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FG Begins Payment Of N77,000 New Monthly Allowance To NYSC Members

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  The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the N77,000 new monthly allowance to members of the National Youth Service Corps, PUNCH Online has gathered. This follows the promise made by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, that the new monthly allowance will be implemented starting in March 2025. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, assured that the backlog of the new monthly allowance will also be paid The PUNCH Online gathered that several corps members have started receiving alerts of the new allowance on Wednesday. An NYSC member serving in Lagos, identified simply as Chinedu, expressed joy over the increase, saying, “I just checked my account balance, and I saw N77,000 credited from the Federal Government. This is a huge relief.” “Yes, corps members have started receiving their new allowance in line with the newly approved minimum wage,” publisher of Corpers Diary (@corpersdiary_ng) an online community for corps members, Jeremiah Olatinwo, also confirmed. In September 2024, the Federal Government announced a new allowance for NYSC members better known as corpers much to the excitement of the participants of the youth scheme. The government said the increment was in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. The implementation of the new allowance suffered several setbacks despite repeated assurances from the government. Punch

I Don’t Regret Insulting Ezekwesili At Senate Hearing – Nwaebonyi

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  The senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has defended his clash with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The clash occurred during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu. Trouble started when the petitioner urged the Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down in the case following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he said compromised their ability to be neutral. His remarks angered some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility. Ezekwesili also came under fire for what they saw as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings. However, Ezekwesili insisted on being heard out. She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.” This led to a heated argument with Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her, saying, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.” Ezekwesili called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation. The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored. During the proceedings, tensions flared when Nwaebonyi was heard hurling derogatory remarks at Ezekwesili, referring to her as an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.” However, in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday evening, Nwaebonyi claimed that Ezekwesili had instigated the confrontation by calling him a hooligan and telling him to “shut up” despite his position as a senator. “It started when she was asked to take an oath because she said she was a witness. She refused, saying she couldn’t be placed under oath. As I was addressing the presiding officer, she turned to me and said, ‘Will you shut up your mouth? You are a hooligan,’” Nwaebonyi said. He insisted that his response was justified, adding that he had no regrets about the incident. He said, “For a mother like you, a grandmother of your age, a former minister of the Federal Republic to tell a sitting senator to shut up and call him a hooligan, that’s unacceptable.” Asked whether he regretted the altercation, Nwaebonyi was resolute: “How can I regret the scenario? I gave it to her. Is it fair for her to address me that way? As a former minister and a grandmother, ask her first.” Punch

Real Madrid Making Progress On Alexander-Arnold Transfer – Reports

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  Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a move to Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season, according to reports on Tuesday. The defender has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu on a free transfer and talks between the 26-year-old and the Spanish giants are understood to be making progress. The England international, who came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and has been at the Premier League club for more than two decades, has been able to discuss terms with overseas clubs since January. Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut as an 18-year-old in 2016. The right-back has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup with his boyhood club and is on course to add a second league crown this season, with Arne Slot’s side currently 12 points clear at the top of the table. Alexander-Arnold is one of three key Liverpool players out of contract at the end of the season, with the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk still unclear. Alexander-Arnold is currently out of action with an ankle injury and missed Liverpool’s defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup final earlier this month. Liverpool have declined to comment on the reports. AFP

Dasuki, Others Re-Arraigned Over Alleged N33.2bn Fraud

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  A former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), and three others were re-arraigned on Tuesday before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over an alleged N33.2 billion fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought the charges against Dasuki alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba-Kusa, as well as two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. The defendants are facing a 32-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and dishonest release of public funds. Their re-arraignment before Justice Charles Agbaza follows the reassignment of the case by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, who was previously handling the matter. Dasuki was first arraigned on December 14, 2015, before Justice Baba-Yusuf, alongside a former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu, on a 19-count charge linked to an alleged N15.5 billion fraud. The charges were later amended, and Salisu’s name was removed. Subsequently, Dasuki and the others were re-arraigned on May 11, 2018, on a fresh 32-count charge involving N33.2 billion. However, the trial was stalled after the prosecution presented only one witness—the investigating officer—who was yet to conclude his testimony before the case was indefinitely adjourned. The EFCC had also filed another case against Dasuki in 2015, in which he was charged alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; his son, Sagir Bafarawa; and his company, Dalhatu Investment Limited. They faced a 25-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of N19.4 billion. The case was recently transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu. Both trials suffered multiple delays due to the refusal of the Department of State Services to release Dasuki on bail, despite court orders granting him bail. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 32 counts read to them. The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, then requested a trial date. Lawyers to Dasuki and Baba-Kusa, A.A. Usman and Richard Ibiye, urged the court to allow the defendants to continue enjoying their existing bail, assuring that they had always been present for court proceedings. The prosecution did not oppose the request but stressed the importance of the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial. After considering submissions from both sides, Justice Agbaza ruled that the defendants should remain on their existing bail and adjourned the trial to July 1. Punch

