Nation
THE STATES
Gombe
An Islamic cleric, Malam Salihu Tafawa-Balewa,
has advised traditional and religious leaders, as well as elders in Gombe State to caution candidates for the February elections to maintain peaceful campaigns.
He gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
He said leaders’’ fatherly advice was necessary for maintaining peace, understanding and unity before, during and after the elections in the state and across the country.
He added that “leaders and elders must caution candidates in their areas; candidates must be advised to know and understand that at the end of the elections, only one person will emerge as winner.
“There is need for them to conduct their political activities peacefully so that at the end, people will not have problems between them and their supporters.’’
Kano
The Managing Director of Kano State Roads
Maintenance Agency (KARMA), Mr Abubakar Jibril, said the agency had rehabilitated 42 township roads in the state between January and December 2014.
He told newsmen in Kano that the rehabilitation work was carried out in seven local government areas of the state.
He said the agency was established by the Kano State Government to repair dilapidated township roads across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He added that the agency was also mandated to maintain the roads, as well as clear the drains in local government areas.
Kebbi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship
candidate in Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has appealed to voters in the state to vote wisely and shun financial inducement during the February general elections.
Bagudu, who made the appeal in Dakingarim, Suru Local Government Area at the inauguration of his campaign team, urged the electorate to vote for candidates whose party’s manifestos are people-friendly.
“Your permanent voter card is your right; you must not trade it for material and financial gains, ‘’ he said.
Bagudu called on registered voters in the state to collect their permanent voter cards and vote for APC candidates.
Kwara
A pharmacist, Lanre Alege, has urged Nigerians to be wary of seven dangerous acts after meal.
Alege, who is of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), spoke while delivering a lecture at the Kwara Stadium Complex during the monthly keep fit exercise for members of staff of the tertiary health institution.
Acts to avoid, he said, included smoking after meals, eating fruits immediately after meals, drinking tea, loosening the belt, taking bath as well as walking about and sleeping immediately after meals.
“When you eat your fruits with meals, the fruit sticks in the stomach along with the content of the meal and cannot reach the intestine in time.
“Lying there, they get spoilt and spoil the remaining food in the stomach too,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
Some residents of Nassarawa State have said that
the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari can change Nigeria for good.
They gave their opinions in separate interviews with newsmen in Lafia.
The APC gubernatorial running mate in the state, Mr Silas Agara, said Buhari “is an upright person who has nothing to gain in deceiving Nigerians.”
“If you study him as a person, you will notice clearly that this man has one goal in mind and that is to rescue Nigerians from recession, corruption and so many other problems that are facing us.
“Even the opposition admits that he is a man of trust and incorruptibility, and that is why they are very worried now.’’ he said.
Niger
Niger State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Alhaji
Abubakar Bello, says he will have zero tolerance for corruption in the state, if elected governor on February 28.
Bello made the pledge on Sunday while addressing newsmen in Minna
“ I will have zero tolerance for corruption, and one way I will address corruption is to lead by setting a good example for others,” he said
He also said that he would not probe past administrations, to save vital time needed to deliver dividends of governance to the people.
“Probe is not a priority for me, because it will take up the timeý I would have used to work for the good people of the state.”
Ondo
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at
the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in Ondo State, Mr Olusola Akanle, has reiterated government’s commitment to regular inspection and monitoring of public secondary schools.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, Akanle said the major problem in public secondary schools was lack of adequate monitoring.
“We have told the principals that when we are not there, they are our representatives and should make sure that the teachers are on their toes.
“Responsible teachers do not have to wait for the principal to tell them their duties since they are sufficiently trained, experienced and should be dedicated to their duties.”
Sokoto
The Chairman, Sabon Birni Local Government Council in
Sokoto State, Alhaji Idris Gobir, has solicited the support of religious and traditional rulers in mobilising the electorate to collect their Permanent Voter Cards.
Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto that religious leaders should inform the people through their sermons the benefits of the voter cards.
He described the PVC as “the weapon needed by the electorate to elect candidates that will meet their expectations through the provision of the dividends democracy.’’
He said, “good governance will only be possible if the electorate participate in all the electoral processes.’’
Gobir advised the electorate in the area not to sell their voter cards and shun all forms of violence before, during and after the general elections.
Taraba
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Taraba State, has appealed to the electorate to give her the mandate to make the difference.
Alhassan made the appeal in an interview in Jalingo after a reception in her honour by supporters and party faithful.
She said men had ruled the state since its creation in 1991 but had not recorded the desired impact on the lives of the common people.
She added that “I want to appeal to the people of Taraba State to try a woman for once and I can assure you that you will see a great difference.’’
Alhassan, who denied allegations that she was still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said she had submitted her PDP membership card to the party’s state Chairman, Mr Victor Bala and had picked up that of APC, which she said was her current party.
Zamfara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial
candidate, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi , has promised to improve education, healthcare services and security in Zamfara State, if elected.
Shinkafi, who was the former governor of the state under the ANPP, made the promise in Gusau at the flag-off of his campaign.
“It is unfortunate that instead of the state to be progressing in the areas of education, healthcare, and security, it is undergoing serious backwardness.”
According to him, when he left office in 2011, the state government had over 100 medical doctors and now has less than 40 doctors.
“My administration, if re-elected in February, will give priority to education, healthcare, security, harness mineral resources, as well as improve farming activities in the state,’’ he said.
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (left), receiving a souvenir from Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 for attending the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th Regular Course Re-union in Sokoto.
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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