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Rivers: Sole administrator locked in legal battle with sacked members of civil service commission

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The chairman and members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, appointed by the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have dragged the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, and others to court over their suspension.

The claimants, Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenim Wisdom Jerome and three others, are challenging what they described as their illegal removal by the sole administrator.

They contend that they were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that, before they were issued letters of appointment by the governor, records of their confirmation were with the Clerk of the House.

According to an affidavit signed by the suspended chairman, Ben, the claimants insist that the sole administrator lacks the legal power to suspend them and appoint a new chairman and members of the commission.

Ekwutosblog reports that when the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, the legal team of the sole administrator, comprising about five Senior Advocates of Nigeria, filed their defence, along with a notice of preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the Rivers State High Court to hear and determine the matter.

They are also contending that, by the combined provisions of the Emergency Powers Act, 1961 and the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act, 1962, the proper court for such matters is the Federal Supreme Court, which they argued has since been modified by regulation of the President to what is now known as the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

 

The legal team of the state’s sole administrator also relied heavily on the aforementioned legislations to argue, in their defence of the substantive suit, that the administrator derives his powers to suspend and make appointments from those laws.

However, the claimants’ legal team, in their response, insisted that both the 1961 and 1962 Acts relied upon by the defence are obsolete, stating that under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), those laws are considered spent and are clearly listed as such in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.

Presiding Judge, Justice Frank Onyiri, thereafter adjourned the case to the 17th of June, 2025, for the adoption of all processes.

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Nigerians now banned from traveling to US as Trump expands travel restriction list

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President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries identified as high risk due to what the White House described as persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing that threaten national security and public safety.

Among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions is Nigeria. The decision was announced in a fact sheet published on the White House website on December 16, 2025, titled “President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States”.

The White House said the move was aimed at strengthening national security through what it called common sense restrictions based on data.

The proclamation maintains full entry restrictions on nationals from the original 12 countries previously listed under Proclamation 10949. These countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

It also introduces full restrictions on five additional countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now been placed under full restrictions.

Nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela remain subject to partial restrictions.

In addition, the proclamation imposes partial entry restrictions on 15 more countries. These include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The fact sheet states that exemptions remain in place for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories such as athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve United States national interests.

 

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IMO OPENS NEW ECONOMIC FRONTIER AS UZODIMMA COMMISSIONS NOVA BANK REGIONAL OFFICE IN OWERRI.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
16- DEC- 2025

Imo State took another decisive step toward economic expansion on Monday, December 15, 2025, as Governor Hope Uzodimma formally inaugurated the regional headquarters of Nova Bank in Owerri, signalling the state’s growing appeal as an investment destination.

While addressing guests at the commissioning ceremony, the governor noted that deliberate reforms, sustained infrastructural development, and a more business-friendly policy environment have steadily repositioned Imo State to attract credible investors. He described Nova Bank’s choice of Owerri as a strategic endorsement of the state’s economic viability and long-term growth prospects.

Governor Uzodimma praised the Chairman of Nova Bank, Mr. Philip Oduozor, for his experience and leadership within the financial sector, assuring the institution of continued government collaboration. He added that the arrival of Nova Bank, alongside the recent establishment of Access Bank’s regional headquarters in the state, reflects increasing confidence by the private sector in Imo’s economic direction.

Reiterating his administration’s vision, the governor emphasized ongoing efforts to transition Imo from a largely leisure-based economy into a competitive commercial centre. He pointed to significant investments in road networks, security architecture, digital systems, power supply, and overall ease of doing business, while encouraging Nova Bank to expand its footprint in the state, including consideration of Owerri for its corporate headquarters.

In his remarks, Mr. Oduozor explained that Nova Bank, which began operations in 2018 as a merchant bank, has now secured a full commercial banking licence. He stated that the bank intends to play a critical role in financing small and medium-scale enterprises across Imo State and the wider South East region by improving access to credit.

The commissioning ceremony ended with a guided inspection of the new facilities by Governor Uzodimma and top executives of the bank, marking another milestone in Imo State’s economic transformation drive.

 

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Actress Doris Ogala doubles down on claims against Pastor Chris Okafor, insists on compensation or marriage

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Actress Doris Ogala has intensified her allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor, insisting she was in a long-term relationship with him from 2017 and was promised marriage.

Speaking emotionally, Doris claimed she supported the pastor privately, bought gifts for his children, and stayed loyal for years, only to be abandoned when he decided to marry someone else.

She accused those online, including Dee One, of taking money to do “damage control,” stressing that her demands are legal, not blackmail. According to her, she is seeking compensation for emotional damage, career loss, and broken promises, adding that her lawyer is already preparing formal demands.

Doris also admitted to phone-based intimacy during her troubled marriage but denied any physical affair at the time. She maintained she has evidence to back her claims and alleged she is not the only woman Pastor Chris promised marriage.

“I’m not backing down. This is my right,” she said, warning that she is ready to speak fully if pushed further.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVHaVegjI7/?igsh=ZG1jNWNnZjN4YWZt

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