Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD …To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts… (Hebrews 3:15). God speaks to us through His Word and by His Spirit, but not everyone responds rightly to His voice. When you hear God’s Word, He expects a response. Your response activates His power and brings His Word to life in your situation. In the days of Samuel, God called him repeatedly, but Samuel didn’t know how to respond until Eli taught him to say, “…Speak, LORD, for thy servant heareth…” (1 Samuel 3:9). Once Samuel responded correctly, God began to talk to him. Likewise, when you respond to God in faith, His voice becomes clearer, and His presence manifests more strongly in your life. Never take the Word of God lightly. Each instruction, correction, or prompting of the Spirit requires a faith-filled response. So, to every Word from God, you say, “Yes, Lord,” and act accordingly. Not responding to God’s Word quickly can weaken your ability to hear from Him. But when you train your spirit to act promptly on the Word, the Spirit of God floods your heart with light, direction and grace. So always be quick to respond in faith whenever you receive God’s Word, whether during your personal study, prayer, or as a prophecy. Oftentimes, His voice may sound gentle, but it carries divine power. PRAYERDear Father, as I respond to your Word with faith and love, I’m tremendously blessed; my heart is flooded with your grace and truth, and I experience continuous progress and increase by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDYJames 1:22 KJVBut be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 1 Samuel 3:9-10 NKJVTherefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” John 14:23 KJVJesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 10:27 KJVMy sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanMatthew 12:22-50 & Genesis 40-41 2-Year Bible Reading PlanActs 10:1-8 & Job 5-6 DAILY AFFIRMATION: All grace—every favour and earthly blessing—comes to me in overflowing abundance. I am furnished and fully supplied for every good work. I am never without help, never without answers, and never without the supply of the Spirit. The Word of God in my heart propels me into righteousness and causes me to fulfil my glorious destiny in Christ. All things are working together for my good, and every detail of my life aligns with God’s perfect will for me. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. I take full possession of my inheritance and walk daily in divine health, strength, and prosperity. Christ is mingled with my spirit; therefore, sickness, weakness, and disease cannot attach themselves to me. Eternal life is at work in every fibre of my being. My health, business, finances, and family are preserved by God’s Spirit and surrounded by an innumerable company of angels. I have access to the inexhaustible and unfathomable riches of Christ. I am Abraham’s seed, an heir according to the promise and a joint-heir with Jesus. I am blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed in my going out and my coming in. Special favour attends me. My gates are open continually, receiving resources, ideas, opportunities, and people drawn to me by the Spirit of God. I live in abundance, increase, and ceaseless supply. I acknowledge the treasures in my spirit and bring them into manifestation through my faith-filled words. I exude excellence, beauty, perfection, wisdom, and grace in all that I do. The wisdom of God is at work in me; I am prudent, insightful, and extraordinarily intelligent. Knowledge of witty inventions flows through me. Counsel is mine, sound wisdom is mine, and divine discretion guides my decisions. There is nothing beyond my ability because Christ is my excellent wisdom. I am a victor in Christ Jesus. Fear, doubt, and unbelief have no place in me. I live a transcendent life, far above the systems and limitations of this world. I refuse discouragement, for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. The glory of God is evident in my finances, health, family, ministry, and destiny. My body responds only to the Word. I am ever radiant, ever strong, ever triumphant. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me and vitalises my entire being. He repels sickness, disease, death, poverty, and failure from my life. I am who God says I am. I have what He says I have. I can do what He says I can do. I am an embodiment of the fullness of His blessings—walking in prosperity, righteousness, victory, and eternal life. In Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen. Speak in tongues.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that Nigeria’s chances of recovery depend on the removal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office ahead of the 2027 general election. The party made this position public through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television on Friday. According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s current state reflects a deep governance breakdown that cannot be corrected under the present administration. He argued that the nation’s survival is incompatible with the continuation of the Tinubu-led government, insisting that meaningful rescue efforts would be impossible if the president remains in power. Abdullahi maintained that the policies and actions of the present leadership do not prioritize Nigeria’s collective interest, but instead reflect an agenda disconnected from the country’s urgent needs. In his view, there is no realistic scenario in which Nigeria can be stabilized or rebuilt while the same political leadership