Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has publicly expressed his support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the ongoing sexual harassment controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The allegations, made by Senator Akpoti during a television interview, claim that Akpabio refused to take her motion regarding the Ajaokuta Steel Complex after she rejected his sexual advances.

In a recent Instagram live session, Kuti stood firmly behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, criticizing Nigerian celebrities and feminists for not supporting her as they did for Annie Idibia during her divorce saga with singer 2Face Idibia. He highlighted the seriousness of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, pointing out that she isn’t the first to make such claims against the Senate President.

Seun Kuti voiced his frustration over the silence of female activists and celebrities on the matter, particularly given their vocal support for other, less pressing issues. He lamented that many Nigerian celebrities, especially in Nollywood, are benefiting from government grants and thus, may be reluctant to speak out on matters like this one.

He encouraged Nigerian women to rally behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, even though he acknowledged that he could not publicly protest in support of her. Kuti called for more attention and action on serious issues of sexual harassment in the country, condemning the way such matters are often downplayed or ignored.

The saga has sparked widespread debate, with some public figures, including former senator Shehu Sani, also commenting on the unfortunate shift in focus from political matters to personal issues in the case.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has called for more effective security operations from the Nigerian military and other security agencies to address the growing insecurity in the state and the broader Southeast region. His appeal came during a meeting with Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, and his team at the Government House in Owerri.

While making the plea, Governor Uzodinma acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in combating the rising insecurity in the region, commending their contributions in maintaining a stable environment that has allowed for the state’s development. He emphasized that no government can succeed in an atmosphere of violence, highlighting the importance of a robust security framework to ensure safety and stability.

The Governor also expressed support for the military and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with security agencies, stressing that the security of lives and property was paramount to his governance. Uzodinma particularly noted the efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, which has made significant investments to address national security challenges.

Governor Uzodinma encouraged Major General Olatoye, who also oversees Operation “UDOKA” in the Southeast, to strengthen collaboration with Southeast governors to ensure greater peace in the region. He further promised his government’s continued support to the military in its efforts to restore peace and combat insurgency.

Major General Olatoye, who was in Imo State for an official tour to assess operational readiness and address challenges faced by security personnel, praised Governor Uzodinma for his leadership in security matters. He assured that under his command, the military would continue to intensify efforts to combat insurgency in Imo State and the Southeast.

Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the soaring prices of eggs, which he attributed to his successor Joe Biden, have sparked significant attention. Speaking at a Joint Session of the US Congress, Trump claimed that Biden’s policies were largely responsible for the rise in egg prices, blaming the current administration for what he described as an “economic catastrophe” and “inflation nightmare.”

Trump’s comments come in the wake of egg prices becoming a major talking point in the media. Last year, the prices soared as a result of a bird flu outbreak that led to millions of egg-laying hens being culled. While this directly affected supply, Trump’s critique also touches on broader economic issues, despite the fact that egg prices continued to rise even during the early stages of his presidency.

His statement about inflation reflects his ongoing commitment to addressing economic issues, with Trump reiterating his campaign pledge to “beat inflation” if he were to return to office. However, it’s important to note that while inflation has decreased since its peak of 9.1% in 2022, it remains elevated at 3% in February.

Trump’s address to Congress was met with a mix of cheers and jeers from both Republicans and Democrats, which underscores the deeply polarized political climate surrounding issues like inflation and the cost of living. His remarks reflect the broader economic debate in the US, with politicians often blaming each other for rising prices and inflation.

While the egg price hike is a notable issue, it’s part of a larger conversation on the country’s economic health and the measures needed to curb inflation.

This recent development in Thailand highlights the increasing efforts to crack down on large-scale scam operations that have been running for years across Southeast Asia, particularly along borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. These scam centres, often operated by criminal syndicates, use sophisticated methods to trick people into transferring money, generating billions in illicit revenue.

The police’s arrest of over 100 people, mostly Thai nationals, is a significant move in the regional crackdown. These people were allegedly involved in running or operating the scam centres, which were previously raided in Poipet, Cambodia. Additionally, the two Chinese nationals wanted in connection with these operations underscore the international reach of these fraud schemes.

The involvement of human trafficking, as evidenced by the reports of people being coerced into working in these scam centres, adds another layer to the complexity of this problem. According to the United Nations, criminal syndicates have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to these locations, and many have struggled to return home.

