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Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, has expressed her frustration over Nigeria’s electricity tariff band system.
Naija News reports that the movie star, in a post via ? on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, described the current tariff band category as a huge fraud, pointing out the disparity between the high electricity tariffs and the actual supply received by consumers.
She lamented that, despite being in band A, which should guarantee over 20 hours of power daily, she is lucky to get just two hours a day.
The award-winning actress questioned the logic behind the billing system, stating that consumers are being forced to pay exorbitant rates for electricity that is barely available.
The thespian further compared the electricity billing system to the recently collapsed Ponzi scheme ‘CBEX’, stating, Is that not CBex-ing of the people?
She said, “This banding of electricity is a huge FRAUD! I said it before, and I repeat it again..
“”Band A” is supposed to get 20 hours of electricity at an exorbitant tariff, but if you get 2 hours, to God be the glory. A huge FRAUD…. KMT. See?!!! That estimated billing na daylight robbery with bazooka guns!!! I said what I said!!!
“When they know they can’t generate enough energy to supply the people, you raise tarriff and still drop the supply! Is that not CBex-ing of the people??”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, deployed a special squad to arrest the rising violence across the country.
He ordered all Police Mobile Force squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby, effective immediately.
He gave the directive during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, as bandits struck in Kwara, Benue and Sokoto States, killing 21 persons.
In the past weeks, the attacks on hapless citizens have escalated with increased attacks reported in Plateau, Benue, Enugu and other parts of the country.
Addressing his squadron commanders during the meeting, the IG stressed that the standby units must be prepared to provide rapid support to state commands in times of crisis, high-risk operations, or emergency interventions.
Egbetokun said, “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready. Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.
“These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter.
“These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.”
He also said squadrons will undergo size reviews and reorganisation to boost efficiency and agility.
Egbetokun further noted, ‘’Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel.
“You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.”
Restating the withdrawal of mobile policemen from escort duties, the IG noted with concern that this has drained the PMF’s tactical effectiveness.
“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.
“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence,’’ he stated.
The police boss declared that indiscipline among the mobile police officers will no longer be tolerated.
“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined.
“As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage,’’ added.
Meanwhile, the serenity of Ilesha Baruba in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State was shattered on Tuesday by gunmen who launched a deadly attack on a relaxation spot in a motor park, leaving six persons dead.
Also, a vigilante was gunned down in Kemanji, Kaiama LGA, while on a patrol along the fringes of Kainji National Park.
Speaking on the unprovoked attacks in the state, the Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement, disclosed that the command was investigating the two incidents.
The statement said operatives have arrested an informant linked to a bandit network, adding that tactical efforts had been intensified across the affected communities.
It read, “At about 21:30hours, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.
“As a result, six persons – identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others – lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries. The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.”
The police command disclosed that full security measures had been activated to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Three of the suspected bandits suffered gunshot wounds during the gun duel, while a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba, succumbed to gunshot injuries.
“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation,” the police said.
The command assured the residents of both communities that full security architecture has been activated, including tactical teams, intensified surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace and order.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has led the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu; Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brig. Gen. E.B. Barkins; the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo and the Director, Department of State Services, Mr Michael Aganwu and Alh Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior Special Adviser on security matters to the governor, on a security assessment of Kaiama LGA.
The Monday visit focused on the security architecture within Kemenji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis.
The delegation held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Omar, and other critical stakeholders and inspected an oil mill facility before returning to Ilorin.
In the Afia community in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, a suspected bandit identified as ‘Government’ reportedly killed 11 people.
This happened some days after some armed herders invaded some communities in the Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, killing no fewer than 72 people.
Eyewitnesses claimed the suspect was mentally ill.
“He is popularly known as ‘Government’ and was mentally ill about two months ago, but was treated. He woke up Tuesday morning and shot indiscriminately, killing about 11 people,” a source told our correspondent.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, who confirmed the incident, however, insisted the man was a bandit.
Abo said, “I’m not aware that the man has any illness but what I gathered is that a bandit with the nickname ‘Government’ on Tuesday morning picked up a gun and shot many people to death.”
The commissioner could not confirm the casualty figure.
The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene, said she was not aware of the incident.
Speaking during a visit to Makurdi on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, commiserated with the government and people of Benue State over the loss of lives in the state.
The NSA, in an interview with journalists, stated that the Bola Tinubu administration inherited ‘’a bastardised situation’’ which is being confronted frontally.
