Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Sick persons in Mubi, Adamawa, now patronise private clinics as the strike embarked upon by medical and health workers has grounded services in public hospitals in the area.
Junior health workers had in June embarked on an indefinite strike following disagreement with the state government over wages and improved working conditions.
The situation was further compounded in the last five weeks when the NLC went on a similar strike over the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage, forcing all health care facilities to close down.
Our correspondent who went round some of the health centres in Mubi on Tuesday reports that they remained locked.
At the General Hospital, Mubi, only a handful of staff offered skeletal services at the Out-Patients Department, Emergency Unit and medical wards, while some of the patients on admission had left the wards.
Borno
The Caretaker Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno, Mr Kawu Ngamdu, has appealed to Muslims and Christians to pray and fast to end the frequent armed robberies along the Maiduguri-Kaga Road.
Ngamdu made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, saying that armed robbers had intercepted and stolen the salaries of local government workers running to about N20 million at two different occasions on the road.
According to him, the people have to assist with their prayers and fasting so as to curb the situation.
He noted that if the trend was not brought under control it would affect some developmental programmes geared towards improving the living standard of people in the Local Government Area.
The chairman advised people to watch out for persons with questionable characters and report their activities to the security agencies.
“I will strive as much as possible to improve the living standard of the masses by providing them with good drinking water, boost agriculture and health delivery,” he said.
FCT
Brig-Gen. Okore-Affia, the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), says the commission is reconsidering the participation of youth corps members in future elections.
Speaking when the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Atahiru Jega, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday, Okore-Affia called for an urgent review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between INEC and NYSC.
“ You will agree with me that there is an urgent need to review the MOU between INEC and NYSC, because as far as I am concerned, it is one-sided, because it did not cater for the interest and wellbeing of corps members deployed on electoral duties.
“The NYSC wants to ask for a verifiable proof of the preparedness of INEC to put in place measures that will ensure both the safety and wellbeing of corps members.”
Okore-Affia said that if verifiable proof of the safety of corps members was not given by INEC, the NYSC would scale down on the involvement of corps members in future elections.
Gombe
A Federal High Court in Gombe, presided over by Justice Babatunde Quadri on Tuesday granted bail to the former Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, and three others standing trial before it.
Goje and three others were arraigned before the court by the EFCC on an 18-count charge of laundering more than N25 billion public fund between May 2003 and May 2011.
Goje was arraigned along with Alhaji Aliyu El-Nafaty, former Executive Chairman of Gombe State Universal basic Education Board (SUBEB) and two contractors, S.M. Dokoro and Alhaji Sabo Tumu.
S. M. Dokoro Company Ltd, Gombe was also joined in the suit filed by the EFCC.
Quadri while granting the bail, following an earlier application file before it by Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), counsel to Goje, said that it was the constitutional right of the suspects to be granted bail.
Jigawa
Mr Ntufam Ogbu, the Secretary of the National Planning Commission (NPC), has called on state governments to compute their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in order to enhance investment.
Ogbu made the call at a meeting of the Joint Planning Board and the National Council on Development Planning in Dutse.
“We are saying that state governments should generate their GDP because we are operating a federal system of government.
“ We can not go from federal level to compute GDP for a state,’’ Ogbu said.
He said if state governments generated their GDP, it would help the Federal Government to put together the National Gross Domestic Product.
Ogbu also urged state governments to initiate and ensure the passage of a Project Continuity Bill to enhance continuity of government’s projects and programmes.
Kano
The police in Kano have arrested three persons for allegedly raping four minors aged between six years and eight years.
The Public Relations Officer of the state command, Malam Magaji Majiya, told newsmen in Kano recently that the suspects were arrested on October 15, in the metropolis.
According to Majiya, two of the accused persons lured three girls, children of their neighbours, into a room at about 8.15 a.m. and sexually assaulted them.
He said the other suspect was also apprehended for allegedly luring a seven-year-old girl into his room and had illegal canal knowledge of her.
Majiya said all the three suspects had made confessional statements that were further corroborated by the medical examination reports.
Lagos
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Tuesday urged Lagos residents to monitor activities of Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators engaged in waste collection in the state.
The Authority’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folashade Kadiri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Kadiri said that activities and operations of the operators should be “measured, criticised and appreciated” by the residents to know how effective such operators are in areas assigned to them by LAWMA.
According to her, the various levels of monitoring are the management and employees of LAWMA, Community Development Areas, and officials of the Ministry of Environment, and the residents.
Oyo
Sunday Oladeji, a professor of Economics at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has called on the Federal Government to make the National Manpower Board (NMB) more functional.
He told newsmen in Ibadan that the board had not been effective lately in the discharge of its mandate.
Oladeji, who is also the Provost of the institution’s Postgraduate School, recalled that the NMB became a body under the supervision of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan.
The NMB, he said, was a product of the Ashby Commission which recommended its formation.
“The mandate of the board includes research and data collection on the manpower situation in the country as well as employment situation.
Plateau
Some residents of Plateau have voiced their opposition to the planned removal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government, saying the action will inflict more hardship on the average Nigerians.
In separate interviews that the spiral effects would result in hikes in prices of essential commodities and make life more difficult for Nigerians.
“Nigerians should be allowed to enjoy the subsidy on oil to be able to cope with the current hard times. There is no need to worsen the situation for the poor,” Miss Dorcas James, a student of the University of Jos, said.
She cautioned that the action would have debilitating effect
Taraba
Hundreds of primary school teachers and pupils in Jalingo took to the streets, protesting non-payment of the salaries of teachers and other welfare issues.
Addressing the gathering, the Taraba State Chairman of the NUT, Mr Aliyu Mafindi, said that the refusal of the State Government to pay teachers’ salaries was becoming a source of worry and unfortunate for a state that was already performing well in WAEC and NECO.
Mafindi said: “teachers will no longer fold their hands and watch bad governance continue to deny them their rights.
Zamfara
Farmers in Zamfara who benefitted from fertiliser/agriculture inputs loan are owing the government N5.5 billiion, says Sen. Saidu Dansadau, the Chairman, Debt Verification Committee.
The loan was disbursed by the Zamfara Comprehensive Agricultural Revolution Programme (ZACAREP).
Dansadau disclosed this in Gusau while presenting the committee’s report to Gov. Abdulaziz Yari.
He accused the beneficiaries of abusing the opportunity offered them by ZACAREP to buy fertilisers and other inputs at subsidised rates and pay back after harvest.
“It is unfortunate that while the government introduced the programme to encourage massive agricultural production in the state, both the subsidy and loans payable after harvest were abused.
“As at the moment, our findings revealed that the target farmers, through their emirate councils, who stood as guarantors for the loans, owe Zamfara State Government as much as N5.5 billion from unpaid fertiliser loans.“
According to him, said some privileged farmers had over the years, cornered subsidised fertilisers/loan for inputs at the expense of small and medium-scale farmers who produced the greater percentage of food crops consumed by the people.
He urged the government to review the activities of ZACAREP by taking into consideration the needs of peasant farmers.
The committee chairman noted that small and medium-scale farmers had prominent roles to play to realise the government’s food security and poverty eradication agenda.
Responding, Yari commended the committee for doing a thorough job and pledged to implement its recommendations.
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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