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FEATURES

Actress Mary Njoku has raised concerns about the benefits of joining Nollywood guilds and associations, questioning their impact on members.

In a post on her Instagram story, Njoku revealed that she struggled to provide a clear answer when an up-and-coming filmmaker asked about the advantages of guild membership.

She urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood associations to clarify and present evidence of the tangible benefits they offer to their members.

 

She wrote: “A budding filmmaker asked me ‘what are the benefits of being part of Nollywood guilds and associations?’ and I am struggling to give a clear answer. Can someone help outline the benefits with supporting evidence?”

According to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), there are 22 approved Nollywood guilds and associations, including the AGN and Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). 

[TheNation]

Controversy has trailed the purchase of N5BN vehicles for 40 lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly, deepening the feud between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and erstwhile Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

The PUNCH learnt that Meranda purportedly led the purchase of about 39 vehicles for the lawmakers during the period Obasa was removed as Speaker.

However, it was further gathered that Obasa had in December 2024 approved N7bn for the same purpose with plans in motion before he was ousted on January 13, 2025, by about 35 of the 40 lawmakers at the House over allegations of highhandedness, and financial misappropriation among others.

Meranda, who was then made the Speaker by the lawmakers, presided over a boiling House for 49 days until March 3 when she tendered her resignation following the intervention of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress.

 

Obasa was reelected as Speaker and Meranda returned to her initial position of Deputy Speaker.

However, the crisis does not seem to go away as Meranda and the Assembly still face legal battles from Obasa in the state High Court as the Speaker challenges the basis for his removal.

His contention in court is still ongoing despite the political intervention of party stakeholders who resolved the leadership crisis.

Amid the legal battle is also the contention between the duo over the purchase of the vehicles with money withdrawn from the Assembly’s account while Obasa was away.

Sources privy to the development said Obasa is contending the purchase of the vehicles without his authorisation, as the Speaker had his plan of purchasing the vehicles from Dubai from his bidder of interest.

“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an aide to Obasa, who asked not to be named for not being authorised to comment yet, said on Tuesday.

“In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles. But for him, the vehicles were to be bought from Dubai but when Meranda took over, she made it an open bidding. They weren’t bought in Dubai anymore. That is just the difference. So it’s not as if they stole money as it’s been propagated,” another source in the Assembly told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity on Tuesday.

“The purchase or execution was only done (under Meranda). Obasa already approved it. There is a difference between between approval and execution,” the source added.

When contacted on Tuesday, Meranda’s spokesperson, Victor Ganzallo, said an official statement would be issued.

 

“We will put out an official statement,” he said.

The PUNCH is yet to obtain the statement as of press time.

However, a source close to Meranda who noted that he had not got official authorisation to speak, stated that the first female Speaker only saved N2bn by purchasing 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, rather than the N7bn budgeted by Obasa.

“Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never made any withdrawal from the account of LAHA; rather, she only made a downward review of an existing procurement approval by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. In doing that, she saved the assembly the sum of N2 billion,” he stated.

He said Obasa had done an approval for the purchase of 35 units of Toyota Fortuner SUV and 10 units of Toyota Prado from Dubai at N7bn.

“As a matter of fact, he made the approval on December 23, 2024. Upon his removal, Rt.Hon. Mojisola Meranda reviewed the approval and called for a bidding locally and approved the sum of N5b for 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, saving N2b for the House.

“Unlike Obasa who had planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were locally supplied. It is imperative to note that no money was withdrawn by Rt.Hon. Meranda, she only reviewed an existing approval.

“Interestingly, Hon. Meranda spent far less money to acquire better quality cars and didn’t even approve a single one for the office of the Speaker that she occupied,” he added.

Meanwhile, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), has spoken on why Obasa is still in a legal battle against Meranda and the Assembly despite his client’s reelection as Speaker.

He said the allegations Obasa by the lawmakers were heavy and needed to be trashed.

“Because there are some issues that are still pending within the context of notice of allegation. The case of allegation contains reasons for the impeachment which include highhandedness, fraudulent malpractices and the rest and we feel that those issues must be trashed out,” he told The PUNCH in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja had on Monday adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by Obasa to March 17, 2025.

The court had previously scheduled the hearing for March 10, 2025, but at Monday’s proceedings, counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), had served further affidavits on the same day.

[Punch]

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively in the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, warning that continued instability in the oil-rich region could have far-reaching consequences for national peace and economic stability.

