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FG, Ndigbo Outlaw Igbo Titles Outside Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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Eze Ndigbo

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has empowered the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to sanction persons or groups that confer Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.

This is coming after the recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, following the controversial coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Eze Ndigbo na East London on March 14, 2026, in KuGompo City.

The event reportedly sparked outrage among residents, traditional leaders and political groups, who viewed it as an unlawful challenge to local traditional authority and sovereignty.

The federal government condemned the coronation of so-called Eze Ndigbo (Igbo kings) in foreign countries, describing the practice as embarrassing, provocative and dangerous to the safety of Nigerians living abroad.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the position known on Thursday, at the Imeobi meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu, where the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, formally abolished the concept of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland.

In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, the minister pointed out that while Igbo communities in the diaspora are free to celebrate and preserve their culture, the assumption of traditional rulership titles in foreign lands has repeatedly triggered tension, division and violent backlash.

According to her, the practice has become “a big embarrassment” not only to the Federal Government and Ndigbo, but also to Nigerians and even host communities in countries where such titles are being conferred.

The protests, which began on March 30, quickly escalated into violence, with foreign-owned vehicles torched, businesses looted, and at least one stabbing incident reported.

Security forces were said to have deployed stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.

South African traditional institutions and government authorities also reportedly condemned the coronation, with the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders describing it as a flagrant violation of customary protocols

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared the installation illegal and unconstitutional.

The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaging through diplomatic channels to manage the fallout from the South African incident.

She noted that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa distanced itself from the coronation, insisting it was merely a cultural ceremony that had been misinterpreted and did not amount to the installation of a recognised monarch.

The Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria also reportedly apologized for the confusion and urged Nigerians in the country to remain calm and avoid further confrontation.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also recalled a similar crisis in Ghana in July 2025, when tensions flared over the Eze Ndigbo issue and some aggrieved Ghanaians allegedly issued quit notices to Nigerians.

She said she personally led a Federal Government delegation to Accra, where they met with President John Mahama, ministers, the Inspector-General of Police, traditional institutions, and members of the Nigerian community to defuse the crisis.

According to the minister, the situation was eventually brought under control after President Mahama firmly rejected xenophobia and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of persons and goods.

Warning that the lives, businesses and properties of Nigerians abroad could be endangered by such controversies, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to impose strict sanctions on anyone who flouts the directive abolishing Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.

She further assured the gathering that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would help circulate the Ohanaeze communiqué to Nigerian missions and high commissions across the world for enforcement and awareness.

President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, who presented the position of the organisation, declared unequivocally that any person who accepts or confers the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland does so without the backing of the Igbo nation.

He stated that the title is now officially unknown, alienated and proscribed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, adding that state governors, Nigerian embassies and relevant institutions across the world would be formally notified of the decision.

Mbata further disclosed that consultations are ongoing with traditional rulers in Igboland to determine sanctions for violators, stressing that any punishment agreed upon would be enforced down to the community and village level through hometown unions and traditional structures.

CBN Debunks Alleged Liquidation Of Polaris Bank

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Polaris Bank

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has dismissed as false and misleading, a claim suggesting that Polaris Bank is on the verge of being liquidated .

The Source reports that a viral video online had claimed that Polaris Bank, unable to meet the minimum recapitalization threshold set by the country’s regulatory authority, the CBN, is set to be acquired by billionaire businessman, and founder of the Eleganza Group, Razaq Okoya.

According to the video footage, the bank in the face of the recapitalization challenge is bracing up  to loose its operating licence with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation set to take over its administration.

But in a statement on its official site on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the CBN reaffirmed that the country’s banking sector remains stable and safe.

“This content is fake. Let the public be guided. The Nigerian Banking System is safe and secure.

The Source further reports that the speculations surrounding the health status of Polaris Bank was triggered by the CBN revelation that some commercial banks are still struggling with the recapitalization processes.

The CBN had, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, announced that 33 financial institutions have  successfully met the recapitalization threshold, with the sum of N4.65 trillion injected into the system through the exercise.

However, it disclosed that some banks’ efforts in the exercise are still under regulatory and judicial processes.

Edo Hosts Diaspora Summit

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Edo Diaspora Summit
Edo Hosts Diaspora Summit

By Ayodele Oni

As part of efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement for national development, Edo State Government is set to host the 5th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPO) National Summit in Benin City from April 12 to April 15, 2026.

The summit, which is being organised by the Edo State Diaspora Agency in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), is themed “Bringing the World Home: Harnessing Diaspora Health Expertise for National Development.”

It is expected to attract key stakeholders including the Chairman of NiDCOM, members of the National Assembly Committees on Diaspora, and delegates from Nigerian diaspora communities, alongside focal point officers from about 35 states.

