The Amadabo of Finima, His Royal Highness Aseme Alabo Engr. Dr. Dagogo Lambert Brown, Kongo XVII, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, led a high-powered delegation on a condolence visit to Opobo Kingdom, marking a significant moment in the enduring relationship between the two communities.

Accompanied by the revered Council of Alapu, the Finima monarch was received by Alabo Edwin Adonye Cockeye Brown, Chief and Head of the Cockeye Brown War Canoe House (Kala Omuso), anchoring on a shared cultural heritage and longstanding historical ties that bind both kingdoms.

During the visit, Alabo Edwin Adonye Cockeye Brown formally led the Amadabo-in-Council to extend heartfelt condolences to the newly elected Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King-Elect Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja (Jeki VI), as well as the Council of Alapu of Opobo Kingdom on the transition ofHis Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Dandison Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom.

The atmosphere was one of reverence and cultural pride, as both parties exchanged courtesies deeply rooted in tradition, symbolizing respect for ancestral lineage and the continuity of leadership structures.

The visit, which is not only historic, serves as a reaffirmation of the age-old alliance between Finima and Opobo, which has spanned generations through shared ancestry, trade, and cultural practices.

Speaking during the engagement, members of the delegation emphasized the importance of sustaining peaceful coexistence and strengthening inter-community relationships, especially in a time when cultural identity and unity remain vital to regional development.

In his speech, King-Elect Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja (Jeki VI), acknowledged and deeply appreciated the condolence visit.

According to him, such a gesture not only comforts the throne and the people but also reinforces the enduring bonds of kinship, shared heritage, and mutual respect that have long existed between Opobo and Finima.

The King-elect assured of Opobo Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to nurturing this historic relationship and advancing mutual interests for the benefit of both kingdoms.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan aimed at clearing longstanding debts in Nigeria’s power sector, in a move expected to improve electricity supply and restore investor confidence.

The approval follows a comprehensive review of liabilities incurred under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, addressing legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025.

After a verification process, the Federal Government agreed on ₦3.3 trillion as full and final settlement of the obligations, signalling what officials describe as a decisive step towards stabilising the troubled sector.

Implementation of the plan is already underway, with 15 power generation companies signing settlement agreements valued at ₦2.3 trillion. The government has so far raised ₦501 billion to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has been disbursed, while additional payments are in progress.

Officials say the intervention is expected to strengthen the entire electricity value chain, leading to more stable power generation and improved reliability of supply to homes and businesses.

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme goes beyond debt settlement to rebuilding trust within the sector.

“This initiative is not just about settling legacy debts, but about restoring confidence across the power value chain—ensuring that gas suppliers are paid, power plants remain operational, and the system functions more efficiently,” she said.

She added that the reforms are part of a broader strategy that includes improved metering and service-based tariffs designed to align electricity costs with quality of supply.

According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity access for industries, businesses and small enterprises, given the critical role of reliable power in job creation and economic growth.

President Tinubu commended stakeholders for their roles in resolving the long-standing issues and confirmed that the next phase of the programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter.

The administration maintains that the ultimate objective is to deliver more reliable electricity to households, enhance support for businesses, and build a more efficient and sustainable power sector.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a suit against the Code of Conduct Bureau over its alleged failure to investigate claims of abuse of office linked to amendments to the Electoral Act and recent tax reform laws.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/634/2026 and filed last week before the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the bureau to probe allegations that some lawmakers improperly removed key provisions on electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill during plenary.

The organisation is also asking the court to direct the bureau to investigate claims that certain lawmakers and officials within the executive arm unlawfully altered aspects of the tax reform bills, resulting in discrepancies between the versions passed by the legislature and those eventually gazetted for public use.

SERAP further urged the court to compel the bureau to refer any substantiated breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for prosecution.

In its application, SERAP argued that granting the reliefs sought would address concerns bordering on conflict of interest, abuse of office and non-disclosure, while reinforcing due process in legislative functions.

It contended that lawmaking tainted by personal or sectional interests undermines constitutional responsibility and violates ethical standards prescribed for public officers.

