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BREAKING: Reps Order NCC To Shut Down Porn Sites Nationwide

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  The House of Representatives has ordered total shutdown of porn websites nationwide. It directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to enforce the immediate shutdown of the websites in the country. The House gave the directive during plenary on Tuesday. The lawmakers suggested that the internet providers must block access under the new directive. Katsina Rep. Dalhatu Tafoki sponsored the motion, calling it a step to “protect societal values.” Details later… Punch  

China seeks just, lasting solution to Ukraine war

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  China said Tuesday it hoped a “just and lasting solution” can be found to the three-year war between Ukraine and Russia, ahead of talks due involving Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia. “China supports all efforts that contribute to a peaceful resolution of the crisis,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning when asked about the talks at a daily news conference in Beijing. “We expect and hope that parties can reach a just and lasting solution that is acceptable to all sides,” said Mao. “China is also willing to continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role for a political resolution of the crisis,” she added. China presents itself as a neutral party in the war and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations. But China is a close political and economic ally of Russia, and NATO members have branded Beijing a “decisive enabler” of the war, which it has never condemned. The talks in Saudi Arabia will be the most senior since a disastrous White House visit last month when US President Donald Trump berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for purported ingratitude. AFP

Protesters burn Benue monarch’s palace, LG secretariat over killings

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  Angry youths in Naka, Benue State, on Tuesday, set fire to the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and parts of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat while protesting the killing of three people. The violence erupted after suspected armed herders reportedly killed three operatives of the Benue Civil Protection Guards at Garuwa community in the local government. The bodies of the victims were brought to Naka in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering protests that escalated into destruction. The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, and Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online on Tuesday. “Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Naka palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa so when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youth and it’s now being taken over by hoodlums,” the chairman said. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, as her phone was not connecting. More details later…

[UPDATED] Rivers Crisis: Resign Or Be Impeached, Okocha Tells Fubara

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  The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has called on the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara to resign or face impeachment. Okocha made the call while describing the invitation of the 27 lawmakers to a meeting by Fubara as a Greek gift. Recall that Fubara in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Rivers state government, Tammy Danagogo, invited the lawmakers to a meeting following the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement which validated the 27 lawmakers as the authentic legislature in the state. But briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha wondered if the governor has now bent over backwards after a protracted grandstanding. Okocha further said the party had resolved to take a firm stance against the governor, whom he described as ‘clueless’ the latter has not only flouted the law but also disrespected President Bola Tinubu who had intervened in the political crisis in the state with an eight-point agenda most of which the governor failed to implement. He stated, “The APC remains the major opposition party in Rivers State. We are the voice of the voiceless. When we said Siminalayi Fubara was clueless, we were not joking. The evidence is clear. “The governor behaves like a saint, but he is a dangerous snake. His meeting agenda with the lawmakers is puerile. Is he inviting them to discuss the Supreme Court judgment? “And why was the invitation letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government instead of the governor himself? It’s an aberration. As far as I’m concerned it is a Greek Gift. Okocha noted that the party would not stand idly by while the governor allegedly in his words ‘run the state aground’ with his style of governance. “The options before Siminalayi Joseph Fubara are two: he should honourably resign or be impeached because he has run the state aground and disrespected Mr President. “The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek Gift. The Supreme Court Judgement is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it. The only option available to the Governor now is for him to resign or be impeached. And he should be honourable about it. “If he refuses to resign, he will be impeached. I don’t need to be a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly to know the numerous impeachable offences he has committed. There is no government in Rivers State.” Okocha alleged that the governor’s continued stay in office could lead to political instability, saying, “The State is already sitting on a keg of gunpowder, and with a little spark, it will explode. So, let (Fubara) honourably resign.” Punch  

