Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Mubi North Local Education Authority (LEA) has distributed 630 economic tree seedlings for planting in primary schools in the area.
Presenting the seedlings to headmasters of primary schools in the area, Malam Danrimi Ahmed , the Secretary of Education in the local government, advised that mango seedlings should be planted within the premises of schools or in school gardens.
He tasked the headmasters to ensure that the trees were nurtured to maturity in view of their importance to humans and the environment.
“All things necessary must be done to nurture the trees to maturity for maximum benefit to humans and the environment,’’ Danrimi stressed.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Sector Command of the FRSC says it arrested 728 cyclists in the state in the last four months, for offences ranging from overloading to non-compliance with the us e of safety helmets.
The Sector Command, Mr. Francis Udoma, made this known in Ado-Ekiti on Monday during an enlightenment campaign tagged, “Child Safety on the road always”, organised by the command chapter of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA).
The Tide’s source reports that members of ROSOWA, led by its chairperson, Mrs. Francisca Fanola, used the opportunity offered by the campaign to distribute stickers and flyers to both motorists and pedestrians.
Udoma explained that an average of 182 cyclists, were arrested monthly for various traffic offences.
FCT
The International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO) honoured the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on Friday by observing a moment of silence at its conference in Uganda.
The Nigeria’s Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director-General, Ms Arunma Oteh, who is attending the conference, said the capital market regulators were touched by the president’s demise.
“They were kind enough to give President Yar’Adua a moment of silence at the beginning of the event,’’ she said, in a telephone interview with The Tide’s source from Kampala.
Oteh said news of the president’s passing away was greeted with shock at the conference.
Yar’Adua passed away on May 5, after a protracted illness.
She said the late president would be remembered for his efforts in stabilising the capital market after the global financial shock.
The Nigerian capital market was shaken by the rippling effects of the global financial crisis in 2008, sending stock prices to crumble and revealing fault lines in the operations of the market.
The director-general said the reforms instituted to stabilise the market by the Yar’Adua administration was beginning to yield results.
Kano
Full commercial activities have now resumed in Kano, four days after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The ancient city noted for its burstling economic activity, witnessed a lull following the announcement of Yar’Adua’s death on Wednesday,as shops and other business outfits closed, to mourn the death of the departed leader.
The Tide’s source who went round the commercial town on Sunday, observed that trading activities were going on in full swing, with people trooping in and out of the city with vehicles loaded with various types of goods.
A visit to the Sabon Gari and Kantin Kwari markets showed that people were gradually getting over the shock of the president’s demise and continuing with their daily activities.
A trader, Malam Shehu Talata, told the source that he closed his shop for two days, to mourn the death of the president, “but now, I am back to business.”
Katsina
Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan to enable him to move the country forward.
Abubakar made the call in a chart with newsmen shortly after attending the third day prayer for the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in Katsina.
He said the call had become necessary in view of the circumstances leading to his emergence as president of the country.
“I pray that Nigerians will give him the needed support to continue with all the good legacies the late President Umaru Yar’Adua left behind,” he said.
The former head of state, who described the death of President Yar’Adua as a great loss to the country, prayed God to reward him with “the best of Paradise’’.
Lagos
Independent candidacy recommended by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee is not practicable in the 2011 elections, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has said.
Mr Emma Eneukwu, the ANPP National Publicity Secretary, told newsmen in Lagos that independent candidacy could be practicable only where there were two or three parties.
“Independent candidate is one of the things we advocated for, but where we differ a little is that where you have about 57 political parties, there is no need for an independent candidate,” he said.
The Tide’s source reports that the House of Representatives had earlier in the week approved the committee’s recommendation on independent candidacy.
The candidate, however, will have to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 90 days before the election date.
Niger
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ogbonna Onovo, says the reform in the Nigeria Police Force was expected to gulp N400 billion.
The former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Lame, had told newsmen that the three tiers of government had agreed to contribute N450 billion annually in the next five years to fund the Nigeria Police Force.
Onovo made the disclosure in Minna during the opening of the first policing executive forum, organised by CLEEN Foundation, an NGO.
He said it was heart-warming that all three tiers of government were working toward providing the needed funds.
“The good thing about this reform is that when fully implemented, it will give Nigeria a befitting police force.”
“It is my hope that the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission will work assiduously with the management team of the Nigeria Police Force to make these police reforms a reality,’’ he said.
Oyo
A former Judge at the International Court of Justice, The Hague, Mr. Bola Ajibola, has said that injustice in Nigeria is among the causes of terrorist acts.
Abjibola said this in Ibadan recently in a lecture entitled, “Towards a Terror Free Society: The need for Mental Transformation”, delivered at the 2010 Dawah Week of the Muslim Students Society of Lead City University (LCU).
He said that the same factor bred international terrorism and urged the federal government to spread development evenly to give every part of the country a sense of belonging.
“Those who subject others to inhuman or degrading living conditions will most likely end up as recipients of such people’s uncivil tendencies”, he said.
Ajibola, whose paper was delivered by Mr. Saheed Aweda, said Nigerian youths had great roles to play, especially in mental transformation to change their perception of terrorism and their orientation toward nation building.
He said the government must work sincerely and assiduously to eradicate poverty and not just reducing the subject to a campaign slogun.
Sokoto
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, the Sultan of Sokoto, has described the late President Umaru Yar’Adua as a consummate and an affable personality imbued with humility, a high sense of dignity and poise.
This was contained in a condolence letter he sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Sokoto.
In the letter, the Sultan said: “His incisive vision, his selflessness and dedication, his exemplary leadership qualities and his unalloyed commitment to the promotion of the rule of law have all contributed immensely in moving this nation forward in the last few years.
“The late President Yar’Adua was, above all, a man of peace who worked tirelessly and assiduously in promoting peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding not only in the Niger Delta but also in all parts of the country.
“We write with a heavy heart and with sadness and sorrow to condole Your Excellency over the passing away of His Excellency President Umaru Yar’Adua”.
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.”
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