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Chidinma Ojukwu, a 300-level student of the University of Lagos, who is standing trial for the alleged murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Michael Ataga, on Monday, told a Lagos State High Court that she did not report the incident to the police because she was afraid.
Chidinma, in her defence before Justice Yetunde Adesanya at the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, explained that she feared being wrongly accused if she reported the crime.
“I had read of incidents where people reported crimes and ended up being accused themselves,” she said.
“I also thought of calling the gateman again while I was at the staircase of the apartment, but I ended the call out of fear.”
The defendant was also charged with stealing and forgery alongside one Adedapo Quadri and her sister, Chioma Egbuchu.
They were arraigned on October 12, 2021, on a nine-count charge preferred against her.
The defendant who opened her case on April 17, 2025, narrated the events that followed the discovery of Ataga’s lifeless body.
Chidinma gave a detailed account of her activities from June 16 to 23, 2021.
Led in evidence by her counsel, Onwuka Egwu, the defendant recounted that on June 16, 2021, she noticed that a WhatsApp message she had sent earlier to Ataga had been read and that his status was showing “online,” even though she had seen him lying motionless in a pool of blood.
She said she attempted to call his number several times, but the calls were declined. “I was confused. I asked myself if someone else had his phone,” she said.
Chidinma testified that she contacted the gateman known as Abu, who usually handled utilities at the short-let apartment.
When she asked him if he had seen Ataga, she said he replied that Ataga had left the previous day. However, the gateman later informed her that Ataga’s car was still parked at the property.
“Judging by what Abu told me, I said to myself, what have I done? I then sent a WhatsApp message to Michael saying, ‘Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to leave you in that state. I was very scared.’ After that, I was blocked from the number and couldn’t reach him again,” she said.
Chidinma stated that she had two laptops, one Macbook and one HP laptop, and on June 18, 2021, she took them to Computer Village, one for sale and the other for repair.
She said that when she got to the vendor, whom she normally purchased from, and gave him the Macbook, for sale, the vendor asked her for the receipt.
“I said it was a gift from last December 2020, and then the manager entered and asked me to unlock the Macbook laptop so that he could check very well.
“Then I unlocked the laptop, they checked whatever they wanted to check and then asked me how much I wanted to sell. I said N600,000, we negotiated then it got sold for N495,000. He then asked me to sign out of the i-cloud, I signed out and the money was transferred into my bank account, and then I took the HP laptop for repair.”
The defendant also described events on June 19 and 20, 2021, stating that she attempted to reach Ataga through SMS due to a poor network connection.
Chidinma told the court that on June 20, 2021, she spoke with her sister, Chioma (the third defendant), and invited her over.
Chioma, who was in the eastern part of the country at the time, visited her on June 22, 2021.
According to Chidinma, Chioma had misplaced her phone in April when she travelled to the East.
Since she had two phones: an iPhone 11, and an iPhone 7, she gave her an iPhone 7 Plus she had used the previous year.
She testified that she was arrested by the police on June 23, 2021.
Chidinma, who denied having Ataga’s property, claimed that one of the officers slapped her, but her father intervened.
She said they were both handcuffed and taken to the police station at Panti.
“At the DCP’s office, I told him I didn’t know about the death. I said I ran out of fear and took my things. My father was also handcuffed. The DCP said he was interfering with the officers’ work,” she recounted.
She further told the court that the police later took them to her residence, where they recovered her phones, laptop, a black disposable bag containing clothes, some documents from the apartment, and ID cards.
Chidinma alleged that she was then taken to a smaller room where her left hand was handcuffed to a chair.
She said an officer identified as Bamidele brought a blank statement form and asked her to write a statement.
“I told him I knew my rights and that a lawyer should be present. He said no lawyer was coming, and no one would be allowed to see me,” she claimed.
She further alleged that Bamidele threatened her, saying her family members, including her 10-year-old sister, could be detained if she did not cooperate.
