FEATURES

FEATURES

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has barred the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services from arresting or summoning Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended state governor, over allegations made by the former Rivers Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

Justice I.P.C. Igwe issued the ruling in Suit No: PHC/1113/CS/2025, filed by Ehie against the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, the Director-General of the DSS, the Rivers State DSS Director, and the DSS.

In the ruling on Thursday, Justice Igwe ordered, “That an order of interim injunction be and is hereby issued restraining the Defendants by selves or by their agents, servants, assigns, privies or whosoever from further inviting, demanding appearance of the Claimant at their respective offices in Abuja or anywhere else or harassing, intimidating, arresting or detaining the Claimant in connection with the alleged arson on the hallowed Chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly which occurred on 29th October, 2023 on account of statement made on or about 27th March, 2025 or thereafter or however by Dr. George Nwaeke, former Head of Service of the Government of Rivers State or on account of any statement made by anyone whosoever, wheresoever or when soever pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.”

The court also granted permission for Ehie to serve legal documents to the police and DSS offices in Abuja, stating, “That leave be and is hereby granted to the Claimants to issue and serve the Writ of Summons and all other relevant processes in this suit for service on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Defendants out of jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory through their respective addresses as stated in the motion paper, namely: 1st and 3rd Defendants: Louis Edet House, Area II, Garki, Abuja. 4th Defendant: Through the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Federal Secretariat Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, FCT. 6th and 7th Defendants: National Headquarters, Yellow House, Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja.”

 

The judge further ruled, “That the Writ and its accompanying processes shall in line with Section 98 of the Sheriffs and Civil Procedures Act be marked as a concurrent writ for service out of jurisdiction in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.”

To ensure the legal documents reach the necessary parties, the court allowed service via courier, “That It is further ordered that leave be and is hereby also granted to the Claimant to serve the Writ of Summons and all other relevant processes in this suit on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Defendants by substituted means to wit: by post through Red Star Express Courier Service to the said 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Defendants’ Addresses at Abuja in their respective addresses as stated in the motion papers and filing in Court evidence of such post and delivery of the said processes.”

The court also directed both parties to maintain the current state of affairs, ruling: “That both parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante litem as at 30 March, 2025, pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

 

As part of the ruling, Ehie was required to provide a financial guarantee, “That the Claimant shall enter into an undertaking in the sum of N2 million only, to indemnify the Defendants if the substantive motion turns out to be frivolous.”

The case was adjourned to April 30, 2025, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),  Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, vowed to tackle many cases of non-performing loans in Nigeria associated with underlining fraudulent content.

The EFCC boss, in a statement on Thursday, vowed to tackle such cases of fraud in the interest of justice.

Olukoyede stated this while receiving the  Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Export- Import, NEXIM Bank, Mallam Abba Bello  at the corporate headquarters of the EFCC.

 

Olukoyede stressed the Commission’s commitment towards using the anti-corruption fight to stimulate growth in the economy.

Economic Sabotage

The EFCC boss highlighted that the Commission is not a debt recovery agency, but only steps in when a certain classification of debts constitutes an economic sabotage on the nation.

He pointed out that “many cases of non-performing loans have underlining fraudulent content and the EFCC would stop at nothing to tackle such cases.” 

“We are careful of the way we come in, particularly when it comes to the issue of loan recovery. We look at the area of economic sabotage. When somebody is granted a loan, particularly if the money is from the commonwealth or from investors’ resources in a bank, and they divert the money or the money does not go to what it was meant for, obviously that is economic sabotage. More than 90% of the cases of bad loans have underlining fraud”, he explained further.

  • Olukoyede noted that the mission of the EFCC and that of NEXIM Bank align in the area of stimulation of the country’s economic growth.

“We have shared mandates with your bank as an export-import promoting bank, which is to grow the economy.  Doing that, you are promoting the economy, and on our part, one of our mandates is to also use the instrumentality of the fight against corruption to grow the economy,” he stated.

