A political group, the Ekiti North Progressive Youth Alliance, has made a case for Ikole Local Government Area to produce the next senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, citing equity, justice and fair play.

EKNPYA Coordinator, Tayelolu Ajayi, said the local government had not produced a senator since Nigeria’s return to democracy, adding that “equity, fairness and justice demand that the next senator for the senatorial district should come from Ikole Council area”.

Ajayi faulted an alleged plot by some politicians to return National Assembly tickets in the state to current occupants despite what he described as poor performance, warning that such a move would be resisted.

The EKNPYA coordinator, who spoke in a statement made available on Sunday at Ido Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti North Senatorial District, also rejected a consensus arrangement being considered for some National Assembly members from the district.

It will be recalled that all nine National Assembly seats from Ekiti State are currently occupied by members of the All Progressives Congress, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), and Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North).

Ekiti North Senatorial District comprises five local government areas: Ikole, Oye, Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje.

Ajayi said, “Suppression of other aspirants in the name of consensus is a political fraud, which will be wholesomely rejected by voters.”

He added that presenting lawmakers as deserving of automatic return to the National Assembly was anti-democratic.

Making a case for Ikole, he said, “To entrench the doctrines of justice, equity and fairplay in the Ekiti North’s political equation, Ikole Local Government should be allowed to present a candidate for the senatorial seat, rather than angling on recycled leadership that often breeds mediocrity and hatred”.

The group urged stakeholders to embrace excellence, noting that the district has competent professionals capable of delivering development.

“At this critical juncture, equity, fairness, and strategic thinking must guide our decisions. It is time to give deliberate consideration to Ikole Local Government. By every standard of balance and justice, Ikole deserves a fair shot at the senatorial seat,” he said.

According to Ajayi, despite being the largest local government area in Ekiti North and second only to Ado Ekiti in the state, Ikole has yet to produce a senator since the return to democracy.

“This longstanding imbalance must now be addressed in the interest of unity, inclusiveness and sustainable progress. There must be true representation.

“True representation will bring strategic infrastructure projects, sustainable empowerment programmes with measurable scale, industrial and agricultural value-chain development, institutional presence that attracts federal investments and bold legislative advocacy translating into real benefits for constituents,” he stated.

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The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded arrangements to formally welcome Dauda Lawal into the party.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara had recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the statement, the formal reception, scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, will be attended by President Bola Tinubu, who will be represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“Shettima will be accompanied by the National Executives of the party as well as the immediate past governors of Zamfara and other major stakeholders of the party in the state.

“Similarly, other APC governors, National Assembly members and other top-notch members of the APC within and outside the state are expected to attend.

“The party has already strategised on how to mobilise supporters across the board in order to ensure a smooth and successful reception for the governor,” it added.

The statement further said that various committees had also been formed to ensure a hitch-free reception in the state.

“It could be recalled that the governor recently defected from his former political party, the PDP, to the APC.

“Therefore, the party appeals to all members, supporters and well-wishers to come out en masse and welcome our amiable President Bola Tinubu, who will be represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima,” it pleaded.

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to direct the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee to publish the names and designations of all officials implicated in the alleged ₦200 trillion missing or unaccounted for from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, regardless of their social or political status.

SERAP urged him to direct the Committee to widely disclose details of the ongoing investigation, including audit reports, financial records, and official communications relied upon by the Committee, as well as the timelines for when any implicated officials should appear before it and for the conclusion of the investigation.

SERAP also urged him to direct the Public Accounts Committee to widely publish the complete records of the proceedings, including minutes, submissions, and evidence presented, to ensure transparency and enable Nigerians to independently scrutinise the evidence and process.

The Public Accounts Committee is investigating allegations that about ₦200 trillion is missing from NNPCL’s accounts between 2017 and 2023. The Committee has raised concerns over unreconciled figures and a lack of supporting documentation, yet several officials have failed to appear or provide satisfactory explanations.

In the letter dated 21 March 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Full disclosure of the ongoing investigation is essential to ensure transparency and accountability, prevent political interference, and allow Nigerians to independently scrutinise the facts and investigation.”

SERAP said, “The allegations that ₦200 trillion is missing or unaccounted for, whether fully accurate or partly overstated, can only be taken seriously by Nigerians if the Senate is fully transparent in its ongoing investigation regarding the credibility, plausibility, and accuracy of the claims.”

According to SERAP, “Transparency regarding the ongoing investigation would prevent any perception of a cover-up or political compromise, and ensure that the facts are clearly established.”

The letter, read in part, “Providing complete and verifiable information would allow the public and oversight institutions to assess the situation objectively and determine where the truth lies regarding the allegations.

“The magnitude of the sum, combined with the NNPCL’s history of opaque practices, underscores the urgency of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.

“Allowing these allegations to be ignored, delayed, or politicized risks normalizing impunity and diminishes the public’s right to know how national wealth is being managed.

“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring that all discrepancies are fully examined and that those responsible are identified and held to account, as part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and protect the nation’s economic future.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our request in the public interest.

