Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government, has intervened in the dispute
between the newly appointed 35 development area administrators with their
predecessors over who has the right to official cars.
There was a running battle between the newly appointed
administrators, who insisted on having
the official cars from their predecessors.
Declaring government’s position to newsmen on the
development, the Chief of Staff to Governor
Murtala Nyako, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abba, said the out-going
administrators were the rightful owners of the cars, which he confirmed had
been monetised.
Abba, who is also the acting commissioner for information,
said the state government had directed the new administrators who had
confiscated the cars from their predecessors to return them.
He said that the government had also directed those still
hunting their predecessors to desist forthwith.
The chief of staff said, “with this development, the matter
has been settled for good.’’
Jigawa
The Jigawa House of Assembly, passed a bill for the establishment of a
Farmers/Pastoralists Board, the Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Ahmad, said in Dutse.
Ahmad said in an interview in Delta, that the
executive-sponsored bill was aimed at checking the incessant crisis between
farmers and herdsmen in the state.
He commended the administration of Governor Sule Lamido for coming up with the bill
which, he said, would provide lasting solution to the problem of farmers and
pastoralists.
According to him, conflict between the two groups has
minimised since the inception of the present administration in the state.
Ahmad said that the House had also passed a bill to
establish the state Arts Exhibition and Multimedia Censors’ Board.
Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged
Christians not to stay away from church activities, particularly at this time
of persecution.
The Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of CAN, Rev. Samuel
Kujiyat, made the call in Kaduna recently.
He stressed that the recent developments in the country
notwithstanding, Christians should always strive to propagate the gospel,
adding that if Christians refrained from preaching the gospel, the perpetrators
of the persecution would have an upper hand and be encouraged to commit their
evil plans.
Kujiyat, who spoke at the 19th Synod of the Diocese of
Kaduna, Anglican Communion, however, prayed for God’s intervention and
protection for the Christian faithful.
Kano
The Joint Security Task Force (JTF) and operatives of the
State Security Service (SSS) have in Kano arrested three suspected gunmen at
Gadar Bayero, near Taburawa Kano.
The State SSS Director, Mr Bassey Ettang, announced this
while briefing newsmen. He said the suspects were apprehended during an early
morning raid at a hide out at Tamburawa, a Kano outskirt.
“The operation was carried out based on an intelligent
report of the activities of the terrorists who operate at the outskirts of Kano
now. “We were able to recover some quantities of primed Improvised Explosive
Devices (IEDs) ready for detonation, together with military uniforms used by
the gunmen.’’
Kebbi
The Controller of Prisons in Kebbi, Alhaji Othman Musa, has
com-mended the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Sami, for assisting in the reformation
of minor offenders to be good members of society.
Musa, who gave the commendation in Birnin Kebbi urged
members of the public to emulate the Emir to ensure that prison inmates came
out as better citizens.
He said the nation’s prisons were facing the challenge of
blending their inmates to fit into the society after their jail terms,
considering that some of them felt abandoned by relatives and the society.
“We would strive to erase the stigma placed on the inmates
by the society to prevent them from transforming into hardened criminals,
deviants and social misfits. “The people need to emulate the Emir of Zuru,
Alhaji Sani Sami, who had facilitated the release of minor offenders as well as
assisted them with tools to learn skills that would enable them blend into
society.”
Kogi
The President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS),
Kogi chapter, Mrs Mary Olowosegun, has
advised women to show commitment to politics in order to reflect their real
strength.
Olowosegun newsmen in
Lokoja, that she was disappointed at the low turnout of women aspirants for the
forthcoming local government election in the state.
She said it was the zeal that women aspirants displayed in
politics that would generate financial support for them.
The women leader said that she was planning to have a meeting
with the representatives of the association in the rural areas to help
sensitise the women in the state towards the forth coming local government
election.
Kwara
A cleric, Uztaz Abdulfatah Abiona-Ibrahim, has urged wealthy
Mus-lims in the country to always provide assistance to the poor, particularly
during the last 10 days of the Ramadan.
Abiona-Ibrahim, an Ilorin-based Islamic scholar, made the
call while delivering a sermon at the “A” Division Police Station Mosque in
Ilorin, recently.
