The Presidency has described former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, as disgruntled politicians.

Naija News reports that Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had on Thursday announced that a coalition of opposition political parties that will defeat the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu has been formed.

In response to the recent regrouping of some politicians, including the former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post via ?, described the politicians as a frustrated lots and sore losers.

Onanuga said President Tinubu is focused on governance to build a prosperous country.

He wrote, “My message to the coalition of Tinubu haters: President Tinubu is focused on governance to build a prosperous country. He is on the way to achieving this. Two months to his midterm, he has many solid achievements to showcase.

“Intractable problems are being tackled headlong. He cannot be distracted by the so-called coalition of politicians. They are not politicians after the Public Good. It’s all about their self-interest. They are disgruntled. They are a frustrated lot.

“The leaders are sore losers. The coalition is an amalgam of Tinubu haters. Their agenda is to stop Tinubu

The House of Representatives on Thursday ratified the State of Emergency proclaimed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

The approval, which followed a unanimous voice vote by 243 Members present at plenary, in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), came after extensive deliberations and key amendments introduced during Thursday’s plenary at the Green Chamber.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.

The House began Thursday’s session with an executive session, in line with Order 16 of the Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition), during which Speaker and Presiding Officer, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, read the President’s communication regarding the proclamation.

At plenary, the House adopted a motion to stand down all other business scheduled for the day, allowing for in-depth deliberations on the President’s request. This came after the House Majority Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, OON, DSSRS, briefed Members on the circumstances leading to the emergency rule and urged the House to support actions that would move Rivers State forward.

In the debate, which was multi-partisan in nature, some Members supported the State of Emergency, emphasizing the need for additional security resources to restore order and protect lives and property. However, concerns were raised about the potential for abuse of power and the impact on fundamental human rights, with calls for strong legislative oversight to ensure lawful implementation.

After extensive discussions, the House unanimously ratified the amended proclamation via a voice vote, with no dissension recorded from the 243 Members present, representing two-thirds of the House membership. The Speaker confirmed this figure based on the attendance register taken during the session.

Key amendments to the proclamation include:

The formation of a National Mediation Committee made up of eminent Nigerians, including representatives from the Federal Executive and Legislature, to facilitate dialogue and resolve the crisis during the emergency period.

The adoption of Sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended), which allows the National Assembly to take over the lawmaking functions of a State House of Assembly if necessary to restore order and governance in the state.

The implementation of periodic reviews of the emergency rule within the first six months, with the possibility of early termination if peace is sufficiently restored.

The House adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 24, 2025

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Nigerians to ignore the rantings of the opposition politicians ganging up against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had on Thursday announced that a coalition of opposition political parties that will defeat the ruling party and Tinubu has been formed.

In response, Ganduje, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, said that no political gang-up will stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 because of his performance.

The APC chieftain reiterated that any northerner interested in contesting in 2027 should suspend such ambition and wait till 2031.

He added that the gatherings from the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and others are people with different political ideologies and selfish political interests who can never agree on any political issue.

The statement said, “Tinubu will surely emerge victorious because of his untrammelled performance since he assumed office as President of Nigeria.

“Forget the recent political gatherings and rantings from some politicians who presently do not have any identifiable political base.

“Their gathering from the Labour Party, PDP SDP and others are people with different political ideologies and selfish political interests that can never agree on any issue politically.

“The gathering is an assemblage of people with divergent political interests. No amount of political arrangement or gang up can stop the good people of Nigeria from re – electing Tinubu as President in 2027.”

The United Kingdom has announced plans to introduce new fees for passport applications starting from April 10, 2025.

In a statement on Thursday, the UK Home Office said the fee increase, which is subject to approval by the parliament, aims to help move towards a self-sustaining system, reducing its reliance on funding from general taxation.

According to the proposals, the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children.

Postal applications will also see an increase, from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children.

The premium service (one day) application fee made from within the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children.

Overseas applicants will also face increased fees, with standard online applications rising from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children.

“The fee for a standard online application when applying from overseas for a UK passport will rise from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children,” the statement reads.

“Overseas standard paper applications will increase from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children.”

The UK government noted that it does not make any profit from passport application fees, which contribute to the cost of processing applications, consular support overseas, and border control.

The Home Office advised applicants to submit their applications well in advance of their travel dates.

“In 2024, 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was required,” the Home Office said.

Adura Aloba, the younger brother of the late Nigerian singer Mohbad, has been arrested by the police.

According to a viral video posted by Abosede Aloba, Mohbad’s mother, Adura was arrested at the premises of the magistrate court in Ogba, Lagos state, on Wednesday.

