Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Olabisi Onabanjo University, Comrade Egberongbe Taiwo, SSANU Chairman, University of Ibadan, Comrade Wale Akinremi, SSANU Secretary, Western Zone, Comrade Abdussobur Salaam and SSANU Chairman, Delta State University, Comrade Goodluck Ohwavborua, at a news confernce by Western Zone of SSANU on the main report of committee on NEEDS assessment of Nigerian Public Universities in Ibadan, recently.
Adamawa
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has assured
the people of the state of justice and fairness in the provision of basic social amenities.
Nyako gave the assurance when he addressed the chairmen of the 21 local government councils of the state in Yola.
The governor said that in spite of the political and man-made challenges facing the state, his administration had performed wonderfully well in the provision of social amenities in all parts of the state
He expressed worry over the negative activities of some politicians, who he said, invoke “tribal sentiment’’ to score cheap political points.
Borno
No fewer than 1,500 blind persons from across the country
took part in a special prayer for peace in Borno.
Alhaji Mai-Bukar Abacha, the chief of the blind in the state, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Abacha said the prayer session was an annual event organised by the blind as part of their contributions to the restoration of peace and harmony in the state and the country.
He said prayer was essential in ending the current security challenges in the northern region and the country in general.
FCT
A Grade 1 Area Court sitting in Gwagwalada in the FCT
has sentenced a 19-year-old man, Badamasi Abdullahi, to four months in prison for trespass and theft.
The presiding judge, Alhaji Hassan Muhammed, however gave him an option of fine in the sum of N8,000 and ordered him to pay N50,000 in compensation to the nominal complainant.
“For the fact that the accused has no previous criminal record, he is hereby convicted as charged.
“He is therefore sentenced to a month imprisonment for the charge of criminal trespass or to pay N3,000 in fine.
Jigawa
Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has
urged politicians to promote peaceful coexistence for the unity of the country.
Abubakar made the call when he visited Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa in Dutse.
He stressed that peace was important for the development of any society, pointing out that there will be no nation without peace.
“Where ever we are, we must make peace and this is also applicable to politics.
“We, as people must avoid violence and if there is any difference among us, there are procedures to follow – like the judiciary”, he said.
Kaduna
The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport
Workers (NURTW), in Kafanchan Mr Silas Kabruk, says sanctions await members who fail to participate in the ongoing membership registration exercise.
Kabruk told newsmen in Kafanchan that the union would take measures to ensure that all its genuine members were adequately covered in the registration.
He said the exercise was aimed at ensuring sanity in the system and cut down on road crashes among other reasons.
“We also want to get rid of unprofessional drivers by ensuring that every commercial driver register with the union,’’ Kabruk said.
Kano
A former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji
Abdullahi Gwarzo, has commended Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso of Kano State on the successful merger of the PDP splinter group with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The commendation is contained in a statement signed by the former deputy governor and made available to newsmen in Kano.
“I wish to congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State on the successful merger of new PDP with APC.
“This is a great achievement to the people of Kano State and a boost to democracy.’’
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has earmarked N5.9 billion
for the rehabilitation and construction of township roads in Yauri, Koko/Besse, Maiyama and Shanga Local Government Areas of the state.
Governor Saidu Dakingari announced this in a message to the flag-off of the first phase of the project in Yauri recently.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, the governor said the road projects were initiated to enhance socioeconomic activities in the affected areas.
“The rehabilitation and construction of the roads by this administration was without borrowing money, and we would ensure prompt payment of the contract,’’ Dakingari said.
Kwara
The IIorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union
(IEDPU) has called on the Federal Government to repair Jebba-BodeSaadu highway.
The president of the union, Justice Saka Yusuf, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin.
He said there is an urgent need to repair the road to enhance social and economic activities between the people of the north and the south.
According to him, the road which links the south with the northern part of the country is in a state of disrepair and has become a death trap.
Lagos
The former Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress
of Nigeria (TUC), Mr John Kolawole, has urged employers to allow their workers join the union to avoid industrial crisis.
Kolawole told newsmen in Lagos State that “it is against the Nigerian Constitution for employers to stop their employees from joining a union of their choice.
“It is the right of every worker by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention and the Constitution of Nigeria to associate or belong to any organisation of their choice.
“Belonging to a union in any work place does not disturb the smooth running of that organisation. It only enhances productivity,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
A task force set up by the Nasarawa State Ministry of
Health has shut down six private clinics in Kadarko village, Obi Local Government Area of the state for allegedly operating illegally.
The Chairman of the task force, Dr. Damina Ali, told newsmen in Lafia that four proprietors of the clinics were handed over to the police.
He explained that all the clinics were operating without licence, equipment and trained health personnel.
Ogun
One Bola Mukaila, 38, was has been arraigned before
an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for selling fake wines valued N300,000 to a customer.
The police prosecutor, Insp Augustine Ozimini, told the court that the offence was committed in Omida area of Abeokuta on September 5 at about 3:00 p.m.
Ozimini said the accused sold fake Hennessy, Jack Daniels and Remy Martins wines worth N300,000 to one Remi Abiodun.
“The accused, who owned a wine shop, mixed fake with original wines and sold cartons of them to Abiodun knowing that they were fake.
Sokoto
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA), has donated relief materials to victims of this year’s flood disaster in seven local government areas of Sokoto State.
The items included rice, millet, maize, blankets, detergents, roofing sheets, cement, nails, mats and mattresses, among others.
The Zonal Coordinator of the Agency, Alhaji Musa Ilalla, presented the materials through the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada.
Ilalla said the gesture was not compensation but a support to alleviate the sufferings of the victims.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government has urged contractors handling various road projects in the state to take advantage of the relative peace attained to speed up work and recover time lost to insecurity.
The state Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Lawan Shettima, told newsmen in Damaturu that government was committed to early completion of the projects.
He observed that some of the projects could not be executed within the scheduled time frame due to security challenge.
“We thank God for the relative peace attained and urge our contractors to mobilise more equipment and manpower to the various sites to hasten completion of the projects,” he said.
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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