“The ongoing probe by the Public Accounts Committee into the alleged missing ₦200 trillion from the NNPCL has been dragging for an extended period, with repeated delays in the appearance of officials and slow progress in reconciling the disputed figures.

“Such delays undermine public confidence in the investigative process and create the risk of key evidence being lost or distorted.

“It is imperative that the Committee promptly concludes its investigation in a timely and transparent manner, with clear timelines for the appearance of implicated individuals and the publication of findings, so that accountability is achieved and Nigerians are able to fully understand the outcome.

“The NNPCL has long operated with significant opacity in its financial and operational activities, which has repeatedly limited public oversight and created fertile ground for corruption, mismanagement or misreporting.

“Transparency in this regard would help build public confidence that the investigation is not being shaped by political considerations or undue influence.

“Despite repeated invitations and ultimatums issued by the committee, NNPCL and several of the officials identified in the audit queries have reportedly failed to appear before the panel or provide comprehensive explanations addressing the concerns raised.

“This non-compliance has heightened tensions between the legislature and the NNPCL, and raised concerns and unresolved issues about transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth and resources.”

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The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mr. Bitrus Giwa, has urged churches to adopt proactive security measures to protect worshippers, property, and their core mission.

Mr Giwa made the call at a security awareness seminar organised by the Anglican Diocese of Enugu at Christ Anglican Church, Uwani, Enugu. His lecture, titled “Safeguarding the Church Community, Property, and Purpose Through Vigilance and Faith,” was delivered by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Daniel Ndukwe.

Addressing members of the Diocese’s Security Network, the police chief said churches must complement spiritual efforts with practical and structured security strategies.

He noted that effective protection of worship centres requires a combination of faith-based principles and deliberate safety mechanisms, stressing the need for vigilance among congregants.

Citing Matthew 26:41, which admonishes believers to “watch and pray,” Mr Giwa emphasised the importance of alertness and shared responsibility in preventing security breaches.

He identified key concerns to include the protection of worshippers especially vulnerable individuals the safeguarding of church assets, and the preservation of the church’s mandates of worship, evangelism, and service.

The commissioner also called for improved monitoring of church facilities, heightened vigilance during services, and stronger accountability in managing church resources.

He urged churches to collaborate closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that such partnerships are critical to crime prevention and rapid response.

Mr Giwa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-based policing, while encouraging residents to remain law-abiding and security-conscious.

The seminar is part of ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts by the Enugu State Police Command to strengthen community participation in security management.

Crude oil prices have surged to above $112 per barrel as the
Iran-United States-Israel war escalation entered day 21 on Saturday amid a
surge in domestic petrol prices in Nigeria.

Brent crude rose by 3.26 percent on a day-to-day basis to
$112.2 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude blend increased by 2.80
percent to $98.23 per barrel as of filing the report.

The crude oil price upsurge comes as the US, Israel, and
Iran have not been able to agree on a ceasefire deal.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social, had hinted at ‘winding
down’ its military actions in the Middle East.

Unperturbed about Trump’s disposition, Iran on Saturday
fired missiles at the Chagos Islands, a remote British overseas territory
located more than 2,000 miles from Tehran, Iran’s semiofficial Mehr news agency
reports.

This comes after the United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir
Starmer hgave the US approval to use its bases for strikes against Iran.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
warned PM Starmer that his actions were putting British lives in danger.

Part of the direct effect of the Iran-US-Israel war is a
hike in the domestic price of petrol. On Friday Dangote Refinery, which is
Africa’s largest plant, increased its gantry fuel price for the fourth time in
March 2026 to $1,245 per liter. The decision had caused some petroleum
marketers and filling station owners in Nigeria to hike their petrol pump price
to between N1,331 and N1,430 per liter in Abuja.

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‎The federal government says it has stepped up high-level
discussions with stakeholders on a proposed $20 billion transcontinental gas
pipeline aimed at delivering its vast natural gas to European markets.

The Trans-Sahara gas pipeline (TSGP) is a proposed 4,128 km
pipeline intended to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas
annually from Nigeria, through Niger and Algeria, to European markets.

In a statement on Thursday, Louis Mbah, spokesperson to
‎Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), said the
project aims to boost energy security and create sustainable economic benefits
over time.

‎The statement noted that the TSGP, described as a
transformative gas corridor, is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic
metres of gas annually from Nigeria’s southern reserves through Chad and Libya,
before extending subsea to Sicily, Italy, and into the broader European market.

‎”The proposed pipeline, still at an early development
stage, is being advanced by a consortium of global industry players and will be
subject to extensive technical, commercial and regulatory processes, with
stakeholders expressing optimism that it could redefine Nigeria’s role in the
global energy market while deepening ties with Europe,” the statement reads.

Ekpo, who joined key industry stakeholders in London, United
Kingdom (UK), for discussions on the proposed pipeline, described the
engagement as both timely and historic.

‎“Nigeria is set for investors to take advantage of this
natural gas. With the Petroleum Industry Act and the Executive orders by Mr.
President for the petroleum sector has set a conducive environment to attract
investments to the sector,” he said.

