Nation
THE STATES
Board Chairman Nigeria Rialway Corporation, Alhaji (Dr) Bamanga Tukur (right) with Executive Governor Abia State, Theodor Orji duirng official commissioning of Nigeria Rialway Corporation at Port Harcourt recently. Photo: Egberi Sampson
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has de
nied embezzling salaries of workers in the state.
Suswam made the denial at the inauguration of the renovated Kwande Local Government Education Authority building in Kwande local government area.
He blamed his administration’s inability to pay salaries of some workers on the poor budgetary allocations being received by the state from the Federal Government.He explained that the poor budgetary allocation was caused by the falling price of oil in the international market.
“I do not embezzle workers salaries. You are suffering and there is no way I will temper with your monthly entitlements. I am not taking any kobo from workers salaries in the state.
FCT
The low turnout of political parties for the town hall
meeting held recently had generated a lot of reactions as the Vice Presidential debate was being arranged.
Some stakeholders who spoke to newsmen in Abuja expressed disappointments and hoped that the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates would not go the same way. The Kowa Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), United Progressive Party (UPP) and Citizens Popular Party (CPP) were the parties that have kept faith with the exercise so far. Mr Chambers Okorie, a member of the UPP, viewed his party’s participation as a national commitment to propagate the good intentions of the party.
He said “we consider this to be a great campaign platform to reach more Nigerians, so it is to our advantage that we took the opportunity.’’
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, said his
administration had executed developmental projects and transformed agriculture across the state.
Lamido made this known in Kirikasamma, Jigawa, during the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign. According to him, his administration had accorded priority to road development and executed various projects to enhance transportation in the state.
The governor listed some of the projects as Arawa-Baturiya-Abunabo-Kadira road, rehabilitation of various federal high ways and construction of township roads in the 27 local government areas. Lamido said the state government had also constructed access road to link villages with local council headquarters.
The projects are designed to open up rural communities and enhance transportation of farm produce,” he said.
Kano
The Kano State Government plans to produce one
million assorted seedlings this year, as part of renewed efforts to check desert encroachment in some parts of the state.
The state Afforestation Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ali Dauda, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Dauda said the seedlings would be produced in designated nursery centres located across the state.
He said the inputs would be distributed free of charge to farmers and other interested individuals to plant in their respective farms and places of abode.
“The plan to produce this number of seedlings is aimed at checking desertification particularly in areas that are prone to threats of desert encroachment,” he said.
Lagos
A lecturer, Mr Frank Ogundano, has urged the
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to accelerate its accreditation processes in order to develop tourism education in polytechnics. Ogundano, who is the Head of Department, Leisure and Tourism Management, Lagos State Polytechnic, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said the intermittent disruption of academic programmes due to non-accreditation and inadequate enlightenment of prospective students had negatively affected the trend of enrolment and graduation in tourism-related courses. Ogundano said: “The course is a growing course but so far, we have graduated three sets in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and there is no time we graduated less than 25 students.
“We could not graduate students in 2013 because of accreditation issues with the NBTE; twice, they have prevented us from getting accreditation,” he said
Osun
The Osun State Director, National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Dr Martins Lawrence said on Tuesday, that the agency had begun rural door- to -door sensitisation of the electorate on the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC). Lawrence told newsmen in Osogbo that the agency was visiting villages, markets, palaces, churches, mosques as well as motor parks for the exercise. He said the agency adopted the approach so as to reach people at the grassroots directly.
“Majority of the people we are dealing with are at the grassroots because majority of the electorate reside in the rural areas. “And that is why we are going from door to door to sensitise the people.’’
Oyo
Ahead of February’s general elections, the Oyo
State Police Command, has assured candidates of political parties of their safety as they go about their political campaigns. The spokesperson of the command, DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. He said that the command had solicited the cooperation of political parties by asking for their campaign itineraries.
“ We have the itineraries of the different candidates stating when and where they wish to have their campaigns.
“ With this information at our disposal, the command will always ensure the provision of adequate manpower to man venues of such rallies.
Plateau
The Plateau State chapter of the National Orienta
tion Agency (NOA), has entered into partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sensitise its staff on the challenges of the 2015 general elections.
The NOA Plateau Director, Mr Bulus Dabit, told newsmen in Jos that the agency’s staff would be sensitised on guidelines governing peaceful conduct of elections. According to him, it is the duty of NOA as a messenger in the electoral process to take critical information to orientate the right segment of the people to come out and vote in the general elections.
He said voters needed education on issues involving how to conduct themselves while exercising their franchise in general elections, slated to take place in February.
Taraba
The Social Democratic Party(SDP) governorship
candidate in Taraba State, Chief David Kente, has pledged to upgrade the Jalingo Airport to international standard to attract more investors to the state, if elected.
Kente, who made the pledge in Lau at his campaign rally, said upgrading the airport would also boost the revenue profile of the state and attract tourists.
He decried the situation whereby travellers from the state had to connect flight from Yola in Adamawa, saying things must change so that the state would also derive economic benefits of having an airport.
In his remark, the State SDP Chairman, Mr Peter Achagwa, urged the people of Lau to vote for the party for justice and prosperity.
Yobe
Ahead of the February general elections, an inter
faith mitigation and regional centre has been inaugurated in Damaturu, to promote peaceful coexistence and build trust among groups. The Executive Director of the centre, Dr Nureedin Ashafa, said the center comprised 25 religious, traditional and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
“These organisations will work closely with security agencies to enhance peaceful co-existence among various ethno-religious and cultural groups in the state,” he said. He said the council would also work toward building trust among the various groups and strengthen early warnings and responses. Ashafa said the council would focus on working with youth, women groups and security agencies to promote violence-free elections in Yobe and other states in the country.
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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