The high-profile case of the Chinese actor, whose abduction sparked multinational efforts to dismantle these operations, brings attention to the scale of the fraud and the multinational nature of the criminal networks involved. Despite the ongoing repatriation efforts, many victims are still stuck in these centres, facing significant challenges.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to dismantle these fraudulent operations, with authorities estimating that Thais have lost around 80 billion baht ($2.37 billion) since 2022 alone to telecom scams.

The tragic explosion involving a commercial vehicle in Ogun State has prompted Governor Dapo Abiodun to issue a stern warning to commercial drivers about the dangers of transporting flammable materials. The explosion occurred on Tuesday when a Mazda bus, carrying a filled gas cylinder, went off at Muhammadu Buhari Estate along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway. The incident resulted in the deaths of 16 people, with three others suffering severe injuries, while two individuals were unhurt.

Governor Abiodun described the accident as preventable and emphasized the importance of adhering to proper safety protocols when transporting hazardous materials like gas and petroleum products. In a statement, the governor called for increased education and awareness efforts from transport unions such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). He urged these organizations to ensure their members understand the dangers associated with carrying flammable substances.

The governor stressed that passenger safety must always be the priority and that all stakeholders, including drivers, unions, and regulatory bodies, must work together to prevent similar tragedies. Abiodun also offered his condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for comfort and strength during their time of loss.

This tragic incident highlights the critical need for stringent safety measures and awareness in the transportation of hazardous goods, especially in densely populated and high-traffic areas.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has condemned attempts to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as a calculated effort to destabilize the state and undermine the people’s mandate. The council’s Eastern Zone chairman, Prince Sukubo, expressed concerns during a press conference in Port Harcourt, stressing that some individuals were exploiting recent Supreme Court rulings to create political chaos.

Key points from Sukubo’s statement include:

• Impeachment Efforts: Sukubo highlighted a specific 48-hour ultimatum demanding Governor Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget, which he argued was part of a strategy to destabilize the state and set the stage for impeachment.
• Defense of Mandate: The IYC chairman warned that any attempt to remove Fubara would be an attack on the will of the people, pointing out that the governor was elected freely and fairly by the electorate, particularly from the Ijaw community. He reiterated that the people of Rivers State would defend their right to choose their leadership.
• Call for Cooperation: Sukubo called for all stakeholders in the state to prioritize dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict, urging them to work towards peace and stability.
• Impact on the State: The IYC chairman also warned that withholding federal allocations from Rivers State would worsen the plight of workers and slow down development efforts, adding unnecessary hardship for the citizens.

The IYC’s stance is firm in defending Governor Fubara’s mandate and ensuring that any efforts to destabilize the state or undermine democratic leadership are resisted. They stress that the future of the state should not be jeopardized by the ambitions of a few individuals.

A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday around 1 pm near Buhari Estate along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, where 16 people were burnt beyond recognition, and three others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal crash. The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, which involved a white Mazda bus with the registration number KJA 949 YJ.

The bus was carrying a filled gas cylinder, and the explosion that followed after a fire outbreak caused the devastating loss of lives. Florence Okpe, the FRSC spokesperson, reported that a total of 21 people were involved in the crash, with 16 victims unable to be identified due to severe burns, while three others were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for treatment.

The Sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, led the rescue operation and condemned the driver’s recklessness, particularly the decision to transport a filled gas cylinder in a passenger vehicle. Fasakin emphasized that such highly flammable substances should only be transported in designated vehicles operated by trained professionals. He also participated in clearing the wreckage to restore traffic flow on the busy road.

The FRSC boss called on motorists and passengers to prioritize safety and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on women across the country to explore investment opportunities in the capital market, highlighting its importance as a tool for wealth creation and economic empowerment. This appeal was made during the launch of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Podcast in Abuja on Tuesday, which aims to promote financial literacy and inclusion.

Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, who officiated the event, emphasized the transformative potential of women’s participation in the capital market. She stated, “Opening opportunities for women in the capital market would create a pathway to wealth creation,” and urged for more policies, reforms, or frameworks that encourage women’s involvement in the financial sector. She also pointed out that women’s active participation is crucial for Nigeria to achieve its $1 trillion economy target, stressing that women can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.

