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Soludo Orders Salary Cuts for Workers Absent During Monday Sit-at-Home

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Soludo Orders Salary Cuts for Workers Absent During Monday Sit-at-Home

The February salaries of employees who did not show up for work on Mondays—days that the Indigenous People of Biafra had previously designated to be sit-at-home days—were cut by the Anambra State Government.

In an attempt to put an end to the Monday sit-at-home, the state administration reportedly announced the start of pro-rata wage payments for workers throughout the state, stating that civil officials’ salaries will be paid in accordance with pro-rata starting in February 2026.

Additionally, the state government seized the occasion to declare that the sit-at-home protest was over.

For several employees, however, it was a tale of woe when they received the warnings for the February paychecks, which included a pay decrease and large deductions.

Some employees at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka, the state capital, complained to reporters on Tuesday that their salary deductions did not match the number of Mondays they were absent from work.

A coworker in his ministry was only paid N10,000 for February following the deductions, according to a worker who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of being victimized.

Another Ministry of Information employee bemoaned receiving only N3,500 out of his gross salary of nearly N80,000.

“One of my coworkers reported receiving her salary with N10,000 deducted,” he stated.

“The cuts are irregular, but some people who missed work just once or twice had significant deductions from their salaries, so I believe there were computation errors.”

“I am surprised to see huge deductions when I received the alert for my February salary,” remarked another impacted employee. My pay was withheld by more than N80,000 because I missed two Mondays of work. Two Mondays weren’t supposed to be up to that much, therefore I believe it was computed incorrectly.

Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, told reporters that the deductions were a penalty for missing work on Mondays when they were approached about the development on Tuesday.

“The salary cut is a punishment for failing to come to work on Mondays,” stated Mefor. You were instructed to clock in when you arrived at work on Mondays and to clock out when the workday ended. That demonstrates your presence at work.

“However, if you showed up for work on Mondays but failed to clock in or out, it indicates that you did not show up because there is no proof that you did.”

Gov Diri Advocates Equal Political Opportunities for Women

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Gov Diri Advocates Equal Political Opportunities for Women

Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has argued against tokenistic agitation for special seats in the National Assembly in favor of complete inclusion of women in politics.
This was said by Senator Diri on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the state capital, at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women’s conference.

Additionally, the governor of Bayelsa called on women throughout the region to demand complete freedom to engage in politics since they should not be treated like second-class citizens.
“I was informed that a major sponsor of this program is the British High Commission,” he said. When the Deputy High Commissioner visited Bayelsa last week, I had the chance to meet with her, and we talked about women’s involvement in politics.
She thinks it’s a good idea to advocate for women’s seats in the National Assembly. Although I somewhat agreed with her as a short-term fix, I generally disagree with the concept. My argument is that I oppose treating women like second-class citizens.
In contrast to America, women in Britain do not hold specific seats in parliament. They are totally involved in politics and are acknowledged by the system. There is no discussion regarding women’s disadvantages or reserved seats. In Nigeria, we can succeed.

“Our women participate in politics and are highly intelligent. They are also highly involved in a variety of occupations. Why, therefore, are we requesting preferential treatment for them?
“Women participate and go on to become presidents, governors, and members of parliament all over the world.” Nigeria ought not to be an anomaly. Our organization is flawed. Nigeria has a structural weakness.

Even in the Niger Delta, women work as professors, physicians, engineers, and attorneys. My 26-year-old daughter recently received her Ph.D. in law. Women should demand their independence, and I urge you to reject this nation’s treatment of you as second-class citizens.

Governor Diri described initiatives to increase the number of women involved in state politics.

“I have deliberately worked to increase the number of women in Bayelsa’s government, either in the House of Assembly or the state executive. I had anticipated having roughly five women in the parliament in 2023, but only two of them were elected.
I am glad that you are uniting since I am aware of the difficulties you are enduring. Sometimes the issue is even between women. As governor of our state, I will always be there for you, my dear Niger Delta women.
Previously, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, the PANDEF National Women Leader, stated that in order for women to actively engage in politics, they need exposure, education, experience, and skills.

They have important roles to play in the advancement of society, thus she urged them to not be passive.
“As women, you ought to participate wherever you are. Engage in and make intelligent, constructive, and constructive contributions to this region’s development. In order to be assigned to political posts and participate in the events occurring in this country and our region, you should educate yourself and encourage your children to do the same.