Judge Steps Down From Natasha’s Case After Akpabio’s Petition

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  Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Egwuatu was assigned to hear the suit, but on Tuesday, he announced that he would no longer handle the matter. He made this decision after Senate President Godswill Akpabio wrote a petition questioning his impartiality. Although the case was scheduled for hearing, when the court clerk called it up, the judge ruled that he was stepping aside. He said he would return the case file to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was accused of violating Senate rules. The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should not continue until the case was decided. He also gave the defendants 72 hours to explain why the court should not stop them from investigating the senator without following the rules laid out in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. Justice Egwuatu allowed the senator to serve legal documents on the defendants using substituted means. The court ordered that the documents be given to the Clerk of the National Assembly or pasted at the National Assembly premises. They were also to be published in two national newspapers. The interim order came after the senator filed an urgent application. However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate Committee still held its meeting and suspended her for six months. Later, after the defendants applied, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier order. He removed the part that prevented the Senate from taking any action while the case was ongoing. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, questioned the court’s authority to interfere in Senate affairs. Punch

One Nigerian Dies Of TB Every Seven Minutes -Oluremi Tinubu

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  Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Monday said one person dies of Tuberculosis every seven minutes despite it being a preventable and curable disease. Tinubu stated this at a community outreach in Sauka, Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World TB Day themed, ” Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” with the slogan, “We fit do am.” World TB Day is commemorated on March 24 annually to raise TB awareness and mobilise efforts, including political commitment to resources and healthcare financing for TB towards elimination. She said, “Beyond being a disease; TB is a national emergency that needs to be addressed urgently because it is preventable and curable. The statistics from the World Health Organisation’s 2024 Global TB Report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes. This means that in the short time we will spend at this event, many more lives will be lost, if we do not act swiftly and decisively. “Despite TB being preventable and curable, Nigeria remains one of the top eight countries with the highest burden of TB worldwide. “It is unacceptable that so many of our brothers and sisters still suffer from this disease in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and ignorance of not visiting a healthcare facility on time.” She stated that the Federal Government is committed to eradicating TB, through strategic investments in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. She urged traditional and religious leaders, legislators, the youth, healthcare workers, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, community-based organizations, and international partners to join forces in the fight against TB. As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she reaffirmed her commitment to tackling TB by advocating for more funding, policy reforms, and resource mobilisation to support TB awareness and treatment. She also pledged to amplify the voices of TB survivors, combat stigma and discrimination, and ensure equal access to TB care for women, children, and marginalised groups. “I encourage every Nigerian to join in this fight. TB is curable, and early detection saves lives. Let us work together to remove the stigma surrounding TB, encourage testing, and support those affected. “TB is airborne and since it is contagious, I urge every one of us to get tested, know your TB status, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you have a persistent cough for more than two weeks, do not ignore it but rather seek medical help immediately,” she added. In her remarks, the Acting Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo noted that TB is a serious health issue in Nigeria, especially in remote communities, where many people may not have access to TB diagnosis and treatment. Ogbuji-Ladipo said TB is preventable and curable, and treatment is free in government facilities. “Today’s community outreach aims to bring TB information and services closer to the residents of Sauka community so that no one is left behind in the fight against TB. It will also provide platforms for them to learn about TB, ask questions, get tested, and help spread the message that TB can be defeated,” she noted. She highlighted that the Stop TB partnership has made significant progress through strong advocacy and collaboration with various stakeholders. She also advocated increased resource mobilisation and increased funding. “It is more critical than ever to strengthen our advocacy efforts for resource mobilisation to combat TB. Increased funding will ensure better access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of communities,” she added. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako emphasised that TB remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, which ranks first in Africa and sixth globally among high-burden TB countries. “In 2023, an estimated 499,000 Nigerians developed TB, primarily affecting the productive age group (25–44 years), leading to economic hardships. The situation is worsened by stigma, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to quality healthcare,” he said. He noted that despite challenges, Nigeria has made significant progress in TB eradication through WHO-recommended strategies. The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation Nigeria, Dr Walter Molumbo pledged the organisation’s commitment to accelerating the TB response guided by its latest guidelines. “We will continue to work with our partners and step up action towards mobilising the needed domestic and international resources required for ending TB in Nigeria. “TB is curable and treatable; I implore anyone coughing for two weeks or more to go for a TB test in the nearest health facility. I call on all stakeholders, yes everyone- the donors, private sector, civil society, Molumbo said. The Sa’Peyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi emphasised the need for efforts to eliminate TB globally. “Awareness programmes such as this are a critical need for increased and sustained investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. “This emphasis is important for translating commitment and investment into tangible results that directly benefit people yet to be infected and already affected,” he noted. Punch

