IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Two commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have resigned from their positions, citing recent political developments.

The officials, Professor Simeon Emenike Weli, Commissioner for Political Parties/Monitoring, and Dr. Lazbery Nyebuchi Nnah, Commissioner for Budget/Research and Statistics, tendered their resignation letters separately to RSIEC Chairman, Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, and Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.

In their letters, they attributed their decision to the prevailing situation within RSIEC and the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by the commission. They also mentioned ongoing internal developments as a factor in their resignation.

Both commissioners expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of Rivers State.

Meanwhile, RSIEC has since announced August 9, 2025, as the new date for the state's local government elections, following the Supreme Court's verdict. 

A fire incident occurred at Geometric Power, operators of Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company (DisCo), in the early hours of Monday.

In a statement, Geometric Power Management confirmed the incident, stating that the fire broke out in a temporary building within its premises at Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, Abia State.

According to the company, the affected structure was previously used by Group 5, a defunct South African electricity firm, during facility construction over 12 years ago and has since had little use.

“Although the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, our staff managed to contain it before the Abia State Fire Service arrived and swiftly responded,” the statement read.

The management commended its staff for their vigilance in controlling the fire and praised the Abia State Fire Service for its prompt and professional response. It also expressed appreciation to the public for their concern and support. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded 4,111 convictions in 2024, marking the highest number in a single operational year since its establishment.

According to a document obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the commission also recovered substantial funds across multiple currencies, including:

$214.5 million

N364.6 billion

£54,318

€31,265

Additional amounts in Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, CFA, UAE Dirham, Riyals, Won, Yen, Ghanaian Cedis, and Rand.

Beyond monetary recoveries, the EFCC also seized significant assets, including 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals, shares worth over N1.05bn, and various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Green Satoshi Tokens.

The commission highlighted that some recovered funds have been reinvested by the Federal Government into initiatives benefiting Nigerians.

Most Common Cases in 2024

The EFCC noted that advance fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime were the most prevalent offenses investigated in 2024.

Several socio-economic factors contributed to these crimes, including:

Rising unemployment

A growing informal economy

Weak regulatory frameworks

The pursuit of quick wealth, particularly among youths

The agency also raised concerns about the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, who now leverage AI-driven fraud, deepfake technology, and advanced phishing schemes to carry out illicit activities.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening investigative efforts across its zonal directorates and enhancing the capacity of its prosecutors and the judiciary to combat financial crimes. 

The political turmoil in Rivers State continues as some members of the State House of Assembly have declined an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Governor Fubara, through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, invited the lawmakers to a meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that reinstated the 27 lawmakers led by Speaker Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.

The lawmakers, loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the governor to re-present the 2025 budget. Fubara’s invitation had raised hopes for a resolution to the ongoing political crisis.

However, reports indicate that the lawmakers may not attend the meeting. Lawmaker Lolo Isaiah Opuende, in a video shared on Sunday night, stated that it was time for the governor to "dey his dey" (handle his own affairs) while the lawmakers focus on theirs. He also criticized the informal manner of the invitation, questioning why a letter was posted on social media instead of formally delivered. Opuende added that if Fubara wanted the invitation honored, he should send an official letter. 

The National President of the Alumni Association of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Bolaji Oladeji, has praised the Federal Government's decision to convert the institution into a federal university, calling it a welcome development.

In a statement on Monday, the alumni association expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the transition would accelerate the university's growth.

“As key stakeholders committed to the advancement of TASUED, we embrace this development with high expectations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, staff welfare, research funding, and global recognition,” Oladeji said.

Similarly, the Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Inter-Campus Affairs, Akinbodunse Praise, commended the Federal Government for recognizing the significance of TASUED as the country’s first university of education. He emphasized that this move underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the education sector.

Praise also acknowledged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for maintaining the institution despite past efforts to shut it down. Reflecting on student struggles to save TASUED from being scrapped in 2012, he recalled the sacrifices made by students and the significance of the decision to elevate the university.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and other stakeholders who played a role in preserving TASUED.

He assured that the student community would continue supporting the Federal Government in its efforts to enhance education in Nigeria.

The Federal Government officially announced the adoption of TASUED as a federal university on Sunday through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. 

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has extended the deadline for submitting applications for vacancies in the Federal Civil Service to Monday, March 17.

This extension replaces the initial deadline of March 10, which was earlier announced in national newspapers and on the FCSC website (www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng).

The announcement was made on Monday by Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the FCSC, in a statement released by Mr. Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Public Relations for the commission.

Olaopa noted that the updated information was published in The Sun and The Nation on March 10, 2025, and will also appear in Daily Trust on March 11, 2025.

He urged qualified Nigerians to take advantage of the extended deadline and apply for the available positions, while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process.