Entertainment
Court Orders Police To Pay Charly Boy N50m Compensation
A federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Hon Justice John Isoho last Monday ordered the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police FCT command to pay the sum of N50 million and publish an apology in two national newspapers in favour of popular musician and activist, Mr Charles Oputa alias Charly Boy.
In the suit filed on the 29th of March 2018 by his lawyer and Human rights activist, Mr Inichehe Effiong to enforce his fundamental rights, the 67 year old popular musician gave a graphic account of how policemen numbering over 100 from the FCT police command invaded the unity fountain in Abuja on the 8th day of August 2017 and attacked him and his group with tear gas canisters, hot water canon and wild police dogs during the Resume of Resign protest when he led other activists to protest the long absence of the President Muhammadu Buhari from Nigeria on account of his medical vacation in the United Kingdom (UK).
Charlyboy further narrated that the attack by the policemen was so severe that he collapsed in the process and was rushed to the hospital. He also stated that the police attacked them because of claims that their protests over the president’s absence which had exceeded 90 days on the second day of their daily sit out protest had gone international and brought serious embarrassment to the country.
Delivering judgement in the case marked as suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/343/2018 between Charles Oputa versus 19p and 2 others, Justice Tsoho held that there was no evidence that miscreants invaded or stormed the premises of the protest as alleged by the police.
On whether the applicant is entitled to stage the protest, the court held that protest in a constitutionally right provided it is done peacefully and that even if miscreants were on the scene to hijack the protest, the respondents possess enough security measures to dislodge such persons and maintain law and order.
The respondent (the police) need not exercise an uncommon aggression and mayhem to wade off alleged miscreants, Justice Tsoho said.
According to the court, the respondents andmitted in their counter affidavit that it was in the bid to protect members of the public and public properties from the miscreants who suddenly took over the protest that the men and officers of respondents had to use teargas, canisters and hot water canon in order to disperse the hoodlums, but that the respondents stated that the teargas and water canon were not directed at the applicant.
This assertion according to the court lacks substance as teargas circulates and affects all persons within the premises and the atmosphere generally affected which causes cough. The court found that the applicant has disclosed a reasonable cause of action against the respondents and that the respondents violated the fundamental human right of the applicant to dignity of human person, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association as enshrined in sections 34, 39 and 40 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
The law is that the court has the right to grant redress to anyone whose right is violated and the applicant is entitled to remedy” said Justice Tsoho. Relief of the applicant is granted and the respondents are ordered to publish an apology to the applicant in two national newspapers for violating his fundamental human rights. The sum of N50 million is awarded against the respondents as general and exemplary damages.
The court also ordered perfect injunction against the respondents from violating the fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association.
Reacting to the judgement, the applicants counsel, Iniebehe Effiong described the judgement as a resounding victory for democracy, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country. This judgement sends unequivocal message to the Nigerian police that they have no power to stop or disrupt peaceful protest by Nigerians.
The police by this judgement cannot invent flimsy excuses to stop citizens from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. I am highly elated by this victory for democracy” Effiong said.
Similarly, the national secretary of ‘Our Mumu Don Do’ movement commended Raphael Adebayo in a statement said that the judgement has raised the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary. The Our Mumu Don Do movement wishes to express satisfaction over the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja on the unprovoked attack on its members during the Resume or Resign protest.
This development is a sign that the Nigerian judiciary is indeed committed to upholding the supremacy of our country’s constitution. We also wish to thank Justice Tsoho for his sagacity in handling this case.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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