According to the programme outline, activities will commence on April 12 with the arrival of over 70 special guests.

The main event is scheduled for April 13 and will feature keynote addresses, a special address by the host Governor, and presentations on diaspora-driven initiatives across states.

The day will also include technical and discussion sessions, as well as the commissioning of the Edo State Diaspora Headquarters and the launch of the state’s diaspora policy.

Participants are expected to embark on visits to selected sites of interest, followed by a dinner and cocktail session, while departure of guests is slated for April 15.

All events will take place at the Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin City, starting from 9:00 a.m. daily.

The summit is expected to provide a strategic platform for harnessing the expertise, particularly in the health sector, of Nigerians in the diaspora towards sustainable national development.

Bayelsa In Complete Lockdown, As President Tinubu Visits

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a strange arrangement, the Bayelsa State Government on Thursday, April 9, 2026, declared Friday a work-free day ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit.

The State Government, also, ordered all markets to remain closed throughout the visit.

The Source reports that the President will be visiting the Oil rich state in the fourth and final lap of his scheduled four-state official visit.

He had earlier personally visited Plateau and Ogun States, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio standing in for him in Lagos on Wednesday.

A statement from the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, informed that the measure is aimed at affording the people the opportunity to accord the President a rousing reception.

“As we all know ,the state is ready ,and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father,vand leader,the President and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,who will be in the State on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the State Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) April 10 ,2026 ,a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa state” Koku-Obiyai stated.

This is as he appealed to traders, the business community and the entire residents to comply with the directive on free-Friday,vas well as come out in mass to welcome the president.

According to him, the President is expected to commission some major projects including a  gas turbine in Opolo-Elebele ,a 60km dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama with Oporoma in the Southern Ijaw Local Council.

Instructively ,the Bayelsa state visit remains the only one out of the four-state presidential visit, that will lead to the complete lockdown of the host state.

However,the State Government  said the measure is to ensure a hitch free visit.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa  Using Taxpayers’ Money To Fund Illegal LCDAs – Akoko Group

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Akoko Development Group (ADG), has accused Ondo State Government of unlawful continued funding of the Local Council Development Authorities,(LCDA) despite their nullification by the Court.

 

The Group also chided Government for presentation of the LCDAs to a National Assembly committee for recognition, appointment of chairmen and councillors, as well as the provision of official vehicles to officials of the disputed councils.

 

This was contained in a communiqué signed by its President, Remi Omosowon at the end of its 228th meeting, in which it expressed concern over the persistent infrastructural deficit and worsening insecurity across the four local government areas in Akokoland.

 

The group also condemned what it termed the deliberate disobedience of a valid court judgment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa regarding the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

 

ADG recalled that on June 20, 2024, Adegboyega Adebusoye of the Ondo State High Court nullified the establishment of 33 LCDAs created under a 2023 law signed by the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

 

The court held that the creation of the LCDAs was unconstitutional, null and void for failing to comply with Sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and restrained the government from taking further action on them.

 

According to the group, leaders from the four Akoko local governments made several efforts to engage the governor, urging him to comply with the court’s decision.

 

It noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa had promised to address the matter after the December 2024 gubernatorial election, which he later won.

 

However, the group expressed disappointment that the promise was not fulfilled despite follow-up visits, letters, and appeals.

 

The group maintained that such actions are illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct affront to the rule of law, stressing that no individual is above the Constitution.

 

It further described the governor’s conduct as a deliberate affront to the people of Akoko and a sign of disregard for the judiciary, noting that such treatment is unprecedented in the history of Ondo State.

 

The communiqué further alleged that although the state government filed a notice of appeal, it failed to diligently pursue the process, describing the move as a ploy to delay justice, while continuing actions contrary to the court’s ruling.

 

It warned Ondo State Government, declaring that there is a limit to what it described as growing impunity in governance, particularly as it affects the Akoko region.

 

The group lamented that the area has been left exposed to banditry and kidnapping, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty.

 

“The gentility of a tiger is not an expression of timidity,” the communiqué stated, signaling the group’s readiness to take decisive action.

 

Consequently, the ADG announced its decision to return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the governor to comply with his oath of office and adhere strictly to the earlier judgment.

 

The group also placed the Governor and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on formal notice of its intended legal action.

INEC Chairman: Senator Moro Accuses ADC Of Over-heating The Polity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Senator Abba Moro
Senator Abba Moro

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the call for the immediate resignation of Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman by opposition Party, African Democratic Congress, ADC, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, on Thursday accused the Party of mischief and   unnecessarily heating up the polity.

Moro warned that such calls could further heighten political tension in the country.

The former Minister of Interior said this  while speaking in an interview on Arise Television. He cautioned against the continuous escalation of political tension through protests and public agitation.