  • He assured that the shared mandate between the institutions would translate to the development of the nation.

More Insights  

On his part, Bello appreciated the EFCC for assisting his bank in handling several financial cases including “abuse which was occasioned by all kinds of things, technical abuse of the process of lending money to beneficiaries of the bank.” 

  • He said the bank is trying to see how it can redeem the situation.

“The EFCC helped us and played a leading role in the recovery of the monies that were given out fraudulently or without following due process,” he added.

  • The NEXIM boss appealed to the  EFCC to assist his bank  in  recovering loans taken by former internal staffers of the bank.

He also sought collaboration with the Commission regarding fraud prevention within the financial institution.

[Nairametrics]

A member of the First Aid Group of the Jama’atuIzalatilBid’ahWaIqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) in the FCT, Khalid Adamu, has been reportedly killed by a suspected assassin gang, who broke into his house at Zamani village, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The deceased, who until his death was the financial secretary of the aid group in Lugbe community, was killed in the early hours of Thursday, his elder sister, Rabiatu Danjuma, said.

She told Abuja Metro on the phone that the gang was about 20 in number, adding that five of them broke into his sitting room, where one of her younger sisters was sleeping and moved to his bedroom where they met him with his wife.

“They engaged him in fighting before cutting him around his head and other parts of his body.

“One of them who stood over my younger sister in the sitting room had told her that they were sponsored to kill him,’’ she said.

The late Khalid, who was a cargo clearance agent at the Abuja airport, left no child, parents behind.

The sister, however, said he adopted children from his relatives and took care of them.

The chairman, Tafseer committee of JIBWIS in FCT, Imam Yunusa Musa Almadani, confirmed that the deceased was buried around 12pm yesterday.

Repeated calls put across to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, on the incident were not answered up till the time of filing the story

[DailyTrust]

The Nigerian naira recorded its highest depreciation against the dollar this week at the official foreign exchange market amid United States of America President, Donald Trump’s tariff announcement.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange data showed that it dropped to N1,552.53 per dollar on Thursday from N1,531.25 traded on Wednesday.

This means that the naira slumped by N21.28 against the dollar on Thursday compared to N1,531.25 exchanged the previous day.

DAILY POST reports that this is the highest depreciation against the dollar on a single day since March 22, when the currency dropped by N18.96 weekly at the official market.

Similarly, at the black market, the naira weakened by N5 on Thursday to N1,560 per dollar from N1,555 traded on Wednesday.

The development comes despite CBN’s announcement that the country’s Net Foreign Exchange Reserve (NFER) as of the end of 2024 stood at $23.11 billion, the highest level in over three years.

The drop in the naira at both official and parallel foreign exchange markets follows Trump’s administration’s tariff announcement on Wednesday, which sparked outrage across the world.

Economic experts said Trump’s 10 percent baseline tariffs would affect US-Nigeria trade worth $10 billion.

The chief executive officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf on Thursday in a statement said Trump’s tariff would affect Nigeria’s economy because it has brought an end to the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

“This could have implications for the naira exchange rate,” the CPPE chief stated.

[Dailypost]

  • Ribadu hands over 17 freed kidnap  victims

A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (Rtd) yesterday shared a chilling experience he had while in kidnappers den.

Tsiga said his captors once planted a bomb close to him hoping it would explode on its own and kill him.

 “God was merciful to me. The bomb did not explode.  I survived,” he said after he was united with his family by National Security Adviser (NSA)  Nuhu Ribadu Ribadu at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja yesterday.   

He was among 17 freed kidnap victims reunited with their loved ones.

Tsiga, who was NYSC boss between  2009 and 2011 was in kidnappers captivity for 56 days.

 

He also spoke on how his captors stormed his country home in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State on February 5, 2025, and blew its entrance with explosives.

The 72-year-old general added that one thing strange thing about the kidnappers was that they fear aircraft and not God.

His words: “One thing I have to say here is that the terrorists don’t fear God, but they fear aircraft.

