ADC Crisis: Cross River Chapter Rejects Caretaker Committee

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April 1, 2026

The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has opposed the formation of an interim national caretaker committee, describing the move as unconstitutional and potentially damaging to the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

The position was made public on Tuesday by the State Vice Chairman (Central) and Director of Policy and Strategy, Dr. MacFarlane Ejah, during a press briefing at the Ernest Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.

Ejah expressed concern over what he called a growing decline in internal democracy within the party at the national level, warning that such developments could undermine the party’s credibility and electoral prospects.

He linked the controversy to a meeting held on July 29, 2025, at the Chelsea Hotel in Abuja, where a group reportedly dissolved the elected National Executive Committee and announced the formation of an interim caretaker committee.

Among those named in the committee are David Mark as interim national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary, alongside other members.

According to Ejah, the action violates the party’s 2018 constitution, which he said does not recognise interim or caretaker leadership at any level.

“There is no provision for emergency powers that allows individuals to appoint themselves into leadership positions. Any such process is null and void,” he said.

He warned that allowing an illegitimate leadership structure to oversee congresses and conventions could jeopardise the legitimacy of candidates for the 2027 elections.

“If an illegal leadership conducts congresses, every candidate that emerges from such a process risks disqualification. We have seen political parties lose entire electoral victories due to faulty internal processes,” he stated.

Ejah further revealed that he had submitted a formal petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral body to intervene in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The petition seeks to stop the caretaker committee from presenting itself as the party’s legitimate leadership and to halt the congresses scheduled between April 7 and 14, 2026.

He added that the party had issued a seven-day ultimatum to INEC to act, failing which legal action would be pursued.

“We are committed members of the ADC and do not want our party dragged into illegality. We are demanding a return to the status quo where leadership emerges through democratic processes,” he said.

Ejah emphasised that internal democracy is a constitutional obligation, not a matter of convenience, urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law within the party.

United Nigeria Suspends Staff Over Mistreatment Of Disabled Passenger

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Tosin Onisuuru

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April 1, 2026

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United Nigeria Airlines has placed one of its staff members on suspension following allegations of mistreatment involving a passenger with reduced mobility, Ms. Doris Akonanya, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The airline disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, noting that the employee will remain off duty pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation. The identity of the staff member was not revealed.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday during the check-in process for Flight UN0526 from Abuja to Yenagoa.

According to an internal report, there were claims of unprofessional conduct in how the passenger’s condition was handled, raising concerns about the treatment of vulnerable travellers.

Uloka reiterated that the airline maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, discrimination, or abuse.

“We take this matter very seriously. The safety, dignity, and well-being of all our passengers remain our highest priority. We are firmly committed to providing safe, respectful, and accessible travel for all, particularly passengers with reduced mobility who require additional care and support,” the statement read.

The airline also issued a public apology to Ms. Akonanya and her family, acknowledging the emotional distress the incident may have caused.

Uloka described the situation as “regrettable and inconsistent with our service standards and corporate values.”

“This experience does not reflect our ethics, values, vision, or the standard of service we are committed to delivering,” Uloka stated.

He added that the airline has maintained direct communication with the passenger and her family while working with relevant stakeholders to fully understand what transpired.

United Nigeria Airlines further assured that appropriate disciplinary actions would be taken once investigations are concluded.

JAMB Releases 2026 Mock UTME Results, Delists Over 20 CBT Centres

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Tosin Onisuuru

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April 1, 2026

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the results of the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Registrar, Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, confirmed that candidates can access their results via SMS.

According to the board, “Candidates can check their results by sending MOCKRESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration for the 2026 UTME.”

JAMB disclosed that 224,597 candidates registered for the mock examination, while 152,586 successfully participated. The test was conducted across 989 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

The board also announced that more than 20 CBT centres have been delisted due to technical issues experienced during the exam, noting that the affected centres failed to meet required operational standards.

JAMB warned candidates to avoid fraudulent individuals or groups, especially on social media, who claim to manipulate scores.

The statement read, “Candidates are strongly advised to beware of fraudulent individuals or groups, particularly on WhatsApp, claiming to facilitate score inflation. Such claims are false and criminal.”

It added that any candidate found engaging in such activities risks having their registration cancelled, while results may be withheld or withdrawn if violations are discovered after the examination.

The board reiterated that the mock UTME is designed to test candidates’ readiness and familiarise them with the CBT environment, stressing that the results do not count toward the main UTME.

JAMB further confirmed that the 2026 UTME will begin on April 16, 2026, urging candidates to use lessons from the mock exam to improve their performance.

The board’s latest update follows the challenges recorded during the 2025 UTME, which saw technical glitches affect several centres and lead to widespread criticism.

UK Debate On Human Composting Sparks Religious And Ethical Concerns

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Tosin Onisuuru

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March 31, 2026

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A growing movement in the United Kingdom to legalise human composting also known as terramation is facing strong opposition from religious and ethical groups who argue that the practice challenges long-held beliefs about human dignity and the sanctity of the body.