continues. The former Minister of Youth and Sports Development further alleged that Nigeria is currently being controlled by individuals who operate with what he described as a “bandit mindset.” He explained that such a mentality promotes the idea of forceful acquisition, exploitation, and evasion of accountability, which he believes mirrors the approach of the current government. According to him, the normalization of such behavior within governance structures poses a severe threat to democratic values and the rule of law. Abdullahi also expressed serious concern over recent legislative developments, particularly surrounding tax-related laws. He described the situation as unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic journey, alleging that laws already passed by the National Assembly may have been altered or falsified. He questioned the implications of a government allegedly tampering with legislation that has completed the parliamentary process, describing such an act as deeply troubling and dangerous for constitutional order. In addition, the ADC spokesperson criticized reports claiming that the Federal Government spent approximately nine million dollars on foreign lobbyists in the United States to improve Nigeria’s image ahead of engagements with top American officials, including former President Donald Trump. He raised multiple questions about the transparency of the transaction, including how the contract was awarded, the source of the funds, the approval process, and the channel through which the money was transferred outside the country. Abdullahi argued that the reported expenditure reflected misplaced priorities, emphasizing that the same funds could have been more effectively deployed to strengthen internal security and address Nigeria’s worsening safety challenges. According to him, ensuring real security at home would be more impactful than attempting to persuade foreign governments that Nigeria is safe.
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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has scheduled March 9 to deliver judgment in a newly instituted lawsuit questioning the constitutional authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend or remove elected state officials under a declared state of emergency. The date was fixed on Friday by Justice James Omotosho after legal representatives for both parties formally adopted their written submissions and advanced oral arguments supporting and opposing the suit. The action was initiated by a civil rights organisation, the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC), through its counsel, Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe. The group is challenging steps taken by the President following the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State last year. According to the plaintiff, although the Nigerian Constitution empowers the President to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension or removal of democratically elected executive or legislative office holders. The organisation further argued that appointing an interim administrator to oversee a state’s affairs goes beyond the scope of constitutional provisions. Justice Omotosho, while listening to submissions, observed that the matter closely resembles earlier suits that had been dismissed by the court. He noted that previous rulings relied heavily on jurisdictional limitations derived from the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act of 1962, which had been invoked to bar the Federal High Court from entertaining such disputes. The judge also referred to a decision reportedly delivered by the Supreme Court on December 15, 2025, where a related case was dismissed, largely on procedural grounds rather than substantive constitutional interpretation. Responding to these points, Ahaaiwe acknowledged the existence of prior judgments but maintained that they were fundamentally flawed. He argued that the 1962 Emergency Powers Act had become obsolete and was deliberately excluded from Nigeria’s statute books before the commencement of the 1999 Constitution. Based on this position, the plaintiff’s counsel contended that a 2025 presidential modification order that purportedly relied on the 1962 law had no legal foundation. He described the order as unconstitutional, null, and legally ineffective. He further submitted that the Constitution has comprehensively addressed the issue of emergency powers, stressing that no executive directive can override or amend the clear provisions of Section 305. According to him, emergency declarations do not translate into unchecked executive authority over state governance structures. On the other side, counsel representing the 1st to 5th defendants, including the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation, defended the legality of the actions taken. They relied on the same 1962 Act and the subsequent modification order, arguing that disputes of this nature fall exclusively within the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The defence therefore urged the Federal High Court to decline jurisdiction and strike out the suit in its entirety. Reports indicate that the plaintiffs are seeking 26 distinct reliefs, among them a declaration that Rivers State cannot be administered by an appointed official, specifically retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, outside constitutional procedures. The case has reignited a sensitive constitutional debate regarding the limits of presidential emergency powers—an issue many believed had already been conclusively resolved by earlier judicial pronouncements.
