Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has warned
people against playing politics with the lingering crisis between farmers and herdsmen in parts of the state.
Suswam said this at Ayilamo, Logo Local Government area, while addressing displaced people in the area.
“Stop making politics on the ongoing attacks and killings of innocent people in the state.
“We are a peace-loving people historically and we will always ensure that peace and unity prevail and our brothers living among us,” he said.
FCT
Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission
(NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, has said the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) would facilitate sharing of research findings amongst universities.
Okojie, who said this at an inaugural meeting of NgREN Board, added that the project was significant to the Nigerian University System (NUS).
He noted that NgREN was conceived after many initiatives to address connectivity needs of the NUS, yielded little or no result.
“There is a need to address the dearth of basic net-working infrastructure, especially broadband connectivity which is hindering the deployment of ICT solutions in the universities, ‘’ he said.
Jigawa
The Federal University in Dutse is considering the pos
sibility of introducing Mass Communication Study due to high demand for the course in Jigawa State.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jibrila Amin, stated this while addressing newsmen to mark its third Founders Day in Dutse.
“We have started reaching out to some professors of mass communication in other universities to come and assess the facilities and what it takes’’, he said.
He said that the institution would also commence post-graduate courses in economics, English and communication studies.
Kaduna
Residents of Kaduna metropolis have lamented the in
adequate provision of refuse clearance and evacuation equipment by the state government.
Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna, the residents said the indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the metropolis was gradually turning into an eyesore.
Abdulkareem Hassan, who lives in Tudun Wada area of the state said, “I pay local refuse collectors to clear my dustbins whenever it is due for collection.
Kwara
An Ilorin Area Court has dissolved the three -year -old
marriage between Munirat Ahmed and Dauda Ahmed on ground of “lousiness”.
Munirat, who resides at Edun area, Ilorin told the court that her husband was lousy and could not keep secrets.
She prayed the court to dissolve her marriage to Dauda, adding that, she cannot continue with a man that will reveal all their marital plans to outsiders.
The petitioner told the court that her husband sought advice from friends to run his family affairs.
“My husband does not care who his enemy is, he will continue to explain his family problems in the public,” she said.
Kebbi
The Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad
Bashar, has advised youths to shun tribal and religious bigotry in order to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
He made the call in Birnin Kebbi, when he received members of the Kebbi State Youth Alliance, who paid him a visit. He also urged the youths to promote their heritage and cultural values, and respect their leaders and elders.
Bashar said “God in his infinite mercy brought us to live together and we need to be kind to one another”.
Lagos
A 38-year-old driver, Stephen Igwe, was has been
charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing his employer’s N4.5million jeep.
Igwe, who resides at No. 40, Olushi St., Lagos Island, was charged with stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Ejima Oteke, told the court that the accused committed the offence at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Oteke said the accused, who was sent on an errand, absconded with a black Nissan Murano jeep with registration number JC667-SMK belonging to his employer, Rear-Adm. Joseph Oladeinde.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission
(NASIEC), has reassured the electorate in the state of its determination to conduct free, fair and credible local government election slated for March 22.
The NASIEC Chairman in the state, Dr Abdullahi Modibbo, gave the assurance in Lafia at a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.
“The commission is determined to conduct credible local government election that will be emulated by other states in the country.
“Elections in Nigeria had been characterised by all kinds of sentiments thereby leading to the breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Osun
A 29-year-old man, Micheal Kolade, was last Thursday
brought before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged fraud and theft of N1.3million.
The prosecutor, Insp. Wilson Mereti, told the court that the accused, his accomplices, Gbolagale Adebiyi and one Daniel, now at large, committed the offence between February 11 and February 20 at Ibromu Quarters in Ile-Ife.
Mereti said the accused and his accomplices conspired and committed felony and theft when they fraudulently obtained a bus from one Ogunlowo Olatunde under the pretext of buying it.
He said the accused and his accomplices deceived their victim with a false bank deposit alert, reflecting that they had paid N1.37million into his bank account for the bus.
He said the appearance of the fake alert on Olatunde’s phone deceived him into giving the bus and its documents to the accused thinking they had struck a genuine deal.
Ondo
Ondo State Government has promised to give special
package and welfare to teachers posted to difficult and remote areas.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr Jide Adejuyigbe, stated this recently in Akure at a stakeholders’ meeting on monitoring and supervision of public secondary schools.
The meeting was organised by state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
“We are looking at a special package for teachers posted to remote areas; we are also considering some incentives to ensure their staying there,’’ the commissioner said.
Adejuyigbe rejected the notion that there was an acute shortage of teachers in the state public schools.
Ogun
The member representing Imeko Afon Constituency
in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Salmon Adeleke, has commended the state government for beefing up security in the state.
Adeleke gave the commendation in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen.
He said the donation of a patrol van to the police in Imeko Afon was an indication of Gov. Ibikunle Amosun’s commitment to safety of lives and properties.
The lawmaker, however, appealed to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, to intensify patrol of the area.
Yobe
The, Yobe State Government has said that the closure of
Federal Government Colleges in the three north-eastern states would help the students and their parents overcome fear arising from armed attacks.
Our correspondent reports that the Federal Government ordered the closure of unity colleges in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in February following attacks on the colleges by gunmen.
Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ahmed Goniri, stated the government’s position in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
Goniri, who is also chairman, Federal Government College (FGC), Buni-Yadi Relief Committee, said: “Parents and students are still in a state of phobia and fear; the temporary closure will give them the opportunity to overcome fear.”
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State at a retreat of Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Lagos, last Friday
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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