The Rivers State Government has accused the State House of Assembly of hindering Governor Siminalayi Fubara from fully executing the Supreme Court judgment. Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, emphasized that Governor Fubara remains dedicated to enforcing the court’s ruling, despite its unfavorable outcome.

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a seven-day ultimatum to address a four-point demand related to workers' welfare and alleged victimization of labor leaders. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, warned that all WAEC offices nationwide would be shut down from Monday, March 24, if their demands are not met.

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has praised his father as Nigeria’s most exceptional leader. In a widely shared video on Monday, Seyi made this remark while addressing a group of young people in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. “It was never politics, but they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, they keep coming for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the greatest president in the history of Nigeria,” he declared. Seyi Tinubu also commended his father’s leadership, emphasising his commitment to youth empowerment and economic development. “He is the only president that has kept your people at home, from when he was governor to when be became president, the only president that considers youths, the only president that created a platform for young people to fly. “The only president that created an economy that has benefitted everybody, the only president that is not trying to enrich his own pocket,” he asserted.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a notice accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of alleged misconduct. According to the notice obtained by Channels Television, the lawmakers stated that their action aligns with the Nigerian Constitution. “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the notice read.

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take decisive action against individuals orchestrating deceptive protests in the United States and the United Kingdom to spread false allegations against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. In a statement by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, IPDI accused disgruntled elements eyeing the PAP administrator position and oil thieves of fabricating lies against Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, and Pondi. The group warned that such baseless claims could damage their reputation and destabilize the Niger Delta if not promptly addressed. IPDI emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify those behind the misinformation campaign and to ensure they face appropriate legal consequences. The group highlighted the significant contributions of Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, and Pondi to peace, security, and youth empowerment in the Niger Delta. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the falsehoods being peddled, attributing them to defeated oil thieves and failed contenders for the PAP leadership. According to IPDI, Dr. Otuaro’s appointment has been instrumental in maintaining peace in the region, while Tompolo and Pondi have played vital roles in combating oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s oil production. IPDI reaffirmed its commitment to defending the truth and called on the IGP and DSS to act swiftly in bringing those responsible for the false allegations to justice.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu last year, calling it insufficient for workers' basic needs like transportation, food, and housing. He also accused labour leaders of betraying workers by prioritising personal gains over their collective well-being. “That is the situation in Nigeria in the third decade of the 21st century. “The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” Obasanjo wrote in his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future”. Obasanjo also claimed labour leader are more interested in pursuing personal interests. “Because of their political ambitions, most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations. “The workers thereby become victims of selfish leaders who use their positions to achieve political heights. “Rather than negotiate in the interest of the workers, they do sabre-rattling and they are called into the room and money in large amounts is stuffed into their hands and they keep quiet. “That has been the case since 2015. And, if anything, it is going from bad to worse,” Obasanjo added.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly condemned recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, labeling them as disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, expressed disappointment over Wike’s media chat on March 12, 2025, where he allegedly denigrated the forum and its leadership. Wike reportedly dismissed PANDEF as "the worst organization ever" and accused its members of soliciting financial favours during their high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House. Amb. Igali clarified that the visit, which included senior traditional rulers, former governors, and distinguished South-South leaders, focused on pressing regional concerns. Key issues discussed with the President included peace in Rivers State, infrastructure development, environmental cleanup, and greater inclusion of South-South indigenes in Nigeria’s oil and gas governance. PANDEF emphasised that President Tinubu acknowledged these concerns and directed the forum to continue its peace mediation efforts in Rivers State. However, Wike’s statements, which also targeted revered figures like the late Chief E.K. Clark and King Alfred Diete-Spiff, were described as an insult to the region’s leadership. Read the full statement below: STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR DR GODKNOWS IGALI. NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF PANDEF AT PRESS CONFERENCE ON SITUATION ON RIVERS Ladies and Gentlemen, Ordinarily, this press conference would have been dedicated solely to expressing PANDEF’s appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously receiving the high-level South-South delegation at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. However, we find it necessary to address a deeply concerning and regrettable development that has arisen in the aftermath of this visit—namely, the media chat conducted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Purpose of the Visit to Mr. President The visit to Mr. President, attended by eminent South-South leaders, including the region’s most senior traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, retired senior military officers, business leaders, and other distinguished citizens, was held at the invitation of Mr. President himself. The meeting provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance, including: i. The imperative of peace in Rivers State and PANDEF’s ongoing mediatory efforts. ii. The need for Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, passed by the National Assembly, to ensure the region’s equitable development. iii. Urgent infrastructure development, particularly road networks and the optimal utilization and expansion of existing and new ports. iv. Resolution of socio-economic challenges affecting victims of the Bakassi crisis. v. Strategies to enhance oil production and promote greater inclusion of South-South indigenes in the governance of the oil and gas sector. vi. The necessity of a systematic environmental cleanup in oil-producing states. vii. The continued advocacy for true federalism and restructuring. PANDEF’s Expectations from the Engagement PANDEF and the people of the South-South expect that these issues, which Mr. President acknowledged with assurances of follow-up action, will be diligently pursued, leading to tangible progress in the near future. Regarding the situation in Rivers State, PANDEF fully embraced Mr. President’s directive to the organization to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts—an initiative he commended, recognizing the caliber of individuals involved. Since that meeting, PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State. Disparaging Comments by the Honourable Minister It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr. President—an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability— the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership. In his remarks, the Honourable Minister characterized PANDEF as "the worst organization ever" and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature. Even more concerning was his disparaging remarks directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, whose legacy was duly recognized by Mr. President during our visit, with a minute of silence observed in his honor. Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees. PANDEF’s Stance To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six South-South states' traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers. It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach. The Efforts of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis, comprises distinguished statesmen, including: - Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State. - Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State. - H.E. Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. - Chief Mrs. Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien and Sen. Roland Owie, all three at different times former Chief Whips of the Senate. - Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives. While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with this committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him opening up at dialogue. Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organization can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect. Appeal to Mr. President PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned. Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region. Conclusion We appreciate your time and attention. Thank you. Signed Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali

