Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As political activities pick up in Adamawa State for the coming January 14, governorship election, the ACN said that the PDP led government of Gov. Murtala Nyako was living on borrowed time.
A statement by the ACN Publicity Secretary, Mr Mathias Yohanna said the PDP government had failed the people of Adamawa who were now yearning for change.
Yohanna condemned what he described as the growing insecurity in the state and non payment of workers salaries for the past three months as the latest problems added to the people of Adamawa by the state government.
“This is what the state is reaping under a retired admiral, a former chief of naval staff, a former chief of defense staff, a former member of defunct supreme military council, a former governor, and currently a failed governor.
Borno
Col. Victor Ebhaleme, Field Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, on Sunday confirmed the arrest of a number of people by the force.
Ebhaleme told newsmen that the arrests were in connection with the recent indiscriminate shooting in the metropolis.
He however said he could not give an exact on the number of suspects apprehended, adding also that they are still undergoing interrogation.
“Anybody that is found guilty will however face the full wrath of the law at the end of the day,’’ the JTF Field Commander said.
FCT
Over 21,000 members of the Nigeria Police Force have so far benefited from the on-going Police Reform Training Programme to address the current security challenges across the country.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd.), made this known to the newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
He said the affected personnel were both trained locally and abroad as part of government efforts to beef up security.
Olubolade expressed optimism that the training would enable the police utilise more effectively some of the newly-acquired security equipment, including helicopters and communication gadgets.
Gombe
Alhaji Adamu Yakubu, the Emir of Pindiga in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, has helped in resolving the problem of resistance among the people to polio vaccines in two districts.
Yakubu told newsmen last Sunday in Pindiga that he with the assistance of traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the districts, including Kashare, to re-orient the people to participate in polio immunisation.
He attributed the problem of resistance by the people to communication gaps between the traditional rulers and their subjects.
“We organised awareness campaigns several times in this emirate in order to reach out to the people and we were able to make them understand the importance of immunisation.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa has directed the 23 Local Governments in the state to reactivate their task forces on polio immunisation.
He gave the directive on Saturday during the flag-off ceremony of the Seventh Polio Immunisation Campaign in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. Represented by his wife, Mrs Amina Yakowa, the governor said the directive was aimed at making the state free from polio cases.
He described the four-day exercise as very important to the current position of the state as a high-risk area and urged the people of the state to embrace the campaign.
He said a report had showed that Kaduna was the only state that had not recorded a single polio case between Jan. 2009 and Nov. 18, 2011.
Kano
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the president of Dangote Foundation, has donated N440 million to 44,000 unemployed women in Kano State.
Dangote announced the donation at the third meeting of the state’s Community Re-orientation Committee held in Kano.
He said that 44,000 women, drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state, would benefit from the donation.
Dangote also announced another donation of N160 million to empower youths in “work-bull farming’’ scheme.
Kogi
Dr Tunde Arosanyin, the National Financial Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has commended the Federal Government for the removal of subsidy on fertiliser.
Arosanyin told the newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday that the subsidy’s removal was a welcome development because the proceeds would be used to aid the peasant farmers.
He said the revelation that less than 11 per cent of farmers were benefiting from the subsidy was well-researched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
He said the arrangement to channel the money spent on the subsidy to 50,000 genuine farmers nationwide through credit facilities was laudable.
Kwara
Mr Alhassan Akor, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara, has reiterated the commitment of the corps to reduce the risk that will throw the country into mourning.
He made this known in Ilorin when he received members of the Kwara chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Akor said that the Risk and Disaster Management Unit of the command had commenced sensitising the public on the standards required of the goods and services capable of throwing the society into mourning.
Lagos
An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Nurudeen Okuleye, has appealed to Nigerian leaders to urgently address the increasing rate of poverty and insecurity in the country.
Okuleye, Lagos State chairman of the Ansar–ud–Deen Society of Nigeria, made the appeal last Sunday at the 6th Ola-Ayinde Foundation Memorial Lecture, held at Ebute-Metta, in Lagos.
The annual lecture is organised in memory of a former chairman of the religious body, Alhaji Surajudeen Ola-Ayinde.
Okuleye said that the increasing level of poverty and insecurity posed a grave danger to the country’s progress and continuous peaceful co-existence among the citizenry.
Ogun
The Ogun State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has impounded 18 right-hand-drive vehicles, its head of operations, Mrs Anne Abhiele, said last Sunday.
Abhiele told newsmen in Abeokuta that such vehicles had been banned from Nigerian roads since 1972 and wondered why they were still being imported and driven.
Abhiele quoted the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations (2004), which states that “no motor vehicle shall be registered, or driven on any public road, if the steering apparatus of the motor vehicle is fitted on the right-hand side.”
She expressed regret that right-hand-drive vehicles were still being cleared at the ports and licenced by the relevant authorities across the country for use on Nigerian roads, despite existing laws against such vehicles.
Sokoto
The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has embarked on the construction of a 50-room hotel in Abuja, at the cost of N321 million. The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, who disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto last Saturday, said that the project had reached about 70 per cent completion.
He expressed the hope that, when completed, the hotel would be leased out to a yet-to-be ascertained partner for effective management.
“Part of the proceeds from the hotel, is to be used to construct additional structures at the hotel which is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2012.
“The rest will also be reinvested in other ventures to further shore up the revenue base of the university rather than depending solely on grants from the Federal Government,” Shehu said.
Yobe
People Living with HIV/AIDS in Yobe, last Saturday said that they had been able to access anti-retroviral drugs in the state.
They said that the drugs had kept them in good health, adding that they had been able to overcome discrimination and stigmatisation in the society.
Abubakar Mustapha, one of those living with the condition, told newsmen in Damaturu, that the provision of drugs and other supplements to them by the state government had improved their health.
Baba Alkali, who is also living with the virus, said he was no longer ashamed of revealing his status “because with the drugs and supplements provided by Yobe State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS (YOSACA), I feel healthier than some people suffering from other ailments.”
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.”