Nation
THE STATES
Governor Ibrahim Dank Wambo of Gombe State (middle), Inaugurating the Inuwa orphanage Foundation in Gombe last Wednesday. With him are the Acting Secretary to the State government, Mr James Pisaghi (left)and the immediate past Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly and Alhaji Inuwa Garba (right).
Adamawa
Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa (APC-Yola South) has emerged
as the Speaker, of the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Mijinyawa, nominated by Abdulrahman Abubakar (APC-Mubi South), polled 17 votes, while his opponent, Alhaji Rufai Umar (APC- Gombi), who was nominated by Mallam Hammanjoda Umar (APC-Jada/Mbulo), scored eight votes.
Mr Sunday Peter (APC- Guyuk), was elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker following non-secondment of Mrs Sodomti Tayedi (APC- Numan), who was nominated to contest the position with him.
Addressing the House after taking oath of office, Mijinyawa thanked members of the Assembly for electing him as speaker.
Mijinyawa, therefore, urged members to support him to move the state forward.
Borno
The Borno State chapter of the Trade Union Congress
(TUC) last Monday urged Governor Kashim Shettima to redeem his pledge of employing 500 people into the state civil service.
Alhaji Ali Grema, the TUC Chairman in the state, told newsmen in Maiduguri that priority should be given to youth empowerment and the security challenges in the state.
He advised the government to rehabilitate its industries to create employment opportunities for the youth in the state.
“We have industries that can generate up to 300,000 jobs for the youth.
“That is why we are calling on the state government to focus on reviving the industries like Borno State Hotel, Neital Shoe Company and Borno Investment Company,” he said.
Ekiti
A 40-year-old man, Banji Adebayo, charged with con
spiracy and armed robbery, has been remanded in Olokuta Prison by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, with others still at large, were alleged to have robbed one Mr Afolabi Adeniyi, of different types of cell phones, cash, laptop and other items, all valued at N4.98 million.
The Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adedapo, ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody pending the receipt of legal advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecution.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, had told the court that the accused person, armed with dangerous weapons , robbed the victim of different types of cell phones, valued at N1 million.
Adejuwon also said that the accused snatched MTN, GLO, Airtel and Etisalat recharge cards, valued at N1 million; Acer laptop valued at N53,000 and N825,000 cash.
Jigawa
Female beneficiaries of the National Directorate of Em
ployment (NDE) in Jigawa State have commended the agency for its skills acquisition training for women.
The beneficiaries made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
One of the beneficiaries who gave her name as Fadila Muhammad, said the gesture would help the women to be self-reliant.
She added that it would also reduce the level of dependence by wives on their husbands.
Another beneficiary, Hafsat Garba, said: “We thank God and NDE for this training.”
Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State has reduced
the number of ministries in the state from 19 to 13 for effective service delivery.
The information is contained in a statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, the Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), to the governor in Kaduna last Tuesday.
The statement which said that the governor also reduced the number of commissioners to be appointed to 13, noted that the development was in continuation of El-Rufa’I’s efforts to cut the cost of governance in the state.
“El-Rufai decided to reduce the number of commissioners to only 13 as against the 24 appointed by the immediate past administration.
The governor will also limit the number of aides that the 13 commissioners will recruit to support them in the discharge of their duties,” it said.
Kano
The Kano State chapter of the Federation of Muslim
Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has appealed to leaders at all levels to assist the needy as part of service to humanity.
The FOMWAN Chairperson in Kano State, Hajiya Sa’adatu Hashim, made the call during a one-day seminar it organised with the theme “Service to Humanity (Path to Aljannat)” in Kano last Monday.
Hashim said the call was to alleviate the sufferings of the less-privileged in the society, pointing out that “anybody who assists the poor will be replenished by Allah.
The chairperson then urged women to register with the organisation with a view to rendering service to humanity.
She said the Association has branches in all the 44 local government areas of the state, stressing that its activities centred on the propagation of Islam.
Lagos
Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos
last Tuesday dismissed the suit seeking to vacate Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mbu Joseph Mbu over his alleged abuse of power.
In his ruling, Buba said no court in Nigeria could declare the office of a police officer of the rank of AIG vacant, saying that such action was the responsibility of the Nigeria Police.
“If any threat is made against any person, it is the duty of the police to investigate and punish the officer who made it accordingly, even if it is an AIG.
“No court in Nigeria can declare the office of such officer vacant; it is the duty of the police, “he said.
Buda said that the case of the plaintiff had no merit and was therefore dismissed.
Nasarawa
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa
State, said last Monday that it has entered into partnership with the Keffi Local Government Council to tackle health challenges of rural populace.
Dr Joshua Giyan, FMC Medical Director, made the disclosure in Keffi when Alhaji Mohammed Dikko, the council Chairman, visited the centre.
Dikko was represented by his vice, Mr Joseph Maiwada.
Giyan said that the collaboration was to tackle the health challenges of the rural dwellers and to ensure quality healthcare service at the grassroots.
Giyan restated the commitment of the centre to continue to initiate policies that would improve on the welfare of its staff and people of the state.gun
Ogun
No fewer than 500 persons benefitted annual free eye
surgery jointly organised by Ogun State Government, Indo Eye Care Foundation and Rotary International.
The Permanent Secretary, state Hospitals Management Board, Mrs Modupe Olurin, made this known at the General Hospital, Abeokuta.
She explained that the event was aimed at giving succour to indigent citizens of the state who were victims of cataract and could not afford the cost of the operation.
Osun
Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria
(JUSUN), Osun State Chapter, have refused to resume work after State Chairman, Mr Dapo Oseni, called-off the five-month old strike last Monday.
sources said that magistrate and customary courts in Ile-Ife remained closed last Tuesday.
Oseni had directed the workers to go back to work, as Governor Rauf Aregbesola had pledged to pay JUSUN and other workers their salaries.
But the workers insisted that they would not resume duty until their salaries were paid.
A senior staff, Mrs Yemi Owolabi, who spoke with newsmen confirmed that they could not resume work while being owed seven months salary arrears.
“The ongoing strike by the members would not be called off until last penny of our salaries is paid,” she said.
JUSUN began their strike on January 5, to compel the government to obey a court order that affirmed financial autonomy of states’ judiciary.
Plateau
The Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese in Plateau
State, Most Rev. Michael Gokum, has donated items worth over N2.5 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) taking refuge in Pankshin and nearby areas.
The donation was made through the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the diocese and was supported by the Catholic Caritas Commission.
The main beneficiaries of the gesture were persons displaced from the North-East and are taking refuge in Kanem and Kanke local government areas of the state.
He also said that the gesture which was for all Christians was a show of love, concern and to identify with the IDPs.
The Archbishop assured the IPDs that their stay at the various camps was temporary as government was intensifying efforts to ensure that peace returned to their original abodes.
Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has approved
N8.5 million for the overhaul of the Jalingo water plant to ensure potable water supply in the metropolis.
Mr Sylvanus Giwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Jalingo on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the governor had mandated the Taraba Water Supply Agency to immediately commence work on all faulty water pipes in the capital.
“The governor’s concern is informed by the acute water scarcity in the town, which has forced residents to find alternatives in unsafe water sources that are hazardous to community health, it said.
The statement urged all officials responsible for carrying out the project to be diligent, adding that government would not tolerate any form of laxity.
It further stated that government was committed to providing essential services to the people of the state in the months ahead.
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.”