Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Mr Kassim Gaidam, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Adamawa, has urged Nigerians to work toward achieving fair and credible elections in the 2011 general elections.
Gaidam made the statement in Yola last week at the maiden zonal interactive meeting between INEC and leaders of political parties in Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the onerous task of achieving a transparent election should not be left alone for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He tasked political parties to field credible candidates so that the nation’s drive toward a crisis-free electoral exercise would be realisable.
The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensure that votes are counted in 2011 and future elections.
Bauchi
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged Nigerians to work towards the realisation of the dreams of heroes of the country’s nationalists.
This they could do by shunning “mistrust and divisive tendencies’’ in order to move the country to greatness.
Alhaji Muhammed Abdullahi, NIPR’s National President, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi last week as part of Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee.
“It is our ardent prayer that Nigeria will move from a theatre of mistrust to a circle of faith and ultimate renewal on the premise of shared responsibility.
“What we need now is the building and promotion of patriotic leadership capable of removing all negative barriers in our relationship with one another to enable the opening of new pages through dialogue and consensus-building to arrive at our desired destination.
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue in Makurdi last week reiterated the need for peace and harmony during and after the 2011 general elections.
Suswan, who made this known at Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary celebration, appealed to the youths to shun all the temptation to indulge in thuggery.
“The success or failure of our democratic enterprise as a nation will be defined by how well we conduct ourselves before, during and after the forthcoming elections in 2011,” he said.
“Our youths must rise up to reject those who would want to use them to foment trouble.
“Our younger ones should ask those intending to use and dump them to instead engage their own children.”
Ekiti
Nigerians have been urged to support the government in the spirit of Nigeria’s independence anniversary, by training the less-privileged and indigent children in the country.
The Chief Executive of Fili Foundation, an NGO, Chief Abiodun Ajayi, told newsmen last Sunday in Ekiti, that less-privileged citizens should be sponsored to schools.
He said that some great talents could be found in these children, if given the opportunity to go to school.
“The biggest support we can give to the less-privileged and brilliant children, who come from genuine poor homes is to train them,’’ he said.
FCT
The Peers Mentoring Programme (PMP), Nigeria and Peers Mentoring Programme International, in collaboration with the NEPAD Business Group, have inaugurated a development fund to help informal sector businesses in Nigeria.
Dr Robert Aniebo, Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Business Group, Nigeria, told newsmen in Abuja last Sunday that the collaboration would help to improve the economy.
“This fund will help to employ and coach at least one million mentors to sensitise, mobilise and formalise at least 1,000,000 informal sector businesses in Nigeria,’’ he said.
He said Nigerians should take full advantage of the initiative and create awareness among peers and peer groups, particularly at the grassroots.
Kwara
The PDP in Kwara has announced the suspension of its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hajia Aishat Ibraheem, over alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension of Ibraheem came as another group, identifying itself as Concerned Kwara PDP Elders Forum called on the party’s National Secretariat to dissolve the state’s executive of the party over various allegations.
A statement made available to newsmen last Sunday in Ilorin by the forum, called for dissolution of the state’s executive of the party for flouting the directive of the National Secretariat on new membership and list of delegates.
Lagos
Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, says external borrowing must be conducted under strictest statutory framework and with careful discipline.
Owasanoye made the statement while delivering a lecture entitled; “Law and Nigeria’s External Borrowing: Diagnosing the Past, Prognosing the Future” last week in Lagos.
“External debt is a hindrance to development and economic delivery,” he said
He attributed Nigeria’s past history of recklessness and unbridled external borrowing to corruption and absence of clear statutory and constitutional framework.
“The constitution says nothing of internal or external borrowing. It says nothing of the purpose, process or the authority,” he said.
Oyo
Activities marking Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary came to a climax last week in Ibadan as primary and secondary school students marched past Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State at the saluting dais.
The governor had earlier inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary outfits.
Masquerades, traditional dancers, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Scout, teachers and other groups also participated in the march past.
Highlights of the ceremony were the cutting of the anniversary cake and the inauguration of a new anthem for the state.
Plateau
Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau last week pardoned 10 convicts as part of activities marking the golden jubilee celebration of the nation’s independence.
Four of the 10 convicts were granted unconditional release, three are to be given option of fines, while the others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
Jang, who spoke after a march past at the Jos polo ground, said he took the decision after consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy.
He challenged those who regained their freedom to reciprocate the gesture by conducting themselves responsibly and avoiding a repeat of the mistake.
“We have suffered wars and communal clashes; we have witnessed bloody change of power; we have held several constitutional conferences,’’ the governor lamented.
Sokoto
Alhaji Ibrahim Gobir, a PDP senatorial aspirant for Sokoto East Senatorial District, has pledged to build “a standard international market’’ at Illela, if elected.
Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto last Sunday that the market would boost economic activities in the sub-region in particular and the continent at large.
He said the market would serve as a trade zone among Niger Republic, Mali and other African countries.
Gobir promised to introduce legislation that would enhance the living condition of the people if given the opportunity to be in the Senate.
Zamfara
PDP presidential aspirant, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that only generational change in leadership can turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for the desired national development.
Saraki, who made the statement in Gusau last week during a campaign tour of Zamfara, said: “Nigeria needs young and energetic leaders who can turn around the fortunes of the country for speedy development.
“It is time we made Nigeria work and this can only be possible if we elect leaders that can drive the country in the right direction.”
Saraki said his efforts at transforming Kwara from an economy largely dependent on federal revenue allocation to agriculture-driven one and independent generation of electricity for economic growth were some of his pragmatic approach to leadership.
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.”