News
UPDATED: Court Stops Rivers Speaker, 24 Others From Parading As Lawmakers
Published
1 year agoon
By
Editor
The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, has granted an interim injunction restraining the pro-Wike Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 other lawmakers from parading themselves as legislators.
The interim injunction was filed by the pro-Fubara Speaker, Victor Jumbo and two other Assembly members loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Justice Charles Wali, who gave the order on Friday, in a case with suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024, also ordered that the 25 defendants from “meeting/sitting at the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, or any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant.”
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Justice Wali, following the Motion Ex-parte and after hearing from Sammie A. Somiari, SAN with B.N.Owunabo, Esq. and others for the Claimants/Applicants entered that Amaewhule should stop acting as lawmakers.
Wali, also ordered that the government of the state should stop dealing with the said lawmakers as their seats have remained vacant after they defected from the Peoples’ Democratic Party that produced them.
The order read, “An order of interim injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road, Port Harcourt or any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
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“An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
“It is further Ordered that this Order, the Motion on Notice and the writ and other processes in this case be served on the 1st to 25th Defendants/Respondents within seven (7) days from the date by substituted means to wit: by pasting at the entrance gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Legislative Quarters, Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt and for such service to be deemed good and proper.”
The court, however, adjourned the case till May 29 for Motion on Notice.
Recall that 27 lawmakers of the State Assembly led by Amaewhule had defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress in the heat of the political crisis that rocked the state, occasioned by the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Chief Nyesom Wike.
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News
Seadogs Champions Social Justice Through Inaugural Art Exhibition In Owerri
Published
1 hour agoon
August 3, 2025By
Editor
In a fusion of creativity and conscience, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has reaffirmed its dedication to social justice by launching its maiden art exhibition, Art Ova Yap, in Owerri, Imo State.
Held as part of the association’s 49th National Konverge and Annual General Meeting, the exhibition showcased powerful visual narratives crafted by talented members of the Confraternity—many of them professional artists—who used their work to spotlight issues of governance, inequality, and societal transformation.
NAS Cap’n (International President), Dr. Joseph Oteri, described the exhibition as more than a celebration of talent.
According to him, it was a deliberate act of advocacy rooted in the association’s founding principles of justice, equity, and service to humanity.
“Art Ova Yap is not just about aesthetics. It is our response to the urgent need for platforms that amplify marginalised voices and foster dialogue around issues that affect everyday Nigerians,” Oteri said.
“Our mission is to inspire understanding, empathy, and action—art is our vehicle for that change.”
The exhibition, he noted, aims to encourage public engagement on the role of artists in shaping public policy and challenging societal injustices.
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He also announced that proceeds from the event would go towards supporting families of deceased NAS members, and that plans were underway to institutionalise Art Ova Yap as a permanent fixture in the association’s calendar.
Chief Programme Officer, Chief Bart Akelemor, said the Pyrates Confraternity has always positioned itself as a moral compass in the Nigerian civic space, often using unconventional tools to drive critical conversations. Art, he said, is now one of its newest instruments.
“Our founding fathers envisioned a society built on fairness, knowledge, and service.
“This exhibition is a continuation of that vision—where creativity becomes a channel for social justice, national development, and equitable access to opportunities,” Akelemor explained.
Also speaking at the event, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, a key supporter of the initiative and former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, highlighted the Confraternity’s deep-rooted affinity with cultural expression.
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Tracing the origins of NAS to its founding in 1952 at the University of Ibadan, he said the Confraternity has always employed art, music, drama, and literature as tools for social critique and civic enlightenment.
“Art Ova Yap is a visionary platform that will help engage Nigeria’s youth through artistic expression.
“Beyond this inaugural event, we are introducing an artist-in-residence programme that will mentor young talents and culminate in an annual competitive showcase,” he said.
The exhibition was officially declared open by Dr. Asani Omozuwa on behalf of the Chairman of the Tortugarde-In-Council and NAS Board of Trustees, Prof Olatunde Makunju.
Omozuwa praised the vision and depth of the works on display, especially those honouring the late artist Olugbohun Ajayi, to whom the exhibition was dedicated.
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In a goodwill message, Elder Tim Akpareva, member of the NAS Board of Trustees, said Art Ova Yap embodies the group’s core philosophy of “action over rhetoric” and represents NAS’s role as both cultural custodian and social advocate.
Featured artists included International Sculptor of repute Prof.