Tinubu Mourns As Legal Icon Kharisu Chukkol Dies At 79

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  President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prof. Kharisu Chukkol. The father of Karim, the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s immediate past acting chairman was a renowned legal scholar and expert in criminal law He passed away in Abuja on Sunday evening at the age of 79. This was disclosed in a Monday statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Describing the late professor as a “towering figure in Nigerian legal scholarship,” the President lauded his immense contributions to legal education and practice in Nigeria, particularly through his work at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. “A native of Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State, Professor Chukkol dedicated his professional life to teaching and advancing law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. “He specialized in criminal law and held various positions at ABU, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Director of the Institute of Administration,” the President stated. Highlighting his influence on generations of legal practitioners, Tinubu noted that the late Chukkol’s students include sitting justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, senior advocates, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser. He also praised Chukkol’s seminal 1988 book, Law of Crimes in Nigeria, which he described as “a cornerstone reference for legal practitioners and scholars.” In addition to his academic legacy, Tinubu reflected on the professor’s influence through his family, particularly his son, Abdulkarim Chukkol, who served as the immediate past Acting Chairman of the EFCC. Tinubu concluded his tribute with heartfelt prayers and words of comfort. He wrote: “I urge the family, students, and all touched by Professor Chukkol’s life to find solace in his remarkable achievements and the enduring impact of his work. May Allah grant him eternal peace.” Punch

Saraki to Akpabio: don’t politicise calls for due process

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  Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for what he called a deliberate attempt to politicise and trivialise the serious concerns Nigerians have expressed about due process in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. Saraki’s reaction followed Akpabio’s claim that recent calls for accountability over the allegations Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan leveled against him were part of a plot to remove him from office because he is from the Niger Delta. In a statement yesterday by his media office and shared on his X handle, Saraki said: “The attention of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office has been drawn to the statement made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio while addressing the leaders of some ‘youth ethnic groups’ on Friday that certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa states want him removed because he is from the Niger Delta region.” Saraki emphasised that at no point did he call for Akpabio’s resignation but only advised that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations be thoroughly investigated in a manner that would ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the Senate. “Dr. Saraki, in his last comment on the Akpabio-Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan crisis, never called on the Senate President to resign or step aside. Rather, he urged the Senate President to be conscious of the fact that perception is a reality and, therefore, he should avoid treating the allegations by the (Kogi Central) senator in a manner that will create the perception that the Senate as an institution is trying to cover up issues bordering on sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office,” the statement said. The former Senate President explained that his stance on the matter was rooted in the importance of safeguarding the credibility of the legislative institution, not personal or political rivalry. “This issue is definitely not one in which Akpabio should exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity. This will neither be in his own interest nor that of the institution over which he is presiding. He should face the reality on ground and do what is right,” Saraki said. He said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations touched on issues that resonate deeply with women across the country, making it imperative that they be handled with utmost seriousness. “The former Senate President believes that when a sensitive matter suggesting sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and mistreatment of women comes up anywhere, it evokes the pains that thousands of women across the nooks and crannies of our society experience daily. “Thus, when it is raised in a place like the legislative institution, it is an opportunity for us to handle it with utmost openness and transparency to ensure that justice is not only done but glaringly seen to be done,” the statement added. Vanguard

Catholic Bishops Warn Of Looming Crisis, Demand Action On Youth Unemployment

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  Catholic bishops in Nigeria have raised the alarm over a looming national crisis, warning that worsening youth unemployment and widespread frustration with governance could push the country towards chaos. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 first plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, the clerics urged political leaders to take decisive action before the situation spirals out of control. The CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, painted a grim picture of the country’s economic and social challenges, stressing that the high rate of youth unemployment—currently at 53 percent—is a ticking time bomb. According to Ugorji, the surge in criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, internet fraud, drug abuse, cultism, and ritual killings is directly linked to the despair faced by millions of jobless young Nigerians. “The situation is even worsened by mass layoffs due to the collapse of many companies under the weight of a harsh and hostile economic climate,” he said. He further lamented that many unemployed youths now resort to pagan shrines, ritual killings, and human sacrifices in search of instant wealth, while others are easy recruits for violent gangs and terror groups. “We cannot be tired of urging the government at all levels to take youth unemployment seriously. Until there is a massive, ongoing creation of jobs, the government may continue to lose the war against insecurity and violent crime,” the CBCN President warned. Beyond economic hardship, the bishops also raised concerns about Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the deplorable state of correctional centres across the country. Ugorji recalled that the 2019 Nigerian Correctional Services Act, which aimed to transform prisons into true rehabilitation centres, has failed to yield the desired results due to poor implementation. “The government must rise above these challenges and provide necessary solutions,” he urged. On his part, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, called for a shift from mere religious displays to genuine spirituality and national transformation. He condemned the competition for religious supremacy, extravagant places of worship, and empty symbols that have done little to address the country’s moral and economic decay. “As we journey towards Easter, let us pray for our country. But beyond prayers, we must lead by example in honesty, service, and love. We must demand justice, advocate for the poor, and reject all forms of oppression. A new Nigeria is possible if we, as God’s people, take responsibility for building it,” he said. Kaigama also described as an embarrassment the tragic incident where people were crushed to death while scrambling for food in Abuja last Christmas, lamenting that such occurrences should not be happening in a country blessed with abundant resources. In his remarks, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, lamented that many Nigerians have reached their breaking point due to hunger, poverty, insecurity, and disease. He urged religious leaders to rekindle hope and provide courageous leadership in addressing the country’s moral and economic decay. “As you deliberate on the way forward for the Church and our nation, I pray that the Holy Spirit grants you wisdom, strength, and renewed courage to be bearers of hope in these difficult times,” Okoh said Punch

