The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Chief Tony Okocha, has dismissed claims that the 27 embattled state lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Okocha denied welcoming the lawmakers into the party, clarifying that the December 2023 event at the Port Harcourt Polo Club was not a reception for them but a celebration of the inauguration of the state’s APC executive council by the party’s national leadership.

At the event, embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule had stated that he and 26 colleagues had completed their defection process, citing evidence of division within the PDP.

However, while addressing the media in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Okocha explained that he had personally invited the lawmakers as friends, not as assembly members.

“There was no intention to organize a reception for something that had not happened. Our event was a reception and thanksgiving for our members, not to welcome the 27 lawmakers into the APC,” he said.

He added, “We were misinterpreted. I have known these lawmakers for a long time and tried to woo them into the party. We would have been pleased if we had succeeded, but the truth is they never defected to the APC.”

Okocha also criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly disregarding the rule of law, arguing that the era of strongman politics was over. He accused the governor of ignoring a court ruling that directed him to re-present the 2024 budget before the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

“We are disappointed by the governor’s refusal to obey Justice James Omotosho’s judgment, which granted 15 reliefs. You cannot run a state without an annual budget, yet the governor is doing so. Presenting a budget before a three-man Assembly is not lawful—the Appeal Court even referred to it as a forum,” he stated.

Okocha urged all parties to remain calm and abide by the final judgment when the Supreme Court rules on the matter.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has stated that Nigerians have long recognized the late MKO Abiola as a former president of the country.

Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, which was later annulled by then-military president Ibrahim Babangida.

Thirty years after the election, Babangida, during the launch of his memoir, admitted that Abiola had indeed won but claimed the annulment was in the “national interest.”

Following Babangida’s admission, some have called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize Abiola as a former president. However, Falana argued that Nigerians have already conferred that status upon him.

“Since 1993, he has been recognized by the people of Nigeria as an elected president,” Falana said during an appearance on *Politics Today* on Channels Television. “Those trying to turn back the hands of the clock are only now acknowledging what has long been established.”

The Federal Government has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, spearheaded by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), aims to integrate AI into education, enhancing teaching methods and equipping educators with the skills needed to prepare students for a technology-driven world.

At the official launch of the training and the unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of equipping teachers for the evolving digital landscape.

“The world is experiencing a technological revolution, with AI at its core. It is no longer a futuristic idea but a present reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies. As educators, we must embrace this change to ensure our education sector keeps pace.

AI integration into pedagogy provides an opportunity to personalize learning, enhance critical thinking, and prepare students for AI-driven careers,” he stated.

The minimum standards, developed through extensive stakeholder collaboration and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a framework to ensure consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in Nigeria’s senior secondary education.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, highlighted the importance of adapting to digital advancements. She noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritizes education reforms, ensuring Nigerian students acquire 21st-century skills.

“The AI in Pedagogy training is a critical part of these reforms, ensuring our teachers are equipped to deliver innovative, technology-driven education.

Teachers play a central role in this transformation, and the knowledge gained from this training will directly impact students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are essential,” she stated.

Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of NSSEC, described the initiative as a pivotal step in advancing education under the *Renewed Hope Agenda*.

The virtual training program, sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, will run for five weeks, covering five modules designed to enhance AI-related teaching skills.

Ajayi also introduced the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education, focusing on curriculum development, teacher qualifications, infrastructure, quality assurance, governance, research, and stakeholder engagement. Schools have been given nine months to implement these standards.

He called on state governments, school administrators, and private sector partners to support the initiative by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and student welfare, ensuring Nigeria’s education system remains competitive in the digital era.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The suit, filed on Tuesday, lists Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as the second and third defendants.

Through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan cited a Facebook post made by Akpabio’s aide titled *“Is local content committee of the Senate Natasha’s birthright?”* The post allegedly included a statement that she believed being a lawmaker was just about applying makeup and wearing transparent outfits to the Senate chambers.

