The Rivers State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Moses Oleghe, has called on camp officials for the 2026 Batch A Stream II orientation exercise to uphold the highest standards of discipline and moral conduct, urging them to distinguish themselves through integrity.

Oleghe gave the charge during his maiden meeting with officials at the orientation camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. He emphasised the need for officials to go beyond merely being different, and instead embody integrity that sets them apart in all actions and inactions throughout the exercise.

The coordinator stressed the importance of strict adherence to the NYSC Code of Conduct, directing that copies be made available to all officials through heads of committees and collaborating agencies to ensure alignment with management expectations.

On security, he urged heightened vigilance, calling on officials to remain on red alert and promptly report any suspicious activity or individuals that could threaten the peace of the camp. He added that access to the camp would be strictly controlled, noting that only individuals with official duties would be allowed entry, except with his express approval.

Oleghe further cautioned officials against the use of corporal punishment, abusive language, or any form of physical contact with corps members or fellow officials, regardless of provocation.

In his remarks, the Camp Director, Barnax Uloneme, appealed to officials to demonstrate dedication and commitment to ensure a successful orientation programme. He also pledged an open-door policy to encourage inclusiveness while seeking the full cooperation of all stakeholders.

The NYSC orientation camp is a critical phase in the service year, designed to instil discipline, leadership, and national unity among corps members.

United States Senator Ted Cruz has accused Nigerian government officials of complicity in what he described as the mass killing of Christians, alleging that authorities have failed to decisively address persistent insecurity in the country.

Cruz made the claims on Tuesday during a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on “The US approach to counterterrorism in Africa,” where he asserted that Nigeria records the highest number of Christians killed for their faith globally.

According to him, since 2009, over 50,000 Christians have been killed by extremist groups, while more than 20,000 churches, schools and religious institutions have been destroyed.

He further alleged that some Nigerian officials, at both local and federal levels, have enabled the violence, while also criticising what he described as the slow pace of response by authorities to worsening insecurity.

The lawmaker linked part of the crisis to the implementation of Sharia law in several northern states, arguing that it has contributed to religious tensions and violence.
Cruz disclosed that he had previously engaged Nigerian defence and security officials, noting that assurances given during those meetings have yet to translate into tangible outcomes.

In October, the senator introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, a proposed law aimed at holding Nigerian officials accountable for alleged violations of religious freedom.

During the hearing, Cruz queried US State Department officials on whether engagements with Nigeria had yielded results following actions taken by the administration of former President Donald Trump over concerns about religious persecution.

Responding, a senior official at the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, Nick Checker, said Nigeria has shown a degree of cooperation with the United States, citing reforms within the country’s security architecture.

Checker noted recent steps including leadership changes in security agencies, the recruitment of 50,000 additional troops, deployment of forest guards to violence-prone regions such as the Middle Belt, and increased prosecution of suspected terrorists.

He also referenced the establishment of a bilateral high-level working group following engagements between a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and a US delegation headed by Allison Hooker.

While acknowledging progress, the US official maintained that more efforts are required, adding that Washington would continue to press Nigeria to intensify actions against insecurity and protect vulnerable communities.

President Bola Tinubu has removed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening economic coordination and improving policy delivery.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, was conveyed in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and made public through his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.

According to the government, the removals form part of efforts to reinvigorate the Federal Executive Council and accelerate the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in critical sectors tied to economic performance and infrastructure delivery.
In their place, the President appointed Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, while Dr. Muttaqha Darma was named Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.

Officials said the reshuffle was driven by the need for “stronger cohesion, improved synergy, and more impactful delivery” across government institutions, signalling concerns within the administration over the pace and coordination of economic management and housing sector reforms.

Though described as “minor,” the shake-up affects two strategic portfolios central to Nigeria’s economic stability and

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and six others before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged plot to destabilise Nigeria.

Also listed as defendants in the suit are Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The accused persons are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, although Sylva is reportedly at large.

The charge, instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 to wage war against the Nigerian state.

According to the prosecution, the defendants “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The Federal Government further accused the defendants of having prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act allegedly involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but failing to report it to the appropriate authorities.

The charge stated that the accused, despite being aware of the alleged plot, “did not give the information thereof with all reasonable dispatch” to either the President or security agencies, and also failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the act.

