IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the action of the Rivers State House of Assembly, denying him entry from the quarters on Wednesday.

Fubara addressed residents of the Khana Local Government Area of the state during the commissioning of some health facilities shortly after the drama at the Assembly quarters.

The governor insisted that he communicated his intention to visit the lawmakers to Speaker Martins Amaewhule before he showed up at the quarters to re-represent the 2025 Budget as directed by the Assembly following the verdict of the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025.

“I still believe, maybe, they might be instructed later. If they are instructed, I’m still ready to come any day to get this particular issue sorted out,” the governor said.

Also, the Rivers State Government shared a letter notifying the House of the governor’s visit. 

Jamaican reggae icon Cocoa Tea, known for his smooth vocals and timeless hits, has passed away at the age of 65. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed his death on Tuesday, March 11, in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Jamaican Gleaner.

According to Scott, the singer had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and was also dealing with pneumonia in recent months. He was transferred to a hospital after experiencing severe vomiting. Despite his health struggles, she described him as brave and hopeful, recalling his reassuring words just weeks before his passing.  

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the late artist, honoring his contributions to reggae music. He highlighted Cocoa Tea’s classic hits, such as Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia, and praised him as a kind and generous figure who uplifted others.  

“Cocoa Tea’s influence went beyond Jamaica, touching hearts around the world and cementing our country’s place in global music,” Holness stated.  

The reggae community and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of one of Jamaica’s most beloved musical voices. 

An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The arrest order, issued on Thursday, follows a criminal defamation case filed by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

In his ruling, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend and present VDM before the court to face the allegations leveled against him.

The court noted that VDM failed to honor a summons issued on March 5, instructing him to appear for the hearing.

Despite pleas from his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who requested permission to personally produce his client at the next hearing, the magistrate refused to revoke the arrest warrant.

VDM is accused of making defamatory claims against Chinwo on his social media platform, alleging her involvement in a contractual dispute over the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).

Chinwo, refuting the allegations, presented documentary evidence to the court, including emails and payment receipts, to establish her innocence.

Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s actions violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act (2015).

In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo’s lawyers have also filed a N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. They are seeking a retraction, deletion, and public apology for the alleged defamatory statements. 

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled its 2025 intervention disbursement plan, allocating N2.86 billion to each public university, while polytechnics and colleges of education will receive N1.99 billion and N2.18 billion, respectively.

The announcement was made by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, during a strategic workshop in Abuja, where he outlined the disbursement structure and key priorities for 2025.

Breakdown of 2025 Allocations

Universities

Normal allocation: N2,560,562,352.66

Zonal allocation: N300,000,000.00

Total: N2,860,562,352.66

Polytechnics

Normal allocation: N1,794,335,731.71

Zonal allocation: N200,000,000.00

Total: N1,994,335,731.71

Colleges of Education

Normal allocation: N1,978,428,260.79

Zonal allocation: N200,000,000.00

Total: N2,178,428,260.79

Utilization and Implementation Guidelines

Echono emphasized that institutions must utilize their 2024 allocations efficiently and expedite procurement processes for the 2025 funds. He noted that the Federal Government’s directive prioritizes:

Rehabilitation and renovation of aging infrastructure.

Strategic planning by institutions for project execution.

Increased funding for research, academic staff training, and manuscript development.

TETFund’s 2025 Disbursement Categories

91.08% allocated for direct disbursement, including:48.90% for annual direct disbursement.

42.18% for special direct disbursement.

8.72% set aside for designated projects.

0.20% for stabilization funds.

Special Focus Areas for 2025

Education and Infrastructure Development

Expansion of medical education, with increased facilities for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

Adoption of medical simulation technology to enhance training.

Alternative power solutions to combat high energy costs.

Security enhancements and disaster recovery measures on campuses.

Research and Innovation

Continued funding for the National Research Fund.

Strengthening Research & Development (R&D) initiatives.

Expanding industry-academic partnerships through the Triple Helix Initiative.

Technical and Vocational Education (TVET)

Upgrading engineering workshops and laboratories across institutions.

Increased support for skills development programs.

New Initiatives for 2025

Diaspora Outreach & Exchange Program.

Staff Support Fund for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Electric tricycles for campus transportation.

Student Startup & Innovation Grants.

Establishment of 12 Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs in polytechnics and colleges of education.

Expansion of the TERAS digital learning platform.

Echono urged institutions to reduce dependence on government funding by fostering private-sector partnerships for infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of student hostels.

The workshop was attended by key stakeholders, including ASUU, NBTE, and representatives from various education sectors, emphasizing the importance of these interventions in strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system. 

The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated an investigation into the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over alleged age falsification.

The move comes amid the ongoing political crisis in the state, involving a power struggle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Similayi Fubara.

On Thursday, the issue was raised during plenary after the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, presented certain documents to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol, stated: “These documents indicate that Justice Simeon Amadi falsified his age in service. This is a serious allegation, and I hope the House takes legislative notice.”

Following deliberations, the Assembly resolved to request an investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS). The motion was put to a vote and approved, directing the DSS to verify the claims and report back to the House. 

Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has mandated that all vice-chairmanship positions in the state’s 25 local government areas be exclusively reserved for women in the upcoming local government elections.

A strong advocate for women’s inclusion in governance, Bago emphasized that women have long been marginalized despite their significant contributions to society. He stressed the importance of actively involving them in leadership roles to drive development.

Describing women as key drivers of national progress, the governor stated that their inclusion in governance is not just about fairness but a strategic move for sustainable development.

“This initiative goes beyond meeting quotas; it’s about recognizing the strength, resilience, and intelligence of our women. Their participation in leadership brings balance, innovation, and a unique perspective crucial for development,” Bago said.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing barriers for women and ensuring their rightful place in decision-making.

He also called on All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Niger State to support the initiative, underscoring the importance of inclusive governance.

This decision aligns with Bago’s broader vision to promote gender equity and enhance women’s participation in leadership across all levels of government.