The push is being led by a UK-based advocate with years of experience working in mortuaries, who aims to introduce the country’s first human composting service. The method is promoted as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation, involving the placement of a body in a sealed container with organic materials, where it naturally decomposes into soil over several weeks.

While supporters highlight its sustainability benefits, critics argue that the process reduces the human body to a purely functional end, stripping it of its deeper symbolic and spiritual meaning. Currently, the practice remains illegal in the UK, although the Law Commission of England and Wales is expected to release a consultation on whether existing laws should be updated.

Opposition has been especially strong among Christian groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, which teaches that the human body is not merely biological matter but an integral part of the human person. This belief is rooted in the doctrine of bodily resurrection, which emphasises that even in death, the body should be treated with reverence and laid to rest according to sacred traditions.

Critics warn that legalising human composting could normalise practices that disconnect death rituals from their moral and spiritual foundations. They argue that turning human remains into soil for general use risks blurring the line between respectful burial and commodification, raising broader concerns about how society values human life and dignity.

As discussions continue, the debate is expected to test the balance between environmental innovation and deeply rooted cultural and religious values, with opponents insisting that sustainability should not come at the cost of fundamental spiritual principles.

FG Declares ASUU Strikes Permanently Over

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Tosin Onisuuru

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March 31, 2026

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The Federal Government has declared that strikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions are permanently over, reassuring parents, students, and the general public that universities and polytechnics will remain open for all academic sessions.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance while presenting awards to winners of the Student Venture Capital Grant initiative at the United Nations Development Programme Innovation Hub in Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said the government had resolved longstanding disputes with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the FG/ASUU 2025 agreement and was close to finalising an agreement with the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

On January 14, 2026, the Federal Government and ASUU signed an agreement that includes a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff, improved pensions, and a commitment to better university funding.

Alausa described recent reports that the ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, had issued a four-day ultimatum to the FG as “fake news,” adding that he confirmed with the ASUU president that he was “quoted out of context.”

He added, “We’ve solved this in totality. So when you get news about looming strikes, treat it as fake. Let me use this medium to assure our parents. Our words are our bond. Your students will remain in school. Strikes have been cured in eternity.

“Our tertiary institutions will continue to remain open for all academic sessions. Please don’t worry about strikes. We’ve also resolved issues with the non-academic staff union, and that agreement will be signed in the coming weeks.”

Alausa said, “The academic staff are happy. This is an agreement that went into a quagmire for 20 years, and we have fixed it in totality. This is one government that believes in our youth. They are the heartbeat of this nation, and we have to keep them engaged in school. In the past three years, there has never been a strike, and I can tell you, there will never be a strike.”

On the status of salary payments, the minister revealed that the 40 per cent salary increase had begun reaching academic staff by the end of January 2026.

“Even without the passage of the 2026 budget, almost 90 to 95 per cent of our tertiary institutions, starting with universities, have started paying the increase without any problem. This was possible by reallocating some funds from the 2025 budget, with legislators promising to prioritise the 2026 appropriation bill immediately,” he said.

Addressing concerns about specific institutions, Alausa noted that calls to vice chancellors, including the University of Lagos, confirmed that there were no strikes. He explained that reports of industrial action in UNILAG were due to miscommunication at local union levels, and the national ASUU president had clarified the matter.

On NASU, Alausa said the government had met with leadership and would finalise their agreement in the coming weeks. “Please be patient with us. We have drafted that agreement, and it will be signed soon. Our commitment is to ensure all staff in tertiary institutions benefit and that students’ education continues uninterrupted,” he said.

The minister also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s personal involvement in resolving industrial disputes affecting tertiary institutions.

“Whenever he makes a promise, he thinks about how to bring it to fruition. When we came, the President said we have to stop the ASUU strikes, whatever it takes. We sat with Professor Yayale Ahmed and the Minister of State for Education and received clear directives from the President on what needed to be done,” Alausa explained.

He further noted that negotiations with ASUU were direct and unmediated, with the government reporting only to the President.

“Whatever the academic and non-academic unions asked for, the President approved immediately. Anything to improve welfare, he said, ‘I will do it,’ and we have delivered successfully,” the minister concluded.

El-Rufai Moves From Kaduna State High Court To Federal High Court For New Case

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Tosin Onisuuru

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March 31, 2026

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Former Nasir El-Rufai has concluded his appearance at the State High Court in Kaduna and is now proceeding to the Federal High Court for the continuation of another suit.

El-Rufai, who attended the State High Court earlier for the continuation of his trial, left the premises after the session ended. He is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna for further proceedings related to a separate case.

A visible security presence remained at both court locations, as proceedings drew attention from observers and supporters. Details of the developments at the Federal High Court are expected to emerge as the case progresses.