“Because of what he said, I started writing,” she said.
After writing her statement, Ojukwu said Bamidele tore it up and demanded a new version.
He allegedly showed her graphic images from the crime scene and claimed that a robe recovered from the apartment was used to tie the deceased’s hands, an allegation she denied.
“I told him I couldn’t have tied Michael up. He was a huge man,” she said.
She said the officer also questioned her possession of various documents, including her UNILAG ID card, bank statements, and voter’s card, to which she replied that she was a student and had processed the documents legally.
Justice Adesanya adjourned the matter till April 29, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the defection of Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, and the entire state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a “political tsunami unprecedented in Nigeria’s history”.
On April 23, Oborevwori and other PDP bigwigs in Delta state defected to the APC.
Speaking in Asaba, the state capital, on Monday at a rally organised to welcome the governor and other new members to the APC, Shettima lauded Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Delta governor, for their cordial relationship and for making history with the defection.
“What testimony can be greater than the promise of this day? A political tsunami of unimaginable proportion that has never happened in the history of the south-south region and barely in the history of this country,” the vice-president said.
“A political tsunami of this proportion has never happened where all the members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly are in the APC.
“The speaker and all the members of the house of assembly. So many members of the house of representatives, the governor and his entire cabinet, and 500 councillors across the 25 local government areas of this great state. What testimony do you have greater than this?
“The true measure of a political party lies not merely in the industry, the very name of its members, but in the conviction. It is, in fact, among those who once stood across from them.
“This vindication is even more fundamental. When those who once saw us as outsiders and opponents cross the lines of difference to become part of the enduring family we have built.
“This historic day, therefore, is both a celebration of the enduring promise of the APC and a tribute to the vision, courage, and foresight of the great giants we have come to welcome into the hall of fame of our political party, along with their devoted followers who are joining us today.”
Oborevwori described the development as a “movement” rather than a mere defection, emphasising unity and collective action.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress to remain focused on re-electing President Bola Tinubu in 2027, stressing that the President needs a second term to complete his economic reforms.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, warned that it would be “tragic” for another administration to halt the fiscal and economic policies currently being implemented by the Tinubu-led government.
“The most profound thing I will say here today is that every single APC member in this country today should be concentrating on the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of whether it affects your personal interest or not,” he said.
“Because he does need a second term to fully finish up all these reforms.”
Keyamo further explained, “It will be tragic for any government to come in 2027 and stop these reforms. This is what has happened in the past where you have all kinds of inchoate policies being implemented. This is a very
Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state, says “Kano is critical of any serious political formation because of its consistently high voter turnout”.
The former governor of Kaduna spoke on Monday when he visited Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, in his palace.
El-Rufai, who recently dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said Nigeria urgently requires a trustworthy political alternative to save the country from its existential crisis.
“Kano is critical to any serious political formation because of its consistently high voter turnout,” he said.
“After joining the SDP, it was important to come and engage with stakeholders here.
“Twelve years ago, we merged three major parties to form the APC and defeated an incumbent president. But now, the goal is different.
“We are bringing together disaffected members across political divides under an existing platform — the SDP — which we believe has the best pedigree and potential.”
The former governor said he joined the SDP to help create a credible political alternative free from godfatherism.
He added that godfatherism and dysfunction had ruined both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We have seen how godfatherism destroyed the PDP and is now wrecking the APC. Nigerians deserve a party built on fairness, internal democracy, and equal opportunity; the SDP can be that alternative,” he said.
He added that, despite previously supporting southern leadership rotation, Nigeria’s pressing issues now necessitate prioritising capability and effective governance over regional origins in choosing leaders.
‘DEFECTIONS TO APC DON’T BOTHER ME’
Reacting to the movement of opposition politicians, including Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, to the APC, El-Rufai said he is not bothered by the wave of defections, adding that the will of the people would prevail.
He noted that the SDP remained focused on grassroots mobilisation rather than courting political bigwigs.
