Year: 2025

There are indications that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is warming up to making concessions to ease the political tension in the state.

 

This followed Fubara’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London during the latter’s 18-day retreat in Europe.

 

The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was at the request of Governor Fubara, who first came into office in May 2023.

 

Although The PUNCH could not confirm details of the meeting at press time, a senior presidential adviser told the Paris-based publication that, Fubara “pledged to make certain concessions in a bid to ease tensions.”

“It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week.

 

“Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity.

 

The official hinted that negotiations are ongoing and that his six‑month suspension could be cut short.

 

Another aide added that Fubara is weighing a switch from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC to get on the good side of the president.

 

“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide told the French magazine.

 

Presidential aides contacted by our correspondent said they were not on the latest private trip with the President and, therefore, did not witness the closed-door meeting.

 

It is first face‑to‑face since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on 18 March, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and ousting Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

 

Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.”

 

He installed former Navy Chief, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.

 

Opposition governors from seven PDP‑ruled states immediately filed suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the decree’s constitutionality and demanding a return to democratic rule.

The political crisis, which has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The turmoil escalated after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm.

 

Things went further south when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, prompting legal disputes over their status.

 

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly, faulting the governor’s actions as unconstitutional and tantamount to despotism.

 

The judgment noted that Rivers State had effectively collapsed into one-man rule due to the absence of a functioning legislature.

 

Despite the ruling, governance remained stalled, with the Assembly and executive failing to cooperate.

 

As of March 2025 the state’s annual Appropriation Bill had not been passed.

 

Hours before Tinubu declared emergency rule, an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 

A second explosion ruptured a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.

 

Citing fresh security reports at the time, Tinubu expressed concern over recent vandalisation of oil pipelines by militants, allegedly acting in support of Fubara.

 

The President, who had been in Paris, then London since April 2, agreed to meet Fubara in an attempt to defuse the lingering crisis.

 

The duo discussed restoring functional government in the oil‑rich state, officials say.

 

Neither side disclosed details, but sources said the talks may see Fubara back in power before his six-month suspension elapses in September.

 

It was learned that Fubara’s estranged political godfather now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was nervous about such an arrangement holding without him.

However, Tinubu is expected to meet Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to chart a lasting solution to the political crisis in the state.

Tragedy struck on Monday when a 16-year-old boy, identified simply as Mustapha, was killed by a stray bullet during a suspected cult clash in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State.

 

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident occurred during a peace walk organised by some youths to address rising cult-related violence in the community.

 

It was gathered that the walk had just concluded when an argument broke out among them.

 

A resident, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said the argument degenerated as a suspected cultist pulled out a firearm and shot indiscriminately, leading to Mustapha getting hit by a stray bullet.

 

Another resident told PUNCH Metro that the teenager was not affiliated with any cult group.

 

“Mustapha just came out to support the walk. He was not part of any gang. He is a calm and respectful boy. He was taken to the hospital after the bullet hit him but he died on the way,” the source said.

 

The incident was said to have caused panic in the community, while the event ended abruptly.

Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt that one of the organisers, who was hit by a bullet, is currently in critical condition.

 

The state Police Public Relations Officer could not be reached for a reaction as calls made to his telephone were not responded to.

 

A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

 

It would be recalled that PUNCH Metro reported that tension gripped the Idimu area of Lagos State on Sunday after residents discovered the bodies of two men, one of whom had been beheaded in a cult-related attack.

 

PUNCH Metro learnt that the killings occurred late Saturday night, but the corpses were only discovered on Sunday morning along Oladun Road.

 

This also drew the attention of stunned residents and passersby who gathered around the bodies.

Passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, have expressed worry as workers of the Nigeria Meteorology Agency vowed to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike from midnight on Tuesday.

 

The development, according to operators and experts in the sector, could lead to flight disruption across the country should the strike linger.

 

While some passengers are confused about when the strike would begin, many are already jittery about boarding an aircraft.

 

In a letter obtained by The PUNCH, the Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees, accused NiMet management of failing to honour agreements aimed at resolving prolonged remuneration issues.

“As you are all aware, our unions have strived strenuously over the past few years to alleviate the exceedingly unjust remunerations conundrum that has visited extreme poverty and consequent untold hardship on NiMet workers. These efforts have been largely without substantial results,” the letter read.

 

The unions expressed frustration over management’s failure to implement a partial agreement reached on January 28, 2025. “You are equally aware that the agreement between the management and our unions since 28th January 2025 towards partial amelioration of the above-stated condition has been honoured largely only in the breach.”

