Nation
THE STATES
Ondo
Governor Olusegu Minimko is to be honoured by the people of Ondo town during this year’s Ekimogun day celebration.
The event will take place at the Oba Adesanoye civic centre, Ondo state and unlike part editions, Miniko is sole awardees this year, a statement said, Tuesday.
According to the organisers: The 2009 Ekimogun Day celebration has been specially dedicated to Mimiko to appreciate and honour God for his election as the indigene even to become governor of the Sunshine State since its creation in 1976.
Ekimogun Day is a yearly event which started since 1987 as special day set aside by the Ondo people to celebrate their common heritage, industry and achievements.
Oyo
The Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) has invited a campaign for a special salary scale for its members in the service of state government nationwide.
The union also said that ongoing labour’s demand for N52,000 minimum wage will not affect its campaign for the special salary scale.
This was disclosed by the national president of the union, Comrade Shuaib Mohammed, at the delegate’s conference of the Oyo State Council of union in Ibadan at the weekend.
New members of State Executive of the union at the conference.
His comment came as the new Oyo State Council chairman, Comrade Kehinde Oporiude, called on aggrieved members to return to the fold.
Just as medical workers, teachers and others deserve special salary scale, Mohammed said members of his union deserved special pay in view of strategic role they perform in government service delivery.
Mohammed also described the wide desparity between the salary of permanent secretaries and directors in various state ministries, saying it is a clear case of imbalance.
The union leader said a situation where permanent secretaries earn over N400,000 while their fellow directors a paltry N80,000create a feeling of cheating and dissatisfaction among senior government workers.
Ekiti
All the six South West Governors and prominent traditional rulers will meet again to fashion out means of collectively developing the zone Governor Olusegun Oni is hosting other members of the council next Tuesday at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
The meeting which at one time or the other had had in attendance the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo and chairman of traditional councils of states of the south west will at this gathering set out the modalities and programmes that can allow the political and natural rulers of the zone create a common pattern of development that would, at the end, become a vital contribution to the growth of the country.
According to the coordinator of the council, Alao Adedayo who is also the publisher of Alaroye Group of Newspaper, attempt to always bring the royal fathers together with the governor is borne out of the desire to ensure that the leaders come together, plan together and work together for the development of Yoruba land, irrespective of their political or religious differences.
Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adAbubakar has frowned at mass failure of examination organised by the West African Examination Council (WAEC0 and National Examination Council (NECO) for students across the country and urged the federal government to reintroduce the Teachers Colleges and reorganise the National Teachers Institute (NTI).
The Sultan made this call in Sokoto to during his address to the nation in the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
Alhaji Abubakar described the situation is very disturbing, “we have taken note of the mass failure of students at this year’s WAEC and NECO examinations. The situation is disturbing and we are calling on the federal government to find out reason for this.
“Since we are optimistic that the problem might not be unconnected to the failing standard of primary education in the country, w e therefore appealed to the Federal Government to reintroduce Teachers College and the re-organisation of the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in order to improve the quality of education.
Plateau
A businessman, Alexander Ejukorlem has petitioned the Pleateau State Police Command over the alleged invasion of his house by some gun wielding policemen who supervised the removal of roofing zinc, doors and other fittings they carted away.
Mr Ejukorlem alleged that the policemen numbering 14 and who claimed to be citing on instructions invaded his company’s premises located at No. 26 Jengre Road in the afternoon of October 27 to carry out the action.
“The men were fully armed intimidated all the residents of the premises and ordered everybody out of the premises. They were in company of some men and boys who we did not immediately know their identity.
“The boys climbed the roof under the watchful eyes of the policemen and removed the zinc, doors windows netting, burglary proof electrical cables, fitting and other items of the property where we lived with my brothers and officers of the company” the petition said.
Abuja
The conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the presidency over comment that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adu is full committed to the implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais committee report.
Special Advisers to the president on media and publicity, Mr olusegun Adeniyi on Sunday last week in a publication on pages of newspapers not (The Nation) captioned “who is afraid of the Uwais Report? Said even before the enactment of the enabling legislation on electoral reforms, President Yar’Adua has clearly demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the reform agenda.
