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  • Tens of thousands in France protest against racism and far-right

    Tens of thousands in France protest against racism and far-right

    Tens of thousands of people in Paris and other French cities on Saturday rallied against racism and the rise of the far right, with some taking aim at the administration of Donald Trump in the United States and others carrying Palestinian flags.

    Several scuffles between police officers and demonstrators took place in Paris.

    The rallies took place amid the rightward shift in French politics, with the government pledging to tighten immigration policies and border controls. Around 62,000 people protested across France, according to police.

    Many pointed to the growing strength of reactionary political forces, in France but also in the United States.

    In the French capital, thousands of people took to the streets.

    “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris,” read one placard.

    “The far right is on the rise everywhere in Europe, it’s scary because in France we see far-right ideas becoming more and more commonplace, even among ministers in this government,” said Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old pensioner.

    One American protester said similar demonstrations should be taking place in the United States.

    “America is sliding towards fascism,” said the 55-year-old woman.

    Aurelie Trouve, a lawmaker for the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, pointed to the growing popularity of the far-right party of Marine Le Pen in France.

    “Far-right ideas are contaminating even the government,” she said.

    In the southern port city of Marseille, some 3,300 people took to the streets, while 2,600 protested in Lille in the north, according to police.

    “Against state Islamophobia” and “Tesla is the new swastika,” said some of the placards.

    Ines Frehaut, a student who took part in her first demonstration, said some of the statements of France’s hardline interior minister worried her.

    “When you see what has said about Islam, Algeria and the wearing of the veil, it’s serious!” she said.

    The protests took place a day after the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

    “The situation is serious,” the Human Rights League said, pointing to an “alarming increase” in racist acts.

    “There is a global reactionary offensive against foreigners and their children, against Muslims,” added Dominique Sopo, head of of SOS Racisme, also pointing to increasing racist and anti-Semitic acts.

    In the runup to the rallies the LFI party caused an uproar in France by publishing the image of Cyril Hanouna, one of the most influential stars of right-wing media in the country, as part of a campaign calling on people to turn out for the anti-racism protests.

    The image pictured Hanouna, who was born into a Jewish family that had immigrated to France from Tunisia. Critics accused the LFI of imitating the anti-Semitic tropes of the Third Reich. Key LFI figures admitted publishing the image was a “mistake” and it was withdrawn.

  • Suspected transformer vandal meets waterloo in Akwa Ibom

    Suspected transformer vandal meets waterloo in Akwa Ibom

    A suspected vandal in connection with the vandalism of a transformer belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) has been found dead in Eket, Akwa Ibom.

    Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket on Saturday, the Regional Manager of PHEDC, Mr Anthony Etim, said that incident happened at the transformer on Party House Road in Ikot Ibiok area.

    He said that the incident happened Wednesday, March 19, at about 3 a.m. at Ikot Ibiok village in Eket.
    Etim said that the lifeless body of the suspect was found beside the transformer and the crowd gathered at the vicinity identified the deceased, saying that he lived at Mkpok area of Eket.

    He said that the police later took the corpse away and decried that the incessant activities of vandals in the area had plunged many PHDC customers into darkness in the area.

    According to him, vandalism is ongoing on a daily basis and it is everywhere, it is only that this one has met his waterloo.

    “We have been telling the communities to be watchful of their electricity facilities and we have been telling the entire PHEDC franchise on the need to safeguard their installations.

    “What happened on Wednesday, we saw that it is the community person that was involved.

    “There are vandals around and they are not far, they are within; I thank God that PHEDC officials have been vindicated.

    ’’He is not our staff and no link to our staff on this matter,” Etim said.

    He, however, could not give the exact numbers of cases of vandalised transformers in Eket but said, ‘’there are quite good number of cases of vandalism across board in the area.’’

    Etim advised the customers and community leaders to watch over their electricity installations and do all in their power to protect them against vandals.

  • Cross River central joins agitation for Ogoja state creation

    Cross River central joins agitation for Ogoja state creation

    No fewer than four Local Government Areas (LGAs) from Cross River Central, have joined their counterparts in the North Senatorial District agitation,  for the creation of Ogoja state.

    The four LGAs of Ikom, Obubra, Etung and Boki, made their intentions  known at a town hall meeting that took place at the Ikom township stadium in Ikom on Saturday.

    According to the local governments,  by the reason of the town hall meeting, they have joined the movement for the creation of Ogoja state.