During a high-profile visit to the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, PANDEF leaders, including traditional rulers, former governors, and senior political figures, presented an eight-point agenda to the President, highlighting pressing issues affecting the South-South geopolitical zone.

At the forefront of their concerns is the escalating political tension in Rivers State, where conflicting court rulings have deepened the divide between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Despite the governor’s public commitment to abide by a recent Supreme Court ruling, PANDEF expressed fears that the situation remains volatile.

To address the crisis, the group has constituted a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee led by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah. However, PANDEF leaders believe that only a direct intervention by President Tinubu can bring a lasting resolution. They urged the President to ensure that all parties prioritize peace and work towards an amicable settlement outside the courts.

PANDEF also pressed for the immediate assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill, which they argue is distinct from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). According to the group, while the NDDC focuses on oil-producing communities, a South-South Development Commission would drive holistic regional growth, similar to commissions established for other geopolitical zones.

The group called on the federal government to revisit the fallout of the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment that ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. PANDEF lamented the displacement of indigenous communities, warning that the affected people face the threat of cultural extinction.

Rising cases of kidnappings, violent attacks, and piracy in the South-South also featured prominently in PANDEF’s agenda. The leaders urged the government to strengthen security measures, warning that unchecked criminal activities could lead to a resurgence of militancy. They specifically called for the urgent establishment of a Coast Guard unit to protect coastal communities.

PANDEF criticized the inadequate allocation of funds for critical infrastructure in the South-South despite the region’s significant contributions to national revenue. They decried the deplorable state of key roads, including the East-West Road and the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, and demanded immediate government intervention.

The group also called for the development of new deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo states to boost Nigeria’s maritime economy.

PANDEF urged the federal government to facilitate greater involvement of Niger Delta indigenes in the oil and gas industry, including leadership positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other key agencies.

They also advocated for the implementation of modular refineries to curb illegal oil refining, reduce pollution, and create economic opportunities for locals.

Reiterating concerns about environmental degradation due to oil exploration, PANDEF called for an expanded clean-up initiative beyond Ogoniland to other affected communities in the Niger Delta.

Concluding their presentation, PANDEF emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to return Nigeria to true fiscal federalism, a position they noted President Tinubu had championed in the past. They argued that restructuring the revenue-sharing formula would empower regions to drive their own development more effectively.

While President Tinubu has yet to make a public statement on PANDEF’s demands, sources at the meeting indicated that he assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta region.

With tensions in Rivers State still unresolved and economic challenges mounting, PANDEF’s appeal underscores the urgent need for decisive leadership to stabilize the South-South and ensure sustainable development.

[Vanguard]

 

The University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu state, is set to organise a colloquium in honour of the late Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The colloquium, “Three Decades after the Annulment of the June 12th, 1993, Presidential Election: Lessons for Nigeria’s Democracy,” will take place on March 21 at the Moot Court Hall, Faculty of Law, UNN, Enugu campus.

The colloquium is being organisied by UNN’s department of political science, faculty of social sciences.

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, is the special guest of honour, while Chinedu Nebo, the vice-chancellor of the University on the Niger, Umunaya, Anambra state, is the chairman of the occasion.

 

Speakers expected at the event include Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo; Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation; Chinyere Okunna, deputy vice-chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra state; Umar Dangiwa, retired colonel; and Bukhari Bello, former executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC).

On October 24, 2024, Nwosu died in a hospital in Virginia, United States, at 83.

Nwosu, a professor of political science, headed the electoral commission from 1989 to 1993. NEC is now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

He oversaw the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which is regarded as the freest and most credible in Nigeria’s history.

The late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was believed to have won the election, which was annulled by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, then military president.

Nwosu went into exile after the annulment and lived the rest of his life as a recluse since 1993.

[TheCable]

 
 

The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has claimed that the government of the day is responsible for the crisis rocking the opposition parties in the country.

Naija News reports that El-Rufai made the claim in a viral video online while addressing some members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

 

The Ex-Governor stated that the trend of jumping from one court to another is all designed to distract the opposition party leadership from focusing on their own functions.

According to El-Rufai, some people have been contracted to cause problems in the opposition parties.

He said, “The crisis in the Labour Party is caused by the government of the day. Everyone knows it. Jumping from one court to another is all designed to distract the party leadership from focusing on their own functions. The same thing is happening in the PDP, even the NNPP has been targeted for destruction. There are people that have been resourced to go and cause problems in NNPP.