“Development and infrastructure are necessary in our area. For the next generation to have a place to live and work, we must be connected and safeguard the environment.
“How many women from the Niger Delta region are involved in this country’s politics? This region generates the nation’s wealth.”

Former Nigerian First Lady Dr. Patience Jonathan, Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, PANDEF National Chairman Dr. Boladei Igali, and a number of women’s organizations from throughout the Niger Delta were present at the event.

Plateau Politics: APC to Battle Within as No Opposition Exists, Says Mutfwang

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Plateau Politics: APC to Battle Within as No Opposition Exists, Says Mutfwang

According to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, there won’t be any opposition to his party in Plateau State by the general elections of 2027.

Following Rufus Bature’s election as the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, the governor made the statement on Tuesday in Jos.

Bature and other members of the state executive committee were understood to have formed a consensus.

Following the exercise, Mutfwang said he was confident the party would continue to rule the Plateau before the 2027 elections.

By God’s grace, we will only run for office among ourselves in 2027. The governor declared that there would be no resistance in the Plateau.

He went on to say that the state’s citizens have continued to show faith in the party’s policies and leadership.

“I think the people of Plateau have faith in us and will stick with us because they understand that we are doing in their best interests. We shall use this chance to improve the lives of the state’s citizens. “Now is the moment to bring Plateau together,” he said.

Demands Reconciliation and Unity

The governor described the APC as a family whose internal conflicts must not jeopardize its common goal and emphasized the importance of unity, tolerance, and healing inside the party.

He assured members that all unresolved matters would be resolved peacefully in the party’s best interests, even if he acknowledged that some issues still needed to be handled.

He urged Bature and the other state executive committee members to stick with the party, the president, and the people of Plateau State while congratulating them.

Additionally, Mutfwang announced a one-month statewide recruitment drive in which each registered member was instructed to find ten or more new members.

“As party evangelists, it is your responsibility to reach every corner of the state and convince more individuals to join us. Plateau State will benefit more from a larger and more powerful party, he claimed.

Noting that both a strong party structure and successful grassroots mobilization are necessary for electoral success, he also urged members to support the party’s e-membership registration project.

Bature praised party leaders and delegates for their faith in him and his team during his acceptance speech.

He promised to work hard to live up to the expectations of party members throughout the state, describing his re-election as both an honor and a responsibility.

The election of three senators, 23 members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, 17 local government chairmen, and 325 council members on the APC platform were among the accomplishments noted by Bature during his previous term.

In order to guarantee accountability and long-term electoral success in the state, he reassured members that the party leadership will continue to offer helpful supervision and assistance.

El-Rufai Responds to ICPC Probe, Invokes Constitutional Protection

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El-Rufai Responds to ICPC Probe, Invokes Constitutional Protection

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, gave an explanation for his refusal to respond to inquiries from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), characterizing his silence as a constitutional prerogative rather than a sign of disobedience.

On February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai, who is presently being investigated by the anti-graft agency, gave two handwritten statements to ICPC officers while being cautious and in front of his attorney, Ubong E. Akpan.

The former governor reportedly admitted reading the cautionary notice and said he grasped its significance in his initial statement, which was dated February 19.

“I have read the warning above, and I am aware of its implications and meaning. In front of my attorney, Ubong Akpan, Esq., I would like to freely declare from Ubong Akpan’s chambers,” he wrote.

He continued by giving personal background information, such as his upbringing in Kaduna, his birth in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and his academic career at Ahmadu Bello University, Harvard University, and the University of London.

El-Rufai emphasized his background in quantity surveying, telecommunications, and public service, citing his positions as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), and two-term governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023).

He also mentioned that he is retired and spends most of his time in Egypt with his 96-year-old mother and half of his family.

He declined, nevertheless, to answer the commission’s queries.

“On the advice of counsel, I have chosen to exercise my right to silence in response to your question (as well as all of your questions).” I won’t say anything further or answer any queries,” he wrote.

“Deliver Results Before a Tribunal”
El-Rufai claimed that rather than questioning him further, the ICPC should present its conclusions to a court after almost two years of investigations.

“I think the ICPC should disclose its conclusions to a judicial panel rather than to me after over two years of hard inquiry. He declared, “I will only address any accusations in a court of law.”

He also claimed that the probe had political motivations.

“The true reason you are looking into me is because I am a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is Nigeria’s only remaining opposition party,” he wrote.

