The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) and the Federal Government have not yet been served with court summons in the suit filed by 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Although both the AGF and the Federal Government are named as defendants in the case, sources within the OAGF said that they had not received the necessary legal documents. A senior official in the AGF’s office commented, “We have read about the suit in the media. You in the media are the ones telling us that a suit has been filed by some PDP-controlled states against the emergency rule declared in Rivers State. “For now, I can confirm to you that the office of the AGF has not been served. I believe it is this office that will also be served with processes intended for the Federal Government or the President. We are waiting. This is our office. If indeed any suit has been filed, we will respond accordingly once we are served as required,” The Nation reports. Meanwhile, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator appointed by President Tinubu to oversee Rivers State, explained that his decision to appoint administrators for the state’s 23 local governments followed observations made during his visits to the councils. Also on Thursday, hundreds of women staged a protest in Port Harcourt, demanding an end to the emergency rule. They marched from Isaac Boro Park to Garrison Junction along Aba Road, carrying placards and singing solidarity songs. The suit, marked SC/CV/329/2025, was filed by the Attorneys-General of 11 PDP-controlled states: Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa. The plaintiffs are asking the Supreme Court to determine whether the President has the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected state government. They also question whether the process used to declare a state of emergency in Rivers aligns with the 1999 Constitution. The suit specifically seeks judicial interpretation of several constitutional provisions. Among the key issues raised: “Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188 and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend or in any manner whatsoever interfere with the offices of a Governor and the Deputy Governor of any of the component 36 States of the Federation of Nigeria and replace same with his own unelected nominee as a Sole Administrator, under the guise of, or pursuant to, a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in any of the State of the Federation, particularly in any of the Plaintiffs States?” “Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 4(6), 11(4) & (5), 90, 105 and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend the House of Assembly of any of the component 36 States of the Federation of Nigeria, under the guise of, or pursuant to, a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in any of such States, particularly in any of the Plaintiffs States?”
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that the nation’s oil and condensate reserves stood at 37.28 billion barrels as of January 1, 2025—a marginal decline of about 0.60 per cent. Despite the slight dip, Nigeria maintained its position as Africa’s second-largest holder of crude oil reserves, trailing only Libya, which has an estimated 48.36 billion barrels. However, Nigeria remains the continent’s top producer. In contrast to the slight drop in oil reserves, the country’s gas reserves increased to 210.54 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF), marking a 0.61 per cent rise. This solidifies Nigeria’s position as the leading gas reserve holder in Africa and around ninth globally, reaffirming its status as a “gas nation.” In recent years, the country has shifted focus to developing its gas resources, cutting down flaring significantly and actively exploring for gas, rather than treating it as an incidental by-product of crude oil drilling. Globally, Nigeria’s gas reserves now rank behind Russia, Iran, Qatar, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Venezuela. In a statement signed by the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, the NUPRC noted that Nigeria’s reserves life index as of January 1, 2025, was 64 years for crude oil and 93 years for gas. According to the commission, the announcement aligns with its obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021. Last year, the commission reported combined oil and condensate reserves of 37.50 billion barrels, while gas reserves stood at 209.26 TCF—split between 102.59 TCF of Associated Gas and 106.67 TCF of Non-Associated Gas. Providing updated figures, Komolafe stated, “The commission, in keeping with its mandate as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (PIA), is committed to driving the efficiency and effectiveness of the upstream oil and gas sector, enhancing the growth of oil and gas reserves and ensuring sustainable increase in oil and gas production for shared prosperity, as articulated in the Regulatory Action Plan (RAP) for 2024 and the near term.” He added, “Against the foregoing, I am pleased to present to you an overview of the nation’s oil, condensate, associated gas, and non-associated gas reserves as of January 1, 2025, as follows: 2P crude oil and condensate reserves stand at 31.44 billion barrels and 5.84 billion barrels respectively, amounting to a total of 37.28 billion barrels.” “2P Associated Gas and Non-Associated Gas reserves stand at 101.03 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) and 109.51 TCF, respectively, resulting in total gas reserves of 210.54 TCF. The reserves life index is 64 years and 93 years for oil and gas, respectively,” the statement continued. The term “2P reserves” refers to “proven reserves,” a category that reflects the best estimate of recoverable oil and gas resources in a given area. Komolafe explained that the public release was a statutory duty: “In view of the above, and in furtherance of Chapter 1, Part III, Section 7 (g), (i), (j), (k), (m), (q), (r), and other powers enabling me in this respect, I, Engr. Gbenga Olu Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, hereby declare the total oil and condensate reserves of 37.28 billion barrels and total gas reserves of 210.54 trillion cubic feet as the official national petroleum reserves position as of January 1, 2025.” Internationally, Nigeria ranks around 11th in proven crude oil reserves. Despite this, the country’s share of global production remains lower than expected, due to factors such as underinvestment, infrastructure limitations, security challenges, and regulatory uncertainty. This underperformance has led to Nigeria producing below its potential, even with its strong reserve base. