to myself – Simi 

    Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has opened up about her struggles to find herself.

    The ‘Duduke’ singer shared that while she has cherished the process of understanding herself deeply, she now feels uneasy as she experiences a sense of losing herself.

    On her X handle on Tuesday, she explained that she felt like a stranger to herself, while noting that her upcoming album ‘Lost And Found’ helped her rediscover herself.

    Simi wrote: “For most of my life, I have enjoyed the privilege of knowing myself deeply, unwaveringly, truly. In more recent years, I have also endured the discomfort of losing myself.

    “Sometimes, to make room for something else that I needed to be – other times, because I could not, for the life of me, find my way. I felt like a stranger to myself. This version of me has been the hardest one to look at in the mirror.

    “Making this album is a symbol of finding parts of myself again that I hoped I hadn’t lost permanently. I don’t believe that we ever stop finding ourselves. If you’re willing to look, there’s always more. This is a tribute to the things we continue to find and rediscover.”