“This is because, unlike political persecution, which is a matter that only a judge can decide on, I do not think these investigations amount to lawful entitlement.”

El-Rufai upheld his position in a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, after investigators allegedly showed him more papers.

“In accordance with my statement dated February 19, 2026, and in the presence of my attorney, Ubong E. Akpan, I would like to further state that I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions upon presentation of further documents and questions,” he wrote.

“As I made very clear in my statement dated February 19, 2026, I will only address these documents and inquiries in a court of law.”

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Bwari had already granted the ICPC a 14-day remand order, which is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.

As political and legal factors continue to influence the inquiry’s narrative, this discovery represents the most recent development in the continuing investigation concerning the former governor.

Drama As Court Adjourns Alleged Illegal Ejection Case To April 24

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Drama As Court Adjourns Alleged Illegal Ejection Case To April 24

There was a mild drama at a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, when a lawyer, Abubakar Mohammed, who was hired to only observe proceedings stood up and told Justice Samira Bature, that the case before her is being delayed.

Mohammed was hired by Asabe Waziri, who had alleged and complaint to the Attorney-Genetal that he was illegally evicted from a property in Maitama District of Abuja, where she lived to only watch and observe proceedings before the court.

A lawyer, Victor Giwa, Cecil Osakwe and Ms Edith Erhunmuuse, were accused of illegally ejecting Asabe from the property.

Shortly after. Mohammed spoke, Giwa stood up amd told the court that Counsel to Asabe, Mohammed, has no right to talk before the court that he was only before the court to announce appearance and watch proceedings.

Mohammed. Was hired tomwat h the brief of Asabe in the court.

According to him, Mohammed was his staff, who was hired by Asabe to appear in the case against him.

He said, “The victim (Asabe) is the one harrasing me, she is now using my former staff against me in court.

“He has no right to address the court, his mission in this court is only to watch brief for the victim”.

But Justice Bature, in her response agreed with Giwa and said that she did not record everything Mohammed said in the court.

The case could not however, go on due to the absence of Erhunmuuse, who has been said to be absent because of ill-health and could not also afford a lawyer.

The case was adjourned to the 24th of April, 2024.

At the last adjoured date, the court was told that the case had earlier suffered delays, including an adjournment to allow the third defendant secure legal representation.

Although the third defendant is now represented by counsel, Mr C. C. Onyechere, she was absent from court, with her counsel attributing her absence to ill health.

The prosecution also informed the court that at a previous sitting, proceedings were stalled after the counsel handling the matter was said to be on official assignment outside the country.

Justice Bature recalled that the court had warned against delays capable of frustrating the arraignment of the defendants.

In her ruling, Justice Bature held that although the matter had suffered several adjournments, warning that no further adjournment will be tolerated.

The judge further directed that all pending applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction would be taken when the prosecution is present to respond.

Emphasising the need for fairness, Justice Bature stated that “in the interest of justice, both parties must be given the opportunity to be heard.”

She also ordered counsel to the third defendant to ensure his client’s appearance in court on the next adjourned date and that the prosecution is duly served with the necessary notice.

Cashless Policy: FAAN Introduces Multiple Payment Methods at Airports

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Cashless Policy: FAAN Introduces Multiple Payment Methods at Airports

Under the “Operation Go Cashless” initiative, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has implemented four digital payment methods at airport access gates around the country.

According to the authority, the measure is a component of initiatives to do away with cash transactions, enhance operational effectiveness, and support Nigeria’s larger shift to a cashless economy.

FAAN described the authorized payment methods for drivers and airport patrons in a statement posted on its official 𝕏 account on Tuesday.

Four Accepted Channels of Payment
The authority states that the choices are as follows:

“The fastest and most seamless payment option” is how FAAN Go Cashless Card is described.
E-Tag: Designed to facilitate automatic deductions without pausing at gates for frequent users.
VIP Sticker: For vehicles with permissioned access.
ATM/Debit Card via POS: Available on-site, although processing times may differ because of issues with the banking network.
“The following payment options are available to ensure smooth and efficient access,” FAAN said.

The organization also stated that the Go Cashless Card is available to airport patrons at its commercial offices and certain access gates across the country. Additionally, it revealed that card administration and registration are available online via its webpage.

On March 1, 2026, the cashless policy went into force, prohibiting cash payments at all FAAN pay locations, including executive lounges, parking lots, and toll gates.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were among the major hubs where the program, which was started in collaboration with Paystack, was first introduced in September 2025.