Uzoka-Anite praised the financial acumen of women, noting their effective management of resources both at home and in broader financial contexts. She explained that if women learn how to invest and save in ways that add value, they could significantly enhance both their personal financial well-being and that of their families.

Addressing the challenges women face in balancing professional and family roles, the minister called for a dual approach to support their involvement in the financial sector. This includes not only encouraging individual action but also promoting institutional policies that treat women based on their competencies and provide opportunities for advancement.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the SEC, also spoke at the event, highlighting that the SEC Podcast aims to bridge the knowledge gap about the capital market and ensure that even people in the most remote parts of the country can learn about wealth creation opportunities through the capital market.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the state is now self-sufficient in firefighting services and no longer reliant on oil multinationals. The governor made this statement on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters and newly acquired firefighting vehicles in Port Harcourt.

Reflecting on past incidents, Fubara lamented the loss of lives and property due to the lack of a well-equipped fire service, noting that his administration has worked to bridge this gap by providing state-of-the-art facilities to improve emergency response and protect residents.

Governor Fubara dismissed criticisms from detractors, reaffirming his commitment to the well-being of Rivers State and its people, and emphasizing that his administration’s focus is on delivering for the state’s residents. He also highlighted the importance of productivity within the fire service sector, stressing that past inefficiencies, where workers received salaries without contributing effectively to public safety, were now being addressed.

Additionally, Fubara urged the managers of the new fire service facility to ensure its maintenance, underscoring that the safety of residents is in their hands. He also announced the upcoming commissioning of two remodeled fire stations. The governor thanked the people for their support and encouraged those managing the new facilities to take personal responsibility in ensuring their success, stating that their dedication would be rewarded by the community and by divine providence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has announced that the country will respond swiftly to the 25 percent import tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico. Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico would introduce both reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff measures, which will be detailed in a public announcement scheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m.

Sheinbaum emphasized that while Mexico does not wish to engage in a trade confrontation with the U.S., the decision to implement tariffs was justified. She also expressed openness to dialogue, stressing that the measures are a response to the U.S. tariff decision.

In addition, Canada and China have already announced their own reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports as part of the escalating trade war, which began on Tuesday with the imposition of the tariffs.

The hearing in a suit seeking to stop statutory allocations to the 44 local government areas of Kano State was stalled on Tuesday due to the absence of Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who represents the Kano State Government.

The applicants in the case, Abdullahi Abbas, Aminu Aliyu-Tiga, and the All Progressives Congress, are seeking a court declaration that the local government councils in Kano are not democratically elected, and they want the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Accountant-General to be restrained from disbursing statutory funds to these councils.

The case has faced several delays, and during the latest hearing, Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court, Kano, expressed frustration over the repeated adjournments. He stated that this would be the last adjournment granted and ordered that all processes be filed and served before the next adjourned date. The matter is now set for a definite hearing on April 14, 2025.

This delay comes after the case was also postponed in January 2025 due to the unavailability of another counsel for KANSIEC, John Baiyeshea.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), effective March 7, 2025, coinciding with the retirement of the current AGF, Oluwatoyin Madehin. Ogunjimi, aged 57, was initially named as Madehin’s successor in December 2024, following a competitive selection process.

The process included a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews, emphasizing transparency and excellence in public service appointments. Ogunjimi’s selection reflects Tinubu’s commitment to appointing qualified individuals to crucial roles in government.

Ogunjimi, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos. He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, bringing significant expertise to his new position.

President Tinubu congratulated Ogunjimi and urged him to serve with integrity, professionalism, and dedication, especially at a time when Nigeria faces economic reforms and fiscal challenges. Ogunjimi’s appointment marks a continued focus on strengthening financial oversight and governance in Nigeria.

President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, marking an important moment six weeks into his administration. The speech is anticipated to cover various controversial policies and decisions that have shaped his presidency so far, including his stance on U.S. trading partners and the recent suspension of military aid to Ukraine.

The address, scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern time, is expected to provide insight into Trump’s approach to the ongoing issues that have sparked debate both in the U.S. and internationally. He has already hinted at the nature of the speech through a Truth Social post on Monday, where he stated, “Tomorrow night will be big. I will tell it like it is.”

Trump’s presidency has been marked by significant changes, including mass firings of federal workers, which have led to numerous lawsuits. This joint session is seen as an opportunity for the President to outline his vision and respond to the controversies that have arisen during his early tenure in office.