“They will tell you, don’t call God for us, just give us money. But immediately they see aircraft, they and even their cows will run.’’

Predicting that terrorists, bandits and other criminals would meet their Waterloo, he enjoined Nigerians to support the military in their routing.  

‘’As much as the government is doing the best it can, we should try as much as possible to support them,” he said.

Tsiga cautioned serving and retired military personnel to continuously take their security seriously as criminals always believe they have money in their houses.

 “For my colleagues, you better listen. They said those of us who were in uniform, the government was always giving us money to keep. And that is why they tried to open my house. They couldn’t. They had to use explosives,” he added.

While thanking security agents for rescuing them,  he urged younger military officers to work harder to secure the country.

Tsiga promised that even at his age he would still serve Nigeria if called upon.    

At the handover, Ribadu lauded members of the joint military task force.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, who was also at the event, dismissed reports that Niger Republic had withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force. 

At the handover of the freed victims, Ribadu said the military would not allow evil to prevail in the country.

He said: “We have done a couple of handovers in the past as a result of the work of our Armed Forces and other security services. 

“Now, we have done it again. This time, it involves very powerful and important personalities who served this country and who did well for all of us. 

‘’Evil will not prevail. It’s a matter of time. We will continue to go after the bad ones.  These people have been rescued, but those perpetrators of this evil will pay for it, dearly.’’ 

Defence Media Operations spokesman, Maj. Gen.  Kangye clarified at the event that the MNJTF remained a critical regional security collaboration and that efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving.

The MNJTF was formed in 1994 by countries of the Lake Chard Commission (Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon and Benin Republic) to fight terrorism and other trans-border crimes. 

Kangye said: “When you hear ‘they said’, it means the information lacks credibility. I think this area has been a subject of discourse for the past few months, especially when some members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided to form an alliance and attempted to exit ECOWAS.  

“Nigeria has been making significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of this task force. However, if for any reason a member decides to pull out, the implications will be substantial. The synergy we are supposed to enjoy may no longer be there. 

“It is not in our interest for any country to leave because whatever affects them also affects us. If a country withdraws, it creates a gap in effort and reduces the strength of the contingent from that country.

“Therefore, efforts must be made to prevent such a situation from happening.   We will continue to examine the situation, and as we always do, we will provide further briefings when necessary. “

He reassured Nigerians that security forces arrest all bandit and terror leaders, including Bello Turji.

Kangye dismissed claims that the military  downscaled operations against herdsmen, terrorists and cattle rustlers.

He also refuted allegations that soldiers wounded in action had been neglected.

“I can also tell you that the DHQ   is taking good care of the sick and wounded. Some of them that require medical evacuation abroad are taken abroad for treatment. Some went to Egypt, some went to Turkey and  I remember  some are in India.’’

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)  Gen.  Christopher Musa also assured that the military would ensure that all kidnap victims are rescued and reunited with their families.

 “As we celebrate those of them that are here today (yesterday), I want to assure Nigerians that we will not sleep until every Nigerian is free in this country,’’Musa said.

[TheNation]

•25-year duty-free AGOA partnership in danger, Nigerian-American commerce chamber worries

•Nigeria’s crude revenue may plunge as US begins enforcement Wed, NACCIMA raises concerns

The newly imposed 14 per cent tariff by US President Donald Trump on exports by Nigerian businesses presents a significant risk to the $10bn annual exports to the United States, potentially disrupting key sectors such as oil export and agricultural trade, experts and trade associations concerned about a potential global trade war stated on Thursday.

The economic experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, noted that the policy, which would raise the prices of goods and services for consumers, would weaken the standard of living, slow down manufacturing activities, hinder international trade and consequently weaken demand for Nigerian oil in the US, one of its key markets.

 

The experts also predicted that Nigeria’s oil earnings were poised for a significant decline following the announcement of the new tariff regime.