    CP Lawrence Alobi (rtd), Coordinator  for the Creation of Ogoja state, Ikom zone, said that the town hall meeting was to consult and develop strategies toward the actualisation of the creation of the state.

    Alobi commended the people of the areas for their role in promoting peace, unity and socio-economic development.

    He noted that Etung, Boki, Ikom and Obubra were  significant pillars upon which the future of the state relied on in the aspirations for socio-economic transformation.

    “Your role individually and collectively in promoting peace and stability in the areas can not be overemphasised.

    “As such, I want to appeal for corporation, particularly from the politicians and those in positions of authority toward the actualisation of Ogoja state,” he stated.

    Alobi also stressed the need for more engagements and participation to accelerate the dream of the Ogoja state creation.

    Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the event, Col. Pam Orgar (rtd) called on all sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora,  to unite and see the Ogoja state creation as a project that would engender growth and development.

    The chairman encouraged the four local governments in the zone to love one another,  stressing that without love, there would be no unity, and without unity, there would be no development.

    Ogar said Ogoja as an old province in the country, needed urgent attention and therefore, urged lawmakers from the zone not to relent in their efforts until Ogoja state was actualized.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the town hall meeting attracted dignitaries from both the public and private sectors

  • Rita Edochie, others mourn as actress, Nkechi Nweje, dies

    Rita Edochie, others mourn as actress, Nkechi Nweje, dies

    The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje.

    She reportedly succumbed to a brief illness, as confirmed by movie producer Stanley Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley Ontop, via his Instagram handle on Saturday.

    Ajemba, deeply saddened by the news, paid tribute to Nweje, describing her as a lively and talented actress who held a special place in his life. He recalled their last conversation, during which she had offered him advice amid the Queen’s controversy.

    Sharing his grief, he wrote: “Nollywood in tears as we lost one of our vibrant Nollywood actresses, @nkechi.nweje, after a brief illness.

    “Couldn’t post since morning because it was like a dream to me. Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha.

    “Rest in peace, ma’am. My best friend, she always called me on the phone, advising me. The last time we spoke was during the Queenth saga. She said, ‘Ontop, stop.’ I’m still speechless.”

    Veteran actress Rita Edochie also honored Nweje’s memory by sharing an image of candlelight on a dark background via Instagram on Friday, captioning it, “This world is really not our home.”

    Actor Asa Ikuku joined in paying tribute, writing: “Rest in peace mummy Nkwechi Nweje TV (Nwanyi Onisha) You are indeed a blessing to us. But God knows the best. We will miss u so much great Nollywood actress. rest on legend.”

    Nkechi Nweje leaves behind her husband, Dr. Azuibuike Nweje, and their six children.

    Known for her compelling performances, particularly in motherly roles, Nweje carved out a lasting legacy in Nollywood, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of her fans.

  • Nnamdi Kanu accepts former attorney general, Agabi as new lead counsel

    Nnamdi Kanu accepts former attorney general, Agabi as new lead counsel

    NNEWI – Wife of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Uchechi Kanu, yesterday said her husband has accepted two time Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as the new Lead Counsel in his case with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Kanu’s wife said that her husband did not only accept Chief Agabi, as his lead counsel, but also accepted the need for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to address the court of Justice James Omotosho, on what transpired at Justice Binta Nyako’s Court, that shook the foundations of the Nigerian Judiciary.

    In a statement personally signed by Uchechi, the IPoB leader’s wife, and made available to Vanguard by IPoB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, she said Chief Agabi, stepping into Mazi Kanu’s brief, acted to smooth the ruffled feathers in some segments of the bar and bench, caused by his legitimate, anger-fueled outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court that led to her recusal.

    Uchechi Kanu’s statement read, “In the Court today, my husband, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accepted the need for Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the new Lead Counsel in his case with Nigerian Federal Government, to address the court of Justice James Omotosho, on what transpired at Binta Nyako’s court, that shook the foundations of the Nigerian judiciary.”

    “This clarifications were duly delivered by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, a towering figure, twice Attorney-General, twice Minister of Justice, and a former Senator.

    “Chief Agabi, stepping into Onyendu’s brief, acted to smooth the ruffled feathers in some segments of the bar and bench, caused by his legitimate anger-fueled outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court that led to her recusal.

    “Chief Kanu Agabi’s stature demanded it; he couldn’t represent Onyendu without restoring decorum acceptable to the Abuja bench in particular and the judiciary in general. Remarkably, Justice James Omotosho presiding, also apologized to Onyendu for the prolonged delay and mishandling of his trial over the years, acknowledging his ordeal at the hands of the Federal High Court Abuja.