Giwa argued that the statement was defamatory, provocative, and damaging to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation, lowering her standing among her colleagues and the public.

She is seeking a court declaration that the words used in the post were defamatory and aimed at tarnishing her image. She also requested an order preventing the defendants or their associates from making further defamatory statements about her on any platform.

Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan is demanding ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million for litigation costs.

Her lawsuit comes amid a recent dispute in the Senate over her seat reassignment. She resisted the change, leading to a confrontation with Akpabio.

The controversy resulted in her being referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee for review.

The Senate has unanimously decided to refer Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review following her recent dispute over seat allocation.

The Kogi Senator engaged in a heated exchange on February 20 after discovering that her seat had been reassigned without prior notice.

The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, has been given two weeks to investigate and present its findings.

The resolution was passed via a voice vote after lawmakers revisited the altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parliamentary rules and decorum.

Raising a motion under Order 1(b) and 10, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “extreme intransigence” during the February 20 session.

He noted that the controversy had dominated media discussions, forcing him to work on managing the Senate’s public image.

“The Senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions,” he stated, urging the leadership to enforce discipline, adding that “where there is sin, there must be a penalty.”

Backing Adaramodu, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to upholding its rules.

He stressed that while opinions on the issue might vary, the Senate must remain unified by its guiding principles.

“We will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Integrity is non-negotiable,” he said, dismissing claims that the controversy stemmed from gender bias, citing instances where senior senators accepted seat changes without protest.

In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to review the incident and report back.

Akpabio explained that while Senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, official contributions must be made from designated seats.

He suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction stemmed from a lack of familiarity with Senate procedures.

“On her first day after being sworn in, she stood up to contribute, and I was concerned whether she had even read the rule book. There is nothing wrong with being vibrant, but everything wrong with disregarding procedure,” he stated.

Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of the Senate rules, he emphasized the importance of proper conduct during sessions, which includes prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water, or causing disruptions.

“The rules empower the Senate President to suspend a senator for at least 14 days for infractions. It’s not me who made the rules; it’s in the rule book,” Akpabio concluded.

The Nigerian Army has refuted claims that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has introduced automatic promotions for personnel who have served in their current ranks for five years or more.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the claims as misleading and baseless, describing them as deliberate misinformation intended to deceive both army personnel and the public.

Nwachukwu clarified that promotions within the army follow a structured, merit-based process governed by well-defined statutory regulations.

He emphasized that promotions are not arbitrary or influenced by social media speculations.

He explained that the criteria for promotion are clearly outlined in the *Nigerian Army Administrative Policies and Procedures (Revised 2023)* and the *Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen (2024)*.

According to him, key promotion requirements include:
– Serving the minimum required period in a substantive rank
– Successful completion of necessary professional courses
– Maintaining a satisfactory disciplinary and performance record
– Meeting medical and physical fitness standards

He stressed that the Nigerian Army, like other branches of the Armed Forces, adheres to uniform promotion criteria, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and operational efficiency.

Nwachukwu urged the public to disregard the false reports, reaffirming that there is no credibility to claims of automatic promotions based on years of service.

He further assured that the army chief remains committed to personnel welfare, career advancement, and professional development, in line with his *”Soldier First”* policy.

He added that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede would not compromise due process or international best practices.

A Sabo-Yaba Magistrate Court on Tuesday cleared Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and his associate, Samson Eletu (Sam Larry), of any criminal responsibility in the death of Nigerian artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.

Instead, the court ruled that Nurse Feysayo Ogedengbe and Ayobami Sadiq should face prosecution for Mohbad’s death due to alleged recklessness and negligence.

Magistrate E. Kubeinje based the decision on legal advice from the Lagos State Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), signed by Dr. Babajide Martins. The DPP advised striking out the names of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy), and Mohbad’s manager, Babatunde Opere, due to insufficient evidence linking them to Mohbad’s death.