Beyond treason, the defendants are facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Prosecutors alleged that they conspired to commit acts aimed at undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist activities, allegedly in pursuit of a political agenda capable of destabilising the country.

The government also alleged that the defendants provided various forms of support for terrorism and deliberately withheld intelligence that could have prevented such acts.
In addition, the charge includes allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the prosecution, Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly retained N50 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani is accused of handling N2 million linked to similar activities.

Zekeri Umoru was alleged to have accepted N10 million in cash outside the formal banking system and retained an additional N8.8 million believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of possessing N1 million connected to the alleged scheme.

The Federal Government maintained that the actions of the defendants posed a serious threat to national security and constitutional order.

The case is expected to test Nigeria’s legal and security frameworks in addressing allegations of treason and terrorism financing involving high-profile individuals.

Political tensions are beginning to build in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as a newly formed pressure group, the Cross River Rebirth Alliance, has declared its intention to mobilise voters against the re-election of Governor Bassey Otu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its coordinator, Elder Bassey Christopher Bassey, and secretary, Comrade Callistus Imong, the group expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it described as a steady decline in governance in the state over the past decade.

According to the Alliance, the situation in Cross River began to deteriorate during the administration of former governor Ben Ayade and has worsened under the current leadership.

“We have monitored developments in our state for close to 11 years and are constrained to take this decisive step to reclaim Cross River from those who have destroyed it,” the statement read.

The group contrasted the current situation with what it described as the “foundational progress” made under former governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, noting that the state had once enjoyed national and international recognition as a tourism hub.

It accused the Ayade administration of prioritising “empty promises and so-called projects” over tangible development, alleging that the trend has continued under Otu.

The Alliance also criticised the governor’s leadership style, alleging misplaced priorities and a lack of transparency in governance. It raised concerns over the state of infrastructure, employment, healthcare, and environmental sanitation, claiming that living conditions for many residents have deteriorated.

The statement further alleged that the current administration has focused more on religious and ceremonial activities than on developmental projects, while accusing political elites of benefiting disproportionately from state resources.

“The last three years have been particularly traumatic for our people,” the group said. “While the masses struggle amid worsening economic conditions, a few individuals around the corridors of power continue to thrive.”

Drawing comparisons with neighbouring states, the group pointed to recent improvements in Aba, noting that what was once regarded as a struggling commercial city has witnessed environmental and economic revitalisation, in contrast to what it described as decline in Cross River.

The Alliance maintained that the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity for citizens to “chart a new course” and end what it termed a cycle of poor governance.

It announced plans to embark on statewide mobilisation across all 18 local government areas, aimed at sensitising voters and building momentum against the incumbent administration.

“We are committed to the rebirth of Cross River State,” the statement added. “The process of reclaiming our collective heritage has begun.”

Efforts to get official reaction from the state government were unsuccessful as of press time.

Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Port Harcourt, has launched the African Fleet Management Forum, marking a significant step toward advancing safer and more sustainable transport systems across the continent.

The initiative was inaugurated during the 3rd International Conference on Green and Safe Transport, organised by the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM) in collaboration with United Nations Institute for Training and Research-CIFAL.

Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, disclosed that the forum’s secretariat has been established within the university, fulfilling an earlier commitment to UNITAR. He said the move underscores the institution’s ambition to become a continental hub for research and policy development in fleet safety, disaster risk reduction and transport sustainability.
Zeb-Obipi also revealed plans to establish a Blue and Maritime Economy Centre, pending approval by the university senate.

The conference, themed “Green and Safe Transport: Integrated Fleet Disaster Risk and Sustainability Management,” drew participants from academia, government and industry, all stressing the urgency of improving mobility systems, particularly in Nigeria’s riverine communities.

Chairman of the occasion and former RSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Blessing Chimezie Didia, emphasised that universities should be assessed by their intellectual contributions, noting that international conferences enhance institutional relevance and global visibility.

Representing Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, highlighted the critical role of water transport in riverine areas. She noted ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure, including seaports, to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity.

However, she cautioned that infrastructure alone is insufficient, stressing the need for improved safety standards and stronger collaboration with international partners.

RSU Pro-Chancellor, Okey Wali, called for research that delivers practical societal impact, commending UNITAR’s partnership and declaring the conference open.

