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Anxiety In Seven States As S’Court Delivers Judgement

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There is heightened security amid anxiety in some of the states where the Supreme Court judgment is expected today in the dispute over the March 18, 2023 governorship elections.

The court yesterday announced that the appeals on Plateau, Kano, Zamfara, Lagos, Cross Rivers, Bauchi and Ebonyi will be decided today.

The situation is tense, especially in Plateau, Kano and Zamfara.

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) are taking different actions in preparation for the D-Day.

The police are also on high alert in these states.

Governors in the eye of the storm are Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) and Bala Muhammed (Bauchi).

They will either retain their seats today or be booted out.

Police set up water tanks in Jos

In Jos, Police water tanks were observed at strategic places to ward off those who might want to cause trouble.

The APC called its supporters to remain calm, saying “whatever direction the decision of the apex court goes,” would be welcomed.

Also, the state chapter of the PDP asked its supporters to fast and pray for divine victory.

The calls were contained in statements by APC spokesman, Sylvanus Namang and Kefas Sumdi, Personal Assistant to the state PDP Chairman, Chris Hassan.

The statement by Namang reads: “As the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja rules on the Plateau State governorship case on Friday (today), the APC in Plateau State is calling on all its members, supporters and well-wishers to be calm and refrain from any act contrary to our culture of maintaining decorum and peace in all our conducts.

“Whatever direction the decision of the apex court goes, the APC which has been a respecter of the rule of law and a strong believer in our judicial system would welcome the outcome in good faith.

“The APC enjoins security agencies to be extra vigilant to ensure that law and order is maintained.

“The party wishes to restate its position on the respect for constitutionalism and rule of law which are sacrosanct for democracy and good governance.”

Sumdi’s statement reads: “ The Chairman of the PDP, Plateau Chapter, Chris Hassan, has asked our members to offer prayer and hold a fast for a favourable judgment.

“The prayer and fasting became necessary for God to intervene in the litigation battle. God will preserve our mandate.”

Kano residents optimistic

In Kano, APC stakeholders were seen distributing souvenirs, including customised t-shirts and caps, to supporters in anticipation of the party’s victory today.

The action, however, drew the ire of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which described it as an attempt to blackmail the Supreme Court to get a favourable verdict.

“The blackmail by the APC is a harassment of the judiciary and an attempt to heat the polity. But it will not work,” NNPP’s Acting National Chairman, Abba Ali, said in a statement.

Shortly after the development, the state Police Command Commissioner, Hussaini Gumel, and heads of security agencies met in preparation for the apex court verdict.

Gumel, who assured residents of safety, said the command had put in place measures to enable them(residents) to move about without fear.

He said: “Operational Order spelling out roles of all security personnel had been issued to area commanders, tactical commanders and divisional police officers across the 44 local government areas of the state.

“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security at all flashpoints, including political party offices, Government House, INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) headquarters, banks, commercial areas, mosques, churches, recreation centres and motor parks before, during and after the judgment.

“I am giving 100 per cent assurance to all law-abiding residents of the state to go about freely with their legitimate daily activities without threat to lives and property.”

He added that armed security personnel would be in all identified strategic locations to carry out surveillance duties and provide physical security during and after the judgment.

Gumel called on all residents to cooperate with security personnel and share information on any person or group planning to forment trouble.

Police ban gatherings in Zamfara

In Zamfara, the police banned political gatherings and deployed patrol vans in some hot spots in Gusau, the state capital.

Chairman of the state chapter of APC, Tukur Danfulani, advised party members and supporters to be calm and law-abiding during and after the judgment.

Danfulani appreciated the manner “our supporters have been conducting themselves even when they are provoked”.

He added: “We are calling on all our party supporters, especially the Youth Wing to remain law abiding and be prayerful for the success of the APC.”

‘Otu will win’

Cross River State, Acting Publicity Secretary of the APC, Edem Inyang, expressed confidence that Otu would retain his position.

“We are confident that the Supreme Court will concur with the justices of the lower courts,” he said.

Ebonyi calm

The situation was calm in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, with residents going about their normal businesses.

Some residents expressed the view that Nwifuru would once again triumph.

The spokesperson for the Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, said: “We can’t disclose our plans but rest assured that we shall coordinate with other security agencies to ensure security in all parts of the state before, during and after the verdict.”

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Union Bank Of Nigeria Marks International Women’s Month 2026 With Inclusion-First “Give to Gain” Campaign

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In observance of International Women’s Month 2026, Union Bank of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to gender equity through a focused initiative centred on women living with disabilities and women raising children with disabilities.

Aligned with the global theme “Give to Gain,” the Bank’s campaign “Give to Gain: Creating Pathways for Inclusion and Endless Opportunities” centres the lived experiences of women living with disabilities and underscores the need for intentional systems of support for social and economic advancement.

Throughout March, Union Bank will implement targeted initiatives to expand access, foster inclusion, and unlock sustainable opportunities. Activities include a flagship event which held at

The Stable, its multipurpose venue in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday. The event convened women with disabilities, caregivers, supporting organisations, and advocates for dialogue, mentorship, and resource sharing.