    “Chief Agabi’s move was strategic, balancing Onyendu’s fury with the court’s dignity. I suggest we read the full text of the statement before commenting. Chief Agabi spoke in his own personal capacity and his vision for an amicable resolution (dialogue) and peaceful co-existence. It is not rocket science.”

  • 3 Enugu residents slam police for human rights abuses, seek damages

    3 Enugu residents slam police for human rights abuses, seek damages

    ABUJA – Three residents of Uhuegu Village in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have accused the police of engaging in illegal arrest, inhumane detention, and degrading treatment after they refused to pay extra levies for a road project already underway by a philanthropist from a neighboring village.

    TodayPriceNG learned that the trio – Charles Uche, Sunday Nwafor, and Ebuka Okolie – were assaulted by a group, allegedly mobilized by police officials. They also had N20,000 extorted from them before the police arrested them on charges of vandalizing a community transformer and compelling residents to join a local group.

    Despite repeated appeals to the Police Service and the Inspector General of Police, the residents allege that senior officers – including members of the AIG Force CID and the Deputy Commissioner of Police CID Annex in Enugu, along with officers Gabriel Ejinaka Nwankwonta, Francis Osita Nwobi, Ben Chukwu, Christian Nwankwo and Theophi Okeji – continued to harass and intimidate them.

    In light of these alleged human rights violations, the trio has filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit seeking N100 million in compensation and N10 million in general damages. They also seek a judicial declaration that the incessant harassment, molestation, dehumanising treatment, intimidation and consequential psychological torture and emotional trauma inflicted on them by the police and certain community members constitutes a breach of their fundamental rights as provided for in section 34(1a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Meanwhile, no hearing date has been fixed.

  • Arrest of Bauchi AG: EFCC targeting Bala Mohammed for politics, not corruption – CSO

    Arrest of Bauchi AG: EFCC targeting Bala Mohammed for politics, not corruption – CSO

    ABUJA – The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria (JAMN) has condemned the arrest of Bauchi State’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the move appears politically influenced and aimed at affecting Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration. .

    The group contends that the EFCC’s actions are not a genuine effort to combat corruption but seem designed to challenge the current administration.

    In a statement signed by its spokesman, Kabiru Ibrahim Turaki, JAMN expressed concern over the arrest, which occurred while Jaja was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja.

    The group criticised the EFCC’s approach as disruptive and questioned the motives behind the investigation into Governor Mohammed’s alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.

    JAMN warned that the arrest and investigation could discourage public officials from discharging their duties for fear of unwarranted repercussions, potentially leading to governance paralysis.

    The statement also noted that recent developments—such as the removal of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries—may indicate a broader impact on Bauchi State’s governance.

    While JAMN acknowledged the need for accountability, it stressed that measures must be pursued fairly and transparently.

    Consequently, they called for stronger safeguards to protect public officials acting in good faith, urging the EFCC to conduct its investigations with professionalism and impartiality to avoid eroding public trust.

    The statement added: “This unexpected turn of events not only raises serious questions about the integrity of the processes involved but also the attempt to cast a shadow over the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed, as the EFCC has claimed an investigation into his alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.

    “Such actions could be politically motivated, aimed at undermining the credibility of the current administration.

    “Moreover, the arrest of Jaja and the subsequent allegations against Governor Mohammed may have a chilling effect on public service and governance in Bauchi State.

    “We are particularly concerned about the manner in which this arrest was executed. Sirajo Jaja was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting—an official duty crucial to the financial governance of our state—when he was abruptly interrupted by the EFCC.

    “The conduct of the EFCC in this matter is deeply troubling. The sensationalism and politicisation surrounding the arrest, coupled with the media trial of a public servant, have given rise to a narrative that many Nigerians perceive as an unacceptable political witch-hunt rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption.

    “Moreover, the ramifications of this investigation have already led to significant developments, including the removal of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.

    “As stakeholders in the governance of Bauchi State, we urge the EFCC to reconsider its approach and to conduct its investigations with the utmost professionalism and respect for due process.

    “JAMN stands firmly against corruption in all its forms, but we equally stand for justice, fairness, and the dignity of public servants. We call on the EFCC to act responsibly and to prioritise the integrity of its operations over sensationalism and political expediency.”