According to him, the insecurity started about 15 years ago but was devoid of politics, religion and ethnicity.
He said, “The insecurity in Nigeria has been there since 2011, and we have several lives lost, and it’s not about politics, religion or ethnicity but pure criminality. It’s been ongoing for too long, it’s not only Nigeria that is a victim of this (insecurity), many countries have lost the fight against the bandits.
“Sudan has no government, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso are all under military government and they faced the same problem.”
The NSA, who referred to the situation in Afghanistan where he once worked, said the country also had similar problems.
He sought the understanding of Nigerians, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the insecurity in the country.
“The way the Federal Government is responding to insecurity today is different from the ways the past governments addressed it. The present government is a listening one, identifying the cause and tackling the issue.
“We will continue to do better, we have improved greatly from the time we came in, it’s a process, it’s a journey, it took 15 years to find ourselves where we are today and the present administration has done very well compared to what was happening in the past,” Ribadu said.
Addressing the people earlier, Ribadu said he was in the state on behalf of the President to commiserate with them and assured them of the Federal Government’s determination to combat insecurity in the state.
In the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, members of the Lakurawa terror group on Sunday unleashed a deadly overnight raid on Adarawa and Huymar Dutsi villages.
The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles and moving on motorcycles and foot, stormed Adarawa village in the Kalanjeni Ward around 11pm, firing sporadically.
Sources said one Jamilu Hassan was shot and killed during the onslaught, while provision shops were looted, with the assailants carting away drinks and other items.
“The gunmen later advanced to Huymar Dutsi, where they opened fire again, killing two residents, Auwalu Namadi Nagande and Maidamma Sanda.
An eyewitness stated, “ In a brazen show of terror, they went house to house, rustling an undisclosed number of livestock including sheep, camels, and cattle before fleeing towards Kwarakka village.
“We had earlier reported suspicious movements in Gidan Madi Town, where eight individuals, believed to be of Fulani extraction, were seen riding motorcycles and dressed in attire typically worn for wedding ceremonies.
“These movements occurred between 3pm and 5pm, same day and were later traced heading towards the Binji axis. Security agencies were urged to intensify vigilance in the area.”
In another incident on the same day, suspected Lakurawa fighters mounted a roadblock at Gulbin Mujadde, between Sabro and Barkatube villages.
The gunmen, said to be riding on 12 motorcycles and wielding AK-47 rifles, intercepted traders transporting livestock from Niger Republic.
They allegedly confiscated the animals and were last seen heading toward Tummunna village under Magonho Ward.
The repeated attacks have heightened fears among local communities, with urgent calls for increased security presence and swift government intervention.
The spokesman for the Sokoto State police command, Ahmed Rufai, said the area has been having such attacks almost daily
Worried by the deteriorating security situation in their region, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has adopted a joint approach to addressing the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North.
The Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who doubles as the chairman of the forum, is spearheading efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism in the North.
Misilli disclosed that Yahaya has been rallying fellow governors to find a solution to the region’s insecurity.
“His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, is fully engaged with his colleagues in exploring a joint approach to address the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North.
“As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa has been at the forefront of efforts to rally his fellow governors towards finding a lasting and collaborative solution to the insecurity plaguing the region. Since the recent escalation of violence in affected parts of the North, the governor has not relented in his resolve,” the DG stated.
He added that Yahaya has been engaging with colleagues, security chiefs, and stakeholders, advocating for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, noting that the leadership role in the NSGF is crucial in driving these efforts.
He disclosed that the governor’s resolve remains unwavering despite the recent escalation of violence in parts of the North, stressing that the forum aimed to bring peace and stability to the region through collaborative solutions.
“He (Yahaya) has continued to reach out, both privately and through official channels, to his colleagues, security chiefs, and relevant stakeholders, urging for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, and the NSGF chairman is always leveraging his leadership role in the NSGF to achieve that goal,” he added.
In a related development, the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe, said the state has recorded commendable success in restoring peace and stability to areas previously plagued by banditry and kidnapping incidents.
Jobe stated this on Tuesday at the 5th edition of the monthly press briefing on Governor Dikko Radda’s administration’s achievements in the security sector.
He revealed that the government’s massive investment of N36.8b in collaboration with the 34 local government areas of the state was to establish a formidable security structure aimed at addressing the security challenges bedevilling the state.
According to Jobe, “Government has incurred huge expenditure in the recruitment, training and equipping of the newly established homegrown security outfit known as Katsina Community Watch Corps.
