Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Chairman, Adamawa State House of Assembly
Committee on Public Accounts, Mr Wafarninyi Theman, said yesterday that the House was poised to check leakages in the state’s revenue generation capacity.
Theman told newsmen in Yola that a recent probe of the activities of the state revenue generating ministries and parastatals by his committee was in line with the house’s commitment to that effect.
He said the committee had made startling discoveries such as non remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions amounting to over a billion Naira by local government councils in the state.
“We are now on the councils’ necks and about seven local government councils out of 21 have so far complied in remitting their PAYE, though seven out of 21 is not fair enough,” he said.
Theman said the committee would work closely with the Office of the state Accountant-General, to ensure discipline in government’s financial operations.
Borno
The Dangote Foundation has flagged off an
empowerment scheme for the poor in Maiduguri, aimed at distributing N10,000 cash each to about 54,000 indigent persons in Borno.
The Managing Director of the foundation, who performed the ceremony, Dr Adhiambo Odaga, said that it was part of their poverty alleviation programme.
Odaga said that the foundation was collaborating with a non-governmental organisation, Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya children (SWOT).
SWOT is the pet project of Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, the wife of the Borno governor.
FCT
The Senate President, David Mark, has pleaded with the
striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to work.
Mark made the plea while commissioning a lecture theatre donated to the School of Management Sciences at the Kano State Polytechnic by Sen. Kabiru Gaya.
This is disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja.
Mark said calling off the strike would salvage the already battered education sector from further deterioration.
Gombe
The Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev.
Malachy John-Goltok, has urged Christians to use the Christmas season to reconcile with one another.
John-Goltok made the call in his sermon during the dedication of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Tumfure, Gombe.
The cleric said that the Christmas season, which reflected the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, should not be for merry-making alone but also a period for reconciliation with one another and God.
“As we enter the advent, Christmas is a time of preparation; spiritual preparations; not just bothering with what we will eat or the cars we will drive.
Kwara
Oba Raphael Sunday, the Asolo of Isolo-Opin in Ekiti
Local Government Area of Kwara State, has called for the presence of state and federal projects in his domain.
Sunday said that this would accelerate socio-economic development in the area.
He made the call during his official coronation at Isolo-Opin last Sunday.
He said that projects, especially those in the education sector would assist the community to achieve its development objectives.
Lagos
A cleric, Pastor Faith Amaraegbu, has urged Nigerian
women to make necessary sacrifices to build their homes well in the interest of the society.
Amaraegbu, who is in charge of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries, Winners’ Assembly, Okota, Lagos, made the appeal during a public presentation of a book that focused on home- building.
The book launched in Lagos, was written by an Assistant Director (Marketing) in the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Margret Iroha.
It is entitled: ’’ Celina, A woman of Royal Destiny’’.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Agricultural Development
Programme (NADP) has urged agricultural extension officers to initiate strategies that would address the challenges of animal production in the country.
The Programme Manager, Mr. Naphtali Dachor, made the call at the Technology Review Meeting of the programme in Gadabuke, Toto local government area of the state.
Dachor said that the call had become necessary considering the importance of animal production to the socio-economic development of the country.
He said: “The importance of animal production cannot be over-emphasised to the development of the state and the country at large.
Niger
The Niger State Government is to spend N96 million to
buy 28 flying boats for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for water transportation.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babangida Aliyu, Alhaji Mohammed Shaba, made this known to newsmen yesterday in Minna.
Shaba said that the agency would collaborate with the state Ministry of Transportation and the Boat Divers Association on the modalities for the boat operations.
“The transportation ministry will handle the modalities of the boats operation and the necessary measures to ensure its success.
“Each of the flying boats will be equipped with life jackets for passengers, including first aid kit for their safety.’’
He said the agency would domesticate the Federal Government’s laws on inland water management, in a bid to check the activities of unscrupulous individuals, who engaged in sharp practices to the detriment of their passengers.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has
commiserated with the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government over the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo II.
A statement by the Oyo State Government, in Ibadan, described the late monarch as a good person that would be missed by the people, including Ajimobi.
The statement, which was signed by Dr Festus Adedayo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media Matters, expressed shock at the passing on of the respected monarch,
“The people of Oyo State and its state capital, Ibadan, will miss the revered monarch, who lived in Ibadan for decades before he was crowned the Deji,’’ it said.
Sokoto
Senator Ibrahim Gobir (PDP- Sokoto), says the
National Assembly members will partner with other key stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria remains a united and indivisible entity.
According to Gobir, Nigeria will not break up in 2015, as being predicted by some people.
Gobir, who represents Sokoto East Senatorial District, told newsmen in Sokoto that such a prediction would not come to fruition and such cynics would be disappointed.
“Nigeria will rather come out stronger and more united in 2015 and beyond. Our diverse religious, ethnic and cultural differences should therefore be the basis of our unity.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command, yesterday
said it had shot dead 13 suspected armed bandits in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Abdullahi told newsmen in Gusau that one policeman also died during the shoot-out, while another sustained injuries.
Abdullahi explained that the incident took place in Jangebe village where the hoodlums were operating.
He said the police stormed the area after a tip off.
“On getting there, the robbers, numbering more than 70 men, engaged the police in a gun battle during which 13 of them were killed,’’ he said, adding that their corpses had been deposited at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau.
President Goodluck Jonathan (right), being received by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State on his arrival for the 2nd North-East Economic Summit in Gombe, yesterday .
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.”