 

The PUNCH understands that all flight operations must get NiMet clearance for favourable weather before taking off from the airports.

 

Passengers who spoke with one of our correspondents at the Lagos airport on Tuesday expressed fear, thinking that the workers might have abandoned their duty posts already.

 

“I have prayed three times today. I am fasting at the moment, and I won’t break this fast until I land at my destination. What I am going to do is very important; if not, I will shelve this journey,” a traveller, Mrs Adedire Airin, stated.

 

She added that she had questioned several airline and airport staff about the development, but none of them had been able to give a convincing explanation as to when the strike would begin.

 

“I have handed everything over to God, but I am calling on the government to ensure that an accident does not happen,” Airin stated.

 

Another traveller, who simply identified herself as Aderinsola, also expressed worry about the development, wondering when the strike would begin, as she prayed for safety.

 

“I should have been flown since yesterday, and I can’t allow any further delay. Some people have said the strike starts today, while some say it will start on Wednesday,” she stated.

 

In Abuja, a passenger, John Thompson, said he was told the strike would begin by midnight on Tuesday, and urged the unions to shelve the plan.

However, an industry expert, Muhammed Badamosi, said the strike may not be able to totally stop flight operations considering the level of technology available to the modern pilot.

 

“Nimet information is as important as any other information the pilot needs for operation, but the truth is that technology has made their service almost obsolete now, and it doesn’t stop the pilot from flying. From my house here, through an app, I can check all the weather in the world, including the ones sent to pilots.

 

“Remember that NiMet is using the same technology which is available to pilots, Yes, you need NiMet’s briefing but even without that, you can still operate. We don’t call it forecast per se, because when you have radar, it can give you the position of the weather and aircraft too for you to plan for flight even as a pilot,” he said.

 

Repeated phone calls and text messages to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Abdullah Musa, to ascertain if there would be flight operations at the airport were futile as he didn’t respond to questions.

 

Meanwhile, a source at the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, who works at the control tower, expressed doubt that the entire agency would be shut down.

 

The source who could not give his name because he was not empowered to address the press on issues relating to the agency, stressed that NAMA would receive skeletal weather reports from NiMet and that would be what the agency would continue to make available to airlines for operations.

 

He said, “I think when agencies declare such a total strike, some key persons still stay back, such as someone from the forecast department, and I think that is where the little information we will be operating with would be coming from.”

 

Efforts to get the President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Galadima Abednego, on the possible impact of the strike were unsuccessful as he neither picked up his calls nor responded to text messages.

 

When asked what the situation would look like, perhaps, would airlines be able to operate under the circumstances of the strike, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, said he would get back to our correspondent.

 

Also, Tunde Moshood, the spokesperson of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, promised to get back to our correspondent on what the ministry was doing as regards the strike but never got back till press time.

 

Speaking with the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, he stressed that it was the standard operational procedure for airlines to get weather reports for aircraft to either land or take off.

 

He, however, could not confirm if there would be flight operations on Wednesday or not.

 

“It is a standard operational procedure that if there is no weather report there is no how an aircraft can either land at an airport or take, but I cannot confirm if there will be flight operations tomorrow or not, I can not answer that question.

“NiMet is responsible for the weather forecast, and we all know that. But whether NAMA has now arranged with them or not, I don’t know! But if there is no weather report, there cannot be flight operations,” he stated.

The total expenses of eight Nigerian banks soared to N4.61tn in 2024, driven by increases in both personnel and operating costs.

 

The data reveals a 107.8 per cent rise from N2.2tn in 2023, highlighting the growing financial pressure on the banking sector.

 

This was based on the annual results of the financial institutions filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited for the period ended December 2024.

 

In the period under review, First HoldCo Plc reported a total of N568.3bn in operating expenses, up from N341.5bn in 2023, reflecting a 66.4 per cent increase year-on-year. Personnel expenses for the group stood at N308.5bn, marking a significant surge from N175.9bn in 2023, a growth of 75.3 per cent.

 

Fidelity Bank Plc saw its total operating expenses increase to N242.7bn from N135.3bn in 2023, representing a 79.3 per cent rise. Personnel expenses rose to N73.5bn, compared to N52.6bn in 2023, reflecting a 39.6 per cent increase.

 

For United Bank for Africa Plc, the bank’s operating expenses rose to N682.9bn, an increase from N372.8bn in 2023, reflecting an 83.2 per cent jump.