He said the call became necessary because of the blessings
attached to the last 10 days of the Ramadan known as the “Night of Majesty.”
The cleric also urged Muslims to ensure that their
Zakatul-fitri (gift) was observed in accordance with the provisions of the
Quran and Hadith. He said the gift could be in form of food stuff presented to
the less privileged.
Ondo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has predicted that the
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would win the October 20 Ondo governorship
election.
Obasanjo stated this
in Akure at a rally organised by the PDP ahead of the election. At the
rally tagged “ Unity Rally,’’ the governorship candidate of the party, Chief
Olusola Oke was handed over the party’s flag.
Obasanjo described Oke as very credible, and urged the
people of the state to vote for him.
“I want to start by thanking our brothers and sisters
outside Ondo State who have come to flag off the campaign to bring PDP back to
the state. “We have a creditable candidate for Ondo State, Olusola Oke is a
good leader that can be taken by his words,’’ he said.
Ogun
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God
(RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye, says the church has foreign missions in 160
nations of the world.
He disclosed this at the Special Holy Ghost Service which
commenced on Friday night as part of activities marking the 60th Convention of
the Church.
Adeboye said that the church opened branches in 13 countries
in the last one year in addition to the existing 147 nations where the church
operated.
According to him, God expects RCCG to be present in all
nations of the world. He, however, expressed optimism that the goal would be
achieved soon.
Adeboye, who announced that a total of 11,162 weddings were
conducted by the church in the last one year, added that 68 women were
delivered of babies inside the camp ground, venue of the convention.
Osun
Some residents of Modakeke in Osun have commended the state
government for introducing compulsory environmental sanitation twice in a
month.
A resident, Mr Oluwaseun Ajibade, in Modakeke said that the exercise would ensure the good
health of the citizens. “Health is wealth; the basic concept of the bi-monthly
sanitation in Osun is to make people healthier and by implication, prolong
their lifespan,’’ he said.
Ajibade, who spoke during the initial observance of the
sanitation, reiterated that the exercise would promote healthy living among the
citizens of the state.
A resident of the Oke-ola area of Modakeke, Mrs Omolabake
Goriola, commended the government for
the initiative, condemning the manner in which some residents disposed of their
refuse.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government says it will soon begin the payment
of the retirement entitlements of primary school teachers and local government
workers via e-payment.
A statement by the Chairman, Oyo State Local Government
Staff Pensions Board, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, in Ibadan said that the policy was
aimed at checking fraud in the payment of pensions and gratuities.
The state government recently uncovered a N2.6 billion pension
fraud in the board. The interim investigation of the board’s account between
September 2010 and March, 2011, which exposed the fraud, allegedly indicted 10
civil servants.
Ayankojo said that the e-payment would also help to
streamline pension payment, while reducing the troubles usually associated with
the payment of pension.
Taraba
The Proprietor, Beautiful People Driving School, Jalingo, Mr
Francis Ejembi, has advocated proper training for both commercial and private
drivers to reduce the high rate of road accidents on Nigerian roads.
Ejembi, who gave the advice in Jalingo, in an interview said
that most of the road crashes occurred as a result of ‘gross disregard’ for
road signs due to little or no training by drivers.
He said that a well-trained driver would not wait for
officials of the FRSC to tell him to put on his seat belt because he should
know the importance of seat belt to his safety.
“Proper training of drivers is one of the development agenda
of the United Nations Vision 20:2020. “A well trained driver knows that he has
to do routine checks on his vehicle, put on his seat belt and respect the
rights of other road users.
Yobe
The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Patrick Egbuniwe,
has confirmed that gunmen engaged security operatives in a shoot-out at the
Bindigari area of Damaturu.
Egbuniwe said in a telephone interview that the shoot-out
ensued when security operatives went to the area on security patrol.
“Gunmen as usual, have engaged our security operatives in a
shoot-out. “The operation is still on in the area, so we can not confirm
casualties yet. Other parts of the town are, however, calm and security
operatives are on top of the situation,’’ Egbuniwe stated.
Meanwhile, many residents have deserted the streets of the
city for safety.
Six soldiers and one civilian were killed on August 5 in a
suicide bomb attack along Gashua Road in Damaturu.
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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