“A governor only has one vote. Elections are won by the people, not by politicians. Our focus is on mobilising ordinary Nigerians, not chasing high-profile defections,” he said.
“You are seeing northern energy because we’re currently in Kano, but I have been engaging leaders across Lagos, Anambra, and the south-south.
“Nation-building is grassroots work, not media shows. You’ll see the results when the time is right.”
El-rufai added that the ongoing coalition talks involving five major political groups aimed at forming a strong opposition movement under the SDP.
“It’s a broader national movement for disillusioned Nigerians. Progress is being made, although I had to move faster in Kaduna because many of my political associates needed an immediate platform,” he said.
The former governor said his political moves have always been guided by loyalty to Nigeria, not to individuals or political parties.
“When things began to go wrong under President Buhari, I wrote to him warning about the dangers – and when the naira redesign policy also hurt Nigerians,” he said.
“I challenged it in court, even though it was an APC-led government. I have never been loyal to individuals over the nation.”
He asked young Nigerians not to give up hope but to join the movement for a better future
Former Spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Kenneth Okonkwo, has distanced himself from rumours of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Okonkwo, in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, said President Bola Tinubu had inflicted hunger, hardship, tears, and blood on Nigerians.
According to the Nollywood actor cum politician, joining APC will drain his life and enthusiam.
Blood Pressure Over 150/90? This Ancient Paste Is Your Answer!
CARDIOTON
Kenneth Okonkwo noted that with the wave of defections to the party, APC will soon implode, warning that those defecting into its ranks will ultimately regret their decision.
He said, “APC is already imploding, and will continue to implode until they are blown to smithereens. And we are talking two years to the election. I’ve made it clear that everybody joining APC now will regret it, because how do you think a nation of 200 million persons will tolerate to continue to be in ad infinitum poverty, ad infinitum hunger and hardship? Power resides with the people. When the people will speak, all these walls will crack.
“Contemplating that me, that entered politics for the welfare of the people, shall join an APC that is insensitive to the people’s welfare, that has punished Nigerians with hunger and hardship – The World Bank report now said that Nigeria will sink further into poverty till 2027. That in Tinubu’s regime, there is no hope for recovery from poverty. And they gave their reasons – Structural economic weaknesses, dependence on oil revenue, national fragility, in other words, national conflicts.
“Look at what’s happening in Plateau State. More than 100 persons have died, massacred by unknown people, and the president was in Paris and could not even cut his travel short to commiserate with people from Plateau State. Look at what’s happening in Rivers State. A president declared martial law and removed constitutionally elected representatives of the people. And look at what’s happening in Benue State. People dying. All the things this president has given Nigeria is tears and blood. And you want to say Kenneth Okonkwo will contemplate going into such an association?
“You want my life and enthusiasm to be drained? No! I reject APC as presently constituted.”
Incident Of Staff Secretly Films Female Colleagues In Restroom Under Investigation - Access Bank
AFOLABI
Admits Staff Privacy Breach
A former Quality Assurance Specialist at Access Bank’s contact centre in Oniru, Lagos State, Stephen Ifeanyichukwu Ejezie, has been accused of secretly filming his female colleagues while they used the restrooms.
A report by Foundation For Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reported that Ejezie was caught in the female restroom around 1:30am last Wednesday.
Multiple sources noted that staff members at the contact centre, which operates on a shift basis, often sleep, shower, and change at the office.
It was during one of these shifts that Ejezie allegedly sneaked into the women’s restroom, intending to place a hidden recording device.
A female staff member had raised alarm when she allegedly noticed a phone pointed towards her from an adjacent toilet cubicle while she was bathing, leading to Ejieze’s arrest.
Access Bank reportedly ordered Ejieze’s arrest and a subsequent raid on his residence led to the discovery of over 400 of compromising video clips. However, reports indicated that he has since been released.
His release has raised concerns among affected staff members who feared they may not get justice.
