An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the case against controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola a.k.a Portable, to March 26 to enable the prosecution to merge his charges with those of his workers.

When the case against the artist resumed on Wednesday after his earlier arraignment on February 20, the prosecution told the court that it would be a waste of time for the court to hear the case of Portable and that of his workers separately.

Senior State Counsel, Timileyin Oredein, told the court that the musician’s case had a sister case, which needed to be merged before trial begins.

Mr Oredein reminded the court that the musician and nine of his workers were earlier arraigned on February 6 on similar charges.

He said that it would be time wasting if the defendants were tried separately.

Mr Oredein prayed the court to give a short date for the charge to be merged and substituted.

Portable and his workers were arraigned on five-count charge of conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction while armed with cutlasses and gun and conduct likely to cause the breach of the peace.

They were also arraigned for allegedly assaulting three officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have arrested a suspect, Ovuta Chigozie, from the Okoffia community in the Ezza South Local Government Area, who was in possession of two human skulls and three locally made guns.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Ukandu stated that Chigozie confessed that the human skulls were given to him for the preparation of a spiritual concoction.

“Authorities are actively pursuing the individual mentioned in connection with this case,” he said.

The spokesman also revealed that the police in the state have recovered some stolen tricycles in the state.

“While tracking a stolen tricycle, operatives of the command uncovered a criminal syndicate specialising in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring states,” stated.

He noted that the operation led to the arrest of four suspects, Nweke Chukwudi, Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba and Uche Abba.

“Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects, who admitted to receiving the vehicles from accomplices for colour modifications”

“All suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations,” he said.

During its routine enforcement of the ban on highways and restricted routes, the Lagos task force has impounded 82 commercial motorcycles (Okada).

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Osiyemi explained that the areas visited included Alakija, Iyana-Iba, Festac, and Mile 2, as well as Berger Suya inward Mile 2 Oke.

“A total of 82 commercial motorcycles were impounded for violations in all the areas visited,” he said.

He noted that the reduced number of recalcitrant okadas on the highways reflected the positive impact of consistent enforcement and compliance efforts across the state.

“This has significantly reduced the crime rate in the metropolis,” he added.

He said the operation was carried out smoothly, with the highest level of civility and professionalism.

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the re-appointment of Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa.

Dotun Oyelade, the commissioner for information and civic orientation, announced the re-appointment in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Adegbola was installed in 1998 but deposed on November 29, 2019, by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“A document by the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters indicated that the stool of Eleruwa has remained vacant. This is as a result of recent legal proceedings, specifically the dismissal of suit number HER/10/23 by the High Court of Oyo State on October 22.

“In response to the circumstances surrounding the succession, the Laribikusi ruling quarters was unable to submit candidates within the stipulated time frame as stipulated in Section 15(1) of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 of Oyo State.

“Consequently, after due consideration, the esteemed discretion of the governor facilitated the Akalako ruling house to be recognised as the next ruling quarters to nominate candidates,” the Oyo government said in the statement.

It added that, after a thorough selection process, the kingmakers of Eruwa convened and unanimously selected Mr Adegbola from the Akalako ruling house as the candidate to fill the vacant stool.

The Kano government has set up a six-member draft committee to implement the recommendation of the committee of inquiry over the breach of peace during #EndBadGovernance.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf said the committee is tasked with thoroughly examining the report and making further recommendations to prevent future occurrence.

The governor described the violence as a painful experience.

According to him, the loss of lives and the destruction of property valued in billions of naira significantly set Kano back.

The governor reiterated the government’s commitment to taking all necessary measures in order to prevent a recurrence, rebuild the economy, and alleviate the suffering caused by the crisis.

While highlighting the committee’s critical role, the governor expressed confidence that its members’ expertise would ensure a timely and effective response.

The committee is chaired by Dan Yahaya, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Aliyu Garo, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, member; and Hadi Bala, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, member; Salisu Marmara – a Ministry of Justice member; Yahaya Umar, director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Kano State Pension Fund Trustee, secretary; and Jamilu Usman, assistant secretary II, REPA Directorate, SSG’s Office, to serve as assistant secretary.

Speaking on behalf of the members, Mr Yahaya thanked the Kano government and Mr Yusuf for entrusting them with such an important assignment.