  • How Ogun hotel supervisor died in his sleep

    How Ogun hotel supervisor died in his sleep

    The Ogun State Police Command has said that the Supervisor of Solution One Hotel, Ago Oko, Abeokuta, Mr. Adedokun Oluyemi died in his sleep.

    The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, told TodayPriceNG in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, that Oluyemi’s unconscious body was discovered in his hotel room at 6 a.m. on Saturday, by the hotel bar assistant, identified as Taiyelolu.

    Odutola said Taiyelolu, reportedly found Oluyemi unresponsive after multiple attempts to reach him. He then alerted the police at the Oke Itoku division.

    She added that there were no visible signs of violence on the deceased’s body.

    Odutola said, “The report was made by a bar attendant, Taiyelolu, who, upon finding the door locked and after several unsuccessful attempts to gain entry, forced the door open and discovered Mr. Oluyemi lying lifeless on the bed.

    “Police emergency services, through the divisional police officer, were immediately dispatched to the scene and Mr Oluyemi was transported to the State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta.

    “There was no mark of violence on his body when the team of first responders arrived at the hotel. Despite medical intervention, Oluyemi was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.”

    Odutola added that the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, would take over the case to conduct a thorough review of the preliminary findings.

    “The body has since been deposited at the State Hospital mortuary for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

    “The Police are actively investigating the incident, and efforts are underway to notify and support the bereaved family during this difficult time,” she said.

    She also extended the command’s condolences, stating, “Till then, the command commiserates with the colleagues and family of the deceased while advising for medical insurance and checkups for staff.”

  • Wike working for Nigerians, not APC – PDP chieftain

    Wike working for Nigerians, not APC – PDP chieftain

    National Vice-Chairman of  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, says the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is working for Nigerians and not for All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Orbih in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Saturday said having sought permission through the relevant organs of the party, PDP permitted Wike to serve in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    He said that in view of this, there should not be any issue with Wike working with the APC-led Federal Government.

    “And I can tell you there is no record that the current acting national chairman and the members of the national working committee, or any of the organ wrote him in reply to his letter that he should not participate in this government.

    “He wrote to the South-South Zonal executive. We had a meeting in Port Harcourt and unanimously we said it was a call to national service, and we gave him our nod.

    “He wrote to the state chapter of his party and the response was positive; that he should take the appointment as a national call for service.

    “He wrote to his ward and Local Government chapters of the party. There is no organ of the party that came out to say no, don’t accept this appointment.

    “He wrote to the Governors Forum and I can tell you, that at the end of the first meeting held by the forum, a delegation of that body went to congratulate him in Abuja,” he said.

    He noted that political parties must be careful how they treat their members.

    “Now I have told you that his participation in this government is not an issue, except for those who are mischievous.

    “When he was given an invitation to serve in this government, he wrote to every critical organ of the party, informing them that Mr President has invited him to be part of his government.

    “I am also aware, that not too long ago, the members of the Board of Trustees met him in his official residence, and throughout that meeting, none of them raised this issue.”

    “So, Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is not working for APC; he is working for the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    The PDP National Vice-Chairman also said that his relationship with the FCT minister and his friends in other political parties could not be defined by his politics.

    “Let me make it abundantly clear here that my membership of PDP cannot determine those who are my friends and those who should be my enemies.

    “If at my age, I now belong to a political party and the party tells me, this man cannot be your friend, then it is wrong.

    “I have friends across board. I have friends in Labour Party, APC, and in many other parties, but that doesn’t affect my membership and commitment to the PDP.

    “I want to say it very clearly, PDP cannot determine my friendship with Nyesom Wike, a very dependable, hard-working friend of mine, he added.

  • Otti to revisit Abia pension arrears

    Otti to revisit Abia pension arrears

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has promised to reconsider his position concerning the controversial pension arrears of Abia retirees.

    Otti made the promise while responding to a passionate appeal from Rev. Ernest Onyukwu who preached during the 80th birthday ceremony of Senator Chris Adighije at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, FMC Chapel on Saturday.

    The cleric had appealed to the governor to take a second look at his position and show mercy on the senior citizens.

    Otti blamed the leadership of pensioners for resorting to blackmail after signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the government on what to be paid to write off the backlog of arrears accumulated by his predecessors.

    Recall that after Otti had paid the accumulated arrears, the leadership of pensioners said they never signed to forfeit their gratuities.

    The leadership of the pensioners claimed they signed under duress but the governor said they became mischievous after opposition politicians incited them to blackmail him.

    Abia pensioners now receive pension along with workers in active service on the 28th of every month.