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  • TRCN moves to prosecute schools over unqualified teachers

    TRCN moves to prosecute schools over unqualified teachers

    The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) says it has put mechanism in place to secure a fiat from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute schools parading unqualified teachers.

    Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, made this known at a media parley in Abuja on Monday.

    He said the fiat when secured will empower the council on enforcement and compliance through the prosecution of unqualified teachers.

    He said: “We are working with the AGF to get a fiat. It will help us to prosecute, go after erring institutions because the law establishing TRCN utterly gives us the power to prosecute. But we need the fiat to be able to do that.

    “We are discussing with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to be able to prosecute. And when we get that, it will not be difficult for us to be able to go after some of these institutions.

    “The problem we have is that education is on the concurrent list. These private schools are not registered by the federal government, they are registered by state governments.

    “We have been discussing with them to confirm the list of their teachers to ensure they are not cheaters but qualified.

    “In 2024 I want to assure Nigerians that we will make sure we shift our focus with more emphasis on private schools.”

    Speaking further, the TRCN boss revealed that 3,963 teachers failed the recently conducted Professional Qualifying Examination for teachers across the country.

    He said 15,753 teachers sat for the November diet, adding that the PQE commenced on November 23 and ended on November 25, 2023.

    “A total of 15,753 sat for the examination in 38 centres across the country. Out of this, we have 10,636 that passed. This is about 72.9 percent.

    “And those that failed are 3,963 representing 37.1 percent. You will agree this is a very good result.

    Read Also: Barau intervenes to stop Shoprite from leaving Kano

    “All the cases of examination malpractices that were reported were treated accordingly all over the country at the management level. And the results cancelled as punitive measures. All the cases were identified or recorded because we have evidence against them.”

    The registrar noted that the Council had been confronted with some challenges because of the nation’s transition in power.

    Reeling out some of its achievements in 2023, he stated that PQE was conducted in over 100 institutions. Six batches of PQE were conducted online for Nigerians in the diaspora and results were released immediately.

    Also, inductions were carried out in over 100 institutions, and appreciable progress was made with development partners on professional standards.

    Speaking further, Ajiboye insisted that the teaching profession was no longer an all-comers affair or a “job for the boys”.

    He disclosed that thus far, over 2.3 million teachers have been registered, out of which over 400,000 have been fully licensed by the Council.

    He noted that less than 50 percent of teachers in private institutions were not qualified.

    The Registrar disclosed that TRCN would focus on private institutions where, according to him, a large chunk of challenges in the teaching sector was emanating from.

  • Nigeria remains top-level destination for onshore/offshore investments — Tinubu

    Nigeria remains top-level destination for onshore/offshore investments — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has again assured the international investment community that his administration would ensure that Nigeria remains a top-level destination for offshore and onshore investments.

    President Tinubu spoke on Monday when he received the Group Chairman and CEO of Total Energies Worldwide, Mr. Patrick Pouyanne, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President reiterated the federal government’s commitment to remove all anti-investment impediments in the country.

    “We are committed to removing all cobwebs and anti-investment impediments in the oil and gas industry. We have a clear path that we are committed to pursuing. We are ready to work with you,” President Tinubu said.

    He commended Total Energies for its years of exploration and investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, citing the feat as evidence of the company’s commitment and confidence in Nigeria.

    President Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration was determined to improve the investment climate in Nigeria, emphasizing that the aim of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is to create a favourable investment and work environment.

    He affirmed his administration’s commitment to making the necessary efforts for industrial peace, harmony, and development.

    “The moment I took over, there was a clear path that we set out to pursue, and we will ensure that Nigeria remains a top-level investment choice in the dynamics of the offshore and onshore sectors.

    Read Also: Tinubu to NPC board: start work now, I won’t tolerate non-performance

    “We will review troublesome areas, fiscally and otherwise, to incentivize gas production in the age of transition to cleaner energy. We are ready to make a difference as a government. The good handshake that we have is for partnership and to accelerate and incentivize gas production in pursuit of the energy transition,” he said.