‘’The funds have been utilised for the procurement of critical security assets, including 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 65 Toyota Hilux vehicles, and 700 Daylong motorcycles.
“Additionally, the government has acquired 1,900 units of tactical covert equipment, drones, trackers, and communication network equipment for intelligence gathering, as well as combat equipment, consumables, live jackets, helmets, walkie-talkies, and teargas hand grenades.”
The deputy governor also noted that the Radda administration has adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to the security issues.
“The non-kinetic measures include the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the formation of the State Security Council Advisory Committee, and the enactment of law establishing the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps.
“We have also created the Office of SSA on victims of banditry and IDPs, and the Office of SA Community Security Watch Corps,” he further clarified.
He explained that the government has provided free medical treatment to victims of banditry and financial assistance to families of victims.
“The strategy further encompasses engagement of 7,545 Imams, Na’ibis and Ladans to preach peace and harmony among the people, 6,652 ward heads to serve in the traditional security structure of the state, 918 Local Government Level Security Support Groups, and 9,747 Ward Level Security Support Groups,’’ he highlighted.
On the kinetic front, Jobe revealed the recruitment and deployment of 1,466 security watch corps personnel to the eight frontline local governments of Dandume, Faskari, Kankara, Danmusa, Batsari, Jibia, Sabuwa and Safana.
The second phase, he said, comprised the recruitment of 550 Security Watch Corps personnel deployed in 10 vulnerable local governments- Bakori, Musawa, Malumfashi, Danja, Funtua, Matazu, Charanchi, Batagarawa, Kurfi and Dutsin-Ma.
“We have also engaged 1,500 vigilante members and deployed 200 civilian hunters to vulnerable areas to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in combating insecurity,” Malam Jobe revealed.
The deputy governor further explained that the government has spent N985,976,842 to cushion the trauma and sufferings of victims of armed banditry and internally displaced persons across the state through medication, financial assistance, and other support interventions.
“So far, a total of 2,286 victims have been offered financial assistance,” he stated.
Jobe also pointed out the state’s hosting of the North-West Peace and Security Summit, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.
In a bid to stem the rampant abductions and other forms of criminality in his state, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said a total of 115 military men had been drafted to the Akoko area of the state to comat the bandits terrorising the residents.
The governor also said more personnel would be recruited into the Ondo Security Network Agency, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps, as part of his administration’s efforts to stem the crime rate.
Aiyedatiwa stated this while hosting the elders and leaders of Ondo North Senatorial District of the state in his office in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday. The visitors were led by a former senator, Bode Olajumoke.
The governor said, “On security, a total of 115 military personnel have been deployed to the Akoko axis to tackle recent challenges. Our administration is committed to the security of the lives and properties of our people, and it remains a top priority for our administration. I’m assuring you of even development across all local government areas of the state.”
The governor also expressed willingness to consider the proposed security trust fund in the state.
Speaking earlier, Olajumoke advised the governor to consider acquiring more sophisticated equipment as well as deploying technology to enhance the performance of the Amotekun Corps, in addition to recruiting more personnel to ensure more boots are on the ground.
Speaking on the attacks and killings in his state, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has identified the perpetrators as foreigners.
According to him, the attackers speak unknown languages and display traits that suggest they are not Nigerians.
He made this statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following a series of violent incidents in the North-Central state that have resulted in numerous deaths and displacements.
He stated, “Let’s have the narrative very correct. We know Nigerians—by our ethnicities, we can identify a Fulani man, a Yoruba man, a Hausa man—we know them. Even the regular traditional herders, we know them. They work with cows, herding with sticks.
“But these folks [the attackers] are coming in fully armed with AK-47s and 49s. They do not bear the Nigerian look. They don’t speak like we do. Even the Hausa they speak is one sort of Hausa.
“It’s not the normal Hausa we Nigerians speak. So, it is with the Fulani they speak. There is a trend in the language they speak, and some of our people who understand what they speak give it names. They say they are Malians and different from our people. But they are not Nigerians—believe it.”
The governor noted that the current wave of violence represented a new and more dangerous escalation compared to past clashes with traditional herders.
‘’This is the second phase we are seeing. The initial ones were with the traditional herders. The traditional herders—we had fewer troubles with them. What we are experiencing has a new, different, strange face, and it’s now alarming.