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s crude oil output fell to a five-month low in March 2025, averaging 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) during the period. Production had previously shown signs of recovery, with figures recorded at 1.48 million bpd in both November and December last year, rising to 1.53 million bpd in January before dipping to 1.46 million bpd in February, and finally 1.4 million bpd in March. The NUPRC noted that this figure represents 93 per cent of Nigeria’s Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.5 million bpd—down from 98 per cent compliance in February. While the commission did not cite specific causes for the decline, attacks on pipelines amid political unrest in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region, were reported in March, leading to the temporary suspension of several operations. According to the regulator’s data, Nigeria’s lowest and peak combined crude oil and condensate output in March stood at 1.46 million bpd and 1.76 million bpd, respectively. Notably, OPEC does not count condensate toward member countries’ oil production quotas.
The Federal Government has introduced tougher immigration penalties, declaring that expatriates who overstay their visas by more than six months will face a five-year entry ban, while those who remain in the country illegally for one year will be barred from re-entering for 10 years. Additionally, the government stated that any overstays will incur a fine of $15 per day, beginning from the visa’s designated exit date. According to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, these penalties will come into effect on August 1. Tunji-Ojo made this known during the unveiling of the Ministry of Interior’s new Expatriate Administration System at a stakeholder meeting held at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association House in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday. Several reforms will be implemented starting May 1, including automated Landing and Exit Cards, an Electronic Visa system, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an enhanced Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card. Additional changes include the introduction of a Temporary Residence Visa, a Temporary Work Permit, and an updated Expatriate Quota framework. According to Tunji-Ojo, these measures are part of a broader effort to control visa overstays and to gain accurate data on expatriates living in Nigeria. “Our records indicate fewer than 50,000 expatriates in Nigeria, which we know is inaccurate. We need to establish the true number of foreigners living in the country. A nation without reliable data cannot progress, as data is the foundation of effective planning,” he said. He also explained that the new system will automate the Landing and Exit Cards, requiring expatriates to leave the country on or before their visa expiration date and to seek extensions only from outside Nigeria. “This is serious. We’re not introducing anything new regarding the landing and exit card, just automating the current paper-based process. In a country of over 230 million intelligent, tech-savvy people, we shouldn’t be using paper cards. Going forward, you must complete your landing and exit cards online,” he added. The automated system, he noted, would make it easier to track those who overstay. “If you overstay, there will be consequences. Overstaying by six months attracts a five-year ban; one year attracts a 10-year ban. There is also a $15 daily overstay penalty. People claim to be visiting Nigeria for two weeks but stay for 30 years working — that must end,” the minister said. He added that while the new regulations will officially commence on May 1, there will be a three-month grace period for expatriates to regularise their status before strict enforcement begins in August. As part of the overhaul, a new Electronic Visa system will also launch on May 1, which will enable applicants to secure visas within 48 hours. This initiative replaces the current visa-on-arrival model, which Tunji-Ojo described as susceptible to corruption and undue influence. “We’re introducing the e-visa to make access to Nigeria easier for tourists and business travellers. Globally, population equals market, and we want to open our borders to legitimate opportunities. The e-visa eliminates bottlenecks. No more lobbying. It’s a seamless and secure system,” he stated. Tunji-Ojo also revealed the rollout of a mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance policy. “We spend billions annually on repatriation. Just a month ago, we had exhausted our yearly budget and had to request an extra N25m. That money should be used to build infrastructure, not deport individuals. We needed a sustainable solution,” he said. Rather than requiring a substantial deposit for repatriation — which can exceed $10,000 — the government will now require all expatriates to purchase this insurance policy. “All over the world, there’s personal liability insurance. Your stay here should benefit both you and the host country — not leave Nigeria worse off. The Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance is now mandatory and will be paid annually along with the CERPAC,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has downplayed speculation surrounding his recent visit, alongside prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to