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Adamawa
The Controller of Adamawa Command of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Mr Peter Tenkwa,  has rejected the medical letter used by a Yola High Court in granting bail to convicted ex-Governor of the state, Mr Bala Ngilari, on health ground.
Justice Nathan Musa of Yola High Court, on Monday granted bail to Ngilari, currently in the prison for a five-year jail sentence, on health grounds, after he appealed against his conviction.
Tenkwa told newsmen Monday in Yola that he was not aware of the letter and had communicated to the prison headquarters.
He said the headquarters directed him to issue a query to officials involved in the matter, including the Deputy Controller of Yola Prison, Mr Abubakar Abaka and a Superintendent of Prisons,  Mr John Bukar, in charge of health.
“Nigeria Prison Service, as I stated, knows nothing about this letter; whoever wrote that letter is on his own. I have been directed to query the officers involved.”

Bauchi
Some married women residing in Bauchi have attributed their improved health status to regular exercises with the active support and encouragement of their husbands.
Some of the women told newsmen in separate interviews in Bauchi on Tuesday that the new lifestyle had helped to stave off debilitating disease burdens.
They identified some of the diseases as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.
Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir, the founder of the gymnasium, told newsmen that her husband donated the facility to assist married women interested in exercising their bodies.
Abdulkadir noted that other available gymnasiums were for both men and women, hence the need to provide a facility for only married women.

Benue
Governor  Samuel Ortom of Benue has said the most recent killings in the State were not perpetrated by herdsmen, but criminal elements.
Ortom said this after the State Security meeting in Makurdi last Monday.
The governor also said the killings were not due to communal clashes, stressing that they were carried out by criminal elements bent on unleashing terror and mayhem on innocent citizens.
He, however, promised that the killings would soon be nipped in the bud; and the perpetrators arrested and prosecuted.
He further said that the criminals had been identified and that the security agencies would soon go after them.
“’We are not ready to surrender the state to criminals”, the governor vowed.

Ekiti
Two men, Ebenezer Temitope and Ojo Toyin, who allegedly burgled an apartment and stole three cell phones valued at N110, 000, were on Tuesday charged before a Magistrates’ Court  in Ado-Ekiti.
The accused,Temitope, 22 and Toyin, 22, whose addresses were not given, are facing a charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Oriyomi Akinwale, told the Court that the accused committed the offence on March 24, at about 2 am, at Ekute Quarters in Ado-Ekiti.
Akinwale alleged that the accused broke into the house of one Abosede Oladaiye and one Damilola Odunayo and stole their phones.

FCT
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has debunked allegations of corrupt practices levelled against the university administration, saying many people were not aware of the universities procedures.
Ambali stated his position in an interview with newsmen in Abuja last Tuesday.
The vice-chancellor said that the university followed laid down guidelines in appointments of staff, payment of entitlements to principal officers and reappointment of principal officers.

Katsina
A Katsina State High Court on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the alleged N11 billion scam brought against a former state governor, Ibrahim Shema, until June 6.
The former governor is charged with conspiracy, forgery and diversion of N11 billion public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Standing trial with Shema are former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Sani Makana, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Lawal Safana and former State ALGON Chairman, Lawal Dankaba.
The offences contravene Sections 312 and 364, Cap 96 of the Penal Code, Laws of Katsina State, 1991.
When the case came up for hearing on Tuesday, Justice Ibrahim Bako said the adjournment was sequel to the defendants’ appeal, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try the case.

Kwara
The Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) has honoured Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and seven others for their contributions to the development of agriculture in the state.
It is reported that the event, held at Landmark University’s Auditorium in Omu-Aran, Kwara on Monday, was part of activities to mark the society’s 42nd annual national conference.
The conference has: ‘Emerging Challenges Facing Animal Agriculture in Nigeria and the Way Forward,” as its theme.
Ahmed was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr  Bamidele Adegoke.
The governor was honoured under the society’s agriculture leadership award for sustaining the legacy of his predecessor with regards to the Shonga Farm Initiative in poultry and dairy production.

