IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The progressives governors' Forum led by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma have paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence.

The visit was carried out under the auspices of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF).

Addressing journalists, Governor Uzodinma said the delegation came in solidarity as members of the APC family to extend warm Sallah greetings to the former President, and to congratulate him on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. 

He added that the visit also served as an opportunity to wish the former Nigerian leader well as he settles into his newly renovated Kaduna home.

“This visit is symbolic and deeply rooted in respect, loyalty, and continued appreciation for the statesmanship, leadership and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Uzodinma noted. 

“As a party, we remain united and committed to the ideals of good governance which he championed during his tenure.”

Apart from Governors Inuwa Yahaya and Hope Uzodinma, Governors of Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Edo, Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, and Benue States were also in attendance. Also present were the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and the Minister of Budget and National Planning among other dignitaries. 

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas, defying a Federal High Court order barring such action.

The appointments, effective April 7, come amid escalating legal and political tensions. A Port Harcourt court had earlier issued an injunction restraining Ibas from naming LG overseers, pending a substantive hearing on April 14.

The move marks the latest flashpoint in Rivers' prolonged power struggle, which has pitted Governor Siminalayi Fubara against allies of former Governor Nyesom Wike over control of local councils. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in February backing the Wike-aligned APC, Fubara nullified LG elections and installed caretaker leaders, intensifying the standoff.

Ibas' decision to proceed with appointments is now under legal scrutiny, with observers warning that the deepening crisis threatens the state's political stability—even after the federal government declared a state of emergency in March.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has slammed Nigeria's continued import ban on 25 categories of goods, describing it as a significant barrier to American exports.

In a statement posted Monday on X, USTR said the restrictions — which affect agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods — have limited market access and caused revenue losses for U.S. businesses.

The ban, initiated in 2016 under former President Muhammadu Buhari to boost local production, includes poultry, sugar, vegetable oil, cement, soaps, and certain medications. The Nigerian government recently added solar panels to the list.

“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses,” the USTR said, urging Nigeria to reconsider the restrictions to foster fair trade. 

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has cautioned Nigerians against paying ransom to terrorists and kidnappers, warning it fuels further criminality.

Speaking in Abuja while handing over 64 rescued kidnapping victims—freed after a month in captivity in Kaduna—to Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu stressed that the government has never paid ransom and urged families to stop financing criminal groups.

He credited the successful rescue operation to sustained military pressure and lauded the armed forces’ efforts, with special thanks to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support.

Defence Minister Abubakar also praised the military and urged the public to keep providing useful intelligence to aid security operations. 

At least 98 people were killed and over 150 injured after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Perez early Tuesday.

Perez and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel were among the victims. Over 370 rescue workers continue search efforts, though chances of finding more survivors are slim.

President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning and confirmed the death of Monte Cristi governor, Nelsy Cruz.

Witnesses reported a blackout before the collapse. The club, operating for over 50 years, is cooperating with investigations. Authorities have appealed for blood donations to support the injured.

The Imo State House of Assembly has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to residents of Orsu LGA who recently returned home after years of displacement caused by insecurity since 2020.

The call followed a motion by Uche Francis Agabige, representing Orsu constituency, who highlighted the devastation caused by the prolonged unrest, including loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents. He commended the governor for restoring security in the area, noting that police operations have resumed fully across the LGA.

Agabige urged the state to rehabilitate critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, health centres, and courts, while also calling for immediate distribution of relief materials including food, clothing, bedding, and medicine to help the returnees rebuild their lives.

Following deliberation, the House resolved to urge the governor to direct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other relevant agencies to assist the affected communities. The clerk, Chinelo Emeghara, was instructed to forward the resolution to the governor.