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BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Rivers’ Council Chairmen, Stops Allocations

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Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara

THE Supreme Court on Friday sacked all the local government chairpersons in Rivers State  and stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), and other agencies of the Federal Government from releasing funds to the  State Government.

The five-man panel of the court, in a judgment delivered by Emmanuel Akomaye, unanimously disregarded the cross-appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Fubara is challenging the validity of the state House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule.

In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court directed Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court deemed Fubara’s presentation of an appropriation bill before a four-man House of Assembly as absurd.

The court said the action denied 28 constituencies effective representation, violated a court order that mandated Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill before a validly constituted Assembly led by Amaewhule.

Furthermore, the apex court viewed Fubara’s actions regarding the alleged defection of 28 Rivers Assembly members as authoritarian, aimed at hindering the House’s legitimate functions under Amaewhule’s speakership.

The court also faulted the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for vacating the initial order that stopped the release of funds to Rivers State from the consolidated revenue.

It held that contrary to the verdict of the appellate court, the Federal High Court in Abuja had the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the suit the Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers filed to challenge the continued withdrawal and expenditure of funds belonging to the state without the approval of the State Assembly.

“This wrong view influenced it to hold that the subject matter was not within the power of the Federal High Court,” the apex court ruled.

The court maintained that the basis for the case was the refusal of Fubara to obey a subsisting court order requiring him to present the Appropriation Bill to the lawful Assembly.

The court dismissed Fubara’s claim that given the defection of the lawmakers, he had to invoke the doctrine of necessity by presenting the Appropriation Bill to only five remaining members of the Assembly.

According to the court, the doctrine of necessity could not be invoked to explain an illegal action.

Earlier in October 2023, a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the CBN from disbursing federal allocations to the Rivers state government.

The court held that monies from the federation account should not be released to the state pending the passage of a lawful appropriation act by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, gave the verdict while delivering judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Amaewhule.

Abdulmalik held that Fubara was wrong to have presented the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a five-member assembly “that was not properly constituted.”.

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How Ex-immigration Boss Died

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David Shikfu Parradang

The police in the Federal Capital Territory have faulted a report that former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and killed.

Instead, the police confirmed that he was found dead in a chair inside his hotel room in Abuja after receiving a female guest.

Parradang was discovered dead a day after checking into the Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, by a concerned friend, a military officer, who arrived with hotel staff to check on him.

In an official statement titled, “FCT Police Respond to Misreported Death of Retired Comptroller General David Parradang,” issued by SP Josephine Adeh, PPRO, the police provided details of the incident, emphasizing that there was no case of kidnapping or assassination.

“On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying ₦22,000 for a one-night stay.

Shortly after checking in, he requested that a hotel attendant escort a female guest to his room. The lady left the hotel premises around 4:00 PM on the same day.

Mr. Parradang did not leave his room afterward. Around 4:00 AM on March 4, 2025, a friend, who is a military officer, concerned about his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel.

Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where they found Mr. Parradang deceased, seated in a chair.

The Durumi Police Station was notified, and officers quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area, take photographs, and collect relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

His body has been transferred to the National Hospital for further examination, while hotel staff are cooperating with police investigations.

The police also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the female guest who last visited him.

The FCT Police Command has urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified reports suggesting that the former NIS boss was kidnapped or assassinated.

“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic.

“The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death and ensure justice is served.”

The police said that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints Ogunjimi As Accountant General Of Federation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved  the appointment  of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that  his appointment takes effect on March 7, 2025, the same day the incumbent, Oluwatoyin Madehin, is set to retire.

Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor in December 2024.

His selection was later confirmed through a competitive process, overseen by a dedicated committee.

The evaluation process included a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews, with only the most qualified candidate emerging at the end.

The president’s decision underscores his administration’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service appointments.

Ogunjimi brings a wealth of experience to the role, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.

He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Congratulating the new Accountant General, President Tinubu urged him to carry out his duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to national service.

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BREAKING: Meranda Emerges Lagos Deputy Speaker After Resigning As Speaker

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Mojisola Meranda

Some minutes after Mojisola Meranda  resigned as Speaker, Lagos lawmakers have re-elected  her as Deputy Speaker.

She was picked as Speaker after 36 lawmakers sacked Hon Mudasiru Obasa.

But she resigned on Monday during plenary according to her to protect the institution of the Assembly.

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