Tunde Waritmi; Editorial cartoon legend Ebun Aleshinloye; Editorial Cartoon veteran and painter, Chuks Onwudinjo; Contemporary Uli art form exponent and curator of the exhibition, Chuma Anagbado; co-curator and collage innovator Emeka Ihejirika; and rising star Chikezie Obilor.
As the exhibition concluded, it was clear that Art Ova Yap was more than a showcase—it was a movement.
A movement where brushstrokes meet bold ideas, and where the canvas becomes a battleground for justice, equity, and societal rebirth.
News
UNICEF, U-Report Build Capacity Of Youth Advocates On Child-Friendly Budgeting
Published
2 hours agoon
August 3, 2025By
Editor
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, and U-Report has embarked on a one-day capacity building training of youth advocates in Bauchi State on the budget process and its impact on child development.
The training focused on advocating for increased investment in child-friendly sectors through improved and adequate budgeting.
The one-day engagement brought together 25 U-Reporters from across the state.
It could be recalled that U-Report is UNICEF’s global platform that empowers young people to speak out on issues that matter to them, access trusted information, and drive positive change in their communities.
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It operates in over 90 countries using digital technology and real-time insights to influence policies and decision-making.
Speaking at the event, Mr Abubakar Usman, a representative from the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, highlighted the importance of public understanding and participation in the budgeting process.
According to him the budget belongs to the people and the youth must understand how it works so they could advocate for the right priorities, especially those affecting children.
He added that the ministry encourages feedback and public contributions to ensure the budget reflects the needs of all, especially vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, Mrs Sophie Safratu-Bako, a resource person at the training, described the budget as a financial plan that outlines government revenue and expenditure for a fiscal year.
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She emphasized its role in promoting equitable development across key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and security.
“Budgeting is not just about numbers—it is about people and priorities,” she said. “Young people have the power to influence policies. Your voices can ensure child-focused priorities are reflected in public spending.”
Earlier Mr Opeyemi Olaguju, Communications Officer, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, said it was high time the youth advocated for the need to hold leaders accountable and ensure children’s needs were prioritized in public budgets.
“Young advocates must champion good governance and demand increased investment in sectors that directly affect their lives and futures,” he urged.
The engagement aimed to equip youth with the knowledge and tools needed to analyze budgets, engage in advocacy, and participate meaningfully in governance processes for a better and more inclusive future.
News
7 Essential Blood Tests Every Adult Should Take Regularly
Published
6 hours agoon
August 3, 2025By
Editor
Many diseases don’t show clear symptoms until it’s too late. That’s why routine health checks, especially blood tests, are important. They help catch silent problems early so you can treat them before they get serious.
There are specific blood tests every adult should take, even if you feel perfectly healthy. In this article are blood tests adults need, and what they reveal about your body.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC test checks your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps detect things like anemia (low red blood cells), infections, and immune system issues.
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2. Fasting Blood Sugar Test (Glucose Test)
This test measures the amount of sugar in your blood. It helps detect prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar can silently damage your nerves, eyes, and kidneys without you noticing.
3. Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)
This test checks your LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and Triglycerides. High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Liver Function Test (LFT)
The liver helps filter toxins from your blood. This test checks for hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and liver damage from alcohol or medication.
5. Kidney Function Test (Creatinine and BUN Test)
Your kidneys clean your blood. This test helps detect chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, and kidney failure risks
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6. Thyroid Test (TSH, T3, T4)
Your thyroid controls your metabolism, weight, mood, and energy. This test detects hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
7. Vitamin D and B12 Tests
These tests check your nutrient levels. Low Vitamin D can cause bone weakness. Low Vitamin B12 can cause tiredness, nerve problems, and memory issues.
Don’t wait for symptoms before you get tested. Your health is your greatest asset, and blood tests are one of the smartest, simplest ways to protect it.
(TRIBUNE)
- Seadogs Champions Social Justice Through Inaugural Art Exhibition In Owerri
- UNICEF, U-Report Build Capacity Of Youth Advocates On Child-Friendly Budgeting
- Hotel Under Construction Collapses In Edo Kills Owner
- Anambra guber: Soludo Raises Alarm, Alledges Plot By APC To Manipulate Election
- 7 Essential Blood Tests Every Adult Should Take Regularly
- 5 Common Causes Of Plane Crashes
- Why Only Virgins Deserve Bride Price — Reno Omokri
- Why We’re Spending N712bn To Renovate Lagos Airport — Kayamo
- 2025 Recruitment: Immigration, Civil Defence, Others Issue Important Notice To Applicants
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