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Opposition Coalition Says Court Judgement Ordering Conduct Of Rivers State LGA Election Victory For Rivers People

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Spokesman of the opposition coalition in Nigeria, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere has described the Judgement of the High Court, Port Harcourt Division, ordering the conduct Rivers State local government council election, slated for this Saturday, October 5 as victory for people of the state.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the court’s ruling is sequel to Suit No. PHC/2696/CS/2024 ’ Between: Action Peoples Party (APP), being the Claimant and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Rivers State Government and Rivers State Governor as Defendants.
The Court interlia ordered that the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are bound to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Councils of Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the Local Government Councils in Rivers State are conducted by democratically elected Local Government Councils.
Reacting to the judgment, Ugochinyere  said the judiciary has once again demonstrated that it is the hope of the common man and the defender of the mighty alone.
He said: “The High Court Port Harcourt Division, has put to rest the anxiety over the feasibility of this Saturday’s Rivers State Local Government election.
“The Honourable Court graciously and firmly ordered as follows: ‘THAT upon the construction of Section 7 subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 as amended, the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are bound to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Councils of Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the Local Government Councils in Rivers State are conducted by democratically elected Local Government Councils.
“THAT in view of Section 7 subsection 1, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 AS AMENDED, Section 5 (A) of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law No 2 of 2018, the Decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Delivered on the 11th day of July, 2024 in Suit No SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney-General of Federation Vs AttorneyGeneral of Abia State and 35 Ors and expiration of the tenure of the former Democratically elected Local Government Councils in Rivers State on the 17th day of June, 2024, the Defendants are bound to conduct Election into the Local Government Councils in Rivers State within the shortest possible time in order to comply with aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“THAT it is further declared chat in view of Section 5 (a) of the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission Law No 2 of 2018, Section 9(1)(a), (4) to (6) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the exigencies of the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on the 11th day of July, 2024 in Suit No SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney-General of the Federation VS Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors, the 1st Defendant is entitled to utilise the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Elections compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pursuant to Section 9(1)(a), (4) to (6) of the Electoral Act, 2022, already in custody of the 1st Defendant to conduct Election into the 23 Local Government Councils of Rivers State.
“THAT it is also declared that in view of the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria following the said Judgment in Sult No SC/CV/343/2024 Delivered on the 11th day of July, 2024 to the effect that all states without Democratically elected Local Government Councils in place should conduct Elections into their respective Local Government Councils within three (3) months from the date of the aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the defendants are bound to conduct elections into Local Government Councils in Rivers State on or before the expiration of the said three (3) months period, on the 5th day of October, 2024 and to take all necessary steps towards the conduct of the said Election, including sale of forms to candidates and their parties including the Claimant who Is interested in sponsoring candidates for offices in the Local Government Councils.
“THAT an order of mandatory Injunction be and is hereby issued compelling the 2nd and 3rd Defendant by themselves, or by their agents, privies, servants or representatives and proxies to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Council in Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the Local Government Councils in Rivers State are Conducted by Democratically Elected Local Government Councils.
“THAT it is further ordered that mandatory injunction be and is hereby issued compelling the 1st Defendant to conduct election into Local Government Councils of Rivers State on the 5th Day of October, 2024 or on any other date fixed by the 1st Defendant in accordance with its Electoral Guidelines in order to comply with the aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and to take all necessary steps towards the conduct of the said Elections including sale of forms to candidates and their parties, Including the Claimant who is interested in sponsoring candidates for offices in the Local Government Councils.
“THAT an order of mandatory Injunction be and is hereby further issued directing or commanding the 1st Defendant to utilize the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Election compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pursuant to Section 9 (1)(a), (4) to (6) of the Electoral Act, 2022 to conduct Election into the twenty-three (23) Local Government Councils of Rivers State.
“THAT the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Nigeria Army and all other Security Agencies and Paramilitary Organizations are hereby ordered to provide adequate security and ensure maintenance of peace, law and order during and after the Election”.
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PFIPC: ICPC finally submits interim report to TInubu, wants Adeyemi to face prosection

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its findings into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

ICPC’s Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after Tinubu directed the anti-corruption agency to conduct a thorough investigation into the PFIPC.

According to Aliyu, preliminary findings revealed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the purported appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to establish the agency were forged.

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The case centres on an alleged corruption and forgery scandal involving the disputed government entity, PFIPC.

Speaking at the State House, Aliyu said the commission’s investigation established that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the documents used to legitimise the agency were forged.

The ICPC boss said the investigation also revealed significant weaknesses in government verification and oversight processes, which were exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate government agency.

“Our interim report found that there are weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. We discovered that those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence.

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“Our investigation found that no Federal Government funds were approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC/PEAC,” the ICPC chairman stated.

According to him, investigators also uncovered two additional agencies allegedly created by Adeyemi, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIFA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (PIPA-PPP).

Aliyu said the disputed DG “used forged legislative instruments styled as enabling acts, and used them to support opening of bank accounts.”

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The ICPC chairman said the commission recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence enabled the operation of the fake agency, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

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“Our recommendation is that Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi should be prosecuted. Administrative sanctions should also be imposed on public officers whose acts of omission and negligence facilitated the illegal operation of PFIPC/PEAC.

“There is also a need for institutional reforms so that the internal controls of MDAs can be strengthened to prevent this kind of illegal activity,” he stated.

Aliyu noted that the report submitted to the President is only an interim one, adding that investigations are continuing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case.

“We have continued with the investigation of the activities of Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi and his collaborators so that we can unravel more facts and file criminal charges that can stand the test of time before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

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The PFIPC scandal came to the fore after the Presidency disowned the council, describing it as a non-existent government agency despite its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a ₦1.3 billion budget allocation.