In an interview with The PUNCH, the National President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff Balogun, stated that since the inception of the African Growth and Opportunity Act in 2000, Nigeria had exported an estimated $277bn worth of goods to the United States, with crude taking the majority.

Nigeria’s exports to the United States currently average between $10bn and $12bn annually, although it has been fluctuating in recent years, according to US and Nigerian trade data.

Trump had announced in a decision widely condemned by the European Union and exporting nations that countries seeking to sell goods to the United States would now face taxes as high as 50 per cent.

The announcement, made during a ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event in the Rose Garden, marked a dramatic shift from decades of free-trade orthodoxy that had underpinned the global economy since World War II.

He said the new sweeping tariffs of at least 10 per cent on all countries were part of a broader strategy aimed at rebalancing global trade and addressing perceived unfair trade practices.

According to the Trump administration, Nigeria imposes a 27 per cent tariff on US exports, a disparity they claim has long been detrimental to American businesses and consumers. It said the higher tariffs were charged through currency manipulation and trade barriers.

Our correspondent gathered that the reciprocal tariff was calculated based on the trade deficit for the US in goods with the particular country divided by the total goods imports from that country, and then divided that number by two. A trade deficit occurs when a country buys (imports) more physical products from other countries than it sells (exports) to them.

In his address, Trump framed the tariff as part of a larger initiative to protect American industries and ensure that other nations play by what he described as “fair” trade rules.

Trump declared the start of what he called a new era of “fair trade”, promising to “supercharge America’s industrial base” and force open foreign markets long accused of shutting out US goods.

“This is one of the most important days in American history,” Trump said. “We will supercharge our domestic industrial base. We will pry open foreign markets and break down foreign trade barriers, and ultimately, more production at home will mean stronger competition and lower prices for consumers.

“This will be, indeed, the golden age of Americans coming back. We are going to come back very strongly.”

Responding to the development, NACC president Balogun warned that the policy could impact trade volumes worth $277bn.

“Since the African Growth and Opportunity Act began in 2000, Nigeria has exported an estimated $277bn worth of goods to the United States under the programme,” he stated. “The vast majority of this trade value comes from crude oil shipments, with petroleum products overwhelmingly dominating Nigeria’s AGOA exports each year. In fact, oil alone accounts for nearly all of Nigeria’s exports under the initiative by value.”

Economic experts say this move threatens Nigeria’s exports to the US, particularly petroleum goods, its major export product. With oil accounting for the bulk of Nigeria’s export revenue, the move could exacerbate economic challenges, including a weaker naira and rising inflation. Additionally, reciprocal tariffs on imported goods like wheat and vehicles could further drive up local prices, compounding the financial strain on businesses and consumers alike.

According to Afreximbank research, the 14 per cent reciprocal tariff will reduce oil demand and lower forex earnings, while higher tariffs on wheat and vehicles may increase local prices; key exports include oil, cocoa, and rubber, while key imports include wheat, refined petroleum, and vehicles.

It added that these tariffs could reduce export revenues, increase production costs, and disrupt investment flows, particularly for nations heavily reliant on US trade.

Nigeria’s main exports to the U.S. included crude petroleum, petroleum gas, and nitrogenous fertilisers, flour and meals of soya beans, urea, refined lead, flowers buds and natural gas, while the western country mainly exported cars, refined petroleum, and wheat to Nigeria.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s trade with the United States reached a combined N31.1 trillion in ten years between 2015 and 2024. An analysis of the foreign trade report showed that N16.4tn was recorded as exports and N14.71tn in imports, indicating a trade surplus of N1.64tn

A breakdown showed that Nigeria exported goods worth N344.27bn in 2015 and received N581.99bn as imports. In 2016, it increased to N1.03tn in exports and N706.09 in imports. Exports surged to N1.73tn in 2027, N1.094tn in 2018, N1.01tn in 2019 before dropping to N382.19bn in 2020 due to the pandemic. By 2021, exports increased to N800.34bn, N1.82tn in 2022, N2.61tn in 2023 and N5.52tn in 2024.

