Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Chairman, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria
(CDGN), South-South and South-East chapters, Mr Sele Sele, has urged film makers nationwide to always choose appropriate costumes for their movies to enhance its quality.
Sele told newsmen in Abuja that selecting the appropriate costumes would go a long way in the marketing of the movies.
He regretted the challenges encountered by creative designers in accessing basic government facilities in their profession.
“For instance, if you want to do an action movie, you require guns and uniforms but when you go to the police station, nobody is ready to assist you.
“If you want to shoot a movie at an airport, getting an airport is difficult. These are the kinds of challenges we encounter.
“That is why you don’t see most movies with such story lines; the major challenge is that we don’t have film shops.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has been
elected as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the PDP in the 2015 general Elections.
Our correspondent reports that Dankwambo was elected through an affirmation poll held at the PDP secretariat on Monday in Gombe.
The governor polled 492 votes out of the 504 delegates, while eight votes were invalid and four delegates were absent.
Announcing the result, the Returning Officer and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, said the delegates had affirmed Dankwambo as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the party in the 2015 elections.
“Delegates have today given the mandate to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, to contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party for a second term.”
Kaduna
Senator Ahmed Makarfi the senator representing
Kaduna-North Senatorial District, has been returned as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer in the 2015 senatorial election.
Our correspondent reports that Makarfi was adopted as sole candidate after his rival, Umar Faruk withdrew from the contest following consensus arrangement made a day prior to the party’s primary in Kaduna state.
Declaring the result, Alhaji Ahmed Tahir, Chairman, PDP electoral committee said: “Makarfi is the only contestant, however, based on PDP requirement, an election must hold to fulfil such requirement.
Having counted all the votes cast; Makarfi got 333 votes indicating that he polled all the votes cast which gives him the opportunity to become the flag-bearer of PDP.
Katsina
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Repre
sentatives aspirant, Mr Emmanuel Udende, has commended his co-aspirants for stepping down for him to enable him continue with his developmental programmes.
Udende gave this commendation in an interview with journalists in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue.
Our correspondent reports that Udende was presently representing Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum Federal Constituency at the house of representatives.
He further appreciated them for their show of maturity and understanding which had paved way for his emergence as a sole contender for the seat.
He stated that they were not coerced before they withdrew from the race, adding that they withdrew willingly.
Kogi
The Kogi High Court sitting in Koton-Karfe has nulli
fied the May 4, 2013 Local Government Elections conducted in the state by the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC).
The judgement was delivered in two hours, eight minutes by Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
The court issued a consequential order for the council chairmen in the 21 Local Governments to handover the affairs of the councils to the most senior directors.
Omolaye-Ajileye affirmed the contention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the commission was not properly constituted to conduct the election.
It referred to the suit with the State Government, KOSIEC and seven others as co-defendants.
Kwara
Residents of Okuta in the Baruten Local Government
Area of Kwara State have on Tuesday cried out for help over the perennial water shortage in the border community.
A cross-section of the people who spoke with newsmen urged governments at all levels to urgently alleviate their plight .
Malam Aliyu Umar, the Gunubero of Okuta, told newsmen that the waterworks in the community had not been operated in the last three years, to supply it with pipe-borne water.
This, according to the traditional ruler, is due to its network of pipes, which have gone bad.
“Our major problem here is the distribution network, which has gone bad. The pipes have become broken in the last three years and nothing has been done about restoring the network.
Kano
A former governorship candidate of the defunct All
Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the 2011 elections in Kano State, Alhaji Salihu Takai, has won the PDP governorship primary election in the state.
Takai scored 1, 226 votes to defeat three other contestants, while two others withdrew shortly before the exercise began.
Announcing the results yesterday the Chairman of the Election Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, said Alhaji Abba Murtala Muhammed, son of late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, got 144 votes.
Gusau said Mansur Ahmed got 106 votes, while Alhaji Sani Gwarzo scored 24 votes.
According to him, Dr Hakilu Indabawa and Alhaji Mohammed Abacha withdrew from the contest before the commencement of the election.
Kebbi
The Senator representing Kebbi Central, Alhaji Atiku
Bagudu on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is to contest for the state’s governorship position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bagudu, who presented his nomination form at the APC secretariat in the state on Saturday, said that he defected following advice from his associates and supporters.
“I am acting in tandem with advice from supporters, followers and political stakeholders in my constituency,” he said.
The senator said that he was optimistic of clinching the APC governorship ticket in the state but would abide by any decision of the party.
Bagudu, who was accompanied by his supporters to the APC secretariat, appealed to members of the party to give him the opportunity to serve the people.
Nasarawa
Alhaji Yusuf Agabi, winner of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Nasarawa State, has called on other aspirants to rally round him, to win the general elections next year.
Agabi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Nasarawa.
He said the victory at the primary was not for him alone but for all the members of the party, adding that it would take a collective effort to make the objective of reclaiming the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 to be actualised.
Agabi promised to tackle the security challenges facing the state, if given the mandate in next year’s general elections.
Ogun
The Police in Ogun State have arraigned a 27-year-old
man, Abiodun Bamidele, before an Ota Magistrates’ Court, for breaking into a house and stealing goods worth N371,000.
Bamidele, who resides at No.17, Akinola Street, Awela-Ilogbo, is being tried on a three-count charge of stealing, conspiracy and burglary.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Itaita Ebibomini, told the court that the accused and others now at large, committed the offences on November 26, at Plot 8, Block D, John Olawose Layout, Kuta Onigbongbo Atan,in Ota.
He said that the accused and others at large broke into the house of one Mr and Mrs Adeyemi and stole a Laptop valued at N240, 000 and other valuable goods worth N371, 000.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 390(9), 413 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Revised Law of Ogun State, 2006.
Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud (left) with the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Maje, during his sympathy visit to the Emirate over flood disaster recently.
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.”