Further investigation by FIJ showed that Ejezie had stored numerous videos of male and female colleagues in various states of nakedness.
Sources also alleged that Ejezie had been selling the videos through platforms such as OnlyFans and Telegram, with buyers including foreign nationals.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ejezie’s release and the bank’s subdued response have fueled speculation that the matter might be downplayed to protect the institution’s image.
Workers expressed unrest during a Friday morning meeting convened by the management, they were also nformed that staying overnight at the office was prohibited henceforth.
“We are traumatised, and there is no support being provided. People have the right to know if they were recorded so they are not haunted by this in the future,” a staff member said.
Admits Staff Privacy Breach
Access Bank has confirmed that an incident involving a former Contact Centre Agent, accused of filming colleagues in the bathroom, was under investigation by the appropriate authorities.
In a statement, the bank said it was cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, emphasising its zero-tolerance stance on harassment and violations of privacy.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged offence involving a former Contact Centre Agent. The matter has been handed over to the appropriate authorities, who are conducting an investigation. We are fully cooperating with them in this process.
“At Access Bank, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and any form of privacy violation. We are also actively engaging with the affected employees to provide all necessary support,” the statement read.
The bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of both its employees and customers. It also urged the public and stakeholders to rely solely on information disseminated through its official channels for accurate updates.
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described his defection alongside his cabinet and other stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “a movement” rather than a mere political shift.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed this on Monday while addressing a large crowd at the welcome rally to formally receive him and others to APC.
“What you have seen here today is a movement, not a defection,” he said. “We have consulted stakeholders at all levels. Mr President has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic.”
The governor’s defection to APC marked a major political realignment in Delta State.
Recall that on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the governor and his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, had announced to switch allegiance to the APC.
Also, speaking at the event attended by APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, some governors elected on the platform of the ruling party, Okowa emphasised that the move was made in the interest of the state and its people.
“It is a great day for us in Delta State. When the news broke out on Wednesday, the 23rd of April 2025, that we had decided to change our path, people wondered why,” Okowa said. “But one thing is very important: in the history of a people, there is always a time to change a path for the common good of the people, and whatever decision that we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state.”
Okowa, who served as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023, explained that the decision was motivated by the need to establish stronger ties with the federal government at the centre.
“As I did tell people that day, it was not about me, it was not about the governor, but the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja, that goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja of which Delta is a large contributor, there is a need to connect to it. I was governor for eight years; I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without tapping into that,” Okowa stated.
“But as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja,” the former governor added.
He further described the move as bold, patriotic, and well-intentioned. “When we sat down after the stakeholders meeting, we thought that it was necessary to make this move. The move is bold, it is patriotic, and it is well-intentioned. It is in the best interest of our state.”
The Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, Bishop T.D. Jakes, has handed over the congregation leadership to his daughter and son-in-law.
Naija News reports that Jakes announced the decision on Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, weeks after suffering a massive heart attack while preaching at the church.
The Clergy admitted that getting hospitalised after suffering a massive heart attack on stage contributed to the decision.
T.D. Jakes, who founded The Potter’s House in 1996, confirmed that his daughter and son-in-law, pastors Sarah Jakes Roberts and Toure Roberts, will take over in July.
He said, “You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me. “And I’m so grateful.
“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
Sarah Jakes Roberts said, “I’m grateful, I’m honored, as your daughter.
“I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest.”
Meanwhile, in an interview with American broadcaster, Craig Melvin on the TODAY show, Jakes recounted the massive heart attack.
Jakes said he did not feel any symptoms of a cardiac arrest, but doctors later told him he was preaching with only half of his heart working.
He said, “I didn’t really realize what was happening to me onstage until I got to the hospital in an ambulance and fussing that it happened onstage, by the way, because I didn’t want it to happen, and the doctor leaned over my ear and said, ‘You had a massive heart attack.’
