Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Tiv Traditional Council, has honoured five of its sons who distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavours.
The recipients were Dr Terkula Suswam, the immediate elder brother to Governor Gabriel Suswam, Mr J.K.I. Ugela, Dr Terhemba Shija, Terlumiun Agbutu and Godwin
Ikereve.
Suswam bagged the chieftaincy title of “Zenge Iwange U Tiv”, while Ugela bagged the “Or Uwasen Tar U Tiv, Shija. Some of the other titles were “Orfan Sev U tiv”, which went to Agbotu, a former Local Government Council Chairman, while Ikereve, a retired Journalist received the title of “Kyamegh Ki Miagh Ki Abaver A Tiv”.
The Chairman of the event, Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi, commended the Tiv Traditional Council for the honour done to the people.
He said that the ceremony depicted the rich cultural values of the Tiv people and urged them to uphold the heritage.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and the President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Joseph Daudu, have blamed the insecurity and Nigeria’s under-development on the inefficiency of laws.
Both spoke in Ado Ekiti when the NBA president, Daudu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), paid a courtesy call on the governor.
Fayemi said that the insecurity had persisted because the laws had been rendered inactive, giving room for impunity to take over.
He said if the law was allowed to take its course, the country would not only be rid of social injustice but also give room for industrial development in an atmosphere of peace.
The NBA president, Daudu, had said that the failure to implement the law was responsible for the escalation of insecurity.
He described Fayemi’s election as a choice that would benefit the state, adding that Nigerians should make choices that would deepen the nation’s democracy.
FCT
A university lecturer, Dr Sheriff Ibrahim, last Saturday cautioned the Federal Government over U.S. declaration of some Nigerians as terrorists.
Ibrahim of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja said this in an interview in Gwagwalada, FCT in reaction to the declaration by the U.S. government.
He urged the Federal Government not to allow the U.S. to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs. “The Federal Government should not allow the U.S. to interfere because their presence will further engender instability.”
The don, however, stressed that the problem was not beyond the government and it should be proactive in addressing it.
Ibrahim advocated a round table with the sect members as it was done in most parts of the world in the interest of unity, peace and development.
Kaduna
Christians in Kaduna State last Sunday offered special prayers in churches for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
The prayers followed June 17 attacks on three churches in Kaduna and Zaria. The churches offered special prayers for peace, stability and unity in the country and urged the faithful to cooperate with security agents to restore law and order in the state.
Pastor Edward Isah of the Covenant Church admonished Christians to “watch, pray and not to take law into their hands’’.
Isah urged members to continue to pray for peace in the state and for God to prevail over the attacks on churches.
Similarly, Bishop Idowu Fearon of the Kaduna Anglican Diocese tasked Christians and Muslims on the need to give peace a chance and live in harmony as ordained by God.
Kano
The Kano State Government has released N30 million for the purchase of computers and other equipment for its newly established Kano Informatics Institute.
The Coordinator of the institute, Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir, made this known in an interview with in Kano on Saturday.
The coordinator said that the institute, which commenced academic activities in September 2011 with 200 students, now has a total of 410 students, selected from the 44 local government areas of the state.
Abdulkadir added that the management of the institute had signed an agreement with two U.S.-based computer institutes to provide the institute with lecturers.
She commended the 44 local government councils in the state for providing laptops to their students in the institute and urged the councils to ensure prompt payment of allowances to the students so as not to distract their studies.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, has promised to partner with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) by empowering the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond quickly to emergency situations.
Wada made the promise in Lokoja on Friday when he received the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Sanni Sidi.
He added that the State Government planned to formulate policies and measures aimed at reducing natural and man-made disasters in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, the governor said that disasters had become a source of worry to the state.
He said that disasters often left tales of woe in their trail when they occured by the displacement of persons, loss of property and sometimes, lives.
Lagos
The Federal Government, has been urged to introduce security courses in school curriculum.
The Executive Director of Changing the Face of a Nation Initiative (CFNI), Mr Olorunfemi Adedurin, made the call last Sunday in Lagos.
The CFNI is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), which uses prayer to fight corruption and other spiritual enemies of Nigeria.
Adedurin said that if security courses were introduced in schools, it would go a long way in letting every one become security conscious.
He spoke against the background of the incessant bomb explosions by the Boko Haram sect in some parts of the country.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, has said that an end to endemic corruption and deficit leadership would help to curb violence and religious extremism in the country.
He spoke at the opening of the 5th Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Festival (RATTAFEST) for the North Central zone in Minna, Friday.
He said the north was well known for its culture of peace and hospitality, which contributed positively to the economic prosperity of the region and the country at large.
The governor called on northern states to revitalise moribund industries or those that have gone out of operation.
He said the current security problem in the north called for proactive media support and partnership with government to achieve its objective of promoting peace, development, national unity and integration.
Plateau
The Plateau Police Command last Sunday warned members of the public against rumour mongering and vowed to “deal decisively” with persons or groups engaged in that.
The command in a statement on Sunday, warned “all rumour millers to desist for this wicked act capable of causing security disequilibrium in the troubled state”.
The statement signed by Emmanuel Abuh, the police spokesman, particularly described as ‘untrue”, the rumour that the police were restricting the movement of vehicles in Jos metropolis, and advised people to shun it.
“The rumour is clearly an attempt to divert the attention of the security agencies and there is no iota of truth in it,” the police said.
Sokoto
Religious leaders should go back to their Scriptures for solution to the current state of insecurity and other related problems in the country, Alhaji Lawalli Zayyana, said.
Zayyana, who is the Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly, gave the advice last Friday in Sokoto.
The speaker said there was no reason why our situation in Nigeria should be different that a neighbour would want to kill his neighbour.
Zayyana urged Nigerians to collectively reassess their positions, saying: “ we all have a common God who does not want us to kill.
He urged Nigerians to be patriotic and pious citizens and expose all the bad eggs, who were bent on sowing seeds of discord and disharmony amongst Nigerians.
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.”