“We must be intentional in the utilisation of our resources,
so long as we have these reserves, we must take adlvantage of them and better
the lives of those in the region.”

‎‎With appropriate financial backing in place, the minister
said he sees no obstacle to the project coming to fruition.

‎‎Also speaking, Olalekan Ogunleye, executive
vice-president, gas, power & new energies at NNPC, reaffirmed Nigeria’s
policy alignment and readiness for investment.

“The NNPCL as the national oil company of Nigeria, has a
clear Gas Master Plan and Mr President’s gas-led initiatives are designed to
drive investments across the value chain,” he said.

“NNPC’s strategy is firmly aligned with the President’s
agenda, and we are focused on creating investable opportunities, removing
bottlenecks, and partnering with credible investors. Simply put, NNPCL is ready
for business.”

‎Roger Tamraz, founder and chief executive officer of Netoil
Inc., who is spearheading the project, described the pipeline as both
commercially viable and strategically important for Europe’s energy future,
citing strong demand and accessible financing options.

‎Alain Bolo, chief executive officer (CEO) of Unicorn Energy
Resources, emphasised the project’s potential to reduce gas flaring and
strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading gas supplier to Europe.

On February 12, 2025, Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger endorsed
the steering committee resolutions for the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline project.

The federal government is also building the Nigeria-Morocco
gas pipeline (NMGP) project, which will traverse 13 West African countries and
Morocco before reaching Europe.

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Charles Soludo, Anambra state governor, says his
administration’s clampdown on native doctors is to curb criminal practices.

In a media briefing in Akwa, the state capital, on Friday,
Soludo said he is not against traditional religion, but he’s only targeting
criminals who operate under the guise of traditional worship.

Soludo said his administration respects and supports freedom
of religion and gives free rein to residents to practice their religion if it
is devoid of criminality.

“We have made this very clear over and over again that we
understand traditional religion,” the governor said.

“We also understand the difference between the traditional
religion and criminal idolatry. We support freedom of worship, freedom of
religion. Anybody can worship the way you want, provided you realise that your
own right ends where the other person’s own starts.

“Where your own practices and preaching now breed
criminality, that is where we come in. Traditional religion is a purist
religion.”

The governor said some native doctors were involved in
preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers.

Soludo said it is the duty of the state government to stop
diabolical rituals that have given rise to evil practices such as ‘Ego Mbute,’
‘Oke-Ite,’ ‘Yahoo Plus,’ and idolatry.

The state government had recently arrested and prosecuted
some native doctors for alleged violations.

Recall that a high court in Awka, Anambra, sentenced
Chidozie Nwangwu, the popular native doctor known as Akwa Okuko, to 11 months’
imprisonment over money ritual-related offences.

The native doctor was apprehended in February 2025 by
operatives of Agunechemba security outfit on allegations of aiding and abetting
kidnapping and money rituals, among others.

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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed all
shipping lines and their agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of
recently approved tariffs.

The directive, issued by the council’s management and made
available to journalists in Lagos on Friday, follows ongoing consultations with
key stakeholders about the new charges.

According to the NSC, the engagements were aimed at
addressing concerns regarding the timing, structure and potential impact of the
tariffs on port users and logistics operations.

“In order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and
sectoral stability, the Council considers it necessary to halt further
implementation.

“We want to ensure that all operators and stakeholders are
aligned before any new tariff structure is enforced,” the statement read.

The council directed that all affected operators revert to,
and strictly apply, the previous tariff regime.

“Any deviation from the previous tariff structure will be
treated as a breach of compliance and will attract sanctions under the law,”
the NSC warned.

A spokesperson for the council emphasized, “Our priority is
to protect cargo interests and maintain an efficient and equitable maritime
transport system for all stakeholders.”

The NSC also pledged to communicate a definitive position
once the consultations and internal reviews are completed. Operators have been
urged to ensure strict and immediate compliance.

The suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of
the consultations and a comprehensive regulatory review.

NAN

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Peter Okoye, the Nigerian singer, has threatened legal
action against a social media user over comments made about his late mother.

The confrontation began after the user posted a picture of
Josephine Okoye, the singer’s late mother, on X with an accusatory caption.

The X user claimed that the singer’s mother “fought
bitterly” to stop her son from marrying “a Yoruba woman”.

In a fiery response to the post, Okoye described the tweet
as “unacceptable and deeply hurtful.”

He ordered the post taken down and threatened legal action
if the X user did not comply.

“This post about my late mother is unacceptable and deeply
hurtful,” he wrote.

“You’ve crossed the line. Take it down and apologise
immediately, or I will take legal action. This madness on social media must
stop.”

Okoye is one-half of the now-defunct music duo P-Square,
alongside Paul, his twin brother. He remains one of the prominent figures in
Nigeria’s music industry.

Okoye married Lola Omotayo in 2013 after dating for seven
years.

Okoye’s mother died in 2012 after a heart surgery in an
Indian hospital.

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