He assured that the government that the committee would work hard to justify the confidence placed in them.

President Bola Tinubu has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible.

He also said Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs, sometimes controversial have helped shape public policies and put leaders in check.

In a birthday tribute on Wednesday to mark Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, Tinubu hailed the former president’s decades-long service to the nation, acknowledging his role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape both as a military and civilian leader.

“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story,” Tinubu said.

He recounted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in ending the Nigerian Civil War, noting that as a colonel in the Nigerian Army, he received the instrument of surrender from Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong, in 1970.

The President also highlighted Obasanjo’s leadership following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed in 1976, commending his commitment to democracy by overseeing a transition to civilian rule in 1979.

“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as a civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting,” the President stated.

Beyond his time in office, Tinubu acknowledged the former President’s enduring influence in national and global affairs, describing him as an “ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter,” whose efforts in conflict resolution and governance advocacy have earned him respect across Africa and beyond.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,
” he added.

The president lauded Obasanjo’s statesmanship and dedication to national unity, peace, and progress, praying for continued strength and wisdom for the former leader.

“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” Tinubu said.

Residents of Ikot Mfon in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have appealed to the state government to urgently reconstruct the collapsed Ikot Mfon/Ndiya bridge, which has claimed at least three lives, including schoolchildren.

The bridge, originally built by the military during the Nigerian Civil War, serves as a crucial link for motorists and traders transporting agricultural produce.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, a community leader, Ekaette Akpan, who represented the village head, lamented that since the bridge collapsed in 2011, residents have been completely cut off, disrupting social and economic activities.

“Since the bridge collapsed, more than three people have died while trying to cross, including schoolchildren. Apart from the loss of lives, our economic activities have also suffered because this road and bridge are the only access points to Ndiya, which connects us to Eket, Oron, and other parts of Akwa Ibom,” Akpan said.

Flanked by the deputy village head, Obong Safety Tony, Akpan urged Governor Umo Eno to intervene urgently to prevent further casualties.

Meanwhile, a member representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, had in July 2023 raised the issue before the House, calling for immediate government intervention.

Ekpo-Ufot, in his motion, noted that the bridge, constructed around 1970, had become a death trap, forcing residents to rely on unsafe boats to access education, healthcare, and other essential services in neighbouring communities.

He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, more lives could be lost, and economic hardship in the area would worsen.

Operatives of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps in Efon Alaaye, Efon Local Government Area, have arrested a 43-year-old woman, Damilola Ajenifuja, for allegedly attacking her son and causing serious injuries to his head.

The Head of Communication for Ekiti Amotekun, Abiodun Adeleye, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Adeleye said the woman hit her nine-year-old son on the head with a pestle.

He stated that the incident happened in Efon Alaaye on Saturday, March 1.

“The suspect mercilessly hit a pestle on her son’s head, which she devised as a punishment measure for his wrongdoings,” he said.

He added, “Upon interrogation by the officers who made the arrest, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime.

“She has been promptly handed over to the Police Division in Efon-Ekiti for further investigation and necessary action.”

At least 11 countries have arrived in Abuja for the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, set for March 6-8, 2025, at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola National Stadium. .

The tournament is part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Francis Njoaguani, announced the event on Tuesday at a news conference.

He said that 55 athletes, comprising both male and female wrestlers, would compete to foster unity and regional integration.

According to Njoaguani, the event will feature 11 out of the 12 ECOWAS member states, with 33 male and 22 female wrestlers taking part in individual and team competitions.

He said, “Female wrestlers will compete in the 65kg and 75kg categories, while the male wrestlers will compete in the 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg categories. A total cash prize of 24,000 dollars is up for grabs, with 10,000 dollars for the winning team, 6,000 dollars for second place, and 3,000 dollars for third place. Individual wrestlers can win between 1,000 dollars and 2,500 dollars based on their performance.”

A Deputy Director at the National Sports Commission, Ikana Mbora, stressed the significance of Nigeria hosting the flagship wrestling tournament.

She assured that the NSC, as a key partner in the event, would ensure a seamless competition in accordance with international best practices.

Olufemi Ajao of the NSC and former Secretary of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria stated that security and logistics arrangements had been finalised to ensure a successful tournament.