The Federal Government has since filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over allegations including forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC continue into how the fake agency operated within government institutions.

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World Breastfeeding Week 2026: 14 Myths, Facts Every Nursing Mother Should Know

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As the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week comes to a close on Friday, health experts are reminding mothers and families that misinformation about breastfeeding continues to prevent many babies from getting the best possible start in life.

This year’s theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlights the need to expand proven support systems such as skilled breastfeeding counselling, family support and workplace policies that enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.

Experts at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja during an antenatal section, say many long-held beliefs about breastfeeding are simply myths with no scientific basis. They urge mothers to rely on evidence-based information rather than cultural misconceptions that may interfere with optimal infant feeding.

Here are some of the most common myths—and the facts every family should know.

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Myth: Mothers who deliver through Caesarean section cannot breastfeed immediately

Fact: Mothers who have a Caesarean section can begin breastfeeding as soon as they are medically stable after surgery.

According to experts, early initiation of breastfeeding is possible after a C-section with adequate support from healthcare workers and family members.

Myth: Breastmilk alone is not enough for newborns

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Fact: Breastmilk provides all the nutrients a healthy baby needs during the first six months of life.

Experts explain that crying after breastfeeding does not automatically mean a baby is still hungry. Babies may cry because of wet diapers, abdominal colic, reflux, discomfort or the need for comfort. As long as the baby is feeding well, properly attached to the breast and gaining weight, mothers should be reassured that their milk is sufficient.

Myth: Women with small breasts produce less milk

Fact: Breast size has nothing to do with milk production.

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The amount of milk produced depends largely on how often the baby breastfeeds and how effectively the baby empties the breast—not the size or shape of the breasts.

Myth: Exclusively breastfed babies struggle to accept complementary foods

Fact: Babies can successfully transition to complementary feeding after six months.

Health experts advise introducing a variety of nutritious complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding. They note that patience and persistence are key, as babies may take time to accept new tastes and textures.

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Myth: Some mothers’ breastmilk is unsuitable for their babies

Fact: Every mother’s breastmilk is specially designed for her baby.

Unless there is a clear medical reason, mothers should continue breastfeeding. Experts add that even when breastmilk appears brownish—a harmless condition known as “rusty pipe syndrome”—it is still safe for the baby.

Myth: Mothers must wash their breasts before every feeding

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Fact: Routine washing before breastfeeding is unnecessary.

Experts say frequent washing may actually dry or irritate the nipples. Normal daily bathing is sufficient, as the nipples naturally contain beneficial bacteria and protective oils.

Myth: Mothers with fever should stop breastfeeding

Fact: Mothers should continue breastfeeding even when they are ill.

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In most common illnesses, breastfeeding should continue because breastmilk contains antibodies that help protect babies from infections. Only a healthcare professional should advise stopping breastfeeding in rare medical situations.

Myth: Breastmilk becomes sour if breastfeeding stops for a few days

Fact: Breastmilk inside the breast does not become sour.

Experts say mothers can resume breastfeeding whenever possible. Although milk supply may reduce after a prolonged break, it can often be rebuilt with frequent feeding and proper support.

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Myth: Babies should stop breastfeeding once they turn one or begin walking

Fact: Walking is not a sign that breastfeeding should end.

Following recommendations by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, babies should receive exclusive breastfeeding for six months, begin complementary foods thereafter and continue breastfeeding until at least two years of age or beyond.

Myth: Mothers should immediately stop breastfeeding once they become pregnant

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Fact: Pregnancy does not automatically require stopping breastfeeding.

Experts advise mothers not to panic if pregnancy occurs while still nursing. Depending on the mother’s health and nutritional status, breastfeeding may continue, while gradual weaning over several months may be considered where necessary.

Myth: Breastmilk can treat eye infections

Fact: Breastmilk should never be used as eye medicine.

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Although breastmilk has infection-fighting properties when consumed by babies, it is not a treatment for conjunctivitis or any eye infection. Babies with eye discharge should be examined by qualified healthcare professionals.

Myth: Drinking more milk or palm wine increases breastmilk production

Fact: There is no evidence that milk or palm wine boosts milk supply.

Experts say good nutrition, adequate hydration, enough rest, proper positioning and frequent breastfeeding are the real factors that promote successful lactation.

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Myth: Babies with diarrhoea should not breastfeed

Fact: Breastfeeding should actually be increased during diarrhoea.

Breastmilk helps prevent dehydration, provides nutrition and supports recovery. Experts stress that breastfeeding reduces the overall risk of diarrhoeal diseases and should continue alongside appropriate medical care.

Myth: Mothers must stop breastfeeding for 24 hours after vaccination

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Fact: Vaccination is not a reason to interrupt breastfeeding.

Experts say mothers can safely continue breastfeeding after receiving vaccines. Vaccination does not contaminate breastmilk or make it unsafe for healthy babies.

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Tinubu condoles with Kemi Adeosun over husband’s death

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President Bola Tinubu has extended deep sympathy to former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, over the passing of her husband, Anthony Adeniyi Adeosun, at 62.

The President condoled with the Adeosun family, friends and business associates over the loss, urging comfort in the legacies of steadfast faith, community service and charity that the devout Christian left behind.

President Tinubu noted the outpouring of testimonies on the life, times and good works of Mr Adeosun, particularly his dedication to supporting the less privileged.

He prayed that the Almighty God will grant the former minister and the Adeosun family strength and comfort at this very difficult time, and grant the deceased eternal rest.

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