The Senator who represents Benue South Senatorial District stated that the demand was not new in Nigeria’s political history and should not be seen as the ultimate solution to electoral disputes.

He said: “If you are a very good student of Nigerian political history, you will know that this is not the first time  a political party has insisted or demanded that the Chairman of the electoral umpire should resign. I don’t think that is the ultimate.

“Assuming, without conceding, that the INEC Chairman resigns today, who is going to midwife the 2027 election? If you are saying that the INEC Chairman is biased, the concomitant implication is that the electoral body is no longer capable of conducting the election.

“So because he is accused of misinterpreting, he should resign. I don’t believe in that. And I don’t believe in the constant raising of the political temperature of this country by this constant protest.”

He criticised what he described as the continuous heating up of the polity through protests, noting that recent demonstrations have largely been driven by the ADC despite the party being just one of several parties in the electoral process.

“You saw the protest yesterday by members of the ADC. The ADC is just one political party out of the 19 that are participating in the electoral process in Nigeria. And so if you look at the protests that have been going on, it’s all about ADC. If they want to unseat President Tinubu, Fine, it’s their legitimate right. But is that how to go about it?

“If you say they misinterpreted the pronouncement of the court, status quo ante bellum, lawyers have given different interpretations. They say maintain the status quo as it was before the crisis. What is the misinterpretation there? Don’t forget that the various political actors in ADC are in Court for various reasons.

“The political persons you saw there left their various political parties and say that they are adopting ADC as their platform to unseat the President. So if you want to adopt a platform, do you go to take over the platform? Instead of going through the process and exonerating themselves, they are on the streets,” he argued.

It would be recalled that INEC and ADC have been at loggerheads following the delisting of key ADC figures, including David Mark; ADC National Chairman and the Party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, citing compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before a trial court.

ADC has, however, raised alarm, alleging that there is a calculated plot to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of using INEC to weaken opposition parties.

Delta Has Untapped 3,000 Electricity Megawatts – Consultant

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Sherrif Oborevwori



By Ayodele Oni 

 

Delta State has an installed electricity generation capacity of about 3,000 megawatts, which remains untapped.

 

The Managing Director of Power Acumen Consulting, Engr. Matthew Edevbie said Delta State with this in stock and contributions from areas such as Okpai, Ughelli and Sapele, the state shockingly, relies on less than 200 megawatts from outside for power generation.

 

He spoke during a high level meeting of the state with the management of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd (PACL), Detail Solicitors and Nigeria Infrastructure Bank (NIB) at Government House, Asaba.

 

Engr. Edevbie pointed out that the flagship vision of “Light Up and Industrialize Delta State Initiative” was not just a power project, but an integrated development strategy, saying “electricity is the foundation.

 

While saying Delta State must develop its own power grid, he stated that the state was not lacking in power generation capacity; what the state needs is control over transmission and distribution within its territory.

 

“By building our own grid, we can harness existing power, distribute it efficiently, and ensure reliability.

 

“Encouragingly, recent regulatory developments now make it possible for states to establish independent transmission systems. 

 

“This means Delta State can build, operate, and recover investments in its own grid over time—turning infrastructure into a long-term economic asset,” he added.

 

Engr. Edevbie assured that with proper coordination, partnerships, and regulatory alignment, the state can achieve 24 hours electricity supply in Warri and Asaba before the end of the year.

 

Earlier, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving stable and reliable electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships with reputable energy experts.

 

The governor said his administration was intensifying efforts to address longstanding gaps in electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and targeted infrastructure development under its “Light Up To Industrialize Delta State Initiative.”

 

According to him, while the state has recorded progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, sustainable power supply remains critical to unlocking broader economic growth and development.

 

The governor, who commended the management of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd for what he described as a “brilliant and insightful presentation,” noted that the engagement reflects the government’s resolve to work with competent partners capable of delivering measurable results.

 

He stated that a joint technical team comprising representatives of the state and PACL will be established, adding that the team would be tasked with the responsibility of developing a clear roadmap and actionable framework for 24/7 power supply in the state.

 

“We do not want to act blindly. We need a well-structured plan that will guide our decisions and ensure long-term success,” he added

 

The governor pointed out that his administration has strengthened institutional capacity by appointing experienced professionals to oversee the energy sector, expressing confidence that the combination of strong leadership and strategic collaboration will yield positive results.

FG Counters CSOs: Nigeria Not On Brink Of Collapse; Challenges Are Being Tackled

By
James Orji
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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris says Nigeria is stable and on the path of growth contrary to suggestions that the country is collapsing. Nigeria, is not on the brink of collapse, the minister said yesterday.