I Won’t Be Forced Into Submission, Natasha Denies Apology Claims

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  Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension. Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement on Monday, described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that she still stands by her position. “The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said. She criticised those spreading the false reports, accusing them of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public. The senator, who was suspended after a disagreement with Senate leadership, said she remains committed to defending the rights of her people. She also claimed that some individuals were trying to manipulate public opinion with fake statements. “I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.” She also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly. She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.” She urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels. “I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.” There have been calls for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be recalled following her suspension from the senate. The push to recall her followed her suspension from the Senate, after a heated dispute with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements. She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has since taken her case before local and foreign media and the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union. Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that it had received the petition seeking the recall process of Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, received the petition on Monday. Punch

Chris Wood Injured As New Zealand Qualify For World Cup

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  New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia on Monday but lost in-form Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood to injury. The All Whites join already qualified Japan and co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico at next year’s finals thanks to three second-half goals. But the victory in Auckland in the final of Oceania qualifying came at a cost, with skipper Wood suffering what appeared to be a hip injury. Soon after half time at Eden Park, Wood hurt himself swivelling for a shot and required treatment before hobbling off in the 54th minute. “It’s not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well,” said New Zealand’s English coach Darren Bazeley. The hosts looked out of ideas after dominating the first half, but then up popped veteran defender Michael Boxall on 61 minutes to head home from a corner with his first goal for his country. Five minutes later Wood’s replacement Kosta Barbarouses chipped the ball over advancing New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine. Substitute Eli Just put gloss on the scoreline from close range with 10 minutes left. New Caledonia’s unlikely World Cup hopes are not over and they will go into an intercontinental playoff. Next year’s World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the first time for the team that won the qualifying competition in Oceania. The region’s top side previously had to go through an intercontinental playoff, with New Zealand falling at the final hurdle to Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru in recent editions. New Zealand have been to the World Cup twice before, in 1982 and 2010, but are yet to win at the competition in six matches. “Once the World Cup expanded we expected this of ourselves,” said Boxall. “It’s not about getting there, it’s about what we do when we get there.” Facing a side ranked 152 in the world, 63 places below them, hosts New Zealand immediately went on the front foot. New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory of about 300,000 people which has never been to the World Cup, twice cleared off the line in quick succession after 20 minutes. Wood, who is in the form of his life at Forest with 18 goals in the Premier League this season, had a chance in the 32nd minute but Nyikeine saved comfortably. The 33-year-old Wood then headed over the bar from a corner and at the half-time whistle, with the game unexpectedly level, the New Caledonia players mobbed Nyikeine. Bazeley had seen enough and made two changes at the break, bringing on winger Just and defender Francis de Vries. Despite losing talisman Wood, New Zealand’s pressure eventually paid off against a rapidly tiring New Caledonia to put the All Whites into the World Cup. AFP

Coalition Urges Wike, Fubara To Sign Peace Pact Within 90 Days

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  The Coalition for Democracy and Development has called on the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the suspended Governor, Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara to put aside their differences and sign a new peace pact within the next 90 days. The CDD condemned both Wike and Fubara urging them to prioritise the welfare of the people in the midst of the political crisis. In a statement signed by the Public Secretary, CDD, Dr. George Ifure, he lamented the political crisis in Rivers State, adding that the ongoing crisis is a clear indication of the failure of leadership. To resolve the crisis, the CDD also called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to establish a committee comprising eminent Nigerians who can mediate and find a lasting solution. The group said, “We call on Wike and Governor Fubara to put aside their differences and work towards signing a new peace pact within the next 90 days. We urge them to prioritize the interests of the people and find a lasting solution to the crisis. “We warn Wike and Fubara that Nigerians are ready to hold them responsible if they fail to sign a peace pact within the stipulated timeframe. The CDD calls on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to name a committee for the resolution of the Rivers State political crisis. “We urge President Bola Tinubu to make history with the way he handles the Rivers State crisis. This is a pivotal moment that requires bold and visionary leadership. We implore him to focus on the welfare and interests of the Nigerian people, to listen to their voices, and to work towards a peaceful and democratic resolution that will restore democratic governance in Rivers State. “We urge the two parties to embrace peace and ensure there is an immediate resolution to the crisis. The CDD believes that a peaceful resolution to the crisis is necessary to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. We urge all stakeholders to work towards finding a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis in Rivers State.” Punch

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