He urged Abuja residents to turn out in large numbers to witness traditional wrestling at its best.

“This will be the best-organised tournament in the competition’s history, so I encourage everyone to come and experience the best of regional African wrestling,” he said.

The tournament marks a historic milestone as Nigeria hosts the event for the first time, which was previously held in Senegal and Niger.

The countries participating in the tournament include Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and hosts Nigeria.

Regional leaders have officially adopted African wrestling as an ECOWAS sport and aim to popularise it for regional integration and Olympic Games status.

African wrestling, a traditional style of West African folk wrestling, is known as Laamb in Senegal, Boreh in The Gambia, and Kokowa in Nigeria and Niger.

The Lagos State University (LASU) on Tuesday called for timely justice over the death of a recent graduate, Adedamola Ogunbode, popularly known as Horlar.

The university said this in a statement by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, its deputy registrar and coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations.

“The university management is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ogunbode, a recent graduate of LASU,” it said. “The deceased, fondly known as Horlar, was allegedly killed by a prophet in the Ojo area of Lagos State, reportedly for ritual purposes.”

“According to the report received by the management, Ogunbode, a 28-year-old graduate of Political Science Education, had been missing since January 16.”

She added that investigations by the security agencies revealed that the deceased’s mutilated body was purportedly found buried in the compound of a popular church in the area.

“The prophet of the church has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their investigation.

“His untimely death is a terrible loss to the entire university community, and we share in the grief of all who are mourning his passing,” she said.

Ms Thomas-Onashile said the university strongly condemned the violence, adding that the brutality and criminality behind his death were unacceptable in any society.

“We call for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice and that the perpetrators of this horrific crime do not go unpunished,” she said.

Ms Thomas-Onashile urged the university community to remain calm, stay vigilant and report suspicious activities while the investigation is being conducted.

“The safety and security of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that our university remains a safe environment for all,” she said.

Ms Thomas-Onashile reiterated the university’s sympathy to his family and loved ones and prayed that they find strength and comfort.

The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), an interest group, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to comply with the 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.

The Director General of the group, Johnson Georgewill, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the ultimatum issued by the State House of Assembly was in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, the Supreme Court directed Fubara to re-present the Appropriation Bill to the duly recognised legislature led by Martin Amaewhule.

The apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from releasing funds to the state government until the budget was properly re-submitted to the House.

Mr Georgewill urged Mr Fubara not to defy the ultimatum, since failure to comply would constitute grounds for impeachment.

He advised the 10th Rivers Assembly House of Assembly not to hesitate to initiate impeachment proceedings if Mr Fubara failed to re-present the budget within the 48 hours deadline.

He alleged that the budget (presented before the Oko Jumbo-led factional House) lacked substance in terms of proper budgetary presentation, saying that the governor must re-submit the budget.

Mr Georgewill criticised the governor’s decision to proceed with a 10-day series of project inaugurations across the state.

He described the decision as illegal, provocative and a clear indication that the governor had chosen to defy valid court rulings.

“We, therefore, question the source of funding for these 10-day project inaugurations, given that both the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills have been declared illegal,” Mr Georgewill stated.

He urged the Amaewhule-led Assembly and the police to take decisive action to uphold democracy in Rivers State.

He also called on lawmakers to ensure that all illegal appointments, non-budgetary expenditures, and government operations cease until a legitimate appropriation bill is presented before the House.
Mr Georgewill urged leaders across the state, including the clergy, politicians, opinion leaders, and traditional rulers, to speak the truth and advise the governor to uphold democratic principles.

“We backed former governor Nyesom Wike in ensuring Fubara emerged as governor against all odds. Therefore, we firmly oppose all forms of betrayal and illegal actions by the state government because truth and justice will always prevail over illegalities,” he stressed.

Mr Georgewill also congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the 27 lawmakers on their victory at the Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump has vowed to deport international students joining the anti-Israel protests, especially on U.S. campuses.

This came after Mr Trump moved to cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathisers on college campuses after signing an executive order to combat anti-Semitism.

In January, the U.S. president signed the executive order entitled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism.”

Reuters reported that some groups suggested that the policy could be unconstitutional.

