Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa House of Assembly says it has set up a committee on how to generate 30 megawatts of electricity for the state.
The committee chairman, Mr Wafari Theman (ACN, Hong) told newsmen in Yola that the low power supply to the state was worrisome.
Theman said that the committee had visited PHCN and other stakeholders because power supply to the state was fluctuating between 20 and seven megawatts.
He said that the committee had visited the state Special Energy Department and the Gongola Basin Energy Development Commission
He said that the panel had also visited Laddo Dam in neighbouring Cameroon Republic and Kiri Dam in Adamawa.
He said that the purpose of visiting the establishments was to ensure they generate additional electricity power to the state.
Bauchi
Bauchi State has detected three new cases of Polio Virus between January and March.
The WHO Consultant in-charge of Gamawa, Zaki and Itas Gadau, Mr Emmanuel Katuga, disclosed this on Saturday in Kari-kacaf, in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Katuga told newsmen that one case each was recorded at Kari-Kacaf, Dagaleri and Taranka, all in Gamawa Local Government Area.
He explained that the case of Kari-Kacaf and Taranka had been confirmed to be the “Wild Polio Virus” while that of Dagaleri had been sent to Maiduguri Laboratory for test.
Katuga attributed the new cases to uncompleted dosage of Polio immunisation within the affected areas.
The consultant said that his team had introduced weekly immunisation in spite of the routine ones within the affected areas to ensure that the virus was eradicated in the area.
Borno
The wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, has called on traditional and community leaders to work collectively to wipe out the polio virus from the country.
Shettima, who made the call in Maiduguri when she launched the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), urged wives of the Chairmen of Local Government Caretaker Committees to ensure mass mobilisation of parents at the grass roots for the exercise.
She said that the state government had instituted an award for best local government council in immunisation coverage to encourage better performance.
“I want the wives of the caretaker committees chairmen to compete with one another in the area of mass mobilisation of parents on polio immunisation.
“Each one of you must strive hard to ensure that her council becomes the best so you can win the state government award for the best performing council in immunisation coverage,” she said.
FCT
Chairman House Committee on Gas Resources Rep. Bassey Ewa, says stopping gas flaring in the country requires the political will of the Federal Government.
Ewa told newsmen in Abuja that there was also the need for the Federal Government to collaborate with multinational oil companies to end gas flaring.
He said the committee was determined to ensure that the gas master plan was implemented to the letter.
“On the issue of gas flaring, my committee is putting necessary things in place to ensure the issue is finally put to rest.
“The Federal Government has a gas master plan and as the chairman of the committee on gas resources, it is my desire to ensure that the plan is implemented to the letter,’’ he said.
Gombe
President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe over the death of his four-year-old daughter, Hajara.
The president who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Mike Oghiadome, said in Gombe on Saturday, that he (Jonathan) and the good people of Nigeria sympathised with the family of Dankwambo.
Jonathan noted that death was inevitable and called on the governor to take it as an act of God because “every soul must pass through it.”
“This is because God gives and takes, we have no right to question Him,’’ he said.
Kano
Kano State Government has concluded plans to construct 56 new courts in the 44 local government areas of the state, our correspondent reports.
The Public Relations Officer of the state High Court, Malam Baba Jibo made this known to newsmen in Kano.
Jibo said that the government had kick- started the construction of 23 of the courts in its first phase, pointing out that the second phase would be inaugurated soon.
He said the project was part of the government’s determination to ensure that the people of the state had access to justice by bringing justice to their door steps.
Katsina
Herdsmen in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State have called for increased government commitment to animal vaccination.
Alhaji Ardo Abubakar, the leader of herdsmen, made the call during the launch of the 2012 animal vaccination.
Abubakar expressed the appreciation of the herdsmen to the state government for its policies on animal production, saying that the “huge investment ” would ensure the good health of animals.
He noted that many nomads had been mobilised to submit their animals for the vaccination, adding that the exercise would improve the health of cows and other domestic animals in the area.
According to him, not less than 6,000 cows have been targeted for vaccination in the two-week programme.
Kebbi
Kebbi Governor-elect State Alhaji Saidu Dakingari, has said that the fresh mandate he received in Saturday’s election was an indication of his acceptance by the people of Kebbi.
The Media Adviser to Dakingari, Malam Alhassan Musa, told newsmen that the new mandate was an indication of the popularity of the governor-elect’s policies and programmes over the years.
He promised to bring the opposition on board in efforts to develop the state.
“In this election, there is no victor or vanquished. The PDP will carry everyone along in major decision making and progarmme implementation,’’ he said.
Dakingari urged the people to expect development, especially in the areas of agriculture, rural development, education and health.
Lagos
Five-time World Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield, is visiting Badagry, Lagos State, to reconnect with his African roots and seek the possibility of investing in the country’s tourism industry.
The Alabama, U.S.-born retired pugilist believes he is of African descent.
He visited the historic town of Badagry on the invitation of Mr Yomi Ajose, a former Senior Special Adviser to the Badagry Local Government Council.
Holyfield, who visited the traditional ruler of the town, Wheno Aholu Meno Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, said that he was visiting to trace his African roots.
Niger
The Niger House of Assembly has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Kagara as its new Clerk.
Members of the Assembly had unanimously approved the appointment of Kagara following his recommendation by the Assembly Service Commission.
Majority Leader Mohammad Dada moved the motion for the approval and it was unanimously adopted by members.
The Speaker, Alhaji Mohammed Tsowa, commended Kagara’s contribution to the legislative activities of the Assembly, especially the committees assignments.
He directed the acting clerk to convey the approval to the Assembly Service Commission for it to issue a letter of appointment to the new Clerk.
Kagara, who was born in 1964 in Kagara, obtained a degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano, 1988.
He started his career as a reporter with the Newsline newspaper in 1990 and joined the Assembly service in 1992 as its Public Relations Officer.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of “Obafemi Awolowo Academy of Ideology’’ to promote political and economic ideals of the late premier of the defunct Western Region.
The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, who moved the motion in Akure, said, the proposed academy would immortalise Awolowo and facilitate access to his political ideas and leadership qualities.
“The late sage, a nationalist, in his books and essays propounded a robust ideology for governance, which, he called, “Social Democracy”.
“Late Awolowo, who was described as the best president Nigeria never had, came up with major tenets of his political ideology in his books, publications, lectures for our political emancipation,’’ Akinsoyinu said.
The majority leader pointed out that the Yoruba leader’s approach to politics was devoid of violence and that the idea had distinguished his character as far as the game of politics was concerned.
Mr Victor Akinwe, representing the people of Odigbo Constituecy I, said the academy would serve as an instrument of reconstruction for prospective and serving politicians in the country.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Urban and Regional Planning Board on Thursday began the demolition of illegal structures in Sokoto and its environs.
Our correspondent reports that the board demolished illegal structures in Sokoto old market and the state’s School of Developmental Studies, an arm of the state university.
The Permanent Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, said the action was to rid the state capital and its environs of all illegal structures.
‘’We will not allow any person or group of persons to tinker with the master plan of the state capital, no matter how highly placed the person is.’’
Mohammed said the owners of the illegal structures were given a month notice to remove them or face sanctions but they allegedly refused to comply.
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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