NCDC Confirms UK Returnee’s Lassa Fever Death, Toll Reaches 98

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  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who succumbed to Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom. The agency also reported that the cumulative number of Lassa fever cases has risen to 535 out of 2,728 suspected cases, with 98 deaths recorded across 14 states in Nigeria as of March 2, 2025. The NCDC, which disclosed this in a public advisory on Sunday, stated, “On March 5, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health. The patient, a 31-year-old physician, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK). “The patient departed Nigeria on 19/02/2025 and returned on 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025, on suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025. “Laboratory investigation confirmed the result as Lassa fever-positive through PCR testing on Tuesday, 04/03/2025. The patient was reported to have visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends, before travelling.” Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat), although other rodents can also act as carriers. The public health institute stated that Lassa fever cases occur year-round, with peak transmission periods typically from October to May. “As of Epi-week 9 (February 24, to March 2, 2025), a total of 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed cases, and 98 deaths have been recorded across 14 states in Nigeria, with a case fatality rate of 18.3 per cent. “Five states account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases: Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (16 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent). “Ten local government areas make up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, namely: Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.” Meanwhile, to strengthen both national and international coordination efforts, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified control measures, including contact tracing and listing all individuals who had contact with the confirmed case. The NCDC added that all necessary in-country structures had been mobilised to ensure proper monitoring of contacts. Port Health Services are involved in tracing in-flight contacts to bolster surveillance at points of entry, and information has been shared with relevant authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005). Contact tracing efforts are also ongoing in the UK. Lassa fever is transmitted through direct contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents; ingestion of food or drinks contaminated with the bodily fluids of infected rats; and contact with contaminated objects, household items, or surfaces. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control practices are inadequate. Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to other common febrile illnesses, such as malaria. Symptoms include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings. “Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment significantly improve patient survival rates. Prompt reporting of symptoms ensures timely intervention, thereby increasing the chances of survival,” the NCDC stated. Punch