In his keynote address, Sunday Akuru of the World Food Programme underscored the strategic importance of maritime transport, which accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of global trade. He noted that despite Nigeria’s vast coastal and inland water resources, the sector remains underutilised due to weak infrastructure, poor regulatory enforcement and fragmented institutional coordination.

Akuru advocated a shift toward integrated and technology-driven transport systems, including real-time monitoring and structured risk management frameworks. He also warned against environmental degradation, particularly marine pollution, which threatens long-term economic benefits.

Logistics expert, Dr. Rita Owase, described fleet operations as the backbone of economic activity, stressing that safety must remain paramount. She highlighted the United Nations’ zero-tolerance stance on safety, including vehicle standards, driver training and compliance with operational regulations.
Director of IGEM, Prof. Akuro Gobo, noted that the institute was among the first organisations in Nigeria to host a conference on fleet safety in partnership with UNITAR-CIFAL, targeting operators across air, land and sea transport systems.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders reinforced the need for actionable outcomes. Registrar of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Dr. Prince Origa, urged participants to translate deliberations into concrete policies, particularly in relation to security and fleet management.

Similarly, the Marine Equipment Owners/Leasing Association of Nigeria described the conference theme as timely, expressing optimism that discussions would yield practical solutions for the maritime sector.

Managing Director of Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, highlighted marine pollution—especially plastic waste—as a growing global challenge, urging proper waste disposal to protect aquatic ecosystems and livelihoods.

In her closing remarks, Director of UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria, Mrs. Ihuoma Njemanze, described fleet safety and sustainability as a largely underexplored but critical sector.

The conference continues with technical sessions focusing on integrated fleet disaster risk management, maritime safety, environmental sustainability and policy innovation, with participants seeking practical frameworks to transform transport systems in Nigeria and across Africa.

By Victoria Michael

The Rivers State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Moses Oleghe, has charged heads of collaborating agencies for the 2026 Batch A Stream II orientation exercise to deploy their best personnel and uphold the highest standards of conduct, stressing that “the only thing required of you is your best.”

Oleghe gave the directive during a strategic meeting held in his office with agency heads designated for the orientation camp, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

He underscored the primacy of security, insisting that the safety of corps members and camp officials must be treated as non-negotiable. He specifically warned security agencies against lapses at camp entry points, directing that no unauthorized persons be granted access under any circumstances.

The coordinator also issued a firm warning against corporal punishment and any form of physical contact with corps members or officials, describing such actions as strictly prohibited. He added that the use of abusive language, as well as emotional or psychological intimidation, would attract serious sanctions.

Oleghe further urged all collaborating agencies to adhere strictly to the NYSC code of conduct and operate within the scheme’s established rules throughout the orientation exercise.

In his remarks, the Camp Director-designate, Mr. Barnax Uloneme, called for unity of purpose among stakeholders, encouraging them to see themselves as members of “Team NYSC” rather than representatives of individual organisations. He stressed the importance of synergy in achieving a seamless camp operation.

The meeting featured contributions and feedback from participants, who pledged their commitment and cooperation toward a successful orientation exercise.

Amnesty International has condemned what it termed an “outrageous and desperate attempt” by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to muzzle the media, warning that the regulator has no authority to dictate how journalists perform their professional duties.

In a statement reacting to the NBC’s ‘formal notice to broadcasters’ dated April 17, 2026, the rights organisation criticised the directive as an overreach targeting political broadcasts and presenters of current affairs programmes.

According to Amnesty International, the move imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on the broadcast space and appears calculated to coerce journalists and media organisations into self-censorship, with far-reaching implications for press freedom and democratic accountability.
Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said Nigeria’s independent broadcast media remain central to citizens’ ability to freely seek, receive and exchange information and ideas, as guaranteed under international human rights frameworks.

He urged authorities to desist from what he described as the misuse of the National Broadcasting Commission to stifle dissenting voices.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and media organisations that are crucial to ensuring an independent and diverse media space that fulfils people’s right to information,” Sanusi said.

Maintaining that the directive is both authoritarian and unconstitutional, Amnesty International called on broadcasters nationwide to remain resolute, urging journalists to continue their work “fiercely and independently without fear,” despite mounting pressure.