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2027 polls: Nigerians lack confidence in INEC — GoNigeria

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*Says Electoral reforms urgent, unavoidable AHEAD of the 2027 general elections, Conveners of GoNigeria, yesterday, warned that surveys have shown that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. While it stated that credible electoral reform remains urgent and unavoidable, the group called for the strengthening of public confidence in the electoral process. GoNigeria, in a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, by its convener, Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others, noted that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy. The statement reads: “Four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property. These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive. “Among these pillars, electoral refor...
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Amaechi blames Tinubu govt for insecurity, condoles Borno bomb victims

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Rotimi Amaechi (left) and President Bola Tinubu. FORMER Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the recent bombing in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing it as a tragic incident and a reflection of the worsening insecurity in the country. Amaechi, in a statement commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the Monday night bombing in the Borno State capital, expressing sympathy with the victims and residents affected by the attack. The former Rivers State governor said Nigerians should not continue to live in fear while grappling with persistent insecurity, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the fundamental responsibility of government. According to him, the Maiduguri bombing highlights the urgent need for stronger and more decisive measures to address the country’s security challenges. Amaechi said the repeated attacks on communities across the country have continued to raise concerns about...
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Lassa fever: 383 suspected cases, 47 confirmed positive

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THE Benue  State government has announced that the state recorded 383 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 47 confirmed positive cumulatively. It said no death has been recorded in the past 11 days, even as the state continues to monitor and respond to the outbreak. Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche who disclosed these,  yesterday, in Makurdi. According to the commissioner, recent laboratory findings indicate a significant drop in new infections, with only six cases confirmed out of samples tested within the last 11 days. “We have not recorded any mortality in the last 11 days. So far, the cumulative number of suspected cases has increased from 251 to 383, while confirmed cases stand at 47,” Ogwuche said. He further noted that infections among health workers remain at 14, with two fatalities recorded since the outbreak began in the state. Ogwuche also disclosed that 20 patients were currently receiving treatment in isolation centres, with 14 at the B...
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No judge has power to order lawyer to kneel in court — NBA

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THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has expressed concern over reports of an incident involving a Federal High Court judge in Abuja and a defence lawyer, insisting that no judge has the power under Nigerian law to order a legal practitioner to kneel in court. In a statement, NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said the association was disturbed by reports that Justice Mohammed Umar allegedly directed a lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to kneel in the courtroom during proceedings. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, when Abubakar appeared as lead defence counsel for Omoyele Sowore. According to the NBA, the trial judge allegedly issued the directive after the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the court over the suitability of a hearing date.  The judge was also said to have threatened committal proceedings for contempt. The association said it viewed the development with “utmost seriousness,” noting that it had implications for the dignity of the leg...
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FG declares Thursday, Friday public holidays

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THE Federal Government has declared  tomorrow and Friday, March 20, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-il-Fitr, which signifies the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. The minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.  He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation. While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society. “The federal ...
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Maiduguri blasts: Survivors recount ordeals

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*Tinubu orders service chiefs to relocate to Borno *Maiduguri blasts signal resurgence of terrorism, erosion of public trust — Atiku *I heard a loud sound and my neck started bleeding, victim recountsl23 dead, 108 injured in multiple suicide attacks, says Borno police command *Terrorists deploying multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri — Army *Northern govs, Ndume call for urgent action  *Tinubu exchanging pleasantries with King Charles while Nigerians are mourning — ADC Some survivors of Monday night’s bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, recounted their ordeals,  describing the multiple explosions as reminiscent of a war situation. The accounts came on a day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. This is even as the Nigerian Police Force declared yesterday that the blasts killed no fewer than 23 persons, with 108 sustaining various degrees of injuries, some critically.  But witnesses put the death ...
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Ogun retirees to earn up to 280% — Abiodun

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Gov Dapo Abiodun THE Ogun State government,has announced that retirees in its civil and public service will earn significantly higher benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, following the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit, APB, initiative, which offers between 116 per cent and 280 per cent of total annual emoluments.. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during the official presentation of cheques to retirees at the Oba’s Complex. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the governor said between 70 and 80 per cent of retiring workers would receive higher benefits under the new arrangement than what was previously obtainable as gratuity. He said: “What this means is that, unlike in the past when gratuity payments were delayed, retirees will now receive improved and timely benefits. Our minimum is 116 per cent, going up to 280 per cent, which is significantly higher than the 100 per cent benchmark. “Previously, about 25 per cent of ...
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