 

“The last thing I read about the NNPP is that one faction of the party has expelled Kwankwaso and the sitting governor. When you see things like that, you know it is contrived crisis. Which party sacks the sitting governor and the only governor they have? You know, it is contrived. I don’t have the details. I cannot mention this because I don’t have the details.”

 
 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised the alarm over the activities of 58 illegal Ponzi scheme operators defrauding Nigerians under the guise of investment opportunities.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the companies are neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria nor the Securities and Exchange Commission, making their operations illegal.

Oyewale noted that the commission has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.

He added that other cases are still pending arraignment.

 

The statement read in part, “In line with its commitment to sanitising the financial space of the nation and providing the investing public with adequate and reliable information, the EFCC hereby alerts Nigerians to the operations of 58 companies posturing as investing entities but defrauding innocent citizens of their hard-earned money.”

According to Oyewale, some of the flagged companies include Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Limited, Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited, Brickwall Global Investment Limited, Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech and Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Limited among others.

The statement added, “Richfield Multiconcepts Limited, Forte Asset Management Limited, (Biss Networks Nigeria Limited, S Mobile Netzone Limited, Pristine Mobile Network), Letsfarm Integrated Services, Bara Finance & Investment Limited, Vicampro Farms Limited, Brooks Network Limited, Gas Station Supply Services Limited, Brass & Books Limited, (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Limited,) and Crowdyvest Limited,

“Others are: Jadek Agro Connect Limited, Adeeva Capital Limited, Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated, Skapomah Global Limited, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, TRJ Company Limited, Farm4Me Agriculture Limited, Quintessential Investment Company, Adeprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Limited, SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited, Farm Sponsors Limited, Cititrust Credit Limited, Farmfunded Agroservices Limited, Adamakin Investment & Works Limited.

“The rest include: Cititrust Holding PLC, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited, Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited, Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited, Farm 360 & Agriculture Company, Requid Technologies Limited, West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited, NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins, XY Connect Investment Limited, River Branch Unique Investment Limited, Hallmark Capital Limited, CJC Markets Limited, Crowd One Investment, Farmkart Foods Limited, KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited, Holibiz Finance Limited, Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services, Servapps Nigeria Limited, Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Limited.”

Oyewale assured the public that the EFCC remained vigilant in monitoring and prosecuting fraudulent investment schemes, warning Nigerians to exercise caution before committing funds to any financial entity not duly registered with regulatory bodies.

“We urge the public to verify any investment opportunity with the CBN and SEC before engaging. The EFCC remains committed to safeguarding the public from predatory operators and ensuring a corruption-free economic environment,” the statement added.

He urged victims of fraudulent schemes to come forward with complaints and assured them that efforts were ongoing to recover funds where possible.

A former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Barrister John Nwobodo, has stated that it will not be politically proper for the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi  to deputise a northern candidate in 2027.

Nwobodo, a former governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Enugu State stated this in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Enugu.

 
 

He said instead of deputising a northern candidate in 2027, Obi should forget any presidential ambition.

Nwobodo insisted Obi has really created an impact in Nigeria’s political landscape, saying he does not think the former presidential candidate is a desperate politician who will run for political office at all cost.

 

“I do not think that it would make political sense for Obi to deputise a Northern candidate in 2027 instead of doing that he should  not run.

“Mr. Obi has really created an impact in the political landscape of Nigeria. I do not think that he is a desperate politician who would run for a political office at all cost” Nwobodo stated.

He, however, warned that it will take extraordinary measures to defeat the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the presidential election in 2027.

Nwobodo said the APC is well entrenched in terms of membership and spread coupled with high network Nigerians in its fold.

“Without pandering to the political sentiments or emotions, it would take extraordinary measures to defeat APC in 2027. I say so because the party is well entrenched in terms of membership and spread coupled with high networth Nigerians in its fold.

“The problem of leadership in Nigeria is not one of the party nomenclature but a deep-rooted problem of lack of patriotism and the negative mindset of most politicians who see politics as a tool for aggrandizement of power and money.

“But returning to the question, I think the only kind of opposition that can wrestle power from the APC is the opposition that would field new breed promoted by an amalgamation or coalition of political parties and a well mobilized citizens. Any political arrangement that favours the old politicians would hit the rock.’ he stated.

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle has officially announced his final roster of 23 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles selection reflects a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, aimed at securing Nigeria’s place in the upcoming World Cup.