“These terrorists are everywhere. We are under a siege. These people just come and hit and kill and run back. Where are they running to? The way these killings are being planned and carried out is coordinated.
“Some local government areas in Benue share borders with Cameroon, and those borders are quite porous. The terrorists have their own havens in Taraba, Nasarawa, and in border regions of Cameroon,” Alia stated.
Umar Bago, governor of Niger, has ordered security operatives to arrest persons with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the government house on Tuesday, Bago said security operatives should cut the dreadlocks of such arrested residents and impose fines on them.
The meeting was attended by security agencies and traditional rulers.
The Niger governor said his administration has zero tolerance for rascality.
“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person,” the governor said.
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”
Bago also directed security operatives to treat anybody carrying arms in the state as armed robbers.
CURFEW FOR COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLES
The governor also restricted the movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles from 6pm to 6am in Minna.
Bago said those using motorcycles and tricycles for medical emergencies are exempted, adding that he would not stay back and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil in the state.
Bago asked district, village, and ward heads to ensure proper documentation of residents in their domains.
He added that any building found harbouring criminals or being used for the sale of illicit drugs will be destroyed.
The total expenses of eight Nigerian banks soared to N4.61tn in 2024, driven by increases in both personnel and operating costs.
The data reveals a 107.8 per cent rise from N2.2tn in 2023, highlighting the growing financial pressure on the banking sector.
This was based on the annual results of the financial institutions filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited for the period ended December 2024.
In the period under review, First HoldCo Plc reported a total of N568.3bn in operating expenses, up from N341.5bn in 2023, reflecting a 66.4 per cent increase year-on-year. Personnel expenses for the group stood at N308.5bn, marking a significant surge from N175.9bn in 2023, a growth of 75.3 per cent.
Fidelity Bank Plc saw its total operating expenses increase to N242.7bn from N135.3bn in 2023, representing a 79.3 per cent rise. Personnel expenses rose to N73.5bn, compared to N52.6bn in 2023, reflecting a 39.6 per cent increase.
For United Bank for Africa Plc, the bank’s operating expenses rose to N682.9bn, an increase from N372.8bn in 2023, reflecting an 83.2 per cent jump.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company reported a sharp rise in its operating expenses, which surged to N259.6bn from N166.2bn in 2023, reflecting a 56.2 per cent increase. Personnel expenses for the group hit N85.4bn, more than doubling from N45.1bn in the previous year, a 89.3 per cent increase.
Zenith Bank Plc experienced an increase in operating expenses to N586.6bn, up from N291.7bn in 2023, representing an 101.1 per cent rise. Personnel expenses for Zenith Bank stood at N204.2bn, compared to N124.4bn in 2023, an increase of 64.2 per cent.
Wema Bank also recorded a significant rise in both operating expenses and personnel expenses, which surged to N77.5bn from N45.9bn in 2023, marking a 68.9 per cent rise. Personnel expenses stood at N45.5bn, a 70.3 per cent increase from the previous year’s N26.8bn.
At FCMB Group Plc, operating expenses surged to N48.3bn, an increase from N32.7bn in 2023, reflecting a 47.8 per cent rise. Personnel expenses for FCMB grew to N79.3bn, up from N49.6bn in 2023, a growth of 59.9 per cent.
Finally, Access Holdings Plc reported N960.8bn in operating expenses, up from N465.7bn in 2023, a 106.3 per cent increase.
Personnel expenses stood at N381.4bn, a sharp rise from N167.9bn the previous year, showing a 127.5 per cent increase.
The PUNCH reported that the combined operating expenses of 10 Nigerian banks rose by 42.51 per cent to N3.23tn in 2023 compared to N2.26tn in the previous year.
A total of 18 Africans are among the 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next Pope.
Though there are 252 cardinals, only 135 cardinals have voting status and are eligible to vote for the next Pope when the conclave begins.
Europe has the highest number, with 53 cardinals of voting status.
Asia, with 23, has the next highest number of cardinal electors, followed by Africa with 18 voting members of the College of Cardinals.
South America follows with 17, while North America has 16 cardinal electors.
Oceania and Central America, with four each, have the lowest number of electors at the forthcoming conclave.
The Cardinal electors of African origin are Fridolin Besungu (DR Congo), Ignace Dogbo (Ivory Coast), Stephen Brislin (South Africa), Arlindo Furtado (Cape Verde), Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda), Jean-Pierre Kutwa (Ivory Coast).
