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Count Me Out Of Your Political Bias – Mary Odili Replies Critics

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PRESS STATEMENT

JUSTICE MARY ODILI’S ADVICE AT THE COLLOQUIUM TO MARK
CHIEF JOE K. GADZAMA’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY AS A Senior Advocate of Nigeria IS TO ALL NIGERIANS AND NOT TO ANY POLITICAL PARTY OR PERSON.

Our attention has been drawn to the unfortunate skewed social media interpretation inflicted upon the innocuous speech made by Hon. Justice Mary Odili CFR, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, during the colloquium organized in Abuja on Friday 1st September, 2023 to mark the 25th anniversary of Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The event was themed: “The Nigeria of our Dreams: A Call to the Patriots”. Since then, some mischievous conflict entrepreneurs have been hosting comments from persons determined to force her speech to fit jaundiced narratives and political nuances. Justice Mary Odili spoke like one “who saw something and said something” without minding whose ox was gored.

In her speech, the learned retired Jurist acknowledged that the 2023 general elections “generated a storm” and advised all those who were not declared victorious in the elections to toe the line of legality and follow the rules of law, in expressing their dissatisfaction through appropriate channels and not “pull down the roof of the nation” because of its far-reaching consequences on every one, including all agitators, regardless of what side of the fence they found themselves. Surely, this is common sense advice.

It is emphasized that there is nothing in the comments that suggested a reference to those who lost in any particular election in any state or region.The 2023 general elections were in four categories: the State Houses of Assembly, Governorship, National Assembly, and Presidential elections. Moreso, the lawyers who attended the events, especially the named ones, were called upon, in their professional capacity, to find solutions to the challenges facing the 2023 elections irrespective of their leaning. Wole Olanipekun SAN is the immediate past Chairman, Body of Benchers who handed over to Justice Mary Odili. Lateef Fagbemi SAN is the Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria and the Host J. K. Gadzama SAN is a known lawyer who has done several cases for the PDP. These lawyers are globally acknowledged as strong in litigation. The several other lawyers in attendance are possibly handling various cases for politicians. The unprovoked vituperations are a sad reflection of the reason for the cautionary comments of Justice Mary Odili, and the vain struggle to give it momentum to political gains is unhelpful.

For the records, we have reproduced here the crucial parts of her speech on that day for the avoidance of doubts and for public knowledge.

“This colloquium and book launch in honour of Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama upon the attainment of 25 years as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is an epochal achievement. It is no doubt appropriate that the theme is ‘The Nigeria of our Dreams, A Call to the Patriots’. I say so in the light of the prevailing situation in Nigeria as a result of the 2023 general elections which has generated a lot of storms, necessitating the conversation which we are about to indulge in, as there seems to be moves to throw the nation into chaos or conflagration. This may be brought about by some individuals and groups who, fanning the embers of hatred, bigotry, and tribalism, fail to see the possible outcomes of the utterances without caution that are being thrown around.

It is human to feel cheated or having the short end of the stick by one who is not declared the winner at any of the electoral contests. Such emotion, however grim, does not justify bringing the roof down, the roof of our nation. The reason is simple, that in such an eventuality, that aggrieved person may not be spared, as the commotion that could ensue would be like an unguided missile which could land anywhere and upon anyone.

Therefore, in ventilating our points of view and facts at the electoral tribunals or other courts, a sense of responsibility from all parties is demanded. The situation does not call for the blackmail of the judges or the posting of speculatory hypothesis, giving them such a life of their own which runs riot and is accepted by the hapless and innocent in the society as the truth.

Knowing the quality of participants at this colloquium and I am happy, professionals, those who are well equipped in litigation matters or electoral disputes – Chief Olanipekun is a master, and our Attorney General recently sworn in. These are experts. I am confident that having such persons here including our Chief Host, Chief J.K Gadzama SAN, there is confidence that at the end of the day, a resetting of the mind would be taking place and we would keep things in perspective in the full knowledge that elections are seasonal and litigations relating thereto … and so when the seasons are gone, the courts get back to their natural and regular duties of adjudication regarding the affairs and rights of all persons, irrespective of their status in life.

J.K. Gadzama SAN has called us to this discourse, lest we forget our past, the recent happenings in our country and the need for a restoration of the ethos and the values for which the founding fathers have set in motion as guides to all of us, young and old, irrespective of the positions we occupy in the society. We all have to get our acts together and rebuild our nation”.

The public may now be guided as to the comments now attempted to be twisted.

Regardless of the fact that Hon. Justice Mary Odili (who is a retired Justice and is free to express her views like any other person), the mischievous efforts to apply a wicked twist of bias, championed by the same persons who are bullying the judiciary and threatening to pull down the roof without recourse to due process, fall flat.

Thank you.

Chief Felix Enebeli
Media Assistant to Hon Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili (Rtd.)

Source:- The Nation

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Gold Coast (Coast Omonofewho) Releases Promo Photos, Named Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise Ambassador

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Rising artist Gold Coast (born Coast Omonofewho) has released a fresh set of promo photos as he continues to build momentum following the official drop of his single Thank You Lord. The new visuals arrive as the singer is also announced as the official Ambassador for Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise.