“The reason I didn’t realize it was because I had none of the symptoms that they say.
“No numbness, no sharp pain, no anything. I just kind of drifted off to sleep. I didn’t know what it was, but I almost died.
“(The doctor) said five minutes later, I’d have been dead on arrival.
“The right side of my heart had completely stopped getting blood at all.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State Chapter, has said there would be no justification if Governor Peter Mbah joins the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP has, in recent times, lost some of its elected candidates to the ruling APC. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, along with their structures, joined the APC recently.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, in an event last two weeks, drummed support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term. Reports have claimed that Governor Eno and Governor Mbah may also join the APC.
In an interview with Naija News on Sunday, Enugu PDP spokesman, Chief Uchenna Ubute, said defection would be of no benefit to Mbah.
While noting that personal reasons could influence defection, he said APC would not be of any benefit to the Governor.
“You said it is a rumour. As far as I know, political party is a platform. Maybe on personal reasons, somebody might decide to defect.
“The Governor is not defecting to any other political party. The Governor is the leader of PDP in the South East. Enugu is the only state standing for PDP in South East and Governor is the leader.
“What would Governor benefit from detecting to APC? The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, campaigned to the people of Enugu State.
“Peter Mbah is not only the leader of PDP in Enugu state he is leader of PDP in South East zone. What’s defection going to do for him? Is it defection that’s going to make people of Enugu vote for him? Or is it his good work that will make people of Enugu vote for him? Ubute said.
According to him, Enugu State has no opposition because the Governor has been performing.
“The government of Enugu state, led by Peter Mbah, is doing very well not only for the PDP but to other political parties. In Enugu State, we don’t have opposition now,” he stated.
PDP Is A Big Party, Has No Need For Coalition
Chief Ubute also faulted the call for a merger between PDP and other parties. He stressed that PDP has structures across the 36 states. He questioned how the merger would help the main opposition.
Enugu PDP spokesman further stated that Oborevwori, Okowa’s defection, and Eno’s statement did not void the stand of the PDP Governors Forum in Ibadan, Oyo State, on coalition.
“PDP has categorically made it clear that the party is not going to merge with any other political party.
“Governors are leaders of the party in their states. Governors that defected or made one or two comments, all those things are their personal issues and part of their fundamental rights.
“But Governors Forum that brought together PDP governors , in that forum, we made a decision that we are not ready to merge with any political party.
“If you recall, former Governor of Delta, Okowa, PDP vice presidential candidate, has been on EFCC, and as that supported somebody to be governor, the Governor (Oborevwori) may have defected to reduce attacks.
“PDP is big party. They have formidable structures in the 36 states of the federation. All those parties they’re merging with, what structure do they have, what benefit will they bring to the party. PDP is the biggest opposition in this country,” he stated.
Nigerians Should Decide Tinubu’s Fate In 2027
Ubute said Nigerians would have to decide if President Bola Tinubu should be re-elected for a second tenure.
He stressed that the role of the PDP as the main opposition party did not matter much. According to him, the Constitution empowered Nigerians to make a choice and not any institution.
“We are in democracy and we’re Nigerians. The Constitution has empowered Nigerians to make a choice on who governs them. People holding positions they have one voter’s card on the election day.
“So Nigerians have to think before voting. If the federal government is doing well and what they’re doing is okay for them, then they should go and re-elect the president. They have the constitutional mandate to make that choice. The choice is on the people. Who to elect come 2027 is on the people, not on any institution. The people should make a choice, right choice,” he advised.
Senator Okey Ezea Lied
Naija News reported that Enugu North Senator, Okey Ezea, in a town hall meeting with the people of Uzo-Uwani, said Enugu PDP government, including Mbah, has no intention to protect the people of the area from insecurity caused by herdsmen.
According to Ezea, former Governor Ifeanyi Uguwanyi of the PDP also failed to address herdsmen attacks in his administration.
Reacting, Ubute said Ezea preferred to lie because of politics.