The tariffs also come just as the US began importing jet fuel from Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, with six vessels carrying 1.7 million barrels arriving this month.

The CEO, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Johnson Chukwu, explained that crude oil exports from Nigeria may remain unaffected by the tariff.

 

“Trump has already exempted tariffs on energy products, including crude oil, copper, and gold, so, it won’t directly impact our oil exports to the US. However, agricultural exports could take a hit,” he explained.

Chukwu added that while Nigeria was not a major non-oil exporting nation, the larger concern is that the US tariffs could lead to reduced global production. “Once production declines, demand for crude will fall, bringing down oil prices and likely affecting Nigeria’s projected revenue for the year,” he warned.

Beyond crude oil, the broader implications of the tariff war include rising consumer prices and weaker economic activity worldwide.

The economist noted that as countries adjusted to the new trade landscape, the cost of goods and services would rise, leading to a lower standard of living and a slowdown in manufacturing and international trade.

“However, at the general level, what Trump has done would trigger a higher cost of goods and services globally because countries would add it to their economies and it will be borne by final consumers. So, prices will go up in almost all the jurisdictions, the standard of living will weaken, manufacturing activities will slow down, and international trade will slow down. Ultimately, where it will affect Nigeria is that the demand for crude will decline because production will go down, and once the demand reduces, it means the price will come down and likely affect the projected revenue from crude sales this year. We are not a strong non-oil exporting country, so it may not affect our agricultural products, but reduced demand will affect our crude revenue,” he added.

Already, crude oil prices took a sharp hit on Thursday, with Brent crude dropping below $70 per barrel following an unexpected increase in production by OPEC+.

The CEO, Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprises, Muda Yusuf, highlighted the indirect effects Nigeria might face.

“The Trump administration has practically brought closure to the AGOA trade window. Additionally, the trade war and retaliatory tariffs could trigger inflationary pressures in the U.S., leading to higher costs for imports into Nigeria,” he said.

Yusuf also warned that disruptions in global supply chains could weaken economic growth worldwide, potentially lowering crude oil prices — a development that would reduce Nigeria’s foreign reserves and revenue.

 

Despite these challenges, Yusuf noted that the shifting trade landscape could present new opportunities for Nigeria.

“Many countries affected by the trade war will seek new bilateral trade relationships, which may create investment opportunities for Nigerian businesses,” he explained.

However, he cautioned that if US inflation worsens, the Federal Reserve may tighten monetary policy, leading to higher interest rates and capital outflows from emerging economies—potentially putting further pressure on the naira’s exchange rate.

On his part, the Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sola Obadimu, urged the Federal Government to focus on domestic economic growth rather than overreacting to U.S. policies.

He emphasised that every country, including the United States, implemented policies in its best interest, and Nigeria must do the same to protect its economy and create jobs.

Obadimu explained that the tariff aligned with former US President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, aimed at revitalising domestic industries and creating employment opportunities for American citizens.

“Trump’s goal has always been to make America great again, and one way to achieve that is to get factories running again,” he said. “Many factories in the U.S. have shut down due to outsourcing, and this policy is designed to discourage imports, boost local production, and generate jobs. It’s a valid argument.”

However, he stressed that the real concern for Nigeria should be its own economic strategy. He pointed out that the country exports mostly crude oil and raw agricultural products with little value added, effectively outsourcing jobs instead of creating employment locally. To address this, he called for policies that prioritize industrialization and job creation.

“We cannot industrialise on generators. We should aim for 150,000 megawatts of electricity, add value to our products, and employ more people,” he urged. While noting that Trump’s policies could be overturned by a future administration, Obadimu emphasised that Nigeria must take proactive steps to safeguard its economy from external shocks and long-term poverty.

In addition to the 14 per cent tariff on Nigerian exports, Trump also unveiled a broader trade policy that included a baseline 10 per cent tariff on all US imports.