    Patrick Pouyanne, the Global CEO of Total Energies Worldwide, informed President Tinubu that Nigeria was “very important” for Total Energies, accounting for 8 to 10 percent of the company’s worldwide total production and over 18 percent of its global investment.

    “Mr. President, we are ready to invest $6 billion in the coming years. We are looking extensively at more deepwater production and gas production opportunities across the terrain.

    “We welcome your policies and your personal commitment to ensuring that all required fiscal incentives are provided while security issues are tackled. Everything is here. We just need to conclude with the tweaks and changes necessary to unlock the outstanding potential in both oil and gas,” the Total Energies Worldwide Group Chairman stated.

    Pouyanne also highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining its zero-flaring position in Nigeria to both heal the environment and monetize all available gas resources in support of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

  • High transportation cost: FG’ll grant waivers to air, road, rail transport operators — Tinubu

    High transportation cost: FG’ll grant waivers to air, road, rail transport operators — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday, December 18, said the federal government is taking measures to alleviate the high cost of transportation by granting waivers to operators in the air, road, and rail transportation systems.

    President Tinubu gave the assurance during a meeting with members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), who paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the consideration was as a result of the challenges faced by travellers during the festive season.

    He also said steps are being taken to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

    He said: ”I care about what is going on in the country. I thank you for your support and opinions, even the criticism of our government. Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as president.

    “You have held our feet to the fire, and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not. One thing I must say is that I read every paper, various opinions, and columnists.”

    President Tinubu said his administration will remain steadfast in “reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy,” citing bold decisions by his administration to end the petrol subsidy regime and initiate the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.

    ”I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people.

    “The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, among others. We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,” he said.

    President Tinubu assured NPAN that his administration will always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether they are adversarial or complimentary to his government.

    He assured the body’s members that he would carefully consider their request for a review of policies affecting the paper industry, acknowledging concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint.

    Read Also: Tinubu to NPC board: start work now, I won’t tolerate non-performance

    In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in the country.

    ”Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles,” the Minister said.

    Commending NPAN for providing a platform for national discourse and for diverse voices, the Minister implored the association to collaborate with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values, and addressing challenges confronting the nation.

    Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, NPAN president and chairman of Media Trust, owners of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, while congratulating President Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court affirmation, raised pressing concerns facing the newspaper industry.

    ”Our particular concern is the newspaper industry, which employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators, accountants. Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news,” he said.

  • Barau intervenes to stop Shoprite from leaving Kano

    Barau intervenes to stop Shoprite from leaving Kano

    Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has set machinery in place to stop moves by Shoprite, one of Nigeria’s prominent supermarket chains, to close its only branch in Kano state.

    Located at the famous Ado Bayero Mall in Kano, Shoprite last week announced its decision to exit the centre of commerce in January, blaming its decision on a ‘’challenging economic situation.’’

    Mixed reactions have continued to trail the decision of the outlet which debuted in Kano in March 2014.

    A statement by Senator Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said his principal will meet with the company’s management this week in Abuja over the matter.

    “The Office of the Deputy President of the Senate has set machinery in place to halt the exit of Shoprite from Kano State.

    Read Also: Leverage on opportunities in energy sector, Shettima tells investors

    “His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, CON, will meet with the management of the company this week where the issue will be discussed and hopefully resolved.

    ‘’Yes, it is a pure business issue, but we will see what we can do to encourage them to rescind their decision and stay in Kano.

    “As we all know, there are enormous business opportunities in Kano, the commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria.  At a time when we are scouting for investors, we will not fold our hands and allow them to leave,” he said.

  • Rivers crisis: loyalists blast Rep member for attacking Wike

    Rivers crisis: loyalists blast Rep member for attacking Wike

    Loyalists of the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, have descended heavily on a member of the House of Representatives from Rivers, Boma Goodhead, who attacked Wike at the weekend and made wild allegations against the former governor.

    Goodhead and her colleague, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, led a peaceful march on the streets of Port Harcourt to support the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who is their kinsman.

    Abiante represents Fubara’s Andoni/Opobo/Nkuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives while Goodhead represents Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency, another Ijaw-speaking area of the state.