“It was the same Okey Ezea that said politics is do or die game. Okey Ezea is just an opposition Senator. Whether the government is doing well or not doing well he will continue to attack the government. Those things are unfounded. They’re lies. It’s his right to say these things,” he added.
[NaijaNews]
Lawyer asks Reps to question Ibas over ‘unconstitutional’ execution of emergency rule proclamation
Admin
A legislative lawyer, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, has asked the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of the State of Emergency in Rivers State to question the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, over ‘unconstitutional’ steps he has been taking in executing the emergency rule proclamation in the state.
DAILY POST reports that Ibas, on 25th April 2025, honoured the invitation of the House committee but pleaded for more time to properly brief the lawmakers on the situation in Rivers.
The meeting was summoned in line with the House of Representatives resolve to take over legislative duties in Rivers, following the suspension of the State Assembly for the six months period of the emergency rule. The governor, Sim Fubara, and his deputy were also suspended for the duration of the state of emergency.
In an open letter addressed to Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, Head of Secretariat of the Reps Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers, Jaja, a legislative drafting expert, highlighted unconstitutional actions taken by Ibas in administering Rivers State, over which he said the lawmakers should demand answers from the sole administrator.
The letter dated 28th April 2025, it titled ‘Open Letter to Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, Head of Secretariat of the Ad-hoc Committee of the HoR on Oversight of the State of Emergency in Rivers State – (Questions That The Sole Administrator Must Answer Regarding Dissolution of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, Appointment of LGA Sole Administrators and Exercise of Core Legislative Functions by the Sole Administrator)’.
Jaja, Director of the Centre for Legal, Parliamentary and Printing Consult (PTY) Limited (CLPPC), noted that the sole administrator of Rivers State, being a creation of a legislation of the National Assembly – namely the Proclamation State of Emergency (Rivers State) 2025 – is subject to the oversight of the National Assembly.
The letter added, “There are many issues that your Committee ought to provide clarification when you finally get the chance to hold the meeting with the Sole Administrator of Rivers. Let me point out some as follows:
“The Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State does not imply that the legislature and the will of the people was removed and replaced by a military styled dictatorship. It appears that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State and his legal advisers are of the opinion that the legislation that Proclaimed a State of Emergency in Rivers State gave him the powers to perform legislative functions.This wrong impression is far from the truth, Section 3 of the said legislation specifically stated that the only form of legislation to be enacted is Regulations, and Regulations are a form of subsidiary legislation that are made pursuant to a primary legislation (which in this case is the Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State, 2025 as enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999).
“Even the said Regulations which the Sole Administrator is authorised to enact are subject to the prior approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as specified under the Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State, 2025.
“The judgment of the 28th February 2025 of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was specific in stating that it is never in the contemplation of the Nigerian Constitution that a military dictatorship (or in this instance, a Sole Administrator
of Rivers State) would replace and over-ride governance by the people through their representatives as constituted by a legislature. It is true that the said legislation suspended the entire members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, however, it did not suspend the representatives of the people of Rivers State at the National Assembly.
“Therefore, as representatives of the people of Rivers State, the Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of Rivers State is humbly appealed to question whether there was any input of Rivers State people or their representatives regarding the Sole Administrator of Rivers State when he appointed 23 Local Government Area (LGAs) Sole Administrators for the 23 LGAs Councils of Rivers State and other actions involving appropriation of funds of the Rivers State government bearing in mind that by its judgment of July 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has laid down a rule of law that it is illegal for LGAs in Nigeria tobe administered by non-elected officials and it is also illegal to allocate funds to any such LGAs that are administered by non-elected officials.”
The lawyer equally said the lawmakers should ask the sole administrator where he derived the power to unilaterally dissolve the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission and other similar statutory agencies such as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), without the approval of any legislature.