Lagos
An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday sentenced a security guard to 10 years in prison for burglary and stealing goods worth N20.95 million from his employer’s house.
In her judgment, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Helen Omisore, jailed James Jacob seven years for burglary and three years for stealing with no option of fine.
The 20 year-old convict had pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, break-in and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Cousin Adams, told the court that the convict had on February 19 burgled the home of Oludayo Adeyinka and absconded with property worth N20.95 million.
“He used a saw blade to gain entrance by cutting the burglary of the toilet and disconnected the CCTV camera to avoid being identified.
Ondo

Two teenagers, Olusola Ogunsede, 18, and another, aged 17, were on Tuesday brought before an Okitipupa Magistrates Court in Ondo State over the alleged theft of 50 bunches of palm fruits worth N100,000.
The accused, of no fixed addresses and occupations, were standing trial in the court on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused on February 11 around 10:00 a.m., behind Mercury School, Ikoya in Okitipupa, conspired to commit the offences.
He said the accused entered the farmland belonging to one Wilson Ageh and stole the palm fruits, which were already harvested for transportation to the market.

Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has inaugurated a five-man judicial commission of enquiry into the crisis that erupted between the Yoruba and Hausa  in Ile-Ife on March 8 in which  lives were lost  and property destroyed.
A media aide to the governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, made this known in a statement in  Osogbo on Monday.
The statement quoted the governor as urging members of the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate causes  of the mayhem.
He also mandated them to recommend appropriate civil or criminal actions to be taken against the perpetrators and make appropriate suggestions to the state government  in order to prevent a  future occurrence.

Oyo
A don, Dr Musibau Babatunde, has advised lawmakers in Oyo State to make laws that would enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Babatunde, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, gave the advice at  a two-day workshop for members of the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The workshop was organised by Konrad-Adenaeur Shifting Foundation, Germany.

Plateau
A bill seeking to enact the Plateau Penal Code on Tuesday scaled through the second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
Presenting the bill for deliberation at Plenary, Majority Leader of the House, Mr Henry Yunkwap, said that the bill, if passed into law, would capture penalties for contemporary crimes.
He said that Plateau needed its own penal code because the penal code of  Northern Nigeria, being used in the state, had become “out-dated and obsolete”.
He further explained that the bill, which contained 398 clauses and 31 chapters, would address primary, secondary and tertiary crimes in the state.

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Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH

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The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.

Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.

“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.

Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.

“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.

Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.

He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.

While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.

“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.

He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.

“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.

Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.

“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.

The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.

Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.

Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.

The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.

The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.

Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.

Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.

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2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory  …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse  … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office

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Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.

The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.

He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.

Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.

“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.

“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.

“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.

“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.

“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.

Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).

“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.

 

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states

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Federal Fire Service FFS entered the New Year on full operational alert, tackling multiple fire outbreaks across the country from midnight into the early hours of January 1, 2026, in what officials described as one of the busiest festive-season deployments in recent years.
The intensified nationwide response followed a December 2025 directive issued by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who had ordered that no firefighter should proceed on leave throughout the holidays.
According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services of the FFS, DCF Paul Abraham, the no-leave policy proved critical as the Service moved swiftly to contain fires in several states.
The Federal Capital Territory FCT recorded its first fire incident of the year barely twenty-three minutes after midnight when flames erupted at Cake Hot Restaurant located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
Abraham said fire crews from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service arrived promptly and were able to stop the blaze before it could spread through the popular recreational centre.
While a section of the garden area was destroyed, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.
Officials said property worth an estimated ?1.5 billion was saved, although losses were placed at about ?500 million.
“Preliminary findings suggested that the fire was triggered by objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings over the dangers posed by fireworks during the harmattan season”, the Service said.
The Controller General had repeatedly urged Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles and open flames indoors, warning that the dry winds characteristic of the season allow fires to spread rapidly.
He also warned the public about electrical faults and power surges and advised that electrical appliances be switched off and unplugged when not in use or when occupants leave their homes, stressing that overloading sockets and extension boxes remains a significant cause of domestic fires.
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