    While Abiante sued for peace, Goodhead frontally attacked Wike and dared him to enter Port Harcourt just as she asked the Federal Government to call the Minister to order.

    But Wike’s loyalists fumed over the attack on their principal, who singlehandedly ensured the election of Goodhead in the past poll.

    Leading the voices of Wike’s loyalists, a former Chief of Staff to the Minister, Emeka Woke, told Goodhead that Wike had been in Port Harcourt since Friday and dared her to actualise her threat.

    Woke, who advised that persons in a glass house should stop throwing stones, recalled how Goodhead begged Wike for her current position promising that she would not betray the Minister.

    He said: “Let me warn that those who live in a glass house should not throw stones. I remember one lady, the last time I remembered her was when she came crying and weeping even swearing with his father and mother that she would never betray Wike.

    “But because she had been given a contract to renovate Rivers Government House in Asikoro, she could now come and say, ‘I dare Wike to come to Port Harcourt’. Let me remind her that Wike had been in Port Harcourt since Friday.

     “He was even at Eleme on Saturday and retuned to Rumuepirikon. If she knows she is a woman, let her dare Wike and she will see fire”.

    Woke, who recently resigned his appointment as Commissioner on Special Duties in Fubara’s cabinet said persons fanning the ambers of ethnic war should remember that no tribe had the monopoly of violence.

    He said: “Those who are fanning the ambers of ethnic war, I want to tell them that there is no particular ethnic group that has the monopoly of violence. Everybody should take it easy. Nobody is fighting anybody.

    “They told us it is father and son’s fight. Whe it leaves the realm of father and son, they will see people. There is nobody that does not have the capacity to mobilise thousands of people to occupy Port Harcourt. But who is going to lose?”

    But Rivers elders led by a former Governor, Rufus Ada George, held an emergency meeting over the crisis rocking the state, lamented that the two gladiators in the crisis were frustrating their efforts to resolve the impasse.

    In a communique they issued after the meeting, the elders said: “The Forum regretted that neither Governor Siminialayi Fubara nor Chief Nyesom Wike responded to our letters seeking audience with each of them.

    “The attempt to impeach the governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the State, the reasons and infractions of law is unacceptable.

    “The Forum condemn every form of violence and lawlessness in Rivers State and therefore demand proper investigation of the crisis and those responsible be brought to Justice.

    “The Forum reviewed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State Government and urged the Government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly Complex so that law makers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time.

    “The Forum condemn in its entirety, the misuse of Rivers people political power vested in politicians by the people for personal gains and interest. Hence, we condemn in its entirety, the recent defection of twenty seven law makers without recourse to their constituents”.

    Those, who signed the communique are O.P. Fingesi, Anabs Sara-Igbe, Prof. Dagogo Fubara, Ede Obolo, Captain Nwankwo, Eze Tony, Ankio Briggs, High Chief Marcus Atata, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Prof. Wilson Ake.among others.

    The state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would soon issue a statement on its official position on the crisis.

    Read Also: Leverage on opportunities in energy sector, Shettima tells investors

    The state Publicity Secretary, Tambari Sydney Gbara disassociated the party from any statement issued outside the office of the Publicity Secretary.

     Tambari said: “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Rivers State has been keenly following up on recent events in our polity in the State and will come up with an official statement to address these issues soon in the interest of our Party, in other to avoid conflicting information to our teeming supporters.

    “It is important to note that only the office of the State Publicity secretary has the sole responsibility to do so.

    However, it is the right of any individual to take his or her position on any issue, but such a position should not be misconstrued as the official statement from the Peoples Democratic Party Rivers State Chapter.

    “We, therefore warn that anybody who is doing so should desist forthwith, while we call on our supporters to remain firm in their resolve to stand with the Party at this trying time, we will surely come out of this impasse stronger.”

  • Tinubu to NPC board: start work now, I won’t tolerate non-performance

    Tinubu to NPC board: start work now, I won’t tolerate non-performance

    President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Monday, December 18, tasking members to immediately get to work and warning that non-performance will not be tolerated.