“Assuming the Sole Administrator of Rivers State is to argue that he derived the power pursuant to Section 3 of the Proclamation legislation, the said Proclamation legislation only empowers the Sole Administrator to enact Regulations which are a form of subsidiary legislation. And there is no way on earth that a subsidiary legislation can be enacted to nullify or amend the wordings of a primary legislation such as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, No 2 of 2018.
“There are many other questions that the Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of theState of Emergency in Rivers State ought to ask the Sole Administrator such as where he received legislative approval for appointment of a Secretary to the Rivers State Government and other officials who are to receive appropriation from the funds of Rivers State whereas the constitution of Nigeria is clear that only funds appropriated and approved by the legislature can be expended,” the letter added.
Jaja stressed that the duty of the Ad-hoc Committee is essential to confirm that the Proclamation legislation has been complied with, to prevent autocratic conduct by the sole administrator.
[DailyPost]
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Remo Stars Football Club on their historic victory in the 2024–2025 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Ikenne, Ogun State, and Nigerian football as a whole.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the club’s remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of Nigerian football just four years after gaining promotion to the elite league.
The President lauded the players, coaching crew, and management for their hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit, emphasising that their journey to the title, after three previous close finishes, reflects resilience and perseverance at its finest.
“Your courage in the face of repeated challenges should serve as a powerful inspiration to clubs across Nigeria. Your success reinforces the values of tenacity, optimism, and dedication in the pursuit of excellence”, the President said.
President Tinubu also commended the vision and commitment of Remo Stars’ owner and chairman, Mr. Kunle Soname, whose investments in grassroots football, notably the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium in Ikenne, have provided a strong foundation for sporting development in Nigeria.
As newly crowned national champions, Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League.
The president urged the team to carry the same fighting spirit and focus to the continental stage, expressing confidence that they can bring further honours to the nation.
He also called on football fans across the country to rally behind Remo Stars as they embark on their continental campaign, noting that the team’s success is a source of pride for all Nigerians.
[TheNation]
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire from May 8-10, coinciding with Moscow’s World War II Victory Day commemorations, the Kremlin said Monday.
Moscow said it expected Kyiv to issue a similar order, and that it stood ready to respond to any violations of the possible halt in fighting.
Putin made a similar order to stop combat over Easter — a truce that both sides accused the other of violating hundreds of times but did lead to a temporary reduction in fighting.
“The Russian side is declaring a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. All combat operations will be suspended during this period,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response,” it added.
Putin last month rejected a US proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire that had been accepted by Ukraine.
Kyiv and its European backers accused Putin of announcing the 30-hour Easter truce as a PR exercise and said he had little desire for peace.
Since launching its Ukraine offensive in February 2022, Russia has seized large parts of four Ukrainian regions and claimed them as its own, in addition to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
– ‘Tapping me along’ –
Putin’s order of a ceasefire comes at the beginning of what the United States indicated would be a crucial week for the chances of a ceasefire that could determine how long Washington keeps trying to broker a deal.
After a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, Donald Trump questioned whether the Russian leader was serious about peace.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along,” Trump had said on Truth Social.
Russian missiles have killed dozens of civilians over the last month in large-scale strikes on Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rig, the northeastern city of Sumy, and the capital Kyiv.
Russia had earlier on Monday said it was ready to negotiate directly with Ukraine, but that recognition of its claims over five Ukrainian regions including Crimea were “imperative” to resolving the conflict.
Ukraine has denounced the annexations as an illegal land grab and says it will never recognise them, while European officials have warned that accepting Moscow’s demands set a dangerous precedent that could lead to future Russian aggression.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with Brazilian newspaper O Globo published Monday that “we remain open to negotiations.”
“But the ball is not in our court. So far, Kyiv has not demonstrated its ability to negotiate,” he said, adding Moscow’s position on the conflict was “well-known”.
“International recognition of Russia’s ownership of Crimea, Sevastopol, the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions is imperative,” he said, using the Kremlin’s names for the Ukrainian regions.
