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Court Orders Rivers Lawmakers To Suspend Sitting

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A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the two parties in the Rivers State House of Assembly to maintain status quo and suspend further deliberations until the matter before it is dispensed off.

Ehie Edison, in Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/240/2023, had approached the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Phoebe Ayua, praying the court to stop Martin Amaewhule, and the other lawmakers from presiding over the activities of the legislative arm of the state.

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The notice was filed together with the main suit by  Ehie and the House of Assembly.

Parties as it appears in the suit are Rivers State House of Assembly, as first plaintiff, and  Ehie Edison, (Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly), as second plaintiff.

The defendants are Martins Amaewhule, (former Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly), and Dumle Maol (former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly.

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READ ALSO: Fubara: Rivers Crisis Spikes As Two Factional Assembly Lawmakers Hold Separate Sittings

The others are, the Inspector-General of Police, Director, Department of State  Services, Rivers State and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

Justice Ayua, ruling on the motion filed in the suit ordered that none of the parties on record should do anything about the matter since all the parties are expected to respect the court.

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The order read in part: “That an order is made directing the plaintiffs/applicants to put the respondents on notice forthwith.

“That an order is however, made, directing that all parties on record to respect the court and should not take any step concerning the subject matter, since the matter is already before this court – sub judice – pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

In the suit, the new Speaker and the House of Assembly sought, amongst others, a declaration that the former speaker and his former deputy, having been removed and suspended from the House, are not entitled to participate, disturb, interfere or obstruct the performance of the legislative proceedings of the House and the legislative duties of the new speaker in accordance with the provisions of Sections 90 to 104 of the Constitution of Nigeria.

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READ ALSO: Rivers Police Arrest Suspected Killer Cops

They also sought an order restraining the former two principal officers of the House from interfering or participating in the functions of the House of Assembly.

After entering the order, the court fixed for hearing the motion on notice on November 27, 2023.

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The PUNCH reports that following a disagreement arising from the attempt by some members of the House to impeach the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the state legislature has been in crisis.

On Tuesday morning, police again took over the state assembly complex, while members loyal to both factions allegedly held separate sittings at different locations.

Four police patrol vans were sighted at the entrance of the Assembly, while the movement of people and vehicles along the Moscow Road axis of the Assembly were restricted.

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READ ALSO: Court Remands Ex-Rivers LG Boss, Royal Father, 73 Others Over Murder Of DPO, Cultism

An Armoured Personnel Carrier was seen moving from one end to the other on the road where the complex is located, while scores of armed operatives mounted strategic locations.

It was gathered that 25 lawmakers led by Amaewhule sat early on Tuesday.

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The lawmakers reportedly deliberated on two items concerning the suspension of the strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria.

They also called on the state Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the explosion at the Assembly which razed the  Chamber and destroyed several properties.

Also, the other House members led by Ehie passed a vote of confidence on Governor  Fubara.

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READ ALSO: Rivers Governorship Poll: Tribunal Reserves Judgment In Tonye Cole’s Petition

Rising from a sitting on Tuesday, they commended the governor on his developmental strides and security initiatives to keep the state peaceful.

A statement signed by Ken Uchendu, Legislative aide and sent to newsmen said it takes a man of vision to steer the ship of development for the benefit of the people of the state.

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The House resolved to continuously give the governor the required support to accomplish his consolidation and continuity agenda to benefit the state.

The lawmakers condemned the attack on Ehie’s residence on Sunday night as well as the burning of the chamber of the House of Assembly.

The House appealed to the governor to commence the rehabilitation works as soon as possible.

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It added, “Furthermore, the House impressed on the need for the Inspector General of Police, and other related security apparatus of state to investigate these attacks and bring the culprits to book.”

PUNCH

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NAFDAC Warns On Recalled U.S. Supplements

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the recall of certain multivitamins and iron supplements in the U.S.

NAFDAC, via its official Twitter handle, stated that the affected vitamin brand is labelled as CINCINNATI (WKRC).

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The agency noted that the supplements were sold across the U.S., including by major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.

The recall was prompted by a “risk of serious injury or death” from poisoning, especially among young children, due to improper packaging.

READ ALSO:NAFDAC Warns Against VDM’s Inciting Video

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NAFDAC cited a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, which revealed that 60,000 units were affected by the recall.

The recalled products include Daily Prenatal Multi, Ultamins Women’s Multivitamin, and Ultamins Women’s 50+ Multivitamin.

It was discovered that the products lacked child-resistant packaging, making them dangerous if accessed by young children.

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Without child-resistant packaging, children are at risk of fatal poisoning if they ingest these supplements.