 

Guaranty Trust Holding Company reported a sharp rise in its operating expenses, which surged to N259.6bn from N166.2bn in 2023, reflecting a 56.2 per cent increase. Personnel expenses for the group hit N85.4bn, more than doubling from N45.1bn in the previous year, a 89.3 per cent increase.

Zenith Bank Plc experienced an increase in operating expenses to N586.6bn, up from N291.7bn in 2023, representing an 101.1 per cent rise. Personnel expenses for Zenith Bank stood at N204.2bn, compared to N124.4bn in 2023, an increase of 64.2 per cent.

 

Wema Bank also recorded a significant rise in both operating expenses and personnel expenses, which surged to N77.5bn from N45.9bn in 2023, marking a 68.9 per cent rise. Personnel expenses stood at N45.5bn, a 70.3 per cent increase from the previous year’s N26.8bn.

 

At FCMB Group Plc, operating expenses surged to N48.3bn, an increase from N32.7bn in 2023, reflecting a 47.8 per cent rise. Personnel expenses for FCMB grew to N79.3bn, up from N49.6bn in 2023, a growth of 59.9 per cent.

 

Finally, Access Holdings Plc reported N960.8bn in operating expenses, up from N465.7bn in 2023, a 106.3 per cent increase.

 

Personnel expenses stood at N381.4bn, a sharp rise from N167.9bn the previous year, showing a 127.5 per cent increase.

 

The PUNCH reported that the combined operating expenses of 10 Nigerian banks rose by 42.51 per cent to N3.23tn in 2023 compared to N2.26tn in the previous year.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria to play a pivotal role in fostering peace, reconciliation, and stability in the state amid ongoing political and security challenges.

 

Speaking during an engagement with leaders of the Rivers State chapter of CAN at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Ibas emphasised the importance of the Church’s moral guidance in restoring harmony.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.

 

Ibas extended Easter felicitations to the Christian body and described the season as a reminder of hope, sacrifice, and unity.

He acknowledged the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which led to his appointment as Administrator. He reiterated that his mandate includes restoring law and order, stabilising the polity, and paving the way for the return of democratic governance.

 

Ibas explained that since assuming office on March 20, 2025, he has engaged in broad consultations with civil society, traditional rulers, and local government officials to rebuild trust and foster cooperation.

 

He therefore called on the leadership of CAN in the state to leverage its influence by preaching peace in congregations and communities and promoting unity across ethnic, political, and denominational divides.

He further urged them to encourage forgiveness and reconciliation among citizens and serve as a beacon of hope amid fear and uncertainty, saying,

“The unity of the Church is the seedbed for the unity of the state. Where the Church leads in love, the people will follow in peace.”

 

The Administrator assured that his administration remains people-centred, accessible, and committed to justice and equity. He called for collective action, emphasising that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration, and understanding.

 

Ibas also urged religious leaders to remain steadfast in prayer and bold in truth. Referring to his Easter message, he expressed confidence that, with CAN’s support and divine guidance, Rivers State would emerge stronger and more united.

 

“The engagement underscores the administration’s efforts to involve key stakeholders in restoring stability and fostering a peaceful transition in the state,” he stated.

 

In their response, the leadership and executive members of the Rivers State chapter of CAN, led by the Most Reverend Dr D.E. Kala-Dukubo, appealed to the Administrator to involve the group in the peace-building process.

 

Kala-Dukubo urged the Administrator to ensure that critical aspects of governance are not ignored during the period of emergency rule, especially concerning environmental sanitation.

 

He decried the volume of misinformation in the public space and urged the administration to tackle it head-on, saying the development portrayed the state as a place at war, adding that this serves as a disincentive for visitors and potential investors.

The Osun State Government has said the suspected arsonists behind the burning down of the Court Room 2 in Ilesa High Court would not escape without paying for the crime they committed.

 

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Justice and the Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, after inspecting the burnt High Court building on Tuesday.

 

The PUNCH reports that the High Court 2 building was razed by suspected arsonists, drawing condemnation from Governor Ademola Adeleke, the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition, All Progressives Congress.

 

Commenting after inspecting the scene of the fire incident alongside Mr. Dosu Babatunde, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jimi-Bada demanded adequate security presence in the court premises.

He recalled past attacks on the court, saying last year, thieves carted away electric cables in Ilesa Court, demanding that high priority be placed on security in court premises across the state.