The promo photos showcase Gold Coast in a polished and confident light, capturing the energy and gratitude that define this chapter of his career. The images are expected to accompany ongoing promotions for Thank You Lord, which is now available on all major streaming platforms along with its official music video.

In a significant career development, Gold Coast has been named Ambassador for Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise. The partnership links the artist with a respected hospitality brand known for excellence and premium service. As ambassador, he will represent the group across key platforms and engagements.

“This season is full of blessings,” Gold Coast shared. “Releasing new promo photos, seeing Thank You Lord out in the world with its video, and stepping into the role of Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise Ambassador all feel like perfect timing. I’m grateful and ready for what’s next.”

The combination of new promo visuals, a freshly released single, and a high-profile ambassadorship positions Gold Coast (Coast Omonofewho) as a rising force to watch. Fans are encouraged to stream Thank You Lord, watch the official video, and follow his journey with Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise.
Stay connected to Gold Coast’s official channels for more updates and exclusive content.
Contact & Socials:
WhatsApp: 08140260839
X / Instagram / Facebook: @GOLDCOASTONTHIS

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FROM ENTRIES TO SPOTLIGHT: THE SOUNDOUT LIVE EDITION 2 JOURNEY

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What began as an open call for emerging musical talent in Delta State has evolved into a competition that is now entering one of its most decisive stages. SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 has moved from its initial launch, through the release of its official competition beat and the submission of entries, to the current voting phase, bringing participating artists closer to opportunities for recognition, exposure and career development.

Organised through a collaboration between SOUNDOUTTV and COBYL CITY LTD, the second edition was created to provide emerging artists with a platform to put their creativity and performance ability before a wider audience. With a prize package valued at over ₦900,000, the competition was positioned from the outset as more than a search for a winning performance; it was an opportunity for participating artists to gain exposure and access to professional development opportunities.
The journey took its first major creative turn on 1 August 2026 with the release of the official SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 competition beat. Produced by Berry IV for COBYL CITY LTD, the beat became the common musical foundation for contestants, giving each participating artist the same starting point while leaving room for individual interpretation, delivery and creativity.

With the beat released, the competition moved from anticipation to participation. Artists were required to build their entries around the official instrumental, recording either a freestyle or an original song and presenting their performances according to the competition’s submission guidelines.

Entries were shared on social media while tagging SOUNDOUTTV and were also submitted through the designated official channel, giving contestants their first opportunity to place their work before the competition’s audience.
The initial submission deadline was set for 14 August 2026, but the submission window was subsequently extended to 18 August, allowing the competition to accommodate the continued flow of entries before moving into its next phase.
With the extended submission period concluded, SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 has now progressed into its current voting stage, shifting the focus from entry submissions to audience participation.

Voting is being conducted through the official SOUNDOUT LIVE voting platform. Each individual voter may cast a maximum of 33 votes for a single contestant, while contestants may receive an unlimited total number of votes provided they come from different supporters and comply with the competition rule.

The current stage gives the audience an active role in the competition. Beyond watching the performances, supporters now have the opportunity to stand behind their preferred contestants and contribute to the momentum of their journey as the competition progresses. For the contestants, it is another opportunity to turn the work they have already put forward into meaningful audience engagement.
The entries are in, the performances have been heard, and the competition has reached the stage where the audience gets to have its say.

Whose performance caught your attention? Which contestant left an impression? Now is the time to stand behind the artist you believe deserves your support. Visit the official SOUNDOUT LIVE voting platform, cast your votes and make your voice count. The talent has taken the stage; now, let the fans decide.

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Focox AT Officially Signs with Lucky Lisiano Records in Landmark Deal That Redefines Artist Empowerment

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In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the Afrobeats and global music communities, rising force Focox AT has officially signed with Lucky Lisiano Records (LLR). The contract is being widely described as one of the most artist-favorable deals ever put on paper — a rare, heavily enriched agreement that prioritizes the artist’s long-term ownership, creative control, and financial upside in ways rarely seen in modern label partnerships.

Based in Warri, Nigeria, Focox AT brings a distinctive sound and unfiltered energy that has been building momentum across the continent. Lucky Lisiano Records, headquartered in the United States, recognized the unique opportunity and moved decisively. The resulting partnership is being called “promising and unique” by both camps — a genuine bridge between Warri’s raw creative fire and LLR’s international infrastructure.

Under the new agreement, Focox AT will begin the partnership with two singles, followed by a full EP scheduled for release in the new year. Both artist and label have expressed strong excitement about the road ahead, describing the union as a true meeting of vision rather than a standard transactional signing.

There has also been growing talk of Lucky Lisiano Records establishing a physical headquarters in Nigeria, though no official timeline has been confirmed. Industry observers note that such a move would mark a significant expansion for the U.S.-based label and further solidify its commitment to African talent. With the first single expected August 14th 2026 and the EP locked in for mid 2027, both sides are already looking ahead. The consensus is clear: this partnership is built for impact. 2027 is shaping up to be a year of serious momentum.

About Focox AT

Focox AT is an emerging Nigerian artist from Warri whose music blends street authenticity with forward-leaning Afrobeats energy. His signing to Lucky Lisiano Records marks a major new chapter.

About Lucky Lisiano Records

Lucky Lisiano Records is a U.S.-based independent label focused on developing distinctive global talent with strong emphasis on artist-first partnerships.

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