Mr Trump had, during the electioneering, pledged to implement the policy following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

“I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathisers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before,” he said during the campaign.

Rights groups and legal scholars have kicked, saying the new measure would violate constitutional free speech.

They also added that the step would likely draw legal challenges.

“The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign citizens studying at American universities.

“Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional,” said Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.

The Council on American Islamic Relations, one of the large Muslim advocacy groups, has said it would consider challenging the order in court if Mr Trump tried to implement it.

The Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli assault on the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza led to several months of pro-Palestinian protests that rolled U.S. college campuses.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved a reduction in official working hours for civil servants in the holy month of Ramadan.

The approval is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Awwal Manu-Dogondaji, in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

According to the statement, civil servants in the state will now work from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.

It added that normal working hours would resume after Ramadan.

Mr Manu-Dogondaji urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayers for lasting peace and stability in Kebbi and Nigeria.

Also, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi approved reduction of working hours for state civil servants amid the 2025 Ramadan. .

The approval is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, on Tuesday in Dutse.

He stated that “civil servants in the state will report to the office at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, throughout the Ramadan period. On Fridays, the civil servants will report at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.’’

The Jigawa State head of service said that the gesture was to provide opportunities for civil servants to fully engage in spiritual activities associated with the holy month.

“It is hoped that civil servants in the state will use the Ramadan period to pray for God’s guidance and blessings for our state and the country in general,” Mr Dagaceri added.

Muslims worldwide have started observing the 29 or 30 days of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Lunar calendar.

While observing the dawn-to-dusk fast, Muslims are to refrain from eating, drinking and intimate activities throughout the period.

Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,400 years ago.

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo said he will run for a second term in November, backtracking on earlier vows to step down and potentially stoking tensions.

Mr Embalo, after a trip to Russia, Azerbaijan and Hungary, told reporters at the airport: “I will be a candidate in my own succession.’’

Mr Embalo has been at odds with the political opposition in the coup-prone West African nation over when his current five-year term, which began in 2020, ends.

The opposition saod his current five-year term ran out at the end of February, while the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that it ends on September 4.

There has also been disgruntlement after Mr Embalo said presidential and legislative elections would not be held until November 30 this year.

Originally scheduled for November 2024, the parliamentary polls were indefinitely postponed, citing technical and financial obstacles and scrambling the electoral calendar.

“I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree,’’ Mr Embalo said late on Monday.

A 52-year-old former army general, Mr Embalo inherited a long-running political impasse in a country where coups and unrest have been common since independence from Portugal in 1974.

He has said there were two attempts to overthrow him during his presidency, the latest being in December 2023.

The president in 2024 also said that his wife dissuaded him from running for a second term.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday remanded the former manager of P-Square, Jude Okoye, for allegedly stealing one million dollars and 34, 537 pounds.

Jude, who is also the elder brother of Peter Okoye (Mr P) and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited on a four-count charge bordering on theft.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded Mr Okoye at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre where he is being held, pending the hearing of his bail application.

Mr Oshodi adjourned the case until March 6, for hearing of the bail application.

The EFCC Counsel, Mohammed Bashir, earlier asked the court for a trial date and that the defendant be remanded at the correctional centre.

Lead counsel to the defendant, Clement Onwuenwunor, however, informed the court of a bail application dated January 27 and urged the court to grant bail to his defendant.

Mr Bashir also informed the court that the prosecution intended to file a response to the application.

He prayed the court for a short adjourned date for the prosecution to file the counter affidavit to the bail application.

In the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, EFCC alleged that Jude dishonestly converted the sum of 767,544 dollars to his own use.

It alleged that the sum was paid to Lex Records Ltd for music digital distribution/publishing royalties.

It said that the payment was with intent to permanently deprive the complainant, Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that sometime between 2016 and 2023, the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of 34,537 pounds paid by Lex Records Ltd for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties.

It said it was with intent to permanently deprive the complainant Okoye of his special interest in the property.
The commission alleged that the ex-manager also dishonestly converted the sum of 133,566 dollars paid by Kobalt Music for digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency equally alleged that the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of 118,652 dollars, paid by Mtech Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Okoye of his special interest.

According to EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

China announced on Tuesday that it will impose fresh tariffs on a range of agricultural imports from the United States next week in retaliation against Washington’s recent tariff hike.