“The Code of Conduct for Public Officers is a constitutional imperative designed to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in public life. Any credible allegation of breach must be promptly and thoroughly investigated,” the organisation stated.

SERAP maintained that public office holders act in trust for citizens and must not deploy official powers for personal advantage, adding that constitutional standards of conduct apply equally to members of the legislature and the executive.

The suit, filed by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, argued that the processes leading to the passage of the Electoral Act amendment and the tax reform laws were allegedly marred by irregularities, including alterations to bill provisions without due debate and changes made outside legislative approval.

It further claimed that some amendments may have been introduced or removed to serve private or political interests rather than the public good.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), SERAP stressed that public officers are prohibited from placing themselves in situations where personal interests conflict with official duties, and are bound to uphold integrity in the discharge of their functions.

The organisation also referenced constitutional provisions mandating public institutions to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, including within the lawmaking process.

According to the suit, recent concerns were heightened after a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised allegations of discrepancies between harmonised tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and versions later gazetted by the Federal Government.

SERAP argued that such alleged alterations, if proven, raise serious questions about the legality and legitimacy of both the legislative process and the final laws in circulation.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a nationwide action set to commence at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, following what it described as ongoing engagements with the Federal Government over welfare and remuneration concerns.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with members across the country and deliberations at an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually.

He noted that the planned action reflects the association’s collective resolve to strengthen healthcare delivery while sustaining dialogue with the government toward mutually beneficial outcomes.

According to NARD, the action will involve resident doctors in federal, state and private health institutions nationwide, even as it expressed readiness to continue negotiations and pursue timely resolutions.

Central to the dispute is the call for the reinstatement of the Professional Allowance Table, which the association described as critical to improving doctors’ welfare, boosting morale and curbing the migration of skilled medical personnel.

The association also urged the prompt payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to its members, expressing optimism that ongoing discussions would yield concrete results.

NARD further called for the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, stressing that adequate funding is essential to enhance training, support professional development and build capacity within the healthcare system.

While reiterating the need to clear all outstanding allowances, the association maintained that resolving these issues would ease financial pressures on doctors and reinforce their commitment to service delivery nationwide.

It urged members to remain united and focused, noting that its leadership remains committed to securing fair treatment, improved working conditions and a more resilient healthcare system.

The association also reaffirmed its openness to sustained engagement with relevant authorities, expressing confidence that ongoing negotiations would lead to positive outcomes for both practitioners and patients.

The Professional Allowance Table is intended to standardise remuneration for doctors, ensure consistency in payments and improve administrative efficiency within the health sector.

Observers say continued dialogue between NARD and the Federal Government presents an opportunity to address welfare concerns and safeguard uninterrupted healthcare services across the country.

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false reports alleging an attack on the residence of Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral, describing the claims as misleading and unfounded.

The report, which circulated widely on Facebook, had alleged that armed assailants targeted the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and the cathedral.

However, in a statement, the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma refuted the claims, insisting that no such incident occurred in Sokoto State.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the security situation remains calm, adding that Bishop Kukah continues his Easter engagements without disruption.

“The safety and security of the Bishop and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact,” he stated.

The Division further assured residents that, in collaboration with other security agencies, it is committed to maintaining peace and security across Sokoto State and its area of responsibility.

It added that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and secure Easter celebration.

Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has declared his readiness to support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, including a young aspirant.

Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku dismissed concerns over internal competition within the party, noting that the number of presidential hopefuls in the ADC remains modest compared to other political platforms.

“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flagbearer,” he said. “How many of us are contesting—three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested.”

He emphasised the growing influence of young people within the party, describing the ADC as a platform increasingly driven by youth participation across all levels of elective politics.

“The youths have taken over the party. Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to State Assembly, National Assembly and House of Representatives, are young people,” Atiku stated. “We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them.”

On whether he would support a youthful presidential candidate, Atiku responded affirmatively: “Yes, why not?”

Reflecting on his personal journey, he added that his focus is now on the future of younger generations.
“Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future and that of their children?” he said.

Atiku also downplayed fears that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the ADC’s prospects, insisting that the party continues to gain traction nationwide.