Entertainment
NCSU Dismisses Call For Arrest Of Caretaker Committee Chairmen
The Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has berated the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly for calling for the arrest of the Chairmen of the Caretaker Committees put in place in the 23 local government areas of the State by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the call as ridiculous, laughable and infantile.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who made the condemnation in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the former lawmakers lack the powers and locus to issue orders and directives or even make the call for the arrest of the caretaker committee chairmen, having lost their legitimacy to make laws for their constituents and the State following their defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the State.
He said the former lawmakers, who he described as 23 friends were merely blowing hot air, as their vituperation and actions against Governor Fubara would not hold any water, and therefore, would also not see the light of day.
Osumah noted that the caretaker committees put in place by Governor Fubara in the 23 local government areas are legitimate and recognised political entities acceptable to the people of the State since the tenure of the elected former chairmen of the councils had lapsed, saying, since nature abhors a vacuum, the caretaker committees are necessary and legitimate contraptions, to fill the void created by the ouster of the former officials of the councils.
While describing the call for the arrest of the caretaker committee chairmen as a joke taken too far, the labour leader wondered where they got the justification to make such a call, describing it as amusing and laughable.
He reiterated that the former lawmakers lack the moral justification to continue to hold plenaries, having ceased to be members of the House of Assembly by reason of their defection to the All Progressives Congress(APC).
He also indicated that civil servants in the State are closely monitoring and watching the activities of the former lawmakers and their co-travellers, who have precipitated the barricade of the local government councils by the police, saying, preventing council workers from discharging their legitimate duties is the height of injustice.
The labour leader posited that as the threat and plot by the former lawmakers to frustrate the Fubara administration by attempting to prevent it from accessing the funds of the State did not succeed, so also would the present move to arrest the caretaker committee chairmen fail and die a natural death.
While calling on the former lawmakers to stop creating tension in the State and heating up the polity, Osumah enjoined them to give peace a chance, and allow Governor Fubara to continue to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.
He said civil servants in the State would continue to support the Governor to achieve set goals despite the distractions by enemies of progress in the State, and expressed optimism that despite the unwarranted distractions, the government would soon commence the process of implementing the new minimum wage, as approved by the Federal Government and just passed into law by the National Assembly.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.