 

“We need to secure this place because this is not the first time that this has happened. My brother, the Commissioner, told me that they attacked former Court Two in 2017. They also burnt it. Also, last year, they carted away electric cables from this court. All this nonsense had to stop. We will start almost immediately, we cannot abandon the court, the judge cannot sit. We also have to prioritise the security of this place.

“So, no matter what we do, they will still come. So, we need to secure here. We should work on the solar panel until we work on the cable. We will start almost immediately.

 

The challenge we had before was that, as a government, we were trying to be careful. The court was in the budget of the judiciary, but there was no memo to the governor for approval for the renovation of all the courts. The governor can not say he wants to do it,” Jimi-Bada said.

 

Speaking further, Jimi-Bada said the Ministry of Justice has made provision for the renovation of the court, assuring that work would commence immediately on the project.

 

The Commissioner said, “We will try to see what we can do with our 2025 budget. We do not need to wait for the judiciary to bring a memo; if we wait, no memo will be brought. We can not wait. That is why we brought engineers from the Ministry of Work, we are going to work on the entire compound.

 

“From the running cost of the Judiciary, provision for security has been made. But there is no security and as government we are going to work on it. It is more than barbaric, but anyway, justice will catch up with such person very soon. It is a matter of time. We are going to secure the court and start renovation.”

The Nigerian Insurance Association has revealed that the sector recorded approximately 61 per cent growth as of the third quarter of 2024.

 

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the NIA, Kunle Ahmed, during the quarterly briefing on the performance of the insurance industry held at the Insurers’ House on Tuesday.

 

The Nigerian Insurers Association, established in 1971, is the umbrella body for all insurance and reinsurance companies in Nigeria. It serves as a forum for members to engage with one another and with the government on issues affecting the insurance business.

 

Speaking at the briefing, Ahmed said, “You might be curious about how our industry has performed in 2024. The industry has grown by 61 per cent so far. The non-life business grew by 69 per cent, driven largely by fire and oil and gas policies. The life business grew by 45 per cent, primarily due to growth in group life policies.

 

“Now, let me clarify that this data is as of Q3 2024; full-year figures are still being compiled. Many of our members have applied to NAICOM for approval of their full-year accounts. Some have received provisional approval, while others are still in the process. So, the figures we’re sharing reflect performance up to Q3 2024.

 

But even with that, I believe the growth we’ve seen will be sustained through year-end, giving us a vibrant and expanding insurance market in Nigeria.”

 

He added that beyond growth in Gross Written Premium, the industry has also expanded its net assets. While net profitability remains a challenge, Ahmed noted that companies overall are more profitable.

 

“Various factors contribute to this, and they differ from one company to another. However, the signs we see from Q3 results — especially from listed firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange — indicate strong profitability.”

On the regulator’s focus on prompt claims payment, Ahmed said,

Insurance companies are prepared and willing to pay valid claims. We plan to introduce innovations in claims processing to reduce delays and improve timely payment.”

 

He disclosed that the association’s innovation would be supported by a Fintech pitch organised by its Committee on Digital Innovation.

 

“Our Committee on Digital Innovation is organising a pitch involving Fintechs. One of our immediate priorities is claims processing. We’ve found that innovation can be costly for a single company, but as an industry, shared solutions are more affordable and impactful. So, please assure the public: insurance companies are ready and willing to meet all valid claims, whether third-party or comprehensive.”

 

Ahmed also addressed the enforcement of third-party motor insurance by the police, which began in February.

 

“The enforcement of third-party policy is a welcome development—for the economy, insurance companies, and policyholders.”

 

Explaining the impact, he said, “There are two aspects — what we’ve observed and what we expect. For the NIA, this enforcement benefits policyholders, who are entitled to compensation of up to N3 million for liability, injury, or damage to third-party property. Additionally, third-party policies issued in Nigeria provide cover across West Africa.

“We’ve seen a slight increase in third-party policies since the enforcement began, alongside a rise in liabilities for insurers who must set aside more reserves to meet future claims. Ultimately, we expect a cultural shift—where motorists involved in accidents exchange policy documents instead of resorting to physical confrontations, and claims are processed directly through insurance companies.”

British media said William’s attendance at the funeral will be seen as a major milestone in his role as a global statesman and future king.

 

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla met Pope Francis for 20 minutes during the royal couple’s state visit to Italy earlier this month.

 

Charles, 76, began treatment in February 2024 for an unnamed cancer and was recently briefly admitted to hospital after experiencing side effects.

 

AFP