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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is putting in place strong and sustainable structures that will drive Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and shared prosperity. The minister made this known while receiving members of the Grassroots Advocacy for Tinubu (GAT) 2027 during a courtesy visit. According to him, the current administration has deliberately taken decisive and, in some cases, difficult policy steps aimed at repositioning the nation on a more stable and sustainable economic path. He explained that although some of the reforms required tough choices, they were necessary to stabilise the economy and rebuild confidence across critical sectors. Idris noted that early indicators now show signs of recovery, pointing to gradual improvements that reflect the effectiveness of these policy decisions. According to the minister, the progress being witnessed today represents the groundwork for long-term national growth and inclusive prosperity. He stressed that safeguarding Nigeria’s improving economic outlook requires unity, responsible communication, and collective support for government initiatives. Idris warned that misleading or distorted narratives about the country could negatively affect investor confidence and slow down development. He emphasised the importance of speaking truthfully and positively about Nigeria, adding that projecting stability and unity is key to attracting investment and creating opportunities for citizens. The minister commended members of the GAT 2027 for their commitment to civic engagement and their role in promoting accurate public information. He also welcomed the group’s proposal to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency in areas such as public enlightenment, youth engagement, and strategic communication. He noted that advocacy groups play a crucial role in ensuring government policies reach the grassroots, describing effective communication as a vital pillar for national stability and development. Idris further reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a nation that works for all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation or background. Assuring the delegation of continued cooperation, the minister stated that the ministry would remain open to working with credible organisations to ensure factual and accurate information is widely disseminated across the country. Earlier, the National Coordinator of GAT 2027, Prof. Ochugudu Ipuele, said the visit was to formally brief the minister on the group’s activities and to express solidarity with his mandate. He explained that the group is committed to supporting the government by clarifying policies, countering false narratives—especially during election periods—and actively engaging young people. According to Ipuele, GAT 2027 is structured to respond promptly to misleading information in the public space while promoting responsible civic participation among Nigerian youths.
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A devastating United States military operation earlier this month that resulted in the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro claimed the lives of 47 members of Venezuela’s armed forces, the country’s defense ministry reported Friday. According to officials in Caracas, the updated fatality figure marked a significant rise from the initial tally of 23 soldiers. Of those killed, nine were women serving within the Bolivarian National Armed Forces. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that the broader death toll from the assault, which included Cuban nationals fighting alongside Venezuelan troops, stood at 83. Among these were 32 Cuban soldiers, some reportedly assigned to Maduro’s personal security detail. How the Operation Unfolded The January 3 offensive began with targeted bombing raids on strategic military sites across Venezuela and concluded with U.S. special operations forces deploying by helicopter to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a fortified compound. More than 112 individuals were wounded during the assault, which Venezuela’s government has repeatedly condemned as an act of foreign aggression. Government Response and Mourning In a solemn tribute ceremony Friday, Minister Padrino honored the Venezuelan troops who perished, praising their sacrifice in the face of what he described as “military aggression.” Following Maduro’s ouster, interim president Delcy Rodríguez — a prominent supporter of the former leader — declared a seven-day period of official mourning to honor those killed in the U.S. action. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello revealed that forensic experts were using DNA analysis to precisely identify victims, noting that some had been severely disfigured in the strike. Civilian and Other Casualties At this time, Caracas has not released a comprehensive breakdown of civilian casualties, though journalists and human rights researchers have reported non-military deaths connected to the attack. One such civilian death — that of a Colombian street vendor — was recorded during the U.S. intervention, underscoring the profound human cost of the offensive. For more context on civilian impacts in conflicts, see this recent overview by TIME. As reactions unfold across the region and internationally, Venezuela’s military leadership insists it will review and restructure armed forces to better respond to future threats.