L-R: Chief Talent Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Omayuli Wale-Ajayi; Head, Corporate Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Ali Kadiri; Head, Retail and SME Business, Union Bank of Nigeria, Vivian Imoh-Ita; Founder/Executive Director, Deaf International Foundation, Funmilola Ogunro; MD/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria, Yetunde Oni; SouthWest Coordinator, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Adenike Olorundare; Women Leader, Lagos Chapter, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Olubukola Salako; Executive Director, Corporate Bank & Business Banking Lagos & West, Union Bank of Nigeria, Taiwo Shote; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Olufunmilola Aluko; Regional Executive, Business Banking SouthWest and Lagos, Union Bank of Nigeria, Emmanuel Aihevba, and Lead Innovation, Events and Platform Management, Union Bank of Nigeria, Chiamaka Moses during the Bank’s commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026 at the Stable, Surulere, Lagos recently.

Complementary efforts include outreach to disability support facilities and collaboration with educational institutions to distribute learning materials to female students with disabilities. Tailored mentorship programmes will build confidence and capability in education, entrepreneurship, and careers. Through its women’s banking proposition alpher and strategic partnerships, the Bank will also deliver business sustainability training specifically designed for women living with disabilities and women raising children with disabilities.
Internally, Union Bank will activate WeHub — its employee-led women’s network — to strengthen inclusive culture and support professional growth across the organisation.

These actions reflect Union Bank’s long-standing commitment to advancing equity for underserved communities — and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). For Union Bank, these are not frameworks to cite; they are commitments to live out.

Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, stated that “At Union Bank, inclusion is not an abstract ideal; it is a deliberate choice. While many conversations around women’s empowerment are important and necessary, women living with disabilities and women raising children with disabilities are too often left out entirely. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ reflects exactly what we believe: that when we intentionally open access, support, and opportunity to these women, the value created extends to families, communities, and society at large.”

Union Bank’s IWD 2026 campaign is a statement of intent: that true inclusion requires us to go further, reach deeper, and serve those who have waited longest for a seat at the table. In 2026, Union Bank is committed to ensuring that a seat exists — and that it is built to last.

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Just In: Dangote Refinery Announces Petrol, Diesel Price Reduction

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery officially reduced its gantry prices for petrol (PMS) and diesel (AGO) following a series of price hikes earlier in the week.

According to a new pricing template released by the refinery on March 10, 2026, the gantry price of petrol has been reduced by N100, dropping from N1,175 to N1,075 per litre.

The refinery also stated that the price of PMS for coastal supply will now be N1,050 per litre. The difference in price reflects additional costs linked to maritime distribution.

Similarly, the price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) has been reduced to N1,430 per litre at the gantry, down from the previous N1,620 per litre. This represents a decrease of N190 per litre.

The refinery noted that these gantry prices do not include regulatory charges from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Meanwhile, JomogNews earlier reported on Monday that Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its gantry PMS price to N1,175 per litre — the third upward adjustment in seven days

The refinery communicated the new ex-depot price to marketers and depot operators, up ₦180 from the N995 per litre announced last week Friday, an 18.1 per cent increase in three days.

 

 

 

 

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Drama At Rivers Assembly Over Nominee’s ‘I don’t pay tax’ Statement

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A video circulating online has captured a tense moment during the screening of commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The footage seen shows the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, questioning one of the nominees, Charity Deemua, over the status of her tax clearance certificate.

During the screening of commissioner nominees, the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected nominee Charity Deemua after she claimed that as a politician, she did not pay taxes.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other lawmakers expressed shock at the statement, leading to the rejection of her nomination along with three others due to lack of tax compliance.

During the screening session, Amaewhule pointed out that the nominee’s tax clearance appeared outdated.

“I just wanted to know, so there’s no current tax clearance. Madam has not been paying tax since 2018. I just wanted to know if she’s been exempted from paying taxes. So let her tell us now,” the Speaker said.

Responding, Deemua explained that she had not had a steady source of income in recent years.

“Like I said before, I’m a politician, I don’t have work,” she stated.

When asked to clarify her employment history, Deemua told the lawmakers that she had previously served briefly in government.

“I was a member, a commissioner in the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission,” she said.

Amaewhule then pressed further about her role in a local government caretaker committee.

“When were you? Hold on… local government caretaker committee member, right?” the Speaker asked.

“I was just three months there,” Deemua replied.

“When? When was that?” Amaewhule asked.

“And I think November last year,” she responded.

“November when? What year?” the Speaker asked again.

“2025,” she answered.

The Speaker then questioned whether she earned income during that period.

“You were not paid salary? Were you not paid salary?” Amaewhule asked.

“In the caretaker committee, we were paid,” Deemua admitted.

“You were paid? Yes. Is that not income? But you said you have not had any income from 2018 to date as a politician. So no tax clearance, and that’s what you are telling Rivers people. Madam, that is not nice. You are misleading the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly,” Amaewhule said.

In response, Deemua apologised and suggested she could address the issue.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. But I think I can still go back for…,” she began before being interrupted.

“No, but you say you have not had any income now,” Amaewhule replied before moving on to the next nominee.

The video of the exchange has since drawn reactions online, with many Nigerians asking that if politicians say they don’t work, what exactly are taxpayers paying for.

See video:

 

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