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Rivers LG Seals Marriage Registry Premises

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The Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers state on Monday sealed off the premises of the Federal Ministry of Interior marriage registry.

This sealing off of the premises was to enforce a Federal High Court order issued by Honourable Justice D. E. Osiogor on December 8, 2021.

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The council in the company of representatives of the inter-governmental marriage committee, bailiff of the Federal High Court and security agencies stormed the premises of the Federal Ministry of Interior’s marriage registry located at Railway Close, behind Nitel in Line, Port Harcourt to enforce the court order.

The court order sighted by our correspondent marked FHC/L/CS/816/2018, has Etiosa LGA of Lagos state; Egor LGA of Edo state; Owerre Municipal LGA and Port Harcourt City LGA as plaintiffs.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: 2023: Court Stops INEC From Ending Voter Registration

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The Honourable Minister of Interior, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Anchor Dataware Solutions Limited were defendants.

Speaking to a newsmen after the sealing of the premises, the Secretary, Port Harcourt City Local Government, Barr. Chile-Kay Owuru, said they were empowered by the law to seal the facility.

Owuru explained that the law empowered only local government councils to conduct marriages and issue certificates.

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He said, “We are here alongside the inter-governmental marriage committee and the bailiff of the Federal High Court to seal up this facility because we have a court judgement ordering that the Federal Ministry of Interior and Anchor Dataware Solutions Limited have no right whatsoever to conduct marriages and issue marriage certificates under the marriage act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Marriage act is the function of the 774 local governments as contained in the constitution.

“So my advice to the general public to get proper information, those people that want to get married should approach the local government marriage registry, we have an office here where marriages are conducted by law.

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“My advice to the general public is that they should discountenance that facility. They should stop going there, because by this judgement, any marriage conducted by the Federal Ministry of Interior is null and void and of no effect. It is illegal.”

Owuru further said,”The proper place to conduct your marriages is the local government and the certificates would be issued to you.”

Explaining when the said court order was issued, the council scribe said, “The matter was initiated in 2018 precisely and the landmark judgement was delivered on the 8th of December, 2021, by Honourable Justice D. E. Osiagor, who perpetually restrained the Federal Ministry of Interior from conducting marriages and issuing of marriage certificates under the marriage act.

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“We know that one of the cardinal functions of the Local Government as contained in schedule 4 of the 1999 is the conducting of marriages, issue marriage certificates, even birth and death certificates.

“That is the exclusive function of the local government donated to the local government by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but surprisingly some persons are carrying out this function.”

Speaking to newsmen, lead counsel for Local Government Councils in Nigeria and Secretary General, Inter-governmental Marital Committee, Roger Adedimeji, said henceforth, any marriage conducted in the Federal Ministry of Interior in Rivers State is deemed illegal by law.

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The judgement ordered that it’s only the local government that can register all types of marriages including customary marriages and if there is anybody registering marriages apart from the local government, it is illegal and void.

“Such certificate would not be recognised, especially since the judgement was issued.”

Responding to the development, a staff of the Federal Ministry of Interior who identified himself as John Oloko, said the local government council touted court order was fictitious.

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He stated, “This issue of local government and the ministry of interior had been going on, there had been judgement on the same issue in 2014, 2016 or thereabout, which had been against them (local government.)

READ ALSO: Prison Escapee Stabs pregnant woman To Death

“Now you have a case, if the judgement did not favour you, what are you supposed to do, are you not supposed to appeal?

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“They never made appeal first attempt, they never made appeal second attempt, they went to a court of same jurisdiction to take this judgement.

“Even the judgement they are talking about is not the entire ministry, so I am not happy at all with what is happening here today.”

 

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NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged  early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday  over parts of Taraba,

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Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

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Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

READ ALSO: NiMet Forecasts 3-day Sunshine, Cloudiness In Some States Starting Sunday

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

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“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers  during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

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READ ALSO: NiMet Predicts 3-day Rains, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria From Sunday

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it  said.

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According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba  in the northern region.

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READ ALSO:NiMet Predicts Three-day Haziness, Thunderstorms From Tuesday

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

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NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi  in the  afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

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Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

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“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

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Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

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As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.
This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.
According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.
“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .
“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.
“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.
He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.
“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.
“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.
“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

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Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

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The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor,  Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

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Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice. 

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday

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“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

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This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts  were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”

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