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Barcelona winger Raphinha has written his name into El Clasico history after equaling a notable record previously held by Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian attacker achieved this milestone following Barcelona’s recent victory over Real Madrid earlier in the week, further strengthening his growing reputation as a decisive figure in Spain’s biggest football rivalry. Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a legendary spell at Real Madrid, scoring numerous goals and breaking several records during his time at the club. However, one of the most challenging fixtures of his career remained the fiercely contested El Clasico clashes against Barcelona. Despite his individual brilliance, the Portuguese superstar often struggled against the Catalan giants. Over the course of 30 appearances in El Clasico matches, Ronaldo managed to secure just eight victories, a statistic that highlights how difficult Barcelona proved to be during his Real Madrid era. Raphinha has now matched that exact number of wins, but in a far shorter period. The Brazilian has recorded eight victories against Los Blancos in only 12 encounters, a remarkable achievement that underscores his effectiveness whenever Barcelona face their historic rivals. Beyond the wins, Raphinha’s personal contributions in these matches have been impressive. He has scored seven goals and provided three assists against Real Madrid, playing a direct role in many of Barcelona’s positive results. Since joining Barcelona in 2022 for a reported fee of €58 million, the former Leeds United forward has consistently delivered strong performances in high-pressure games. His move came after rejecting interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, a decision that has so far paid off for both player and club. In recent encounters, Raphinha’s influence has been even more evident. He has scored five goals and registered one assist in the last four meetings between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This run includes a standout performance in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, where he scored twice to help his side secure victory. In comparison, Ronaldo experienced 14 defeats in El Clasico matches during his Real Madrid career. Nevertheless, he still managed to score 18 goals against Barcelona, though his creative output was limited to just three assists. Despite scoring twice in two separate matches, the Real Madrid legend never recorded a hat-trick against the Catalan club. Raphinha will have an opportunity to move ahead of Ronaldo’s record later in the current LaLiga campaign when Barcelona and Real Madrid meet again. That encounter is scheduled to take place toward the end of the season. The highly anticipated fixture will be played at Camp Nou in May, where Raphinha could further cement his growing legacy in one of football’s most iconic rivalries.
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Former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton has openly criticized Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon, accusing the winger of behaving as though he were Cristiano Ronaldo without delivering performances to justify such confidence. Speaking on the Common Sense Podcast, Barton expressed dissatisfaction with Gordon’s output this season, stating that the Newcastle attacker has been underwhelming despite continuing to feature regularly in the starting lineup. According to Barton, Gordon has been fortunate to retain his place in the team given his recent form. The ex-Manchester City and QPR player went beyond match performances, questioning Gordon’s off-field appearance and attitude. Barton suggested that the winger focuses too much on image rather than substance, implying that personal branding has overtaken football effectiveness. Barton stressed that changing hairstyles or wearing fashionable accessories does not compensate for inconsistency on the pitch. He argued that Gordon’s movement and overall influence in games have been limited, urging the former Everton man to simplify his approach and prioritize discipline and reliability. In his assessment, Barton stated that Gordon carries himself with the presence of a global football icon but lacks the on-field dominance associated with such status. He compared the winger’s aura to that of a confident women’s football star while suggesting Gordon mistakenly believes he possesses the commanding influence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The outspoken pundit also pointed out that Gordon’s position in the squad has been helped by limited competition, particularly referencing Harvey Barnes’ inability to displace him. Barton warned that Newcastle United are facing a tough battle if they hope to secure a top-six finish in the Premier League this season, emphasizing that every player must significantly raise performance levels. So far this campaign, Anthony Gordon has scored two Premier League goals and recorded one assist. In European competition, he has netted five goals in the UEFA Champions League and added one goal in the FA Cup, reflecting mixed returns across competitions.
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The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State chapter, Chinedu Ekeke, has clarified the reasons financial allocations from the Federation Account are not paid directly to local government councils but are instead routed through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). Ekeke explained that the decline in direct financial inflows to local councils is linked to the Federal Government’s ongoing deliberation on how to implement the Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to local government areas across Nigeria. He made this clarification on Friday at the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, while responding to allegations from an opposition party member who accused Governor Alex Otti of diverting funds intended for rural development. Speaking on behalf of other local government chairmen in Abia State, Ekeke dismissed claims that councils in the state were being deprived of funds needed to execute projects at the grassroots level. According to him, allocations from the Federation Account are still paid into the JAAC system, which remains the operational structure for disbursing funds to local governments. He noted that the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy has not yet been fully implemented, as the Federal Government is still reviewing the best approach to comply with the judgement without disrupting existing fiscal structures. “Regarding the Supreme Court judgement, local governments receive funding through the JAAC because allocations are paid into the JAAC account. The funds do not come directly to the local governments,” Ekeke stated. He further explained that the Federal Government appears to be examining mechanisms to properly address the judgement before making structural changes to how allocations are distributed nationwide. Ekeke also emphasized that Abia local government councils are not being starved of funds by the state government, adding that the current process aligns with the existing framework used across many states in the country.
