celebrity radar - gossips
NGO drags Akpabio, Abbas to court over passage of bill extending retirement age of staff, asks court to halt exercise
NGO drags Akpabio, Abbas to court over passage of bill extending retirement age of staff, asks court to halt exercise
A Federal High Court has been asked to halt further proceedings at the National Assembly seeking to extend the retirement age of National Assembly staff from 60 to 65 years.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Chairman of the National Assembly and Clerk of the National Assembly are 1st to 4th respondents respectively.
The request contained in a motion on notice filed by the Registered Trustees of Mavrik Applicant Solution Foundation, a non governmental organisation (NGO), is aimed at preserving the subject matter of a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/287 /2024.
The applicant is specifically praying the court for, “An order of Interlocutory Injunction retraining the 1st and 2nd respondents from taking any further move in passing or forwarding the bill extending the retirement age of the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for assent pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“An order mandating the 4th respondent or any one in his capacity and all the staff of the National Assembly who are due for retirement, to proceed on leave forthwith, since there is no assented legislation permitting them to stay more than the age stipulated by the Public Service Rules.
The suit brought pursuant to Order 26 of the Federal High Court of Nigeria Civil Procedure Rules 2019 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, dated March 5, was filed on March 6, by Henry Okoro and it is before court 8, Federal House Court, Abuja.
In an affidavit deposed to in support of the motion on notice, the applicant alleged that, “the due process of law was not followed in passing the bill and as such is inconsistent with the constitution.”
While arguing that the order of the court is needed to stop the further perfection of the bill pending the determination of the substantive suit, the applicant submitted that “if the res is not preserved, pending the determination of this substantive suit, the judgment of the court will at the end be an effort in futility should it go in favour of the applicant.”
In the main suit, the plaintiff raised some issues for determination which include: “Whether having regard to the extant provisions of section 318 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) if the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly did not fall within the purview of the description of who can be referred to as a public servant?
“Whether having regard to the provisions of Rule 020908 of the Public Service Rules (2021), if it is legal for the 1st and 2nd Respondents to with uttermost disregard to the above provision, and without firstly amending the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, plot for, through a clandestine legislation, to extend the retirement age of the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly to additional five (5) years?
Among the reliefs sought are a declaration that the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly fall within the purview of public servants as provided in section 318 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) whose appointments and retirements are regulated by the Public Service Rules (2021)
In an 28 paragraph affidavit deposed to in support of the main suit, one of the trustee of the plaintiff, Mr Muhammad Haamid, recalled that the 4th respondent and others working under that capacity have over the years served and retired at the expiration of 35 or 60 years as the case may be.
“That the said years of retirement was set by the Public Service Rules, under which the 4th respondent and other Staff of the National Assembly were employed.
“That in swift move, the Ist and 2nd defendant came up with a legislation seeking to increase the retirement age of the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly from 35 to 40 years and 60 to 65 years depending on which one comes first.
“That the above bill is at variance with the provision in the Public Service Rules.
“That the 4th respondents and other staff of the National Assembly did not fall under any special category of public servants that could warrant such hasty amendment.
“That the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not place the 4th respondent and other Staff of the National Assembly as special staff outside the Contemplation of the Public Service Rules.
“That the Ist and 2nd respondents have no power to secretly pass a bill on issues that are subject to the Constitution without firstly amending the constitution.
“That the said bill (Harmonize Bill for Retirement of National Assembly Staff) did not follow a due process of law.
“That this court is urged to invalidate same.
“That there is no special training at the point of their employment that makes them different from other Public Servants whose retirement age is 35 and 60 years depending on which one comes first.
“That an order of this court is needed to stop the extension of the years of service of the 4th respondent and other Staff of the National Assembly.
“That if this court did not make the order, it will lead to chaos in Public Service of the Federation.”
celebrity radar - gossips
Let’s build a future where access to healthcare is strengthened…….Oba Odugbemi
Let’s build a future where access to healthcare is strengthened…….Oba Odugbemi
A call has gone to every stakeholder in the health sector to build a future where access to healthcare is guaranteed and strengthened.
The Onilisa of Lisa Kingdom, Oba Oladele Odugbemi make the call in Lisa while donating a Sanitary Sterilisation Box to the Lisa health centre.
Oba Odugbemi said that the donation became necessary in order to further strengthen the capacity of the health centre for the benefits of the people.
The royal father stressed that his foundation, Oladele Odugbemi foundation would continue to make meaningful impacts in community healthcare aimed at complementing the efforts of government in healthcare delivery system.
He pointed out that the foundation reflects its unwavering commitment to promoting quality healthcare services, enhancing hygiene standards and supporting health institutions with essential tools that contribute to safer and healthier communities.
According to the monarch, all stakeholders in the health sector should work hand-in- hand with government to take healthcare to the doorsteps of the masses as government cannot do it alone, hence health is wealth.
Oba Odugbemi also charged the governments at all levels to declare a state of emergency in the health sector so that every Nigerian can have smooth access to healthcare delivery system in the interest of the country and for the benefits of the masses.
The monarch therefore said that the foundation would continue to care for the people through empowerment by ensuring that masses have good and quality health condition.
The Sanitary Sterilisation Box was presented by the Foundation Director, Hajia Suliat Odugbemi – Tinuosho to the Matron of Lisa Community Health Centre, Mrs Temitope Nofisat Sanni who received it on behalf of the health centre.
celebrity radar - gossips
Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars
King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants
The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.
Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.
Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema
Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.
From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.
Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.
Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.
Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller
For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.
Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.
His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.
Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.
Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force
Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.
The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.
Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.
Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.
Growing Global Influence
The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.
Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.
celebrity radar - gossips
Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians
Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians
The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”
Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.
He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.
The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.
“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.
He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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