His words: “But it would appear that with his conceptions about the Uwais Report (which many of the critics have not even bothered to read) the public is being misled into believing that this government is not committed to electoral reform. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
“This same report has been placed in its entirety by the President before the National Assembly which clearly is not a rubber-stamp institution.”
CNPP furious about this in a statement recalled that contrary to the twist from the presidency, the Uwais Report against the rules of the both chambers of the National Assembly did not accompany the seven tepid Executive Electoral Bills adding that it shows clearly that the presidency handled the Uwais Report with a “long spoon.”
It said in the defence of president Yar’Adua’s demonstration of practical commitment to Electoral Reform. Adeniyi rolled out series of court ordered bye-elections conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but failed to note that the retention of Professor Maurice Iwu as an axe-man, after his record of gross misconduct in the 2007 sham elections is less than honourable.
Niger
The Anglican Bishop of Bida Diocese, Right Reverend Jonah Kolo, has blamed the fall in moral and academic standard in public schools on the forceful take over of missionary schools over thirty years ago by government.
Making a call for the return of such schools back to the original owners, the clergyman said that for the on-going reform in the education sector to produce the desired result, concerted efforts should be made to revive the moral and academic standard of students from our schools.
Kolo who was speaking in Minna ahead of today’s thanksgiving service to round off the 10th anniversary of the Diocese, maintained that it was time for the government to shed off some of the self inflicted burden on itself, by returning schools owned by the missions to the original owners.
Aside from these, the Bishop also observed that most of the schools taken over by government are in bad shape.
He said, “government has a lot to cater for; hence the attention given to these schools have failed to produce the desired result. Let government handover the schools back to the church.”
The Bishop attributed the current intervention of the church in the establishment of schools from primary to tertiary levels to the deplorable condition and standard of the sector.
Kano
Statement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, Alhaji Sidi Ali has said that the war against corruption in Nigerian cannot be left to the government alone.
Alhaji Ali who said this in an interview with newsmen in Kano, also called on the National Assembly to pass the freedom of information bill.
According to him, government need the collective effort of all to prosecute the war against corruption, stressing that until this is done, the situation will continue to remain the same.
“Government is prosecuting corruption but with the individuals that are put in leadership, is difficult to know what is in the heart of somebody.
“The government cannot prosecute itself, the government appoint people and these people have to go by government,” he said.
The PDP chieftain, also denied that there is division between the Northern Union (NU) and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), stressing that the ACF which is the apex organisation in North is a cultural organisation and it non political.
“In his word, I am a member of the Northern Union, I am also a member of the ACF, and I can tell you that there is no division.
“The ACF that we all belong to, is a cultural organisation and non-political. However, with the Northern Union, we failed that there not much action you can do without politics.”
Kwara
It will amount like covering the moon with the palm of the arm for some state governments to implement the new tax regime in Nigeria, as many are yet to deliver the dividends of democracy to their people.
The chairman of the Northern Union, Dr Olusola Saraki has stated, just as he said the northern union was toying with the idea of making the group have national spread.
The strongman of Kwara politics, who told reports in Ilorin, the state capital said the issue of taxation has become imperative to engender more positive growth in the economy, lamented that with poor performance from some political leaders, it will be difficult to implement the policy.
On his opinion on the agitation for the creation of more states and local government area, he said it would be difficult to create new states and councils under a democratic dispensation more so as the Nigerian federalism was not the type practiced elsewhere across the globe.
Lagos
Nigeria has been urged to gear up for the post-oil era if the country wants to continue to be relevant in the scheme of things globally.
This is the subject of the lecture delivered recently in Lagos and organised by leadership watch in collaboration with science medicine research institute based on the United States.
The lecture tagged: Nigeria in a post oil era delivered by a team of American based Nigerian investors, with representatives of government in attendance said that Nigeria is reminded that these are the last days of the oil era.