The new tariffs, which take immediate effect, apply to more than 50 countries.

They include major trade partners like China, the European Union, India, and Japan, as well as developing economies in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The new policy is a dramatic shift in global trade and economic policy, rattling markets and stirring fears of a global trade war.

Aside from Nigeria, some African countries that will bear the brunt of the new policy include Algeria (30 per cent); Lesotho (50 per cent); Mauritius (40 per cent); Kenya (10 per cent); Namibia (21 per cent) and Ethiopia as well as Ghana 10 per cent apiece. South Africa was handed down a reciprocal tariff of 30 per cent.

Other countries, including China, got 34 per cent, India (26 per cent), South Korea (25 per cent), Japan 24 (per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), United Kingdom (10 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Switzerland (31 per cent), Cambodia 49 (per cent) South Africa (30 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), Brazil (10 per cent) and Singapore (10 per cent).

Trump said the baseline 10 percent tariff would start on April 5, while higher rates on various partners would begin on April 9.

[Punch]

As the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, draws near, the Oyo State government has implemented extensive security measures to ensure the safety and smooth execution of the event.

Naija News reports that the coronation is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, with heightened security already in place across the ancient city and surrounding areas.

Oba Owoade, who was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, ascends the throne following the passing of the late Oba Adeyemi.

The new monarch successfully completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, 2025, paving the way for the grand coronation ceremony.

To ensure the safety of the monarch and all attendees, security operatives have been deployed at key locations throughout Oyo town.

Police vans and other security vehicles are stationed in strategic areas such as Owoade, Jabata, Akesan, Isale Oyo, Eleekara, and the School of Survey.

A senior police officer confirmed to Punch on Thursday that additional personnel have been assigned to the area in anticipation of the large crowds expected for the coronation.

“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are fully prepared to maintain law and order and ensure a trouble-free event,” the source assured.

The coronation will be held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to lead a distinguished group of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

Additional events will take place at Ladigbolu Grammar School, Durbar Stadium, the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Mini Stadium, and the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend are former Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, ambassadors from four countries, over 200 Oyo indigenes based in Canada, traditional rulers, diplomats, and various government officials.

Local hotels in Oyo town have reported full bookings in preparation for the large number of visitors arriving for the coronation.

A hotel manager, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “We have upgraded our facilities to ensure that our guests have a memorable stay. The security agencies have also assured us of adequate protection for our facilities.”

In addition to the influx of visitors, reports indicate that the popular Akesan market, along with other nearby markets, will be temporarily closed during the coronation to allow the participation of local traders in the event.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, has expressed joy after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dismissed the petition seeking her recall from the senate.

Earlier today, the commission said the recall petition failed to meet the requirements of the 1999 Constitution.


In a statement, INEC said the number of constituents who signed the petition against the suspended lawmaker fell short of 50 percent of registered voters in the constituency as required by the constitution.


In a reaction posted on her Facebook page, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a victory and dedicated it to Nigerians.


“On God it’s victory for the people of ??. One battle down, two more to go,” the lawmaker wrote.

“Deep gratitude to my beloved husband, awesome support team, magnificent people of Kogi Central and great people of Nigeria at large. INEC Nigeria, you did well.”


BACKGROUND

On March 24, some members of Kogi central district submitted a petition to INEC requesting the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan from the senate.


Charity Omole, a representative of the constituents, said they submitted the petition to recall the senator because Kogi central could not afford to have a representative in the senate following her suspension.

“We have come to recall her so that we can have a representative in the senate. We are here to tell lNEC to please follow the constitutional process for a recall so that a recall process can begin,” Omole had said.

“We submitted the petition, and it has been received. All other documents have been received.

“We are the ones that voted her, and we don’t want her anymore because we cannot afford not to have a representative. Nobody is bankrolling us. Nobody is having any personal issue with her. It is just what it is. The game is the game.”

She said there are 488,000 registered voters in Kogi central, out of which more than 250,000 have signed the recall petition.