“An additional 15 per cent tariff will be imposed on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton,” Beijing’s finance ministry said in a statement.

It added, “An additional 10 per cent tariff will be imposed on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.”

US President Donald Trump signed an order on Monday increasing a previously imposed 10 per cent tariff on China to 20 per cent, adding to existing levies on various Chinese goods.

In response, Beijing condemned the “unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US” while announcing its own countermeasures.

The move “exacerbates the burden on US companies and consumers and undermines the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States,” the finance ministry stated.

Additionally, China’s commerce ministry said it would file a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation over the additional 10 per cent tariffs.

The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has commended Dangote Refinery and NNPC Retail Ltd. for slashing the petrol price from N920 to N875 per litre.

PETROAN said the bold move was expected to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians amidst rising inflation.

In a statement on Monday, PETROAN’s national president, Billy Gillis-Harry, praised NNPCL for taking proactive steps to support the Nigerians.

“This price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

Mr Gillis-Harry said the reduction in pump price was expected to positively impact Nigerians by reducing transportation costs, making it easier for people to commute and transport goods.

He said the reduced transportation costs would lead to reduced food prices, making it easier for Nigerians to access affordable food.

PETROAN’s president also lauded Dangote for agreeing to refund N65 to retail outlet owners affected by the price reduction. This refund initiative follows Dangote Refinery’s recent reduction of its gantry price from N890 per litre to N825 per litre.

According to the refinery, customers who purchased petrol at higher rates than the advertised prices from Dangote’s key partners are eligible for a refund.

The refund amount is N65 per litre on over 200,000 metric tonnes of petrol purchased by marketers at the old gantry price.

He said Dangote had absorbed a N16 billion loss to implement these refunds, demonstrating its commitment to fair pricing and consumer welfare.

The refund initiative, he said, would also positively impact retail outlet owners, who would benefit from reduced prices and refunds.

“Many retail outlet owners purchased PMS at a higher rate before the price reduction, and the refund will help mitigate their losses.

“We commend Dangote Refinery for this initiative, which will help reduce the financial burden on our members,” Mr Gillis-Harry said.

The Rivers House of Assembly has written to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.

The House made this known in a five-point resolution by Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly at plenary on Monday in Port-Harcourt.

The Amaewhule-led members of the assembly resumed on Monday, following a Supreme Court order on February 28, which stopped federal allocations to Rivers until the state government recognised the Amaewhule-led members of the assembly.

By the Supreme Court directive, the N1.1 trillion appropriation bill presented by a rival speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, to the governor for assent in January was also nullified.

Mr Amaewhule said the governor’s quick response to the resolution was urgent to enable the state to tackle the impending financial crisis following the halt of statutory federal allocations to the state by the Supreme Court.

The plenary also deliberated on the annulled local government election by the Supreme Court.

The letter to the governor read, in part:

”That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in suit no. SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of statutory federal allocations to the Rivers government and halting spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state, pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill:

”You are requested to present the 2025 appropriation bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”

The House, also in its letter, announced readiness to commence the process of amending the Rivers Local Government Law and the State Independent Electoral Commission law to pave the way for fresh local government elections.

The House also drew his attention to the 2023 amendment to the constitution, which prohibited Heads of Local Government Administrators (HLGAs) or individuals other than democratically elected persons to head local government administration.

Mr Fubara, in response to the nullification of the local government election by the Supreme Court, had ordered HLGAs in the 23 local government areas to immediately assume office as administrators of the local councils.

The potential month-long ceasefire in Ukraine proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is intended to test Russia’s readiness to end the conflict.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.

Mr Macron said he and Mr Starmer proposed a month-long ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

However, the French president said the proposal does not address the situation on the ground, as the length of the front line makes it difficult to verify compliance with the ceasefire.

“This ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure will allow us to verify the good faith of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that was when real peace negotiations will begin,” he said.

Mr Barrot told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that “first of all, this is a way to test whether Russia really wants to put an end to this war.’’

During a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council in January, Mr Putin said the goal in resolving the Ukraine conflict should be long-term peace.

Mr Putin was opposed to a short ceasefire that would enable the Ukrainian military to regroup and rearm to continue the conflict.