The guest speaker, Dr Alphonsus Ekwerike said Nigeria has a lot of other things to offer the world outside oil.
“Nigeria in a post oil regime will be a vibrant era because a door will be opened for the people to go into innovations.
“Oil is not the only mineral we have in this country. We have other minerals, we have solid minerals” he said.
Nation
Zabbey Emerges Social Impact Man Of The Year 2025 …Reaffirms Commitment To Ogoni Transformation
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
Nation
Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law
The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity.
In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin.
Titled: “JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR
ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL
FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS”
RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS.
LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN
IN SUIT NO.
PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH
COURT OF RIVERS STATE.
The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel.
The statement read thus
“We are compelled to make this rejoinder regarding the
incident of the conviction for contempt and subsequent
unconditional discharge of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin,
Learned Counsel for the Defendants in the above suit by Hon.
Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the High Court of Rivers State in
order to set the records straight, and not allow the
misinformation, misconception and reactions arising from the
NBA National Press Release in the matter to fester as reality or
truth.”
In the suit under reference wherein the said Learned
Counsel appeared for the Defendants, the Learned Counsel
attempted to mislead the Court by her signed and filed final
written address, by knowingly and falsely presenting non-
existent facts and evidence of a witness. When confronted by the
Court, she admitted that what she stated in her final written
the address was not true and she was unapologetic.”
“The to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Court, which the
said Learned Counsel treated with clear and brazen contempt, the
Court after following due process, convicted her for contempt and
sentenced her to prison for 3 days only, instead of the 3 months
statutory term due to passionate plea from the Bar.”
“According to the statement the suggestion of the NBA National in paragraph 10 of the
Press Release under reference that “where a court considers
counsel’s conduct improper, the proper course is to invoke
recognised disciplinary mechanisms, including referring
counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
(LPDC), rather than resorting to summary punitive measures”,
is not an invariable rule because the act of the Defence Counsel
constitutes contempt in facie curiae which the Court can punish
instantly, hence the action of the Judge is not an abuse of power
or an act of intimidation.”
“Nevertheless, due to the numerous calls from respected
members of the Bar to the offices of the Chief Registrar and the
Honourable Chief Judge for the release of the said Learned
Counsel, and the intervention of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
delegation led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke to the Judge.
in his Chambers in the morning of 26/03/2026 where the
delegation upon learning the true facts of the incident, apologised
and pleaded for the release of the said Learned Counsel.
“The Judge
having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and
upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia
U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning.”
The statement further stated that It is therefore shocking to read later that day the NBA
National Press Release signed by its President and Secretary, Mazi
Afam Joseph Osigwe (SAN) and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara respectively,
fiercely threatening and hastily advocated the following ultimata and
the immediate release of the affected
Counsel.
:That the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State
immediately investigate the circumstances
surrounding this incident and take
appropriate administrative action.
That appropriate disciplinary steps be taken
by the National Judicial Council, where
necessary.
That the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana
Benjamin under the circumstances be
condemned and set aside”
“That all NBA branches in Port Harcourt and
its environs and all legal practitioners
boycott the proceedings before the Court of
Hon. Justice Nwogu for a period of 7 days if
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin is not
released within 24 hours.
“It seems to us that it is either the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
leadership did not relate the true position to the NBA National or
if they did, the NBA National decided to speak daggers, not peace
to impugn the Judge as a villain.
“We find the position of the NBA National on this subject very
offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against
the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State
in general. We categorically state that the Hon. Justice Chinwendu
Nwogu is one of our respected and respectful Judges with
unblemished integrity.
We view this Press Release as an isolated departure from the
enterprising and amiable leadership of the NBA National,
especially its President, whom we hold in high esteem and
admiration.”
“Whilst we appreciate the concern of the NBA National in
bringing attention to the event of 25th March 2026, we assure that
the Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners
in the administration of justice.
“We firmly restate that the Bench in Rivers State holds the Bar
in high esteem and this event would not disrupt the cordial
relationship between the Bench and the Bar.”