Idris spoke on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON yesterday in Abuja.

The minister was reacting to recent assertion by some civil society , CSO groups in the country, to the effect that Nigeria is gradually collapsing due the some challenges facing the country, including economic and security problems, which they said the government has failed to tackle head on.

But the minister described such fears to be unfounded, asserting that the country is making steady progress, as the government is making serious efforts to address the problems “decisively”.

According to him, the security challenges are being tackled, citing the sustained military actions against terrorists and bandits in some parts of the country.

Idris: “I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse. On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively,” he said.

On the economic front, the minister stated that recent indices, such as increase revenues, reforms in the non-oil and oil sectors, and transparent economic management by the government has strengthened investors confidence in Nigeria, saying the government is making hard decisions for the betterment of the country.

“Nigeria’s foreign reserves are strengthening, investor confidence is improving and reforms in both the oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams. These decisions, though difficult, are stabilising public finances and creating a more transparent economic environment,” the minister said.

Some CSOs in the country, including ActionAid Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Yiaga Africa and Amnesty International Nigeria, had on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital warned in a statement, that the current problems facing the country, such as insecurity, economy, poverty and others are pushing the country into imminent brink.

“Nigeria is on the brink of collapse. We, the undersigned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), acting as non-partisan advocates for democracy, human rights, and good governance, issue this urgent plea for responsible leadership and collective action to save our nation from escalating insecurity, rising poverty, and moral decay in public life,” the statement read in part.

US Orders Its Non-Emergency Embassy Staff to Leave Abuja

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
US Embassy in Nigeria



By Adesina Soyooye 

 

In a troubling action which emphasise the worsening security situation in Nigeria, the United States of America, USA, has ordered its non-essential staff to leave Abuja,  Nigeria’s Capital Territory.

 

The order stems from what the US sees as Nigeria’s  deteriorating security situation.

 

This information was disclosed by the 

State Department in a notice on Wednesday.

 

It reads: 

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the notice read.

 

The State Department, also encouraged Americans to reconsider going to Nigeria due to risks including kidnappings and other crimes. It listed 23 States, mostly in the North and South-East where it discouraged Americans from stepping into because of violence, terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.

Abia ADC Disowns Norman Obinna, Pledges Loyalty To Mark-led National Leadership

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
David Mark - ADC Chairman
David Mark

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Abia State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has distanced itself from the activities of, and claims by, Don Norman Obinna, a self-acclaimed chairman of the party in the State.

 

This is as the party expressed its unalloyed loyalty and support for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the ADC .

 

The Source reports that the internal and leadership crisis rocking the ADC was somewhat escalated on Tuesday , April 7, with Obinna leading a few other self-acclaimed State chairmen of the party in declaring support for the action of the  Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in  withdrawing recognition for the Mark-led ADC NEC.

 

The group, at a media briefing in Abuja, also, proclaimed a non-existent Dumebi Kachukwu-led NEC as the authentic and recognised leadership of the ADC .

 

The Obinna-led State Chairmen’s position followed INEC’s announcement last Wednesday April 1, 2926, of its  decision to discontinue the recognition of the Mark-led national leadership, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment ordering parties in the leadership tussle to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice before an Abuja Federal High Court.

 

But rising from its emergency meeting on Wednesday, the Abia State caucus of the party  dismissed Obinna’s claim to the Chairmanship of the party as not only false and misleading but, also, mischievous.

 

In a communique read after the caucus meet held at the Party’s State Headquarters in Umuahia, the state capital, ,Chief Uko Nkole, leader of the Caucus declared that Obinna lacks the authority to speak and or act for the Abia state chapter of the ADC .

 

Reaffirming Kanu O. Kanu as the Acting State Chairman of the Party, the caucus described Obinna’s claim to the party’s leadership as not only unlawful, but an assault on rule of law.

 

According to the caucus, Obinna was on December 3, 2025 restrained by an Abia State High Court from parading himself and acting as the ADC Chairman in  the state .

 

“His (Obinna’s) actions amount to a violation of Party discipline ,and contempt of a valid court order.

 

“Any meetings, directives, or public engagements conducted by him in the name of the party are null and void’, the caucus stated.

 

The party urged members of the public, security agencies, relevant authorities and stakeholders to treat any statements, activities and actions associated with Obinna as the chairman of Abia ADC ,as not only false ,but mischievious and deceptive.

 

While reaffirming its unwavering loyalty to the Mark-led national leadership, the caucus expressed its commitment to the unity, discipline and respect for the leadership of the ADC at all levels .

 

According to the caucus, the position of the Abia State chapter is in tandem with the party’s South East Zonal Disciplinary Committee report of September 25,2025 which clarified Obinna’s status .

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