    Speaking during the inauguration, President Tinubu also warned that conducts suggesting a sense of entitlement will not be tolerated, and that the board could be dissolved without prior notice to members over non-performance.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said: “The challenge is corporate governance. Yes, we will improve the security situation. We are working very hard. Sincerely, the Chief Executive Office, Kyari, is doing very well, and doing all that I know.

    “But you could be suddenly dissolved if there is no sustained excellence in performance. It is my honour to inaugurate this Board, which has people of great integrity. I am honoured that we are doing this. I recognize all of you,’’ he said.

    President Tinubu said corporate social responsibility for the Niger Delta must be taken seriously, considering the devastating effects of oil exploration and exploitation on the environment.

    “Niger Delta must be seen as the goose that lays the golden egg, and we must treat that region with the deserved respect and care. It is not asking for too much to ensure quality and constant water supply, schools, medical facilities, and roads.

    Read Also: Leverage on opportunities in energy sector, Shettima tells investors

    “It is not about us. It is about the well-being of the entire country and the lifeblood of the nation. We should care more about the environment. We will do more for security to minimize stealing and vandalization,’’ he stated.

    The President directed that more attention should be given to gas as Nigeria transitions to cleaner energy, adding: “We need to show that we are committed to the welfare of our country.”

    “Take a look at the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and know what the pitfalls are. The Cabinet members and Board should decide what we can do differently for production increase, profitability, and governance. It is in your hands. I will work with you,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure, commended the President for the removal of petrol subsidy, noting that the nation would have drowned in debt, but for his decisiveness.

    “Our focus is to increase production. We must address the problem of stealing and pipeline vandalization in the Niger Delta. We are aware of the efforts in the past, but we will do more.”

  • Iyabo Ojo counter-sues Naira Marley, demand N1 billion 

    Iyabo Ojo counter-sues Naira Marley, demand N1 billion 

    Controversial Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has counter-sued Naira Marley to the tune of N1billion after being served a N500 million lawsuit by the latter for defamation of character. 

    The Nation reported that Azeez Adeshina Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, had dragged Iyabo to court, demanding a public apology or face legal proceedings worth N500 million in damages.

    In his lawsuit, Naira accused the actress of defaming him by posting false and malicious content about him on her Instagram page.

    Read Also: Iyabo Ojo’s daughter blasts Naira Marley over legal suit against mother

    In response, she stated that the singer’s lawyer never thought it was worthwhile to serve her the lawsuit privately, preferring to disseminate it online.

    The fearless mother of two had also filed a lawsuit, a counterclaim, against him for failure to serve her the suit by hand or through mail, which could lead to blackmail.

    The movie star is demanding N1 billion from the singer for deliberately misleading the public.

    “She wrote: RESPONSE TO THE LETTER FROM MR OLALEKAN OJO SAN DELIBERATELY CIRCULATED OVER SOCIAL AND PRINT MEDIA WITHOUT DESERVING COURTESY TO SERVE ME.

    “I look forward to hearing from them in no distant time, please. Yours sincerely, Iyabo Ojo.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu meets Fubara, Odili others in Aso Rock Villa

    BREAKING: Tinubu meets Fubara, Odili others in Aso Rock Villa

    President Bola Tinubu is currently in a meeting with the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara; Dr Peter Odili, a former governor of the state; and other Rivers stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, occurring amid the intensifying political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is presumed to be focused on resolving the ongoing crisis. 

    Wike was earlier seen at the State House.

    Also at the meeting is the Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the Rivers State deputy governor, Dr Ngozi Ordu.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu meets NPAN reps in Aso Villa

    The crisis in Rivers State has led to a series of consequences, including the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex and the imposition of security blockades at the Assembly entrance. 

    The House of Representatives has also given reasons why it will not take up the functions of the Rivers State, which is currently embroiled in the feud between Fubara and Wike. 

    Key events in the crisis include:

    Fubara had accused Wike of embezzling N9 billion from Rivers State and had vowed to expose the alleged corruption.

    Wike in response to Fubara’s accusations, had stated that he was ready for any confrontation.