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A legal expert, Obed Agu, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lingering political crisis rocking Rivers State, describing recent developments as inappropriate and counterproductive to governance. During an interview aired on Arise Television on Friday, Agu criticized the ongoing actions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly the continuation of impeachment proceedings, despite efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to politically intervene and de-escalate tensions in the state. According to Agu, the situation raises serious concerns about political maturity and responsibility, especially at a time when federal-level intervention has already been initiated to restore stability. He stressed that rather than easing tensions, the persistence of impeachment moves only worsens the governance climate in Rivers State. The legal practitioner emphasized that many Nigerians have consistently called for a political solution to the crisis, noting that governance suffers when political actors refuse to prioritize dialogue and compromise. Agu acknowledged the constitutional principle of separation of powers, explaining that the executive, legislature, and judiciary operate independently as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution. He pointed out that no arm of government can legally prevent another from carrying out its constitutional duties. However, he clarified that this independence does not mean absolute freedom without oversight. According to him, the judiciary still has a critical role to play through checks and balances, especially when legal disputes arise from political processes. He explained that while courts may not stop legislative proceedings outright, they retain the authority to review actions taken during disputed periods and issue corrective orders if necessary. This, he noted, is exactly what transpired with the High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which reviewed the matter brought before it by the claimant, the deputy governor. Agu further noted that prolonged political conflict negatively impacts governance, policy implementation, and public trust in democratic institutions. He warned that continued instability in Rivers State could stall development and distract government officials from addressing pressing issues affecting residents. In his view, genuine political reconciliation remains the most effective path forward, urging all parties involved to respect constitutional processes while embracing dialogue in the interest of peace and good governance.
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Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has officially dismissed sixty students from the institution following confirmed cases of examination malpractice across various academic departments. The decision was reached during the university Senate’s 43rd statutory meeting, which took place on January 7, 2026. At the meeting, the Senate carefully reviewed reports, findings, and recommendations submitted by appropriate academic committees and disciplinary panels set up to investigate the allegations. According to information released by the university, the affected students were found guilty of engaging in acts that violated established examination rules and academic integrity standards. These actions were deemed serious enough to warrant dismissal in line with the institution’s regulations. The development was made public through an official statement shared on Bayero University, Kano’s verified Facebook media platform on Friday. The announcement emphasized that due process was followed before the final decision was taken. In the statement, the university noted that after a thorough evaluation of each case, the Senate approved the dismissal of all sixty students based on existing examination laws governing the institution. “After a comprehensive review of the reported cases, the Senate approved the dismissal of the students in strict compliance with the university’s examination regulations,” the statement explained. BUK further clarified that the disciplinary action was executed in accordance with the provisions outlined in its General Examinations and Academic Regulations (GEAR). For students enrolled in postgraduate programmes, the decisions were also guided by the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies (GRGPS), where applicable. The university reiterated its commitment to maintaining academic standards and upholding the principles of fairness, integrity, and discipline within the academic environment. It stressed that examination malpractice undermines the credibility of academic qualifications and will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
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A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has stated that close to 80 percent of Lagos residents are living in poverty, attributing the situation to what he described as development policies that exclude the majority of the population. Rhodes-Vivour made this claim during a live interview on ARISE News Channel, where he reacted to the recent demolition of residential buildings at Jakande Estate, Ilasan, carried out by the Lagos State Government. He strongly criticised the exercise, describing it as illegal, harsh on the poor, and symbolic of a development approach that fails to consider the welfare of vulnerable citizens. The former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos election explained that his conclusions were based on personal observations at the demolition site. According to him, operatives of a state-backed task force allegedly used force and ignored lawful procedures while executing the demolition. He recounted witnessing acts of brutality during the operation, claiming that residents were physically assaulted in his presence. Rhodes-Vivour alleged that a man was beaten into a coma and that he himself was threatened by task force officials while they continued to assault people around him. He further accused the authorities of detaining an engineer identified as Umaru for three days, during which he was allegedly abused. He also claimed that tear gas was fired at him while he was at the scene. Describing the incident as a reflection of governance without accountability, Rhodes-Vivour argued that a government that disregards court orders and legal restraints poses a serious threat to citizens’ rights. He maintained that the demolition exercise showed a troubling lack of respect for due process and the rule of law. Although the Lagos State Government has promised compensation for those affected, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the proposed ₦11.2 million compensation as grossly insufficient. He argued that such an amount is unrealistic given current property prices in the area, stating that it cannot secure even a modest two- or three-bedroom apartment within Jakande Estate or its surroundings. He also accused the government of misusing the Land Use Act, particularly Section 28, which permits land acquisition for overriding public interest. According to him, the law is being applied to dispossess long-standing residents in favour of private developers rather than for genuine public benefit. Rhodes-Vivour warned that the demolition would worsen homelessness in Lagos, especially among young people, and further deepen the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. He stressed that development efforts in the state consistently marginalise low-income earners. He noted that many of the displaced residents had lived in Jakande Estate for over twenty years and possessed legitimate ownership documents. He questioned the fairness of destroying their homes, subjecting them to violence, and offering compensation that does not reflect current economic realities. While clarifying that he supports urban development, Rhodes-Vivour insisted that growth must be fair, humane, and inclusive. He emphasised that development should not come at the expense of the poor or result in increased inequality. Highlighting the income disparity in Lagos, he pointed out that to comfortably afford rent valued at ₦11.2 million, an individual would need to earn close to ₦2 million monthly—a figure far beyond the reach of most residents. He concluded by warning that development without justice, equity, and inclusion would continue to alienate the majority of Lagosians and worsen social inequality across the state.