former President Muhammadu Buhari. The high-profile gathering, which took place in Kaduna on Friday, has ignited political chatter, especially as it featured opposition stalwarts such as Atiku, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam. The visit comes amid talks of a potential coalition forming ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku and Labour Party’s Peter Obi reportedly working behind the scenes to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Atiku, in a post following the visit, expressed joy over reuniting with Buhari, praising the former leader’s characteristic humour. “Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari… As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour,” Atiku wrote. The former vice president also explained that he had remained in Adamawa during the Sallah festivities to represent the Lamido Fombina in various celebratory duties. The visit has since been interpreted by political analysts as a calculated move ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially marking the beginning of a formidable opposition alliance. Reports also suggest that Atiku and Obi are in talks to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), with former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo confirming ongoing discussions. Reacting to the swirling rumors, El-Rufai took to social media to dismiss claims that the meeting was politically motivated. In a tweet that raised eyebrows, he subtly addressed perceived tensions with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “We joined over [a] hundred faithful for Jumaat prayers at the Yahaya Road Mosque and had a sumptuous lunch at the Buhari Residence. By the way, our adversaries should not lose any sleep. It is not about politics. It is about unity and brotherhood,” El-Rufai stated. He added wryly, “Since we are all politically irrelevant, we just prayed and enjoyed lunch with our mentor.” Observers have noted that while El-Rufai claims the visit was strictly fraternal, his use of the term “adversaries” may be a veiled jab at President Tinubu, the APC, and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. As Nigeria’s political landscape braces for another intense election cycle, the Kaduna gathering signal that 2027 might just be the year of unexpected alliances and political realignments. Whether symbolic or strategic, one thing is clear: the game has begun.
In large numbers, women in Rivers State on Friday stormed the major Aba Road area of Port Harcourt, protesting with placards and calling for the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. Before marching along Aba Road, the women held prayers at Isaac Boro Park. As the protesters advanced toward the State Government House from Aba Road, they were seen with placards boldly inscribed with “Bring back Fubara,” “Save our democracy,” “Is the law different for Rivers State?” and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.” The protesters, who identified themselves as mothers and wives, chanted songs and called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Fubara and allow democracy to prevail. The women condemned the state of emergency, describing military rule as unconstitutional, and insisted that the people deserve better than the current political situation. Read Also: Rivers will rise above crisis, Fubara assures Some protesters expressed concern and frustration over the ongoing crisis in the state. They praised Governor Fubara for continuing his duties despite the challenges. “We are a peaceful people and do not deserve this kind of injustice. The governor has been doing his job despite the distractions. What is happening now is not democracy,” a protester said. The peaceful protest included women of all ages. Leaders stressed that the movement was not political but a stand for democracy. “We are here to defend our votes and the sanctity of our democracy,” one of the leaders stated. “This is beyond Fubara; it’s about justice and the future of Rivers State.” Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers House of Assembly were suspended after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, which was seconded by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that the training for the 10,000 newly recruited police officers across the country will begin on 12 April. Adejobi Olumuyiwa, the police spokesperson, in a statement, said the nationwide training programme, which will take place in various police colleges and training institutions, is part of the efforts to equip recruits with the skills, discipline, and knowledge necessary for effective policing and public service. Ahead of the resumption, the police held an orientation ceremony on Friday, April 11, for Commandants and Directing Staff of the training institutions. READ ALSO: Ekiti Airport set for operation, says Oyebanji The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun was represented virtually at the event by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development (DTD), Frank Mba. Addressing the training officials, the IGP emphasised the importance of embracing the ongoing police reforms. He maintained the highest ethical standards and demonstrated unwavering professionalism throughout the training process. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the recruits, promising adequate provisions for feeding, accommodation, and a conducive learning environment. The IGP further charged the new recruits to uphold the ethics of policing and to conduct themselves with discipline and integrity throughout their training and professional careers. The IGP expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support towards strengthening the operational capacity of the police. READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu urges collective action for climate sustainability, resilient communities He described the recruitment and training of 10,000 officers as a major step towards enhancing national security and improving public safety.