Others are John Njue (Kenya), Dieudonne Nzapalainga (Central African Republic), Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria), Nakellentuba Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Protase Rugambwa (Tanzania), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Berhaneyesus Souraphiel (Ethiopia).
The list of Africans also includes Desire Tsarahazana (Madagascar), Peter Turkson (Ghana), Jean-Paul Vesco (Algeria), Cristobal Romero (Morocco), Stephen Mulla (South-Sudan).
Interestingly, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis; 22 by his predecessor, Pope Benedict; and five by Pope John Paul II.
All cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the secret ballot to be held in the conclave. They need a majority of at least two-thirds plus one to elect the new pope, so the voting can take several rounds spread over numerous days.
The cardinals considered to be the leading candidates to succeed Pope Francis are Peter Erdo (Hungary), Matteo Zuppi (Italy), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Luis Tagle (Filipino), Malcolm Ranjith (Sri Lanka), Pietro Parolin (Italy), Pierattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem), Fridolin Besungu (Congo), Willem Eijk (Netherlands), Anders Arborelius (Sweden), Charles Bo (Myanmar), Jean-Marc Aveline (France).
More Cardinals have arrived at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Approximately 60 cardinals gathered at the Synod hall for the first congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday morning, led by the Camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The Cardinals had at the general congregation, on Tuesday, confirmed Saturday as the date for the funeral of the late Pope.
More Cardinals are billed to participate in the second general congregation scheduled to be held on Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday morning will be dedicated to the ceremonial transfer of the Pope’s body to the Basilica, where he will lie in state.
Presently, general congregation is being held to discuss the Pope’s funeral but, in the coming days, it will progress to pre-conclave preparatory meetings leading up to conclave itself.
In the coming days, the Cardinals will discuss when the conclave is to start.
Then, they will at their meetings, begin to speak on a variety of matters, such as the present needs of the Church, the state of the Curia and its work, and improving the Curia and the Church’s relation to the world.
Cardinals would swear to maintain rigorous secrecy about all matters in any way related to the election of the Roman pontiff or those which, by their very nature, during the vacancy of the Pope’s seat.
The cardinals then swear collectively an oath, which reads in part: “We promise and swear to observe with the greatest fidelity and with all persons, clerical or lay, secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff and regarding what occurs in the place of the election, directly or indirectly related to the results of the voting.
“We promise and swear not to break this secret in any way, either during or after the election of the new Pontiff, unless explicit authorization is granted by the same Pontiff; and never to lend support or favour to any interference, opposition or any other form of intervention, whereby secular authorities of whatever order and degree or any group of people or individuals might wish to intervene in the election of the Roman Pontiff.”
After this, each individual, with a hand on the Gospels, pledges his oath to the same.
The cardinal-electors are to refrain from all contact with the outside world during the election: no shared messages, no newspapers, no radio, no television.
Often, the first vote is purely ceremonial, a way for cardinals to honour particular members of the College who, though distinguished, are not considered papable (electable as pope).
From that point on, the voting is scheduled to be two sessions a day, with two rounds of voting per session (four rounds total per day).
The cardinals select three fellow cardinals to count the votes, three others to check the counts, and three, if necessary, to collect ballots from those who, from infirmity, are unable to walk to the high altar.
Each cardinal writes on a ballot the name of his choice for pope, then walks to the high altar.
There, in the painting of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo, he says aloud, “I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.”
The cardinal then places the ballot into the proper receptacle, bows to the altar, and returns to his place.
Once the ballots have been placed in the receptacle, they are mixed up and then counted aloud.
If the number does not equal that of the electors, the ballots are burned.
If the number is accurate, the ballots are taken out singly, noted by two cardinals, and then announced in a loud, clear voice by a third cardinal.
For a man to be validly elected pope, he must receive two-thirds of the votes.
After each vote, the ballots are burned, and the smoke coming out of the chimney above the Sistine Chapel is black if the vote is inconclusive, and white if a new successor of Peter has been elected.
Victor Osimhen scored the opener in Galatasaray’s 5-1 thrashing of Konyaspor to qualify for the final of the Turkish Cup.
The 26-year-old opened the scoring in a goal-fest semi-final held at the Torku Arena on Tuesday.
Galatasaray qualified for the final four after defeating arch-rivals Fenerbahce 2-1 in the quarter-final. Osimhen scored a brace in the feisty match, which had four red cards.
The semi-final was a complete cruise for the Yellow-Reds with two goals in the first half.