However, the court acknowledged that Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Opere, and Primeboy had unlawfully assaulted Mohbad.

Still, it ruled that the assault did not rise to the level of criminal liability concerning his death.

It was also noted that Mohbad had previously withdrawn an assault complaint against Naira Marley on October 11, 2022, stating that the issue had been resolved amicably.

As a result, the court determined that the four individuals had no case to answer and ordered their release if they were still in custody.

Meanwhile, Ogedengbe and Sadiq will be prosecuted for reckless and negligent acts under Section 251(e) of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015.

The case was adjourned until March 24 for further updates.

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the remand of three Lagos State House of Assembly staff members in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of assaulting some of its officers.

Justice Daniel Osiagor directed that Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adetu Adekunle, and Fatimoh Adetola be held in DSS custody to allow the court more time to review the case file. The trio will remain in custody until their arraignment on Wednesday.

According to a six-count charge dated February 24, 2025, and filed on Tuesday, the DSS alleged that the defendants, along with others still at large, conspired to assault State Security Service officers while they were carrying out their official duties without justification.

The agency claimed that on February 17, 2025, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the three individuals obstructed DSS officers in the performance of their duties without any valid reason.

Additionally, they were accused of cyberstalking by recording and disseminating false information on social media, allegedly intending to incite public disorder.

The DSS further stated that the defendants conspired to misdirect electronic messages on social media to embarrass the agency and its officials.

The charges also specified that Ibrahim Olanrewaju and Adetu Adekunle used an iPhone 12 Pro Max to record and circulate misleading information online to discredit the DSS and instigate public unrest.

Similarly, Adetu Adekunle was accused of using a Tecno POP 8 device to spread false information on social media for the same purpose.

The alleged offences violate Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as well as Sections 27(1)(b), 24(1)(b), 24(c)(i), and 11 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended), 2024.

What was supposed to be a joyous wedding celebration turned into a devastating tragedy as the groom, Abba Musa, and Maryam Suleiman, the bride’s elder sister, lost their lives in a fatal accident just 30 minutes before the ceremony.

The accident occurred in Boto, located in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, leaving the entire community in deep shock and mourning.

The tragic incident has sent ripples of sorrow across the region, prompting reflections on the unpredictability of life.

According to an eyewitness, the victims were traveling from Murno, a community about 5km from Boto, when the accident happened.

Saminu Boto, the groom’s brother, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, describing the community’s atmosphere as one of overwhelming grief.

“It’s an unimaginable loss. The entire community is mourning,” he lamented, adding that the victims’ families are struggling to come to terms with the sudden tragedy.

He described how the bride’s family home, once bustling with wedding preparations, had turned into a place of sorrow and mourning.

Boto remembered the late groom as a kind-hearted and ambitious young man who had been looking forward to building a future with his bride, Raihanatu Suleiman.

He also spoke of Maryam Suleiman, the bride’s sister, as a supportive sibling who played a significant role in organizing the ceremony.

“The double tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the community, with many describing it as one of the saddest days in recent memory,” he said.

Both victims were laid to rest according to Islamic rites shortly after the accident.

Meanwhile, the bride remains inconsolable, devastated by the loss of both her groom and sister on what was meant to be the happiest day of her life.

A fire broke out on Tuesday at Ladipo Market, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria.

He revealed that the agency received distress calls through its emergency toll-free lines (767 and 112) at approximately 12:09 a.m. regarding the fire outbreak.

“LASEMA immediately activated the state’s emergency response plans and dispatched a response team from its Cappa Base,” he stated.

Upon arrival at the scene by 12:16 a.m., officials discovered that a warehouse surrounded by shops had been engulfed in flames.

Investigations indicated that the fire was triggered by an electrical surge following the restoration of public power supply in the area.

Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries reported, though the inferno led to the destruction of valuable goods, including electronics, generating sets, bicycles, auto spare parts, phones, and home appliances.

He added that occupants of the warehouse have been educated on necessary safety measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.