 

The squad features goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United in South Africa and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars. Both goalkeepers have demonstrated commendable skill and resilience in their respective leagues.

In defence, the roster includes seasoned players such as William Ekong, representing Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia, along with Calvin Bassey from Fulham FC and Olaoluwa Aina of Nottingham Forest, both playing in the competitive English Premier League.

 

The squad also welcomes Bruno Onyemaechi from Olympiacos in Greece, Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce in Turkey, and the Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu from SK Slavia Prague, who all contribute diverse experiences to the backline.

The midfield is fortified by prominent talents such as Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and Alex Iwobi from Fulham FC, both known for their tactical intelligence and playmaking abilities.

They are joined by Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo of Southampton FC, adding depth and creativity to the midfield. Notably, home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes also makes the final squad, reflecting Chelle’s commitment to integrating local talent.

The attacking front boasts a formidable lineup featuring the likes of Victor Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray FC in Turkey, and Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan in Italy, both of whom are pivotal in their clubs’ attacking strategies.

Also included are Ademola Lookman of Atalanta FC and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, alongside Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar of Valencia FC in Spain, and Tolu Arokodare from KRC Genk, Belgium.

The Super Eagles will face group C leaders Rwanda in a crucial match scheduled for Friday, March 21, in Kigali. This will be followed by a home game against the Zimbabwe Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, set for four days later. The Super Eagles aim to secure vital points in these encounters to enhance their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

List Of 23 Super Eagles For Rwanda, Zimbabwe Games

Goalkeepers:
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

 

Defenders:
– William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
– Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
– Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
– Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders:
– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
– Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
– Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
– Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
– Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
– Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Forwards:
– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
– Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
– Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
– Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
– Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

The House of Representatives has instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to mandate internet service providers to block access to all websites that host pornographic and obscene content.

Naija News reports that the directive also mandates the NCC to compel all internet service providers to prevent access to such content without delay.

 

The motion, sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Katsina State, was debated and passed during Tuesday’s plenary session.

While presenting the motion, Tafoki highlighted that cyber pornography had become a growing global issue and that Nigeria had yet to take sufficient measures to address it.

He emphasized that Nigeria is a “highly religious country” where major faiths prohibit nudity and obscene content.

 

Tafoki further pointed out that several nations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East had enacted strict laws banning pornography.

Citing warnings from psychologists and sociologists, the lawmaker stressed the potential dangers of pornography, stating that it could lead to adultery, prostitution, and addiction.

Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological, and mental consequences of viewing pornographic content,” he said.

Following a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the motion received widespread support from lawmakers.

The House also instructed the NCC to impose penalties on any internet service provider that fails to comply with the directive.

The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to immediately halt the implementation of its newly introduced ATM transaction charges and the removal of free withdrawals for customers using other banks’ ATMs.

Naija News reports that this decision was reached on Tuesday after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Marcus Onobun (PDP, Edo).

 

The House insisted that the policy be suspended until the relevant committees engage with the apex bank.

While presenting the motion, Onobun highlighted that the CBN recently amended its guidelines under Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions.

 

He explained that the new policy increases ATM withdrawal fees and eliminates free withdrawals for customers using ATMs outside their bank, thereby adding to the financial burden of Nigerians.

According to him, Section 10.7 of the guide was last reviewed in 2019, reducing ATM withdrawal charges from ₦65 to ₦35 per transaction.

He stated, “According to this new policy, customers withdrawing from their bank’s ATMs will continue to enjoy free withdrawals. However, a fee of ₦100 per ₦20,000 withdrawal will be applied to customers from other banks transacting at ATMs within bank premises.

He further noted, “Similarly, customers from other banks using ATMs located outside the bank’s premises, such as malls and marketplaces, will be charged ₦100 plus an additional ₦500 surcharge.”

Onobun expressed concern that Nigerians are already struggling with multiple economic challenges, including inflation, rising fuel prices, increased electricity tariffs, and excessive banking fees, all of which are reducing disposable income and negatively affecting citizens’ financial well-being.

He warned that “the imposition of additional ATM withdrawal charges will further discourage financial inclusion, especially for low-income earners, contradicting the CBN’s financial inclusion agenda.”

The lawmaker also pointed out that despite the banking sector recording substantial profits, consumers continue to face excessive charges without any significant improvement in service quality or banking infrastructure.

The government’s role includes protecting citizens from exploitative financial practices that could worsen economic hardship,” he concluded.