However, INEC said the petitioners did not provide their contact details.

On March 26, INEC said it had notified Akpoti-Uduaghan about the petition by constituents seeking her recall from the national assembly.


The commission said it had also received the contact details of the petitioners.

Speaking at her homecoming rally in Kogi on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the electoral body of bias in her recall process.

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“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding petitioners on how to perfect their illicit acts,” she said.

“The first time the petition was submitted, they didn’t have address and phone numbers, so INEC went out to guide them on how to submit information that will perfect their petition.


“And what did they do? The petitioners, who were from the other party, the APC, submitted a letterhead. What was the name of it? Kogi Central Political Frontier. And the address there was number 4, Oboroke.”

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), has revealed that he and other aductees had a terrifying experience in the hands of terrorists and kidnappers.

Naija News recalls Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, in his hometown of Tsiga, the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina state and regained his freedom after spending 56 days in kidnappers’ den.

Speaking on Thursday after meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Tsiga said they were held in a dense forest surrounded by hills, teeming with dangerous animals in search of human beings.

The 72-year-old described his survival as nothing short of divine intervention.

He said, “We were kept with dangerous animals—hyenas, snakes, and scorpions. A day before I was released, just the day before yesterday, while on the mountain where I was staying, we suddenly noticed a hyena circling us, looking for food. And what kind of food? Us, human beings.

“Throughout our time there, we constantly lived with snakes and scorpions. But the most terrifying experience was how they treated those of us whose ranks they knew. Whenever troops attacked them, they would bring us out and use us as human shields, hoping to get us killed by the military strikes. They wanted us to be hit by the aircraft. But God is merciful.”

“The National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) have said it—the good ones will survive, and ultimately, the bad ones will meet their end.”

Tsiga also recalled an experience involving an unexploded rocket, saying, “During an airstrike, a rocket was fired at the terrorists, but it didn’t explode. Instead, they carried the unexploded rocket and placed it where I was sleeping, hiding it in a way that if I touched it, it would detonate. Yet, by God’s mercy, I survived.”

According to Tsiga, the kidnappers’ belief that military officers have access to government funds led them to attack his home.

Tsiga, on behalf of the 18 other rescued victims, expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility.

He said, “They believe that those of us in uniform are given money by the government. That’s why they tried to break into my house. They couldn’t, so they went to my home in Kaduna and used explosives to destroy it, including the gates.

“We must not assume that the government can do it all alone. Everyone must contribute by providing intelligence and information. The NSA and the CDS are not magicians; they need timely and accurate reports to act upon.”

 

 

THE price of Nigeria’s Bonny Light yesterday dropped to $69.90 per barrel from more than $75 per barrel in the global market, indicating a decrease of 6.8 percent.  

The development was fuelled by announcement of sweeping new tariffs by US President Donald Trump and the decision of the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries, also known as OPEC+ group, to increase its unwinding of output cuts in May 2025, expected to increase supply to the market.

 
 

However, this may likely affect Nigeria’s 2025 budget, which was based on oil production of 2.06 million bpd, $75 per barrel and revenue target of N36.35 trillion with 56 per cent coming from oil sales.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, said crude oil output, including condensate, dropped month-on-month, MoM, by 3.8 per cent to 1.671 million barrels per day, bpd, in February 2025, from 1.737 million bpd in January 2025.

Meanwhile, OPEC said Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman have reaffirmed commitment to market stability on healthier oil market outlook and adjust production upward.

In a report released yesterday, the organisation stated: “The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 3 April 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook.

“In view of the continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024, subsequently reaffirmed on 3 March 2025, to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1st of   April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411 thousand barrels per day, equivalent to three monthly increments, in May 2025.

“This comprises the increment originally planned for May in addition to two monthly increments. The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions.”

This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability. The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.”

“The eight countries reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary production adjustments agreed at the 53rd Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, JMMC meeting on 3 April 2024.

[Vanguard]