According to FAAN, the policy complies with Nigeria’s Central Bank’s directives to increase the use of electronic payments throughout the nation.

Confusion and excessive gridlock at the airports in Lagos and Abuja marred the first day of full implementation, despite the expected benefits.

Some passengers reportedly missed planned flights due to traffic congestion at entrance gates.

When drivers came without prepaid cards, they had to rely on Point of Sale machines, which led to lengthy lines and delayed processing times.

The congestion was made worse by network-related problems that affected point-of-sale transactions, according to some airport patrons.

However, FAAN insisted that the project will eventually improve service delivery.

The authority emphasized that the system is intended to make transactions “faster, safer, and more convenient,” with the potential to increase income by up to 75% through fewer cash handling and increased transparency.

To reduce wait times at entrance gates, FAAN asked frequent travelers to fill their Go Cashless cards ahead of time.

For the time being, travelers at Nigeria’s main airports are acclimating to a new system in which cash is no longer king.

Ex-Deputy Governor Takes Helm of Oyo APC

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Ex-Deputy Governor Takes Helm of Oyo APC

Moses Alake Adeyemo, a former deputy governor of the state, was chosen by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State chapter to serve as the party’s chairman.

At the party’s state congress on Tuesday, the news was made.

Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke Ado, Ibadan, served as the venue for the congress.

Representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also saw it.

According to our correspondent, Adeyemo was the deputy to Abiola Ajimobi, the state’s most recent governor, who held office from 2011 to 2019.

He is from Oyo State’s Oke Ogun geopolitical zone.

Wasiu Olawale Sadare, who was reinstated as the party’s publicity secretary, is another elected official.

Details will come later.

Enugu–Onitsha Road Upgrade: Umahi Orders Concrete Instead of Asphalt

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Enugu–Onitsha Road Upgrade: Umahi Orders Concrete Instead of Asphalt

RCC Construction Company, one of the companies managing the completion of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Anambra and Enugu States under the “Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme,” has been instructed by Minister of Works Engineer David Umahi to use concrete going forward to finish the remaining 23 kilometers of the road.

During an inspection tour at the Amansea axis of the road, Umahi gave the order, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work completed thus far by the two contractors. However, he insisted that going forward, all federal roads in the nation must be built with concrete rather than asphalt, arguing that there is no reason to waste money on asphalt since it costs N94,000 to asphalt a square meter of road that may not last up to 15 months, while it costs N92,000 to build a square meter of concrete road that can last up to 100 years.
In order to ensure the road’s durability, the Minister gave the contractor instructions to excavate the flooded sections up to two feet, fill them with lumps of roughly 30 cm, sharp sand, and stone base, and finish the inner and outer portions of the remaining 23 km with laterite and raise them to the level of the existing asphalt.

He continued by saying that the contractor should use pulverization to grind down the current wearing course and binder course, apply 10 cm of stone foundation mixed with 3.5 cm of cement, properly compact it, and lay the remaining 10 cm across the pavement and carriageway using a paver.

Engineer Emeka Oparah, the Federal Comptroller of Works in Anambra State, stated that the road, which has been finished up to the second binder stage, will offer a long-term solution to its previously poor condition. He added that the remaining eight hundred meters of the road from the Amansea axis to the Immigration Junction will be finished by the end of May 2026.

The MTN Nigeria Project Manager, Engineer. Tochukwu Onuora expressed their admiration for the speed and caliber of work completed thus far, thanking the Minister for allocating 104 km of single carriageway out of the 107 km dual carriageway. The project was estimated to cost N202 billion, and Engineer Sachin Thakare, the Project Manager for RCC, stated that they are confident in the road’s durability because it is raised above the current asphalt. (Obileri Ngozi, absradiotelevision)

Electoral Transparency at Risk, Claims Adebayo, Criticizing Tinubu

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Electoral Transparency at Risk, Claims Adebayo, Criticizing Tinubu

Prince Adewole Adebayo, a former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, has harshly condemned the recent changes to Nigeria’s Electoral Act that President Bola Tinubu signed into law, calling it “a setback for transparency and democratic integrity.”

Adebayo accused the federal government of prioritizing “loopholes over transparency by weakening provisions for the electronic transmission of election results” in a message he issued on his official X (previously Twitter) account, @Pres_Adebayo.

