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CTJ Condemns Rivers State Elections as Undemocratic and Illegal
The Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has criticized the recent local government elections in Rivers State, calling them a violation of democratic principles. The elections, held on October 5 by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), took place despite a court ruling from Justice Peter Lifu, which stated that RSIEC did not follow the required 90-day notice before setting the election date.
The ruling also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register and barred security support from the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In defiance of these orders, the election proceeded, with the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning 22 of the 23 local government chairmanship positions. Obinna Francis, the Executive Director of CTJ, condemned the elections in a press conference, claiming they lacked transparency and legitimacy. He labeled the actions of Governor Fubara in conducting the elections as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens democracy, stating, “What happened in Rivers State is a travesty of democracy and an assault on the rule of law.” Francis emphasized that the elections were illegal and violated core democratic principles.
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Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
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Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
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Tron Founder Justin Sun Buys $6.2M Banana Artwork, Plans to Eat It
Justin Sun, the founder of blockchain platform Tron, has purchased Comedian, a conceptual artwork by Maurizio Cattelan featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, for $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
Initially valued at $1–$1.5 million, the sale exceeded expectations, drawing bids from seven contenders. Originally priced at $120,000 during its 2019 debut at Art Basel Miami Beach, Comedian has sparked global debates about the absurdities of contemporary art.
Sun views the purchase as a cultural statement rather than a simple acquisition. “This bridges art, memes, and cryptocurrency,” he said, revealing plans to eat the banana as part of the artwork’s experiential essence.
Known for challenging societal norms, Cattelan’s works often provoke controversy. Buyers of Comedian receive instructions to replace the banana due to its perishability.
Sun’s acquisition highlights his growing involvement in art and tech intersections, following his $78.4 million purchase of Alberto Giacometti’s Le Nez. While celebrated as an entrepreneur, Sun has also faced legal challenges, including allegations of cryptocurrency manipulation.
The $6.2 million banana reinforces the unpredictable relationship between art, commerce, and culture, embodying modern art’s power to provoke and perplex.
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