The federal government (FG) has dismissed recent claims circulating on social media alleging lopsidedness in federal appointments, reaffirming its commitment to equity, justice, and national unity. In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) described the claims as ‘unfounded speculations’. OSGF emphasised that all appointments are made per the federal character principle as outlined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered). “The government categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness and emphasises its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity,” the statement read. OSGF noted that President Bola Tinubu remains deeply committed to Nigeria’s unity and is guided by fairness and justice in all matters of governance, including appointments into key positions. “This administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies,” the release stated. OSGF also urged Nigerians to disregard divisive narratives being pushed by what it described as ‘pokers of embers of hate and disunity’ and advised citizens to rely on official government channels for accurate information. “All inquiries relating to federal appointments should be directed to the OSGF, which is the official custodian of such matters,” the statement added.
After the state experienced an outbreak in February, the Sokoto State Government announced the recording of 300 meningitis cases, with 16 persons currently undergoing treatment. While speaking at a one-day sensitization campaign held recently, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Farouk Abubakar, revealed this data, stating that others has been discharged. When the outbreak was first reported in February, the number of contacts was not made public. The campaign was organized by the State Ward Development Committee (WDC) Forum in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency. Muhammad Marnona, Special Adviser on the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Larai Tambuwal, explained that despite the severe strain on people, the disease is preventable. Read Also: WHO launches historic guidelines to combat meningitis, targets faster diagnosis The two health experts encouraged residents to visit a nearby hospital immediately whenever they notice symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, or neck stiffness. Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented by the District Head of Gagi, along with traditional leaders and stakeholders, hailed the administrative efforts of Governor Ahmed Aliyu toward health initiatives. Describing the initiative as the first of its kind, the WDC Chairman, Bala Sokoto, explained that the response was due to the recent outbreak witnessed in some Local Government Areas (LGAs).
A groundbreaking new study has revealed a surprising connection between hearing loss and heart failure, urging people not to dismiss hearing difficulties as a minor issue. Researchers in China, analyzing data from 164,431 participants in the UK Biobank study, found that individuals with hearing impairment face a significantly higher risk of developing heart failure—particularly those not using hearing aids. Over a follow-up period of more than 11 years, 4,449 participants developed heart failure, a chronic condition in which the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or ankles, with over a million people in the UK currently living with the illness. Participants were grouped based on their results from a digit triplet test (DTT), which measures how well a person can identify spoken numbers against background noise. Read Also: FMC Abeokuta receives N8M donation for teenager’s heart surgery Those with a higher speech reception threshold (SRT)—indicating they required louder sounds to understand speech—were at notably higher risk. “Compared with those with normal hearing, participants with insufficient hearing, poor hearing, or hearing aid use had higher heart failure risks,” the study authors reported. Even more concerning, the study identified that those with hearing difficulties, especially individuals who did not wear hearing aids, experienced elevated levels of psychological distress, social isolation, and neuroticism. “We have been the first to demonstrate that poor hearing ability is significantly associated with a higher risk of incident heart failure in the general population,” the researchers wrote. “Psychological factors, especially psychological distress, play a significant mediating role in this association.” They stress that hearing health should not be overlooked in cardiovascular care, suggesting routine hearing checks could become part of heart disease risk assessments. “If further confirmed, hearing impairment may be a potential risk factor or marker for incident heart failure in the general population, highlighting the importance of integrating hearing health assessments into broader cardiovascular risk evaluation frameworks,” the researchers stated. “Moreover, strengthening psychological intervention in people with hearing impairment may be an important path and strategy to reduce the risk of heart failure.”
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, April 11, paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna. He was JUST IN: Atiku, El-Rufai, others visit Buhari in Kaduna by several high-profile political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. A video circulating on social media platform X showed other notable attendees, including former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami; former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa; former Benue State Governor and Senator, Gabriel Suswam; and former Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow. Atiku confirmed the visit via his verified X handle, describing the meeting as a “wonderful time” with the former president. He noted that the gathering followed the Sallah celebrations, during which he had represented traditional leadership in Adamawa. “Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015–2023, It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour,” Atiku wrote. While the purpose and outcome of the visit were not publicly disclosed, the presence of key political figures has sparked speculation about potential political realignments ahead of future elections.