The SDP leader claims that although “electronic transmission has not been completely abolished, the new revisions to the 2022 Electoral Act make it discretionary rather than mandatory — a shift he believes could undermine the credibility of future elections.”

“I was in Abuja and witnessed the anger of the Nigerian people after the government approved revisions to the 2022 Electoral Act,” he continued.

“What ought to have been required real-time broadcasting has been left up to personal preference. That gap is significant.

He contended that making electronic transmission optional essentially reverts the system to manual collation as the standard procedure, raising the possibility of manipulation and undermining public confidence.

The practical default is to manually compile the findings when electronic transmission is not required.

“And trust in the process is damaged when results go through opaque channels,” he stated.

According to the SDP chairman, the signing of the modified law is “a blow against the very essence of Nigerian democracy,” and the administration is purposefully avoiding openness.

“It is unacceptable to remove the required electronic transmission since it makes it simpler to manipulate the results.

He said, “This administration is attacking the very democracy that generations of Nigerians fought so hard to secure.”

He added that the amendments are “a shameless attempt to remain in power” and accused President Tinubu of dishonoring the tradition of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Adebayo insisted that rather than eroding technological safeguards in the electoral process, Nigeria should be moving closer to fully computerized voting.

He also noted that Nigerians currently depend on technological systems for communication, banking, and business, and he questioned why the same level of trust shouldn’t extend to vote protection.

“When votes are sent in real time and transparently, a record is created. There is confirmation. He stated, “There is accountability.

Adebayo urged people and communities nationwide to keep calling for openness and justice in the voting process in spite of the new law.

“The law may have changed, but the demand for transparency has not,” he declared, promising to support Nigerians who think their nation “deserves better.”

Political players and civil society organizations have been debating the Electoral Act’s revisions. Critics have warned that the public’s confidence may be impacted by the lowering of electronic transmission regulations before to the general elections in 2027.

 

Senior Police Officers Seek Continuity, Akande Endorses Fayoade for IGP

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Senior Police Officers Seek Continuity, Akande Endorses Fayoade for IGP

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing increasing pressure on the future of multiple Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) due to worries that Olatunji Disu, the recently appointed DIG, does not have a solid management team.

Senior officers in the Nigeria Police Force are lobbying to keep their positions due to strong internal maneuvering caused by uncertainty around the top hierarchy, according to multiple sources within the force.

Just two months before Disu was due to retire at the necessary age of sixty, he received his position.

Disu was elevated to Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025, after being born in Lagos State on April 13, 1966. Prior to being promoted to IGP, he was scheduled to retire on April 13, 2026.

However, regardless of age or years of service, an Inspector-General is entitled to a fixed four-year term under the modified Police Act, which means Disu might hold the position until 2030.

Despite this clause, insiders assert that any extension beyond his original retirement timeframe may be complicated by new institutional and political circumstances.

According to sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters, certain current DIGs are under increasing pressure to stay in their positions, claiming that any significant reorganization would be premature given Disu’s approaching retirement.

The President is allegedly being urged by various stakeholders to restructure the leadership structure so that the next IGP may put together his own reliable management team.

According to a source close to the presidency, “pressure has been building to fire the DIGs because the newly appointed IGP, Disu, has no management team to work with, and the DIGs are building pressure of their own to remain because they claim Disu is retiring soon.”

Allegations of political lobbying over possible succession scenarios complicate the situation.

According to sources, DIG Adegoke Fayoade’s retention is being pushed for by former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande in order to position him to succeed Disu.

“Bisi Akande is especially working to keep DIG Adegoke Fayoade on board in the hopes that he will succeed Disu. Tinubu is still under pressure from him, according to a source.

Insiders claim that Fayoade might be kept and put in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) while leadership talks are ongoing, even if a restructure eliminates other DIGs.

Internal divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in particular, are said to have resurfaced as a result of the development.

Following the departure of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, news surfaced last week that the Presidency had stopped a planned mandatory retirement of roughly thirty DIGs and AIGs.

Several DIGs, including those in charge of Finance, Logistics, ICT, Training, and Research and Planning, were tagged for retirement in order to maintain command hierarchy, according to an internal list that circulated within the Force.

However, President Tinubu stepped in to halt the mass retirement, according to a source close to the presidency.

The insider stated, “The new acting IGP Disu needs their experience, so the Presidency has stopped firing DIGs and AIGs.”

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