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Rivers: NASS urges Supreme Court to dismiss PDP suit with N1bn fine

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The National Assembly has urged the Supreme Court of Nigeria to dismiss the suit filed by 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In its response, the National Assembly argued that the suit was procedurally flawed and lacked merit.

The legislative arm of the government further contended that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and should award N1 billion in costs against the plaintiffs for filing what it termed a frivolous and speculative suit.

The National Assembly, in a preliminary objection, argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case, particularly against it, “the second defendant”.

While declaring that it holds a memorandum of conditional appearance, the National Assembly stated that due process was not followed in instituting the suit.

It stressed that the plaintiffs failed to issue the statutorily required three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly, as mandated under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

“A person who has a cause of action against a Legislative House shall serve a three months’ notice to the office of the Clerk of the Legislative House disclosing the cause of action and reliefs sought,” it said.

The NASS further argued that the plaintiffs did not secure resolutions from their respective State Houses of Assembly, a prerequisite for approaching the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction provisions outlined in the Supreme Court (Original Jurisdiction) Act, 2002.

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Abia Government Confirms Herdsmen Attack In Umunneochi, Many Killed

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‎The Abia State government has confirmed an attack by armed herdsmen in the Umunneochi local government area, resulting in several fatalities.

‎The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who was silent on the casualty figures, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia.

‎”There have been some security breaches in the Umunneochi area of the state, leading to some fatalities,”

‎ Kanu said that the state security agencies had been put on full alert to address the security issue.

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Benue crisis barbaric, unacceptable — Deputy Speaker

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has condemned the brutal killings in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the attacks as barbaric, disturbing, and utterly unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kalu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the affected families and the government of Benue State. He called on security agencies to collaborate and take decisive action to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous crimes.

“I join Mr. President in calling on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The recent incident in Yelewata, Benue State, is not only disturbing but deeply disheartening.

“The barbaric killing of members of the community is utterly unacceptable. I strongly condemn this wicked act carried out by unidentified individuals,” Kalu said.

He assured that the National Assembly would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. According to him, legislative intervention is critical in addressing the structural gaps in Nigeria’s security framework.

As part of that commitment, Kalu disclosed that the House Committee on Constitution Review had on Monday convened a dialogue on the country’s national security architecture.

He expressed optimism that the ongoing constitutional review process, particularly in relation to security and policing reforms, would enhance inter-agency cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, strengthen border security, and foster regional coordination for a unified national response to insecurity.

Kalu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls and urged all stakeholders to remain committed to addressing the root causes of the violence to prevent future tragedies.

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Niger Flood: Over 700 still Missing, 207 confirmed dead — Gov Bago

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More than 700 people are still missing after a recent flood swept through Mokwa community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, according to Governor Umaru Bago.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during a condolence visit by Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former chief security officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and his delegation in Minna, the state capital.

Governor Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, said the disaster had claimed many lives and left several families in pain.

“So far, 207 people have been confirmed dead and over 700 persons are still missing. We are yet to know where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage to lives and property,” he said.

He added that more than 3,000 households were displaced by the flood, while about 400 houses were affected. Out of these, 283 homes and 50 shops were completely destroyed.

Governor Bago described the incident as a national tragedy and thanked individuals and organisations that had sent donations or supported victims.

He also said the state government was working with professional organisations to investigate the cause of the flood and was awaiting their assessment reports.

Maj. Al-Mustapha, who led the visiting delegation, said they were in the state to sympathise with the government and people of Niger State, especially those affected in Mokwa.

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