    Despite the ongoing crisis, Fubara had said he remained hopeful that the situation will be resolved, referring to it as a “father and son problem”.

    Details shortly… 

  • UPDATED: Court restrains INEC, Rivers Assembly from declaring 27 pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant

    UPDATED: Court restrains INEC, Rivers Assembly from declaring 27 pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State House of Assembly from declaring vacant the seats of the 27 members of the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule.

    Justice Donatus Okoro, in a ruling on Friday, also restrained INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the 27 lawmakers, who had last week announced, in the legislative chamber, their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The ruling was on an ex-parte application filed by the 27 lawmakers, led by Amaewhule, who are members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023.

    Justice Okorowo gave the ruling after listening to a lawyer to the lawmakers (believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and immediate past Governor of River State, Nyesom Wike) Peter Onoh, who moved the ex-parte application.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are INEC, the PDP, Rivers State House of Assembly, the Clerk of the House, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The orders granted by Justice Okorowo are: “An order of interim injunction restraining the first and third defendants/respondents (INEC and Rivers Assembly), either by themselves, their officials, officers, servants, agents, servants, staff or privies (anyhow so-called), from declaring vacant or taking any steps whatsoever to declare vacant the seats of the plaintiffs/applicants at the Rivers State House of Assembly; from withdrawing the plaintiffs/applicants’ respective certificates of return and from conducting fresh elections to fill in the seats of the plaintiffs/applicants at the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    Read Also: Appeal court victory: We’re one big family, Fintiri’s deputy tells Adamawa people

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the first defendant/respondent (INEC)  from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the plaintiffs/applicants in the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents, jointly and or severally, by themselves or their servants, agents, officials, officers, staff, delegates of other persons deriving authority from them (anyhow so-called), from interfering with or impeding in any way or attempting to interfere with or impede in any way the performance of the plaintiffs’ official and legislative functions as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and members, respectively, of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents, jointly and or severally, by themselves or their servants, agents, officials, officers, staff, delegates or other persons deriving authority from them (anyhow so-called), from interfering with or impeding in any way or attempting to interfere with or impede in any way, the full enjoyment of the official rights and privileges of the plaintiffs/applicants as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and members, respectively, of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the 5th and 6th defendants (IGP and DSS), by themselves, officers, subordinates, servants or agents from denying or refusing to provide security for the plaintiffs or howsoever withdrawing their security details or personnel or failing to provide adequate security for the plaintiffs/applicants

    for the purpose of enabling the said plaintiffs/applicants to continue with the performance of their constitutional legislative and oversight functions as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and members, respectively, of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and or from taking any adverse security measures or step (whatever shape such steps may be) capable preventing or obstructing the plaintiffs/applicants from performing their functions and duties as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and members, respectively, of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    Justice Okorowo ordered the plaintiffs/applicants to undertake damages in the sum of N250miion and adjourned till December 28 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

    Meanwhile, the leader of the faction of the House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara had written INEC to conduct a fresh election to fill the seats of the 27 pro-Wike legislators.

    In a December 14 letter to INEC Chairman, factional Speaker, Edision Ehie said the request for a fresh election was based on the House’s resolution on December 13 declaring the seats of the 27 lawmakers vacant.

    Ehie accompanied the letter with a copy of the resolutions of his faction of the Assembly, listing the names of the other faction’s members and their constituencies.

    The letter, received at the office of the INEC Chairman on December 15 reads: “I write to formally bring to your notice vacancies in the scats of the under-listed constituencies and membership, pursuant to Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “The under-listed members, who represented the respective constituencies indicated against their names jointly and severally, decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose platform they were elected, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 11th day of December 2023.

    “As a result and in accordance with Section 109 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and by resolution of the House at the 90th legislative sitting of the Rivers State House of Assembly held on Wednesday, 13th day of December 2023, their seats were declared vacant.

    “Consequently, I write on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly to kindly request for a by-election to be conducted to fill the vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

    However, a group, Concerned Lawyers in Defence of Democracy (CLDD) has urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho to probe the circumstances leading to the ex-parte orders issued on Friday by Justice Okorowo.