Abosede accused actor Yomi Fabiyi and a person named Sam Jojo of being behind Adura’s arrest.

She claimed that Adura was in court as a witness over a phone he sold to someone named Damola, and was arrested shortly after.

Abosede, who appeared distraught, called on Nigerians to help her and ensure that nothing happened to her son, who she said was also unwell.

“I do not know where they took my son to. It is Yomi Fabiyi and Sam Jojo. They have carried my son away, he did not do anything. Nigerians, please they must not touch or beat my son, he is not feeling well,” she said.

“Please help me, Yomi Fabiyi and Sam Jojo are behind it. They are the ones who they be picked up at the court premises. He was even in court for something he knows nothing about, it is Yomi Fabiyi.

“The person behind the issue has confessed, he said he was the one who did it. They have been begging me since morning, even his lawyer begged I did not to accept because the matter is already in court, and there is nothing I can do.

“I am not the one who took him to court but because my son is the one who sold the phone, he had to appear in court as a witness. It is Yomi Fabiyi, the person who offended, and his lawyer was left alone. Help me Nigerians, Yomi Fabiyi is behind it.”

In a statement shared on Thursday, the actor denied claims that he was responsible for Adura’s arrest.

“Adura Aloba, Damola Ayinde Habeeb and Damilare Koleosho were persons of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation and fact-finding by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG ZONE 2 Police Command) via a petition and evidence from our Human Rights NGO,” the statement reads.

“They were duly invited and served invitation letters on three different occasions, which they refused to honour.

“They were called many times, and the Adura Aloba and Damola Ayinde Habeeb duo remained indifferent to the invitation. Meanwhile, Damilare Ibrahim Koleosho had several banters via WhatsApp chat with the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) about why he would never honour the invitation. His other accomplices are still at large.”

In January, Abosede and Fabiyi clashed after the actor claimed that Adura knew about the cause of Mohbad’s death.

Fabiyi claimed that Adura messaged him on Instagram, saying he was aware of the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

Abosede, however, disputed the claim, alleging that the message was sent by Damola, who had purchased Adura’s phone

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, says his leadership will not condone anyone who seeks to sabotage the peace and stability of the state.

Speaking on Thursday during a state-wide broadcast in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, Ibas said there would be “no room for lawlessness” under his administration.

He noted that his assumption of duty as the sole administrator of Rivers is to restore law, and order, and create the necessary conditions for restoration of democratic institutions and representation in the state,

“Let me be clear, under my leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected. The rule of law will remain sacrosanct,” Ibas said.

“Those who seek to sabotage the social or economic stability of river state and national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish and destructive ends, will find no tolerance for their actions.

“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence, and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being.”

The sole administrator assured residents that he is not a partisan actor or involved in the struggles that have brought the state to where it is.

He noted that the security agencies have been charged to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens, and do all within their powers to maintain law and order.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu and the 10th national assembly for their support, Ibas said he would carry out his assignment in good faith.

“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you, and I recognise the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead, I feel the weight of families, young and old,” the administrator added.

“My mandate is clear — to restore law and order, stabilise the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation.

“This is not a task for one man alone. Success will depend on the collective effort of all Rivers, people, elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth, women, the media and civil society.”

Ibas’ appointment as sole administrator follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by Tinubu, and the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the state assembly, over protracted political crisis

A high court of the federal capital territory (FCT) in Maitama has dismissed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking to file additional proof of evidence in the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In the application filed on October 15, 2024, the EFCC also sought the court’s permission to produce two more witnesses whose names were given as Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke.

The court processes revealed that the proposed witnesses made extrajudicial statements in August 2024, while the charge was filed on August 14, 2023.

Delivering a ruling on Thursday, Hamza Mu’azu, the presiding judge, upheld the objection filed by the defendant.

Mu’azu noted that the EFCC had filed additional proof of evidence against the defendant on February 12, 2024.

The said additional evidence accommodated the testimony of Boss Mustapha, the former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), as well as that of one Bamayi Mairiga.

The judge held that filing another additional proof of evidence is an attempt to ambush the defendant and deny his right to a fair hearing.

He held that the law makes it clear that an investigation must have been completed and a prima facie case established before a charge is preferred against a defendant.

However, the judge declined Emefiele’s plea for the charge against him to be struck out on the grounds of incomplete investigation and a speculative case.

According to the judge, the charge could not be struck out since the defendant and the prosecution had already joined issues with each other and the trial was almost completed.