Zelensky said last Friday that Ukraine would “not legally recognise any temporarily occupied territories”, and has previously called the demilitarisation demand “incomprehensible”.
– Kursk retaken –
Trump, who boasted before his inauguration he could halt Russia’s assault on Ukraine within “24 hours”, launched a diplomatic offensive to stop the fighting after taking office in January.
But the White House has voiced frustration with both sides, as the conflict that has devastated swathes of eastern Ukraine and killed tens of thousands of people drags on.
Russia and Ukraine have not held direct talks on the fighting since the start of Moscow’s offensive in 2022.
Early Monday, a Russian attack on a Ukrainian village near the frontline city of Pokrovsk killed a married couple and another local resident, regional prosecutors said.
Meanwhile, Russia over the weekend announced it had taken full control of its Kursk region with the help of North Korean troops, more than eight months after Kyiv launched a cross-border ground assault.
Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday for help with the operation, which has denied Kyiv a key bargaining chip in future talks with Moscow.
The Russian army said Monday it had taken control of the village of Kamianka in the northeastern Kharkiv region, in its latest battlefield advance.
AFP
The Federal Government has directed the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council to adopt full Computer-Based Testing for all their examinations by 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the monitoring of the ongoing exams alongside JAMB officials, in Bwari on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that more than 2 million candidates registered for the ongoing examination in more than 800 centres across the country.
Alausa revealed that both the WAEC and NECO would start administering their objective papers via CBT, effective this November.
According to him, the full adoption of CBT for the essay and objective components would commence by May or June 2026.
”If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for more than 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can do the same.
“We are going to get WAEC and NECO to also start their objective exam on CBT.
“By 2026 exams which will come up in May/June, both the objectives and the essay will be fully on CBT. That is how we can eliminate exam malpractices.”
Alausa also disclosed that a committee is currently reviewing examination standards nationwide, with recommendations expected next month.
Earlier, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while speaking on the early schedule of the exams, clarified that the board’s UTME exams had always begun at 8:00 a.m.
Oloyede said that candidates were only expected to be on the ground by 6:30 a.m., to enable them to get accredited before the exams.
He dismissed complaints about early arrival times, noting that it was necessary to screen candidates before exams began.
“We have always started our exams at 8 o’clock. The first session is 8 o’clock, the second session is 10:30, the third session is 1 p.m., and the fourth session is 3:30 p.m.
Oloyede also debunked claims of candidates being posted to centres they did not choose, stating that investigations showed no such cases had happened.
He confirmed that more than 1.6 million out of 2.03 million registered candidates had completed their exams, with about 50,000 remaining.
The registrar further revealed that more than 40 candidates had been arrested for malpractice, including impersonation and attempting to smuggle out exam questions with hidden cameras.
He added that of the registered candidates, more than 41,000 were underage.
NAN
Liverpool, the 2024/2025 English Premiership champions, have announced May 26 as trophy parade day.
The Reds sealed the title after dismantling Tottenham Hotspur by five goals to one at Anfield, opening up an unassailable 15 points above second-placed Arsenal with five games to go.
Liverpool’s new coach, Arne Slot, now joins the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini, Claudio Ranieri and Antonio Conte – all of whom won the EPL in their first seasons.
Now, the club has confirmed that the team will move out to celebrate the title with its fans on the 26th of May.
A statement from the club reads, “We’re delighted to officially invite Liverpool Football Club to parade around the city on 26 May.
“A Liverpool victory parade is more than football – it’s a celebration of our city’s pride, passion and community spirit.”
It is expected that the parade will last three to four hours, as the parade bus will set off from Allerton Maze and travel north on Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and Rocket flyover. Thereafter, the parade will move to Queens Drive, Mill Bank West Derby Road, Islington, Leeds Street, The Strand and will finish on Blundell Street.
Liverpool will draw the curtain on the season when they host Crystal Palace on the 25th of May.
[Vanguard]