The Federal Government has announced new requirements for civil servants requesting salary migration, name changes, and updates to their next-of-kin, among other modifications. This was disclosed in a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, dated March 12, 2025, and addressed to all Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The memo noted that many civil servants fail to submit the required documents for such changes, prompting the government to issue the directive. “Further to the Circular Ref. HCSF/PS/CMO/IPPIS/I/VOL.I/508 dated 1st November, 2022 on the above subject, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has observed that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies do not attach the required documents which would facilitate granting approvals for migration of saiary, change/correction of names, gender and next-of-kin within the shortest possible time. “MDAs should therefore, note and be guided by the following Standard Operating Procedures for requests on changes/corrections on HR records of employees on the IPPIS Platform: With the implementation of the Human Resource component of the IPPIS in the Federal Public Service, it has become necessary to take note and be guided by the above requirements. “Kindly note that requests that are forwarded to the Office of the Head of the Civil service of the Federation without specific documents will not be processed for approval. Please bring the content of this Circular to all concerned for strict compliance,” the memo read.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has cautioned that Nigerian youths are increasingly discontented with the country's prolonged poor governance. He warned that if leaders fail to reform, a revolution driven by frustrated and hungry youths is inevitable. Obasanjo noted that despite Nigeria’s abundance of talented and hardworking youths, many feel disillusioned by widespread corruption, mismanagement of national resources, and incompetent leadership. He made these remarks in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, unveiled last week. The former President stressed that African leaders cannot continue ruling with dishonesty, corruption, and disregard for citizens’ struggles without facing backlash and potential uprising. He said, “Current trends on the continent portray a more assertive, younger population, intolerant of abuses of power and in search of the dividends of good governance, such that whether or not we accept it, an inevitable shake-up is in the offing. “In what manner that happens is left for the current operatives of government to decide or fashion out. That is why my clarion call for a domesticated system of governance that reflects our temperament, context, content, culture, and exigencies is urgent. “We are currently sitting on a ticking time bomb partly because of the system we practise, how corruptly we practise it, and how exclusively we practise it with impunity, callousness, brazen outrage and total disregard for any element of righteousness, integrity, accountability, sensitivity, compassion, inclusiveness and the fear of God. “If the incumbent leaders do not shape up and satisfy the yearnings and demands of their people, especially the youths, who are disappointed, dissatisfied, bitter, hungry, angry, unemployed and unempowered, then the future is indeed very bleak, with no light at the end of the tunnel. “These young people watch helplessly as their leaders tell them blatant lies unabashedly, while continuing their orgies of vulgar and ostentatious lifestyles rather than investing the money from the nation’s commonwealth in SMEs to create jobs and generate wealth. “Should we have the misfortune of pushing these young people to the point of crossing the Rubicon, the country will pay a very high cost because a chain of events will be unleashed, the end of which no one can predict. “We have no better time for change than now before change is forced upon us. It was JF Kennedy, former president of the United States of America, who, in 1962, said that those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable. I am not calling for violent change, but it will become a reality if we continue on the present trajectory. “Let us set aside lies, illusions, delusions, dishonesty and scapegoatism. Let us face reality and deal sincerely with ourselves, among ourselves, by ourselves and for ourselves. “Sadly, for Africa, this grave and worrying concern is not just a Nigerian phenomenon but an entire African malady. “It is now in its autumn of incubation, and if it does not receive serious attention, it will metamorphose into a destructive pandemic in its winter and spread across the continent. “To ignore the warning and the writing on the wall is to continue to dance slow foxtrot while our trousers are burning. The day of reckoning may not be too far, but like the Biblical second coming of Jesus Christ, who can tell when that will happen?”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported generating over ₦365.4 billion and securing 4,111 convictions in 2024. EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, revealed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a three-day retreat for the Commission’s Directors, themed *"EFCC: The Journey So Far, Ensuring Professionalism and Integrity."* In a statement by EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Saturday, Olukoyede credited the achievement to the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of the staff. He also pledged to surpass the 2024 record by the end of 2025. He said, “In 2024, ‘the Commission secured 4111 convictions and hauled monetary recovery of over N365.4billion. The EFCC’s boss appreciated the sacrifice, hard work, discipline, and called for increased dedication to surpass the records of 2024 and greater commitment to the integrity of processes in the agency.”