Osimhen struck first in the 26th minute. Dries Mertens swung a curling cross into the Konyaspor goal area, and the Super Eagles striker met the ball with a powerful header that sent it straight into the top corner.
The strike was Osimhen’s 30th goal of the season in all competitions for Galatasaray. He has 21 goals in the league, six in the Europa League and three in the Turkish Cup.
Lucas Torreira doubled Gala’s lead three minutes before halftime, and Rolland Sallai added another strike immediately after the restart.
Konyaspor pulled one back through Pedrinho, but Sallai restored Galatasaray’s 3-goal advantage just two minutes later.
Yusuf Demir will wrap the game up for Galatasaray with the fifth goal late in stoppage time.
Galatasaray will face either Trabzonspor or Göztepe in the Turkish Cup final on May 14.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to a viral post, the officers allegedly extorted ₦5.2 million from a group of young men travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to Akure, Ondo State.
However, speaking via a statement by his media aide, Babatunde Alao, the minister noted that any officer found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
He warned that no form of misconduct would be tolerated from security agencies.
Tunji-Ojo said, “We will not tolerate any form of misconduct from our security agencies.
“We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined, professional and serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all sense of diginity and patriotism.
“On this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness.”
Meanwhile, gunmen, suspected to be militants, ambushed a patrol team from the NSCDC in the Igbomotoru community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday, resulting in the death of an officer whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
According to a community source who spoke with Daily Trust, the patrol squad was returning from a clampdown operation targeting illegal bunkering sites in the area when the attack occurred.
The source revealed that the Igbomotoru community has recently been restive, with an increase in illegal bunkering activities due to its riverine terrain.
The attack, described as a coordinated assault, took place near the Koluama creeks, a known hub for oil theft and militant activities.
Gunmen reportedly opened fire on the NSCDC patrol boat, using high-caliber weapons to overpower the officers. The assault is believed to be connected to pipeline vandalism syndicates active in the region.
During the exchange of gunfire, one officer was shot and later succumbed to his injuries, while several others were injured. The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Yenagoa.
This attack comes just a week after suspected vandals blew up the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The pipeline, owned by Oando Plc, supplies gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Bonny, Rivers State.
Last year, military personnel had invaded the Igbomotoru community in search of a militant kingpin accused of masterminding the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta State.
When contacted on Sunday, the spokesperson for the NSCDC in Bayelsa State, Solomon Ogbere, confirmed the attack but stated that he had not yet received a comprehensive report.
He said, “The information, sincerely speaking, we’ve gotten it but I’m still waiting for the OC to give me a comprehensive report. But you are not actually far from the truth anyway, but I can’t actually speak on it because I have not gotten the exact details. By tomorrow (Monday), I will be speaking on good authority to tell you exactly”
There are indications that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is warming up to making concessions to ease the political tension in the state.
This followed Fubara’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London during the latter’s 18-day retreat in Europe.
The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was at the request of Governor Fubara, who first came into office in May 2023.
Although The PUNCH could not confirm details of the meeting at press time, a senior presidential adviser told the Paris-based publication that, Fubara “pledged to make certain concessions in a bid to ease tensions.”
“It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week.
“Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official hinted that negotiations are ongoing and that his six‑month suspension could be cut short.
Another aide added that Fubara is weighing a switch from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC to get on the good side of the president.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide told the French magazine.
Presidential aides contacted by our correspondent said they were not on the latest private trip with the President and, therefore, did not witness the closed-door meeting.
It is first face‑to‑face since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on 18 March, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and ousting Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.”
He installed former Navy Chief, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.
Opposition governors from seven PDP‑ruled states immediately filed suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the decree’s constitutionality and demanding a return to democratic rule.
The political crisis, which has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The turmoil escalated after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm.
Things went further south when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, prompting legal disputes over their status.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly, faulting the governor’s actions as unconstitutional and tantamount to despotism.
The judgment noted that Rivers State had effectively collapsed into one-man rule due to the absence of a functioning legislature.
Despite the ruling, governance remained stalled, with the Assembly and executive failing to cooperate.
As of March 2025 the state’s annual Appropriation Bill had not been passed.
Hours before Tinubu declared emergency rule, an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A second explosion ruptured a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.
Citing fresh security reports at the time, Tinubu expressed concern over recent vandalisation of oil pipelines by militants, allegedly acting in support of Fubara.