Natasha: I Never Called For Your Resignation, Saraki Chides Akpabio

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  A former governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has dismissed the subtle allegation by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that some notable “individuals” are seeking his removal from office following the sexual harassment scandal involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Saraki described the claims as “cheap politics and a trivialisation of a serious issue.” Saraki clarified his position in a press release issued by the head of his media office, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja. The former Senate President was responding to Akpabio’s statement alleging that certain individuals from Adamawa and Kwara States were looking forward to his resignation. Akpabio made the remarks on Friday night while addressing a delegation of youth leaders from various ethnic nationalities at the Senate Guest House in Maitama, Abuja. In his address, Akpabio suggested that these individuals, despite being aware of the Senate rules regarding unethical conduct, were intentionally disregarding the real issues due to opposition politics. He further emphasised that, as Senate President, he represents not just his constituency and party but an entire region that had not held the position for the past 46 years. Although Akpabio did not name anyone, political observers speculated that he was referring to his predecessor, Saraki, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who hail from Kwara and Adamawa, respectively. However, Saraki, in a statement on Sunday, argued that his call for transparency and an open process to investigate the allegations against Akpabio was not an attempt to remove a “Niger Delta person” from office, as Akpabio insinuated. The former Senate President urged Akpabio to revisit his earlier press statement dated March 1, noting that he neither suggested nor called for his resignation. Saraki stated: “Ordinarily, I would have ignored the statement as a sign of the times in which we now live. However, the underlying motive of politicising and trivialising a serious issue that threatens the integrity, credibility, and importance of the legislature is why we must not allow the Senate President to create a misleading impression of the issue at stake.” He further clarified: “In my last comment on the Akpabio-Akpoti-Uduaghan crisis, I never called on the Senate President to resign or step aside. Rather, I urged him to recognise that perception is reality. He should avoid handling the allegations in a way that creates the impression the Senate is covering up issues concerning sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office.” Saraki also criticised Akpabio for exploiting ethnic and political sentiments, saying such an approach would not serve his interests or the institution he leads. “This issue is not one in which Akpabio should exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity. This will neither benefit him nor the institution over which he presides. He should face the reality on the ground and do what is right,” Saraki added. He reiterated that his suggestions were for the benefit of the legislative institution, stressing that his stance was not influenced by Akpabio’s political party or region of origin. “When sensitive matters such as sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and mistreatment of women are raised, they evoke the pains that thousands of women experience daily. It is disingenuous and crude to describe my comments along those primordial lines,” Saraki explained. He concluded by emphasising the need for transparency in handling such cases within legislative institutions. “When such issues arise in a place like the legislature, it is an opportunity to address them with utmost openness and transparency, ensuring justice is not only done but seen to be done. People like me, who have made sacrifices to defend the integrity of the legislature, will not stop speaking up for the right thing to be done,” Saraki affirmed. Punch

Osun APC Slams Adeleke’s $20m Fraud Claims Against Oyetola As Baseless

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  The Osun chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Sunday debunked the allegations of misappropriation of a $20m World Bank health grant levelled against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by Governor Ademola Adeleke. Adeleke also accused the past governor of money laundering, financial misconduct and violations of the Public Procurement Act in the disbursement of the grant meant for health sector improvements in the state. In the acknowledged copy of the petition dated March 7 obtained by our correspondent last Friday, Oyetola reportedly set up a committee during his tenure as governor that expended $20m on renovating 320 primary health care centres across the state. But Osun government’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi claimed the programme tagged ‘Save One Million Lives, was a flagrant violation of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, adding that Oyetola did not call for bidding as mandatorily required under the PPA, let alone allowing competition which would have afforded the state the best qualified contractors to handle the projects. Olajengbesi noted in the petition that the beneficiaries of the contract allegedly included businesses with no construction experience, such as food vendors, salon operators, supermarket owners, and web designers. Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, Osun APC Media Director, Kola Olabisi, described the petition as a ruse by the governor, who he claimed has been seeking avenues to get even with the APC leaders in the state over his failure to retain his grip on the state local governments. Olabisi also slammed Adeleke and his legal team for trying ‘so hard’ to rubbish the image of his predecessor in the media. He said, “When the attempt to force their ways to the local government council offices failed, they are now resorting to another crude tactics of attempting to tarnish the image of the former governor of the state, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, a man of candour and probity who served the state honourably. “In the recent propaganda escalated to the country’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, chronicling falsehood to soil the name of Oyetola and those who worked in his government, the Adeleke government said the $20m Save-One-Million Lives Programme was stolen and was not used for the purpose it was meant for.” According to the APC chieftain, the fund received by Oyetola’s government was comprehensively monitored by the donor. Midway through his speech, the APC media director brought some documents detailing what he said was where the funds were expended. He stated, “We will share with you details of how the Oyetola government enhanced and scaled up health in Osun through the grant. We invite the media and the public to peruse the document, containing pictures of facilities and programmes executed to verify our claims. “Not only was the fund used to improve health in the state, but the contract awards followed the relevant procurement laws of the state. We make bold to state that no commissioner, adviser or appointee of ex-Governor Oyetola was awarded contracts while serving in government. “We challenge the state government, which is now on a witch-hunting mission, to publish names of contractors and date of contract awards to substantiate their evil narrative. Unlike Oyetola who uploaded 110 contract and procurement details on the government portal in three years, the current government has only published seven contract details in two years, raising eyebrows about his commitment to accountability and transparency.” Punch

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