Meanwhile, the court adjourned the case to June 3 for further hearing.

Emefiele is standing trial over allegations of complicity in procurement fraud totaling about N1.2 billion.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the former CBN governor illegally awarded contracts for the purchase of 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020 worth N1.2 billion.

He was further accused of giving a corrupt advantage to one Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro by awarding her a contract for the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux vehicles valued at N854 million

Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, says Nigeria imports about $4 billion worth of steel annually, stressing the need for import substitution to reduce pressure on foreign exchange (FX).

Audu spoke on Thursday during a visit to the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna.

Import substitution is an economic strategy where a country focuses on local production of goods instead of relying on importation.

“For Nigeria to produce steel in the quantity we desire, it is very important that the exploration arm of the industry is operating at full capacity,” the minister said.

Audu said the exploration agency is one of the cornerstones of the federal government’s plan to grow the economy to $1 trillion by 2030.

He commended the NSRMEA for its performance, noting that previous assessments ranked the agency as one of the best-performing agencies under his ministry.

FG TO PARTNER DEFENCE MINISTRY TO PRODUCE MILITARY HARDWARE

Speaking further, the minister disclosed plans to partner with the ministry of defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to produce military hardware.

According to Audu, one of President Bola Tinubu’s key objectives is the rehabilitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

“We are working towards integrating military hardware production into the complex as part of a broader plan to establish a military-industrial complex in Nigeria,” he said.

Audu said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had already been drafted and shared with DICON, pending presidential approval.

He said as part of efforts to reposition the steel sector, plans are afoot for a summit to gather stakeholders in the steel sector to develop a comprehensive blueprint for the growth of the industry.

Audu also highlighted the progress of the metallurgical industry bill, which he said, has passed a second reading at the house of representatives.

“The bill, once passed and signed into law, will provide a regulatory framework for both private and corporate steel players, ensuring proper governance and development of the sector,” he said.

Audu, who said the federal government is attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) to the steel industry, expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would revive the industry.

“Our target is to produce 10 million metric tonnes of steel annually,” he said.

“Once our plans are fully implemented in the next five years, we will achieve all our objectives and significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported steel,” he said.

The minister said during Tinubu’s visit to New Delhi in September 2023, a commitment was made for the production of five million metric tonnes of steel in Nigeria.

He added that a Chinese company is investing $300 million in a steel plant in Ogun state.

This, he said, would go a long way in expanding Nigeria’s steel production capacity

The Senate on Thursday approved the proclamation of state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.

The resolution was taken at Thursday’s closed-door session of the legislators to deliberate on the declaration and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials.

The closed session was announced after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Tinubu at plenary on Thursday.

Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, subsequently moved a motion for a closed session in pursuant to Order 135 of the Senate rules.

The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

More details shortly…

Nigeria secured the 105th spot out of 147 nations in the 2025 World Happiness Report, unveiled on Thursday, March 20. The report was compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an independent editorial board.

Finland retained its title as the world’s happiest country, followed by Denmark and Iceland. The rankings are based on factors related to social, physical, and emotional well-being.

The top four nations—Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden—maintained their positions from the 2024 rankings while Norway landed at No. 7.

For the first time, two Latin American nations made it into the top 10: Costa Rica at No. 6 and Mexico at No. 10.

The Netherlands (No. 5), Israel (No. 8), and Luxembourg (No. 9) completed the top 10 list.

The United States, which fell out of the top 20 for the first time last year, now ranks No. 24.

Last year’s report focused on happiness disparities across age groups, noting a decline in well-being among younger populations in multiple countries.

The US reached its highest ranking of No. 11 back in 2012. The latest report also highlights a 53% rise in the number of Americans dining alone over the past 20 years.

The decline in happiness is not exclusive to the US. The United Kingdom, now at No. 23, recorded its lowest average life satisfaction since 2017. Meanwhile, Canada, which has seen a downward trend in happiness over the past decade, remained in the top 20 at No. 18.

Afghanistan ranked last at No. 147, followed by Sierra Leone (No. 146), Lebanon (No. 145), Malawi (No. 144), and Zimbabwe (No. 143), rounding out the five lowest-ranking countries in terms of happiness.

World’s 25 happiest countries in 2025

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. Costa Rica

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico

11. Australia

12. New Zealand

13. Switzerland

14. Belgium

15. Ireland

16. Lithuania

17. Austria

18. Canada

19. Slovenia

20. Czech Republic

21. United Arab Emirates

22. Germany

23. United Kingdom

24. United States

25. Belize