News

Court Stops Rivers’ Allocation

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik thus ruled and restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

This decision was in response to a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.

Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

The court order essentially puts a hold on any further funding to the Rivers State Government until the necessary legislative steps are taken.

This means that the state’s financial activities will be on hold until the House of Assembly passes a lawful appropriation act.

It was reported that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the recognised Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja had also nullified the N800billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The court also upheld the suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Martin Amaewhule, against Fubara, which sought an order of injunction restraining the governor from frustrating the Assembly under his leadership as speaker, among others.

On December 13, 2023, in the heat of the protracted political crisis rocking the oil-rich state and the demolition of the Assembly Complex, Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of N800bn to five members of the State Assembly led by Edison Ehie.

The presentation was done at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the demolition of the Assembly Complex by the state government and after a court restrained Ehie’s contender, Martins Amaewhule, from using the Assembly Complex.

Ehie and the other pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates and the governor signed the bill into law, saying it is aimed at promoting economic development through inclusive growth and addressing socio-economic inequality in the state.

News

Tinubu Hails Abati at 60 as ‘Brilliant Public Intellectual’

Published

6 hours ago

November 7, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated veteran journalist and broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati, on his 60th birthday, describing him as a brilliant public intellectual whose work has enriched national discourse.

In a statement on Friday, President Tinubu lauded Abati, whom he fondly calls “Rubi Rubi” for his excellence in journalism, academia, and public service.

“A public intellectual, author, columnist, law graduate, and broadcaster, Dr. Abati has distinguished himself in every role from academia to journalism and as a television anchor,” Tinubu said.

He commended Abati’s “insightful articles and analyses,” which he noted have continued to enlighten and inspire Nigerians, and praised his service as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The President also felicitated Abati on the launch of his three new books,bPortraits: People, Politics and Society; A Love Letter and Other Stories; and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President, released to mark his diamond jubilee.

Born on November 7, 1965, Dr. Abati is a renowned columnist, Arise News anchor, and former deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State.

News

Use Digital Skills for Community Impact, Remi Tinubu Urges Women

Published

6 hours ago

November 7, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged participants of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Huawei Women in Tech training to apply their digital skills toward solving community challenges and driving innovation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the 300 beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones to continue learning and adapting to new technological trends.

“Use your new skills to solve real problems in your communities because true innovation is only valuable when it improves lives,” she said, while appreciating Huawei Nigeria for partnering with RHI to empower women.

She noted that the training aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and digital transformation.

Huawei Nigeria’s Managing Director, Chris Lu, described the initiative as a step toward placing women at the forefront of the global digital economy, adding, “When women rise, nations thrive.”

The Women in Tech programme, held between April and October 2024, equipped participants with practical digital skills to enhance their businesses and participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.

News

FCT Police Confirm Arrest, Arraignment of Regina Daniels’ Brother

Published

6 hours ago

November 7, 2025

By Huldah Shado

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has confirmed the arrest and arraignment of Samuel Ojeogwu, popularly known as Sammy West, brother of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels.

In a statement on Friday, the FCT Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the police received a petition against Ojeogwu and three others on October 28, 2025, alleging criminal conspiracy, trespass, assault, intimidation, theft, and cyberbullying.

She explained that Ojeogwu ignored several police invitations before being arrested in Lagos under a court-issued warrant and transferred to Abuja for investigation.

Adeh said he was arraigned on November 6 and has been remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to due process and professional policing standards.