The President, who had been in Paris, then London since April 2, agreed to meet Fubara in an attempt to defuse the lingering crisis.
The duo discussed restoring functional government in the oil‑rich state, officials say.
Neither side disclosed details, but sources said the talks may see Fubara back in power before his six-month suspension elapses in September.
It was learned that Fubara’s estranged political godfather now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was nervous about such an arrangement holding without him.
However, Tinubu is expected to meet Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to chart a lasting solution to the political crisis in the state.
Harvard University sued several United States agencies and top officials for freezing billions of dollars in federal funding, significantly intensifying a high-stakes showdown with the President Donald Trump-led administration.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the Trump administration accused the nation’s oldest and richest university of failing to combat anti-semitism on campus.
Trump escalated his fight with Harvard after the school refused to bow to his administration’s demands.
Since threatening its funding, Trump suggested that the Internal Revenue Service should tax the university as a “political entity.”
Senior administration officials, including Vice President James D. Vance have criticised tax breaks given to the school’s $53 billion endowment.
The government suspended Harvard’s funding after it refused to comply with “unconstitutional demands” to overhaul governance, discipline and hiring policies, as well as diversity programmes, lawyers for the university argued in a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Massachusetts.
“Over the course of the past week, the federal government has taken several actions following Harvard’s refusal to comply with its illegal demands,” the university’s president, Alan Garber, said.
“We filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority.”
In his statement on the university’s website, Garber cited the Trump administration’s pause on $2.2 billion in federal funding, threats to block an additional $1.1 billion in grants, a crackdown on foreign students, and the possible revocation of Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
The administration is pushing for sweeping changes at the most elite US universities and has frozen or is reviewing federal funding to Princeton, Cornell, Northwestern, and Columbia universities.
On April 14, the government halted $2.2 billion of multi-year grants to Harvard, claiming the school failed to enforce civil rights laws to protect Jewish students.
Harvard’s lawsuit claimed that the funding freeze violated its First Amendment guarantee of free speech and the Administrative Procedures Act.
It asked a judge to block the US from freezing the funding and declare the government’s actions unconstitutional.
“The government has not, and cannot, identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation,” the lawsuit claimed.
Five days after the killing of over 50 farmers in Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue State, suspected armed herders in the early hours of Tuesday attacked Afia Community in Ukum, killing eleven (11) residents.
The Ter Ukum, His Royal Highness Iyorkyaa Kaave who disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi during a security meeting, decried the unprovoked attacks on his subjects by the marauding herdsmen.
The monarch alleged that the attackers plan was to displace the farmers to subsequently return afterwards to occupy their land.
According to him, “As I speak with you, these attacks started on Thursday in Logo and spread to communities in Ukum on good Friday. We are still counting losses and more corpses are being recovered and some people are still missing.”
Ter Ukum added, “Today which is Tuesday 22nd day of April, the herders invaded Afia in the early hour of today, shooting sporadically at anyone in sight, killing eleven people on the spot, while several others sustained varying degree of injuries with scores still missing.
“We want the President to know that these Fulani people are different from the ones we settled with in the 70s and 80s. Those ones do come in the dry season with their wives children and cattle to stay with us; but in recent times, these Fulanis are coming with cattle and AK-47 only to attack our people in their sleep and flee, after a while come back and occupy their homes,” he said.
Addressed President Bola Tinubu, the monarch stated, “The president should get this clear, we don’t want to settle with murderers. These people are coming with a hidden agenda to kill and occupy, which they are no longer hiding.”
Details later…
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A coalition of 100 civil society groups, known as the Civic Room for Rule of Law, has thrown its weight behind human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), over his call for the removal of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.).
The groups claimed that Ibas has breached presidential orders and disregarded the rule of law.
According to the Official Gazette dated March 18, 2025, the Sole Administrator was supposed to operate on the basis of regulations issued by President Tinubu.
However, the groups alleged that Ibas has made appointments and removed officials appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara without any regulatory framework from the President.
In a statement signed by Barrister Maxwell Egboh, President of the Civic Room for Rule of Law, the groups expressed deep concern about the implications of Ibas’ actions on the stability and security of Rivers State.
They urged President Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to address the situation and uphold the law.
Egboh added: “This blatant disregard for the President’s orders is a clear indication of the Sole Administrator’s contempt for the rule of law and the limits of his authority.
“By acting in this manner, he has compounded the illegality of his appointment and undermined the very fabric of our democratic institutions.
