News
Ogbogoro Crisis: Court Dismisses Stay Of Execution On Judgement

A Port Harcourt High Court in Rivers State presided over by Justice Adolphus Enebeli has dismissed a motion seeking for stay of execution on the judgement he delivered on February 15,2022 bordering on chieftaincy and land disputes involving Owhor Dike of Eliozu and Chief Felix Amadi of Rumukpalikwu-Ada families of Ogbogoro community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Enebeli, in his ruling, Thursday in Port Harcourt on the seven-point reliefs sought in the motion by the judgement debtors, defendants in the matter through their counsel, Joseph Dent, dismissed the motion in its entirety, saying that the motion was lacking in merit as the defendants failed to justify the reason why the court should stay execution of its judgement.
The trial judge had on February 15,2022, in its 150-page judgement, which centred on 11 points, ruled that Amadi was the duly elected and crowned paramount ruler of Ogbogoro community based on the facts before the court.
He also ruled that the disputed five lands belong to Rumukpalikwu-Ada family as well as awarded N500,000 in favour of Amadi and family.
However, not satisfied with the outcome of the judgement, Dike family who are the judgement debtors now in the matter, approached the court for stay of execution of the orders, hinging their prayers on the grounds that the judgement, if not stayed by the court, would pose some hardship on the people as well as incapacitate them in their quest to appeal the judgement at the Court of Appeal as they cannot afford to pay the judgement sum awarded against them.
Enebeli, in his ruling that lasted for about 20minutes, yesterday, ruled that the orders of the court made in respect to 1,2,3,4,5,6,and 7 were declarative, and cannot be stayed in law.
“Orders 8 and 9 were mere mandatory, while 10 and 11 were dismissed as well as payment of judgement sum”,he said, and described the motion as inappropriate and dismissed them.
According to the judge, some the orders of the court in line with the judgement had already been executed, including the taking and handing over of the palace to Amadi, insisting that such order cannot also be stayed.
Again,the trial judge said that the court cannot stay its own judgement on those who disobeyed its orders, ridiculed and mocked the court.
“I cannot grant the stay of execution to litigants who disregarded court orders,disobeyed and denigrated the court. So, they deserve no mercy.They have even refused to pay the judgement sum, and coming here to ask for stay of execution of the judgement.Therefore,granting their request is tantamount to rewarding the recalcitrantand disobedient litigants. The judgement creditors should be allowed to enjoy the benefits of their judgement.The defendants have the right to appeal.
“To stay or halt execution of judgement of a court is purely at the discretion of the court on special circumstances which must corroborate with substantial evidence”, he stated.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom,lawyer to Amadi and Rumupkalikwu-Ada family,who are judgement creditors in the matter,E.G. Ekesaid the import of the ruling was that the judgement of the court has taken effect, and everybody must comply with the judgement until a superior court makes a contrary order.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ogbogoro community, Eze Felix Amadi said the door of negotiation has been open to innocent buyers of lands, and those who built on the disputed lands must negotiate with the community through their counsel.
The lawyer to the defendants, Joseph Dent declined to speak to journalists after the ruling.
By: Akujobi Amadi
News
May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making

The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
News
2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
News
NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.
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