    The group’s spokesman, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi said the probe became necessary in order not to soil the reputation of the Judiciary.

    Nnamdi added: “We’ve done so much in the defence of this democracy and we will continue to do everything within the am bit of the law to defend this democracy.

    “We gathered that there is going to be a ruling Justice Donatus Okorowo, on Monday, 18th December, 2023 and that they intercepted the information.

    “I know the workings of the court, the application was filed last week Wednesday and it was hurriedly assigned between the day it was filed and last Friday to Justice Okorowo and ruling is expected to be delivered today, December 18.

    “One interesting thing I want the media to know is that, there is a twist to what we saw in the media. 

    “The Registrar in the court of Justice Okorowo has confirmed that the application was filed and that it was brought before their court. He added that the ruling was delivered on Friday.

    “The question we are asking this morning is, what is the urgency in that matter?  Why will such an application be filed on Wednesday, and get to Justice Okorowo on Friday, who sat on the same that day and delivered the ruling on it?

    “We have applied for the certified true copy of the order and paid and we are going to pursue this matter to a logical conclusion.

    “We are calling on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to investigate the order said to have been given by Justice Okorowo. This Nigeria cannot be taken bum politicians into their pockets.

    “Federal High Court has a reputation, this kind of application is often seen in other courts.  You can rarely see this kind of application in the Federal High Court because it has a reputation.

    “The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court must look into how this case was filed,  how it got to Justice Okorowo’s court and how his Registrar claimed that they sat on Friday,  whereas, what we gathered yesterday was that the ruling was going to be delivered today.

    “This calls for an urgent and thorough investigation. We are challenging the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to maintain the integrity of the court.

    “We are also calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look into the matter very critically. 

    “Democracy must be sustained and firmly rooted in this country and as lawyers in defence of democracy, this is not the first time. We are intervening in issues like this whenever we observe illegalities coming up.

    “These people who have come to file this application, as we speak, are not members of Rivers State House of Assembly in the eyes of the law.

    “The Rivers State House of Assembly has invoked the constitutional provision of Section 109(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution. Until that section is expunged, the law remains.  In the eyes of the law, the former Speaker and his other colleagues are former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They should go to the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision of the Rivers State High Court. 

    “The Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court have co-ordinate jurisdiction, they (the defecting lawmakers) should approach the Court of Appeal to set aside the decision of the state high court and not the Federal High Court.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been notified that they have been suspended.

    “Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court have equal, powers, the 26 lawmakers should go on appeal and not destroy the reputation of the Federal High Court. They should go to the Appeal Court and challenge the procedure that suspended them.”

  • Funke Akindele breaks record with ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ in Nigeria, West Africa

    Funke Akindele breaks record with ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ in Nigeria, West Africa

    Funke Akindele, a popular Nollywood filmmaker, has broken another record in the film industry with her latest cinema release, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.

    She is maintaining this feat after breaking multiple records in the past with ‘Omo Ghetto the Saga’ and ‘Battle on the Buka Street’.

    The Nation reported that Funke’s new release came out on December 15th, 2023.

    The actress announced her success on Instagram with an appreciation post to God, the cast and crew of A Tribe Called Judah, and her Nigerians.

    She expressed pride in her work claiming she made an ultimate cinematic triumph in 2023.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele is an insane filmmaker, says Yvonne Jegede

    A Tribe Called Judah is the number-one film in Nigeria and West Africa, the biggest opening for Funke Akindele’s film, Nollywood’s biggest opening of all time, and many more.

    She wrote: “Thank you, Lord!! Thank You, Nigeria. I am grateful for the record-breaking journey of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ in Nigeria and West Africa. #1 movie. Thanks for making it the biggest opening for Funke Akindele, the top Nollywood weekend. To the cast and crew members of this great movie, I say THANK YOU!! We made a movie!! This is definitely an ultimate cinematic triumph of 2023! If you haven’t seen it make sure you make it a date this week to see the biggest movie in Nigeria. This movie is distributed by @filmoneng.”