Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammed has appealed to traditional rulers to join the Federal Government’s renewed effort in the fight against human trafficking and child labour.
Muhammed made the appeal on last Thursday in Yola when he paid an advocacy visit to Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, in his palace.
He said that traditional rulers had a vital role to play in the campaign against human trafficking and child labour in view of their positions in the society.
The Minister said that checking the menace of human trafficking and child labour was one of the protocol endorsed by ECOWAS Heads of Governments.
Mustapha urged government to always carry the tradit
Benue
The Benue Commissioner of Police, Mr John Haruna,has warned politicians in the state against acts capable of breaching the peace.
Haruna handed down the warning in Makurdi while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in combating crime in the state.
He warned that the police would deal decisively with any politician who engages in nefarious activities to promote selfish and divisive interest.
The commissioner said that policemen had been deployed to identified flashpoints and on the highways to contain criminal activities and road accidents.
Haruna lamented that the state was almost “being consumed in cultism”, and announced plans by security agencies to curtail the menace, including the perennial clashes between farmers and cattle rearers.
FCT
Bwari Area Council has expressed its determination to sanitise the area through recycling of waste and wealth generation.
Mr. Haruna Labaran, the Head of Department of Environment in the council, told newsmen in Bwari, FCT, that the exercise would cover Ushafa, Dutse, Kubwa, Dei-dei, Dawaki and Mpape.
He said the decision to recycle waste was informed by the reckless manner people went about the collection, transportation and disposal of waste without regard to environmental health standard.
According to him, poor environmental standard is responsible for up to 75 per cent of the diseases that are ordinarily preventable.
The head of department urged residents to comply with the directive, noting that the exercise would open up the area for economic activities and development.
Gombe
Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State Governor has presented a budget of N93.3 billion to the state House of Assembly for the 2012 fiscal year against its N79.4 billion for the 2011 fiscal year.
Presenting the budget, tagged “Budget of Reality”, the governor said that the budget would be financed from a total revenue of N50 billion.
He said that the government hoped to collect N4.6 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while N40 billion was estimated to be from statutory allocation.
Dankwambo added that N3.4 billion would come from excess crude oil, N1 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), N500 million from Exchange Rate Gain and N500 million from other sources.
He noted that the total budget deficit for the year would be N1 billion.
Jigawa
The newly established Federal University, Dutse, has admitted 350 students, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jibrila Amin, has said.
Amin said during the foundation laying ceremony of Computer Laboratory Complex of the university that the school admitted 200 students as directed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He said the institution submitted 150 additional names to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for harmonised admissions expected to be published soon.
Kano
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 280 persons were killed and 2,433 others injured in road traffic accidents in Kano State between January and December.
The Sector Commander, Mr Ahmed Kogari, told newsmen in Kano last Thursday that the figures resulted from 770 accidents during the period under review.
He said that there was a reduction in the accident figure this year compared with last year’s figure, which he did not give.
“We are able to achieve this through intensive public enlightenment campaigns, enforcement of traffic rules and regulations as well as continuous surveillance, monitoring and patrol activities.”
Kebbi
The National Programme on Immunisation (NPI), in Kebbi has identified cases of missed children on immunisation days as the major reason for emergence of fresh polio cases.
.This is contained in a statement signed by the Kebbi NPI Manager, Hajiya Saudatu Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
The LGAs that had high percentage of missed children during immunisation included Gwandu 49.3 per cent, Jega 19.2 per cent, Maiyama 19.2 per cent, Arewa 16.6 per cent, Ngaski 14.3 per cent.
The state chairman of ALGON and Binrin Kebbi LGA, Alhaji Musa Dan-Ilela, blamed the programme for not including the councils at the initial stage.
Lagos
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) last Thursday cautioned labour leaders in political offices to guide against anything that would undermine industrial relations in the country.
Mr Solomon Onaghinon, Secretary General, ASCSN, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Onaghinon expressed worry that most labour leaders appointed into political offices, often get involved in negative means of settling industrial disputes.
Onaghinon said that such means of resolving disputes was against industrial relation practice and could weaken labour movement.
Oyo
The Kola Daisi Foundation (KDF) has donated an ambulance to the Kola Daisi Centre for Primary and Community Health being managed by the University College Hospital (UCH),Ibadan.
Speaking at the event in Yemetu, Ibadan, the Chairman of KDF, Prof. Niyi Osuntogun, said the ambulance would assist the health centre in conveying patients to the hospital during emergencies.
Osuntogun commended the founder of the centre, Chief Kola Daisi, saying his philanthropic activities were worth emulating.
“Wealthy Nigerians should emulate the good works Chief Kola Daisi has done in the course of rendering selfless service to humanity,’’ he said.
Plateau
The Plateau Government is to appoint caretaker committees for its local government councils in January preparatory to election, Mr. Alexander Mwolwus, Special Adviser to Governor Jonah Jang on Political Affairs, has said.
The tenure of the current council officials expires January 15, 2012, but the amended Electoral Act has yet to be passed into law.
“Since the tenure of the incumbent officials will lapse between Jan. 15 and 17, 2012, the governor shall have no alternative but to appoint caretaker committees that will take charge,’’ the official told newsmen in Jos.
Mwolwus explained that the new electoral law would empower the PLASIEC to conduct local council polls within 30 days.
He explained that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was already preparing for the election with its congresses beginning on Jan. 4.
Meanwhile, Mr Peter Daylop, Chairman, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), has said that the Commission was still awaiting the new Electoral Act.
Sokoto
The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has quashed the judgment of the Kebbi State Governorship Election Tribunal which nullified the election of Gov. Usman Dakingari.
Reacting to the verdict,Dakingari advised his supporters to be moderate in celebrating court’s judgment and called on the opposition parties to join his administration in moving the state forward.
Justice Laraba Mohammed, who led three other members of the tribunal, had on Nov. 13, nullified Dakingari’s election and ordered a fresh one within 90 days.
Justice Amiru Sanusi, who led four other Justices of the court, ruled in favour of Dakingari and set the judgment of the lower court aside.
Mr Ogene Nero, counsel to the CPC and its gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Gari-Malam, said they will appeal against the judgment at the Supreme Court.
The Kebbi State Chairman of the CPC, Alhaji Suleiman Nasiha, also said the party would appeal against the judgment within the 21 days stipulated by law.
Zamfara
Former Commissioner for Finance in Zamfara, Danbuba Mohammed says lack of focus on medium and long-term development plans by governments is responsible for socio-economic crisis in the country.
Mohammed made the statement in an interview with newsmen in Gusau shortly after Governor Abdulaziz Yari presented the state’s 2012 budget of N120.8 billion to the House of Assembly.
.He said the budget captured the essence of consistency and continuity in government policies, adding that it had also raised public hopes and expectations.
“This is the first time in several years that we are witnessing a medium-term development strategy captured in the budget with practicable ideas on how to actualise the plan for concrete development.’’
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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