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Impeachment: Group Cautions Rivers CJ Against Playing into the Hands of Rivers Lawmakers

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Impeachment: Group Cautions Rivers CJ Against Playing into the Hands of Rivers Lawmakers

 

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has issued a strong caution to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, on the critical need for judicial independence in the face of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

 

The group’s intervention comes at a pivotal moment, as the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has ramped up its efforts to oust the executive duo.

 

This follows a series of dramatic shifts, including a recent U-turn by four lawmakers who recommitted to the impeachment push after briefly advocating for dialogue, citing alleged media attacks from the governor’s camp as evidence of bad faith.

 

The Assembly’s latest resolution to forward a request for an investigative panel to the Chief Judge marks a formal escalation, confirming that impeachment notices have been served in line with constitutional requirements.

 

The group warned that the judiciary must safeguard its independence amid the escalating political crisis, which stems from long-standing tensions between the governor and factions in the Assembly.

 

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership stated that the Chief Judge should exercise utmost caution to avoid being drawn into what it described as partisan maneuvers by the lawmakers.

 

The group, through its Executive Director, Barrister Nedu Ekwueme, emphasized that the role of the Chief Judge in appointing a seven-member panel of unquestionable integrity must remain free from external influence or pressure.

 

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme said: “The judiciary must remain the last bastion of hope for justice and fairness in our democracy.”

 

He continued: “We caution Justice Chibuzor-Amadi against allowing himself to be manipulated by lawmakers whose actions appear driven by vendetta rather than constitutional duty.”

 

Barrister Ekwueme further stated: “This impeachment process has all the hallmarks of a political witch-hunt. The Chief Judge must not play into the hands of these lawmakers, as doing so would erode public trust in the judiciary and set a precedent for future abuses of power.”

 

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership pointed out that historical precedents in Nigeria demonstrate the dangers of hasty or improperly constituted panels, citing cases where courts later intervened to correct procedural flaws despite constitutional provisions.

 

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme noted: “We have seen in the past how hasty judicial panels have fueled crises rather than resolved them, as in the cases of Governors Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, Peter Obi of Anambra State, and Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, where impeachments were nullified due to violations of due process.”

 

He added: “Rivers State cannot afford another round of needless turmoil; the Chief Judge should prioritize due process over expediency.”

 

The group stressed the importance of strict adherence to constitutional guidelines, including the requirement for the panel to investigate allegations thoroughly within three months and report back to the people.

 

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme asserted: “The people of Rivers deserve leaders who focus on development, not distractions. By cautioning the CJ, we aim to prevent a scenario where the judiciary becomes a pawn in this high-stakes game, ultimately harming the state’s progress.”

 

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the process and uphold judicial independence.

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ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA 

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ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA 

 

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

 

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

 

 

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

 

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

 

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

 

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

 

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.

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Still Earth Holdings Strengthens Governance Structure Through EFCC–SCUML Compliance Training

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EFCC boss to Nigerians: Fight against corruption should be collaborative

Still Earth Holdings Strengthens Governance Structure Through EFCC–SCUML Compliance Training

 

Lagos, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), has conducted an intensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance training for the board and senior management of Still Earth Holdings.

The programme, held over the weekend, was designed to reinforce corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the group and its subsidiaries.

Delivering the keynote, Ibinabo Mary Amachree, Head of SCUML Lagos, underscored the importance of board-level responsibility in compliance. She emphasised that under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, directors now face both personal and corporate liability for systemic failures.

Reinforcing this regulatory warning with a strategic vision, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, Chairman of Still Earth Holdings, framed governance as both a moral compass and a competitive differentiator for the group.

“Our responsibility as leaders is not only to deliver profits but to safeguard the reputation and resilience of the institutions we steward,” Sunmonu noted. He asserted that the board’s role is to ensure that every subsidiary—whether in construction, energy, or finance—operates under the same uncompromising ethical framework. “Governance is not a department; it is the DNA of Still Earth,” he added, highlighting that the company’s legacy depends on its ability to harmonize compliance with innovation.

The training session covered critical areas including board responsibilities in AML/CFT oversight, fundamentals of money laundering, terrorism financing risks, legal frameworks, preventive measures, and governance duties. Participants were trained on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, customer due diligence, suspicious transaction reporting, targeted financial sanctions screening, and record keeping.

Interactive case studies exposed sector-specific risks across subsidiaries such as Tirex Petroleum & Energy, Still Earth Construction, and Still Earth Capital Finance. Discussions highlighted issues including over-invoicing, shell companies, offshore payments, contract splitting, and the identification of politically exposed persons (PEPs).

Commenting on the operational impact of this vision, Kingsley Inyama, Head of Credit Risk, described the programme as both timely and essential.

He noted: “The essence of the training is to understand when anti-money laundering violations or terrorism financing may be taking place. In business, especially in the international sector, it is important to know the source of funds.” Inyama stressed the importance of identifying beneficial owners in transactions, noting that “the penalties for failing to do so can include fines, sanctions, and even imprisonment.”

The training concluded with a commitment to several high-level board resolutions aimed at cultivating a brand synonymous with probity and excellence:

• Adoption of a zero-tolerance policy on money laundering and terrorism financing.

• Establishment of compliance committees to ensure constant oversight.

• Mandating annual training programmes for staff and management.

• Approval for independent audits to validate internal compliance claims.

The annual compliance programme was attended by staff and management of Still Earth Holdings and its subsidiaries, reinforcing the group’s commitment to embedding integrity at the heart of its operations and building a corporate legacy that transcends financial earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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King Saheed Osupa Releases New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

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King Saheed Osupa Releases New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Veteran Fuji music icon King Dr. Saheed Osupa has officially released his new 2-in-1 album, Acapella & Metamorphosis, now live on Apple Music and being promoted across other digital platforms. Apple Music lists the project as a 2026 Fuji release containing five songs with a total runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

 

The release arrives after a buildup of promotional activity across social media, where posts describing the project as available on major streaming platforms helped fuel anticipation ahead of the drop. Public-facing materials tied to the rollout also framed the album as a significant new entry in Osupa’s catalog.

 

With Acapella & Metamorphosis, Osupa extends a career that has long positioned him among the most respected voices in Fuji music. His work has consistently carried the weight of Yoruba cultural storytelling, strong lyrical identity, and a sound that continues to resonate with longtime Fuji listeners as well as newer audiences drawn to traditional rhythms. Apple Music’s artist page also places the album at the top of his latest releases, underscoring the project’s arrival as his newest major body of work.

 

The album’s title gives the project an immediate conceptual edge. Acapella suggests a stripped-down, voice-led expression, while Metamorphosis points toward growth, reinvention, and artistic transition. Together, the two titles create the sense of a project that may balance classic Fuji sensibilities with a refreshed presentation, a combination that fits Osupa’s reputation for preserving the foundation of the genre while remaining visibly active in the present era. That reading is an editorial inference based on the album title and release framing, not an official statement from the artist.

 

The release also reflects a wider pattern among legacy acts who continue to treat full-length projects as statements of intent. In an era where many artists rely heavily on singles and shorter drops, a five-track, hour-long album signals patience, range, and confidence in the listening experience. For Osupa, it is also another reminder that Fuji still has room to breathe, evolve, and command attention in a fast-moving streaming landscape.

 

Fans following the rollout have continued to react positively online, with messages of support and anticipation circulating ahead of the release. With the album now available, attention will turn to how listeners receive the project and whether Acapella & Metamorphosis becomes another defining entry in the singer’s long-running catalogue.

 

Acapella & Metamorphosis is available now for streaming.

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