Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Winners of the local government elections in Benue State have accused the Benue State Independent Commission (BSIEC) of “extorting” monies from them before issuing certificates of return.
We report that the elected chairmen were directed to pay N60,000, while councillors paid N25,000 as “handling charges” for the certificates.
The elected officials have expressed surprise at the charges, describing them as “strange and unknown”.
“I came to receive my certificate of return but was taken aback when I was told that I have to pay a fee of N60,000. It is very strange. It has never happened before,” an elected chairman from Benue Central, told newsmen, craving anonymity.
Another elected chairman, who also craved anonymity, wondered what the state electoral body meant by “handling charges” after candidates paid huge sums for forms and screening procedures.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court last Tuesday dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between Mrs Oluwatosin Omosehin and her husband, Taiwo.
The marriage was dissolved on grounds of lack of care for the wife and the children.
Oluwatosin, 39, who filed the divorce suit, had told the court that he was not formally married to Taiwo.
She said that they cohabited and had two children in the course of their relationship.
The mother of two said that her husband who worked with the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, never bothered to take care of her and the children, adding that she was responsible for the payment of the children’s school fees.
According to her, as a fashion designer, she has been taking care of the children’s welfare, adding that she no longer loved her husband and that she was eager to re-marry.
FCT
A Karu Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, last Tuesday discharged one Alhaji Bashir, 26, for lack of sufficient evidence in the three-count charge bordering on joint act, shop breaking and theft levelled against him.
The judge, Mr Hassan Ishaq said since the case began December 28, 2016, only the complainant, Lucky Hilo, testified in the matter.
He also said that no exhibit was tendered, while the prosecutor, Mr Mahmud Ismai’la, did not call another witness.
” Since the matter began on December, 2016, only one witness, Lucky Hilo, testified and no exhibit was tendered before the court.
” Going through the evidence of the witness, it was revealed that the witness was not present at the scene of the crime.
Gombe
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, on Monday, organised a one-day workshop for journalists in Gombe state on how to mobilize the public to end violence against children.
The training, featuring 27 journalists, is aimed at equipping the journalists with the right skills on reporting of issues bordering on children .
Speaking during the training, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mrs Ladi Alabi, said there was no component of violence against children that was acceptable.
She said research had revealed that 60 per cent of Nigerian children suffered one form of violence or the other, either emotional or physical.
“The same people that are supposed to protect them (children) are the perpetrators of the violence.
Kaduna
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, has called on the citizens of the state to promote a healthy environment to achieve the objectives of the “Keep Kaduna State Clean” programme.
The governor made the call in Kaduna last Monday, at the celebration of the 2017 World Environmental Day, which has “Connecting People with Nature” as its theme.
He said that the state government would continue to formulate programmes and policies that were geared towards promoting healthy environment in order to address the menace of environmental degradation.
El-Rufai, who was represented by the Commissioner for Stakeholders Relations, Mr Balarabe Shehu, advised the people to support government policies by desisting from harmful environmental practices such as indiscriminate tree felling and poor sanitation.
Katsina
Justice Ibrahim Bako of the Katsina State High Court on Tuesday, fixed November 14 to hear a suit against former Governor Ibrahim Shema for allegedly misappropriating N10 billion state funds.
Recall that state government and EFCC had sued Shema for the alleged offence while he, in turn, had approached the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, challenging the jurisdiction of the High Court to try him.
Tuesday’s sitting was for the parties to report to the court on the progress at the Appeal Court.
Bako, in his ruling, said that the court, having listened to both counsels, had no other option than to adjourn the sitting.
“I hereby adjourn the sitting to November 14, 2017, for the parties to report to the court on the verdict of the upper court.”
Kwara
Nasarawa State Commissioner of Information, Culture and tourism, Mr Abdulhamid Kwarra, has asked the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to “fish out quacks extorting monies from government officials”.
“There are many quacks moving around as journalists; they use blackmail and other tactics to extort money from government officials. We want the NUJ to fish them out,” Kwarra said in Lafia on Tuesday.
Kwarra gave the suggestion when he received the executive council members of the Nasarawa State chapter of the NUJ.
He called for proactive steps that would rid the media of “fake elements” dragging its name to the mud.
Lagos
Two employees of Shoprite Retail Supermarket Ltd., Lagos, were last Tuesday arraigned in Lagos for allegedly stealing N1.4 million from their employer.
The accused, Moses Adeyemi,19, and Rasheed Naasir, 37, reside at No. 23, Patey Street Lagos Island and Lekki Beach Road, Jakande, respectively.
They appeared in an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Nicholas Akpene, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the offences between the months of April and May, at Shoprite Retail Supermarket, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Niger
A Minna Magistrates Court on Tuesday arraigned 25-year-old sales girl, Ayomide Olushola, for allegedly defrauding her employer of N188, 000.
The accused was docked on a count charge of criminal misappropriation, contrary to section 309 of the penal code law.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Gunduma Ibrahim, told the court that Rakiya Datti reported the matter at the station on June 2.
Ibrahim said the complainant alleged that the accused, who she employed as sales girl at her shop at Kure Ultra Modern Market Minna, could not account for goods worth N188, 000 kept under her custody.
Ondo
Some residents of Ondo State have urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to ensure more benefits of democracy for the people as the government celebrates its 100 days in office.
Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged the winner of the November 26, 2016 Governorship Election, was inaugurated as the sixth executive governor of the state on February 24.
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with newsmen in Okitipupa, Ondo State, last Tuesday commended the governor for his achievements in 100 days in power.
They urged the governor not to rest on his oars but ensure he fulfills all his electioneering promises to the people.
A civil servant, Mr Wole Akinjuyigbe, who praised the state government for paying salaries of workers, urged the governor to revive all moribund industries.
Plateau
A suspect, Stephen Luka, who is standing trial for brutalising his ex-girlfriend and killing her sister, has told a Jos High Court that the police tortured him to obtain his confessional statement.
Giving evidence in a trial-within-trial in Jos, Luka rebutted the charges and showed the court scars he sustained during the torture to obtain his statement.
We report that Stephen on Tuesday Luka was arraigned before the court in October 2016 charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and sexual abuse.
The defendant was alleged to have attacked two sisters Simi Dusu and Justina Dusu on July 27, 2016 at his home, in Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, Jos, when they went to break the news that Justina was pregnant.
According to report, Luka was not happy when Justina insisted on keeping the baby, lost his control and used a machete on both sisters, resulting in Simi’s death and Justina losing her left eye.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has undertaken to offset the medical expenses of Maryam Abubakar, an indigene of the state suffering from cancer and presently receiving treatment at an Indian hospital.
Abubakar’s case went viral under the hash-tag SUPPORTMARYAM, which elicited various online donations from good Samaritans who sympathised with her.
Tambuwal announced his intention to offset the bill in Sokoto on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam.
The governor also urged the people, especially the Muslim faithful to pray for the success of the impending surgery and eventual recovery.
“Maryam is one of us and everything possible will be done by the state government to ensure her full recovery,” he said.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.