NEWS
Court Orders Rivers Assembly to Maintain Status Quo, Suspend Sittings

From Alice Onukwugha, Port Harcourt
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, yesterday, issued an order for the two factions in the Rivers State House of Assembly to maintain status quo
The court also issued an order suspending further deliberations by the state Assembly, depending on the determination of a substantive matter before it.
The order was made pursuant to a suit instituted by Rt.
Hon. Ehie Edison in Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/240/2023, praying the court to stop the RT Hon Martin Amaewhule and the other lawmakers from presiding over the activities of the legislative arm of the state.Parties in the suit are Rivers State House of Assembly, as first plaintiff, and Rt.
Hon. (Barr) Ehie Ogerenye Edison (Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly) as second defendant.The Defendants are: Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule, (Former Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly), Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol (former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, The Inspector-General of Police, Director, Department of State Security Services, Rivers State, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State
Ruling on the motion filed in the suit, Honorable Justice Phoebe Ayua
ordered that none of the parties on record should do anything about the matter since all the parties are expected to respect the court.
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 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 itself sought for, 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.
They also sought for an order restraining the former two principal officers of the House from interfering or participating in the functions of the House of Assembly.
The court fixed for hearing the motion on notice on the 27th of November, 2023.
The order came hours after the two factions led by Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule and Rt Hon Eddision Ehie, sat at different times and made different resolutions.
NEWS
Afriskaut Stars Unite: Super Team Clashes with Reigners FC Sunday
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the best young talents in the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 come together to take on the reigning champions.The super team will face off against Reigners FC in a highly anticipated match at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, on Sunday, July 27.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, concluded with Reigners FC emerging as champions after securing a 1-0 victory over FC Bako. The six-team tournament showcased young talents and provided exposure to scouts and clubs.Reigners FC topped the table with 22 points, followed closely by Jordan FA with 20 points, and Flamingo FC with 17 points.The tournament saw some thrilling matches, with the young players displaying their skills and determination on the field.A 21-player super team has been selected from the participating teams, comprising talented young players who will train with Reigners FC, the champions of the tournament.This selection promises to bring together the best of the young talents in the league.The Golden Boot and Bronze Boot awards for the top scorer and best goalkeeper, respectively, will be presented to the winners after the super team’s training session with Reigners FC on Sunday.Jordan FA’s Commitment to Developing Young Talents:Despite losing in the final match, Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.He emphasised the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development.”With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.””The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.”As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.”Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.NEWS
Correctional Officer Kill Friend, Commits Suicide in Kogi

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
An officer of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kogi state Command, Olorunpelumi Jacob, who allegedly killed his friend on Tuesday and kept the butchered remains in a refrigerator has committed suicide in a private lodge in Lokoja.The officer whose name was given on the social media as Ayo Pelumi was said to have gruesomely murdered his friend, a photo journalist identified as Ayo Aiyepeku by smashing him on the head with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious, and thereafter proceeded to butcher the victim and later stored the mutilated body parts in a freezer.
The incident happened on Tuesday night in an office located around the Government House/GRA axis of Lokoja, where his suspected assailant reportedly had a farm in the same premises.It was learnt that immediately he committed the murder, he took parts of the body inside his Hilux van and sped off only to return few hours unknown to him that a colleague of the deceased, who was in the office had the distress cry of the photojournalist when he was attacked but could not come to his rescue.It was gathered that the correctional officer had a farm in the compound of the office of the newspaper and had gone to the office by 7.30 pm to call the deceased who he thought was the only one remaining in the office.He was said to have called him to help him put a freezer in his vehicle when he hit him with a big rod and thereafter overpowered him killing him and dismembering his bodyOn returning back to the premises o he was said to have been confronted by some security operatives who had been alerted of the incident.In an attempt to speed off, the tyres of his vehicle were bursted but he managed to escape.The Kogi Police Command on Wednesday launched a manhunt for the suspected ritual killer and urged members of the public who knew his whereabouts to alert the nearest police station.However, at about 2.00pm on Thursday afternoon, the police acting on a tip off stormed into a lodge where the corpse of the killer was recovered.A bottle of coca cola and a sippet was said to have also been seen at the scene of the incident.Meanwhile, sources close to the police said investigation has continued to unravel while the suspected ritualist eventually killed himself.NEWS
Food Security: Ododo Pledges Support for Lagos Produce Initiative

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has pledged full commitment to the “Produce for Lagos” initiative.Ododo described the initiative as a bold inter-state collaboration that will deepen food security, boost agricultural productivity and deliver structured prosperity for farmers.
He made the promise during the official launch of the programme and the N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. The event, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, drew attendance from several state leaders, including the Governors of Ogun, Niger, and Taraba States, as well as representatives from the Governors of Jigawa and Kwara States.All participating states pledged to align with the vision of establishing a sustainable national food supply chain through a dependable partnership with Lagos, Nigeria’s largest consumer market.In his remarks, Ododo emphasized the historical ties between Kogi and Lagos and affirmed that the partnership marks a new era in mutual investment and food system integration.He noted that Lagos consumes food and Kogi produces food, and when both collaborate, the result is national food security, market stability, and inclusive economic growth.The Kogi State Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing investment in agriculture, including land preparation, mechanized farming, improved seedlings, livestock breeding, and financial support to over 10,000 farmers.He stated that Kogi is Nigeria’s leading producer of cassava and among the top producers of yam, maize, and ginger.According to him, the partnership with Lagos provides Kogi farmers with market assurance and confidence to expand production, knowing there is a structured offtake system in place.Ododo also commended Origin Tech Group Nigeria Limited for their investment in the project, describing the private sector as a critical driver of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.He praised the Lagos State Government for its vision and boldness in launching the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, which is expected to support producers, aggregators, logistics players, and traders across the entire food value chain.The Lagos State Government described the initiative as a strategic step toward creating a food hub for the entire nation.Officials said the programme is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, lower food inflation, and drive down dependency on imports while creating jobs and stimulating rural economies.The programme is also expected to benefit from strong private sector participation, with major players like Heirs Holdings pledging significant support.Chairman Tony Elumelu committed N25 billion to the initiative, expressing confidence in its ability to address food insecurity and unemployment.The launch of the Produce for Lagos initiative was widely praised by stakeholders as a major milestone in cooperative governance.Leaders present emphasized that collaboration among states and between public and private sectors remains the surest path to achieving a resilient and prosperous Nigeria.