“The people of Rivers State deserve better than to be governed by an unelected official who disregards the law with impunity.
“We are deeply concerned about the implications of these actions on the stability and security of Rivers State. The Sole Administrator’s arbitrary decisions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension, which can only be resolved by his immediate removal.
“We urge President Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to address this situation and uphold the law.”
The groups commended the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on Rivers State for summoning Ibas for a comprehensive interactive session.
They urged the legislative Committee to thoroughly investigate Ibas’ actions and take necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.
The groups reiterated their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
They vowed to continue to monitore the situation in Rivers State and advocate for the rule of law to be upheld.
Nigeria’s broad money supply has increased to N114.22 trillion in March 2025, defying the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy tightening in the last quarter.
This is according to the latest money and credit statistics released by the apex bank for the first quarter of 2025.
The figure represents a 24 percent increase when compared to N92.19 trillion recorded in the same month of 2024, despite the CBN Monetary Policy Committee pegging the country’s Cash Reserve Ratio at 50 percent.
On a month-on-month basis, the figure also rose by 3.2 percent from N110.71 trillion in February.
The increase comes amid a sharp rise in net foreign assets, which rose by 38.9 percent to N45.17 trillion, which portends stronger capital inflows on the back of possible revaluation gains.
Meanwhile, in contrast, net domestic assets declined by 11.7 percent to N69.05 trillion, reflecting tighter liquidity within the domestic financial system.
Despite efforts to reduce inflation, which stood at 24.23 percent in March, and control liquidity through the imposition of the highest CRR in the world, Nigeria’s monetary base continued to surge.
The rise in broad money supply may be due to foreign asset holdings and government credit.
In the first quarter of the year, M3 grew by 2.8 percent, from N111.11 trillion in January to N114.22 trillion in March.
The CBN data indicated that the volume of currency circulating outside the banking system rose to N4.6 trillion in March, out of a total currency in circulation of N5 trillion.
The implication is that 91.9 percent of all cash in the economy was held outside the banks.
It further represents a 26.7 percent increase compared to N3.63 trillion held outside the banks in March 2024, when total currency in circulation stood at N3.87 trillion.
The increased demand for cash has remained consistent throughout the first quarter of 2025, with January figures showing N4.74 trillion in cash outside banks (90.5 percent of total) and N4.52 trillion in February (89.6 percent of total).
Recall that in February 2025, the MPC retained the interest rate at 27.50 percent and retained the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 50 basis points and other variables.
The apex bank is billed to hold its next MPC meeting on May 19 and 20, 2025
The leadership of the Obedient Movement led by Alhaji Ahmad Abulfathi, at the weekend, reached the decision to collapse its national, zonal, state, local government, and ward political structures into the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA).
The decision was reached following a strategic high-level and exhaustive meeting held in Lagos with the National Leader of NTCA, Henry Nwabueze.
Represented by the 36 State coordinators of the Obedient Movement, they all agreed to merge their structures at the various levels into NTCA to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
A statement by Ahmad Abulfathi said the lead representative of the movement said: “We are proud to align with the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu while completing two terms in office.
“In the spirit of fairness and unity, we urge Mr Peter Obi and other intending contestants for the 2027 presidential election to jettison their ambitions for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We cannot afford to distort and discontinue these laudable structures of development courageously built by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu like removal of subsidy, local government autonomy, tax reforms, revival of refineries, student loans, establishment of ministry of livestock (to regulate the rearing of Cattle etc), establishment of regional development commissions, electricity reforms, increased GDP and foreign reserves, establishment of over 8,800 new primary healthcare centres across the country, upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to
handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control. And lots more.
“It is simple. Go And verify, as Mr Peter Obi would fondly say. We Nigerians are called upon to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, despite these initial challenges being faced, no pain, no gain. Continuity is the intention and our sincere conviction. In a show of solidarity, the movement has pledged to mobilize all youth and women leaders across the nation into the NTCA framework, which it now recognizes as a stronger and more inclusive platform to achieve this Nigerian HOPE.
“Sequel to this alignment agreement, the Obedient Movement will adopt the identity and operational direction of Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates, to demonstrate its commitment to unity, progress, and national development.”
The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died of stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said in a statement on Monday.
The pontiff’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the globe. From South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines, the BBC reports from across five continents.
Pope Francis confirmed in his final testament – released by the Vatican recently, that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major and “without particular decoration”.
The statement read, “As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
“The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
“The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”