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Truck drivers on Friday caused a major disruption along the busy Bauchi–Jos highway after staging a protest at the Miri axis of Bauchi metropolis. The demonstration followed an incident in which a colleague’s truck tyre was reportedly damaged during an encounter with revenue enforcement officials. According to reports, the affected driver was approaching Bauchi from Jos when officers attached to the Federal Government haulage enforcement unit allegedly placed a metal road-blocking device in his path. This action occurred after the driver failed to stop for routine revenue inspection, resulting in the damage to his vehicle’s tyre. The incident immediately sparked anger among fellow truck drivers, who viewed the situation as unfair treatment. In solidarity, they blocked the highway, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill and significantly disrupting traffic flow along the important inter-state route. The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the development through its spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in an official statement released on Friday. He explained that the protest was triggered by frustration over the damaged tyre and concerns about the conduct of revenue enforcement officers. To restore calm, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, CSP Holman Simon, arrived at the scene alongside CSP Abdulrazak Padah, the Officer in Charge of Operation Restore Peace (ORP). The senior officers immediately engaged the protesting drivers in dialogue, carefully listening to their grievances and assuring them of a peaceful resolution. Following discussions, CSP Simon personally paid the sum of ₦310,000 to the affected driver to enable him to replace the damaged tyre. This gesture helped ease tensions and led to the voluntary dispersal of the protesters. Normal traffic flow was subsequently restored along the Bauchi–Jos road. The police command also disclosed that two individuals were arrested in connection with the breach of public peace during the protest. Investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in the disturbance. Commending the swift intervention, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani Omolori, praised CSP Holman Simon for his calm, professional, and diplomatic handling of the situation. He also expressed appreciation to residents of Bauchi State for their patience and cooperation, reaffirming the police command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.
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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has officially disclosed that a total of 14 vessels have arrived at Lagos ports, where they are presently positioned and awaiting clearance to berth and offload their cargo. According to details contained in the Shipping Position bulletin issued by the authority on Friday, the vessels are distributed across key maritime hubs in Lagos, including Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, and Lekki Deep Sea Port. These ports remain central to Nigeria’s import and export operations, handling a wide range of cargo essential to the nation’s economy. The NPA explained that 11 of the vessels are scheduled to discharge various categories of non-liquid cargo. These include general merchandise, containerised consignments, bulk salt, empty containers, bulk wheat, bulk urea, as well as fresh fish. These goods play a vital role in supporting food supply chains, agricultural production, manufacturing activities, and commercial distribution across the country. In addition, the authority confirmed that the remaining three vessels are petroleum tankers. These tankers are expected to berth with petroleum products such as petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), and crude oil. The arrival of these tankers is considered significant, especially in light of ongoing efforts to stabilise fuel availability and maintain energy supply nationwide. The NPA noted that the steady flow of vessels into Lagos ports reflects continued maritime activity and underscores the importance of efficient port operations. Timely berthing and discharge of these vessels are expected to support economic activities, ease supply constraints, and ensure the smooth movement of essential goods across Nigeria.