READ ALSO:NAFDAC Warns Against Use Of Excess Hydroquinone In Cosmetics

Even a few tablets of iron supplements can cause vomiting, stomach pain, low blood pressure, or liver damage in young children,” NAFDAC warned.

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In severe cases, NAFDAC said, symptoms may escalate rapidly and could become life-threatening.

All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to monitor and remove the CINCINNATI (WKRC) products from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant to prevent the use or sale of the recalled items.

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NAFDAC advised that any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines be reported to the nearest office or via 0800-162-3322, or sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

 

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FG Launches Phase 7 Of Kainji Mass Trials Of Terrorist Suspects

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The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday officially launched Phase 7 of the Kainji Mass Trials of terrorist suspects.

A statement by the strategic communications department of the office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, said “it is part of its continued commitment to combating terrorism, violent extremism, and strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system in line with international best practices”,

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Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, emphasised that the trials represent Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and a reaffirmation of its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

He said, “It is truly encouraging to see the convergence of the Judiciary, law enforcement, legal practitioners, and partners, once again united in purpose and duty.

READ ALSO:FG Launches Passport Front Office For Senior Public Officials

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These trials are a cornerstone of our national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism.”

General Laka noted that Nigeria has recorded significant successes in strengthening its criminal justice capacity to handle terrorism-related offences.

He further highlighted that recent progress in the prosecution of such cases has played a critical role in addressing concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

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Indeed, the advancements made through these trials have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s efforts toward exiting the FATF Grey List,” he added.

READ ALSO:Tension As FG Strips FAAN, NCAA, NAMA Of Revenue Collection Powers

On behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, General Laka extended appreciation to the Federal Government, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Justices of the Federal High Court for their professionalism and dedication to justice.

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He also acknowledged the valuable support of international partners, investigators, legal teams, and support staff.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, commended the collaborative efforts of the ONSA and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to ensure justice is served to both victims and accused persons within a framework that respects the rule of law and human rights.

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Lagos LG Poll: Police Restrict Movement Saturday

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has announced a 12-hour restriction on movement on Saturday across the state for the local government election.

He also ordered a massive deployment of personnel across the state.

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Jimoh disclosed this in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in Lagos on Wednesday.

He said the deployment was to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

READ ALSO:Three-storey Building Collapses On Lagos Island, Many Injured

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Consultative Committee on Elections Security in Lagos State and other critical stakeholders in the election, putting into cognisance foremost public interest to enable adequate security, peaceful conduct and safety before, during and after the election, and also to effectively implement the robust security arrangements to protect and safeguard the election, the electorates, LASEIC officials and adhoc staff and electoral processes and other members of public not participating in the election, hereby wishes to announce and inform the general public in Lagos State of total restriction of vehicular movement throughout Lagos State from 3 am on Saturday 12th July, 2025 till 3 pm of same Saturday 12th July, 2025,” the statement read.

He added that elaborate security arrangements and comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure security, safety, and peaceful and orderly conduct of the LG elections.

The command with other security and safety agencies is working together under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

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“The restriction of vehicular movements will apply to all roads and waterways within the state jurisdiction,” he said.

READ ALSO:Lagos Opens Teacher Recruitment Portal For Two Weeks

He added that police escorts and armed security aides were strictly prohibited from accompanying their principals to polling units or collation centres.

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The measure was to prevent any undue influence or intimidation during the election.

Police escorts, covered number plates, and the use of sirens at or in the vicinity of polling units and collation centres are prohibited,” he said.

Jimoh said that only vehicles designated for essential services, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles operated by security agencies in the ICCES, would be permitted to operate during the restriction period.

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The commissioner added, “All other vehicles, including those belonging to any quasi-security outfit and state security agencies, are barred from movement, as no state-owned security agency is authorised to participate in the election security operations, in line with the electoral act.

READ ALSO:FBI Cracks Down On Lagos Fraudster For Stealing ₦460m In Crypto Meant For Trump’s Inauguration

The movement restriction will not apply to essential services such as those on medical emergencies and other emergency responders and their workers, the duly accredited officials of the LASIEC and accredited election observers and media practitioners on election coverage accredited by LASIEC.

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“These categories of groups and individuals are permitted to carry out their lawful duties during the election period, provided they adhere to all the relevant guidelines and regulations in the Electoral Act.”

He said that all the security agencies personnel and other stakeholders, including the media and election observers accredited by LASEIC for the election, would have and wear their identification tags certified by LASEIC throughout the period of the election.

“No one without the identification tag will be allowed to take part in the election. Anyone arrested without an identification tag will be investigated and prosecuted in line with the Electoral Act,” he said.

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