Rising Fuel Risks Put South Africa’s Citrus Exports Under Pressure

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Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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March 30, 2026

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South African citrus farmers are raising serious concerns about the upcoming export season, warning that fuel supply issues and rising costs could disrupt logistics just as the harvest is poised to ramp up. The warnings come as the global energy market remains volatile amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East that have unsettled oil and transport markets worldwide.

The South Africa citrus industry, the world’s second‑largest exporter of citrus fruit — says diesel availability has become unpredictable in some regions even though government officials insist the country’s fuel supply remains stable. Most of this industry’s fruit reaches international markets by truck, making reliable and affordable fuel critical to getting citrus to ports in time for shipping.

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has reported isolated diesel shortages at service stations in parts of the Western and Eastern Capes, where large volumes of fruit are harvested and transported to export ports. According to the growers’ group, irregular patterns of fuel purchases by some industry players and what farmers describe as informal rationing have compounded the pressure.

“The export season effectively begins in April,” a CGA spokesperson explained, “and any disruption to fuel supply or sudden cost spikes at this critical time could slow deliveries, delay exports and ultimately jeopardise the competitiveness of South African citrus on the global market.”

South Africa shipped a record 3.05 million metric tons of citrus in 2025, with the Middle East as one of its largest markets. About 95% of citrus fruit is transported by road to ports such as Port of Durban and Port of Cape Town, making the crop especially vulnerable to fuel supply problems.

Despite these concerns, government officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources have reaffirmed that national fuel supplies are sufficient for the near term and do not currently signal a widespread shortage. They attribute recent localised gaps to logistical issues and unusual buying patterns rather than structural scarcity.

But farmers remain worried that elevated diesel prices — already pressured by global energy uncertainty — could push up transportation costs at a time when export margins are already tight. In response, agricultural lobbyists are urging policymakers to consider temporary fuel levy exemptions for farmers to help ease the cost pressures and ensure that exports remain viable.

Industry leaders say the fuel issue is part of broader risks facing South African agriculture, which also include transport infrastructure challenges and inflationary pressure on input costs such as fertiliser and energy. A recent economic review noted that agricultural fuel consumption is expected to peak during the export season and that elevated fuel prices could directly feed into higher food prices both domestically and abroad.

As the April export window approaches, citrus producers and supply chain stakeholders will be watching fuel markets and government responses closely to see if the measures implemented will be enough to protect one of South Africa’s key agricultural export industries.

Global Markets React To Escalating Iranian Conflict

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Tosin Onisuuru

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March 30, 2026

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Global financial and commodity markets are experiencing heightened volatility as tensions linked to the ongoing Iranian conflict continue to escalate, raising concerns over energy supply disruptions and broader economic stability.

Oil prices have recorded sharp fluctuations in recent weeks, driven by fears of supply constraints in the Middle East. Analysts point to the strategic importance of key export infrastructure and shipping routes in the region, warning that any sustained disruption could significantly impact global crude supply.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for a significant portion of the world’s النفط shipments, remains under close watch. Maritime security concerns have led to increased insurance costs for tankers and the rerouting of some vessels, contributing to rising transportation and logistics expenses.

Equity markets across major economies have responded with mixed performance. Investors are shifting toward safe-haven assets such as gold, while risk-sensitive sectors, particularly aviation and manufacturing, face pressure from higher fuel costs and supply chain uncertainty.

Currency markets have also shown signs of strain, with fluctuations in emerging market currencies linked to capital outflows and investor caution. Economists note that countries heavily reliant on fuel imports are particularly vulnerable to sustained price increases.

Gas markets, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG), are also affected, as shipping delays and route adjustments disrupt delivery schedules. This has raised concerns among import-dependent regions about potential supply tightness in the near term.

Market analysts say the duration and intensity of the conflict will be key factors in determining the long-term impact on global markets. While some volatility is expected in the short term, prolonged instability in the region could trigger broader economic consequences, including inflationary pressures and slower global growth.

Women‑Led Music Festival Offers Moment Of Unity and Hope in Conflict‑Ridden Eastern Congo

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Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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March 30, 2026

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A powerful women‑led music festival brought together nearly 3,000 people in Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, offering a rare moment of cultural celebration and hope in a region long scarred by violent conflict and humanitarian crises.

The event — known as “Musika na Kipaji” — ran for three days and featured performances from artists including Congolese rapper Clem Cléopâtre, who energized crowds with songs about unity, resilience and peace. Organizers say the festival aims not only to entertain, but to highlight women’s talents in music and dance and speak out against gender‑based violence and social division.

Located in one of the most contested parts of the country, Goma has seen intense fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces since early 2025. Despite a U.S.‑brokered peace agreement, clashes continue, and violence has contributed to one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with more than 7 million people forced from their homes.

In this context, the festival offered a rare opportunity for communities to gather publicly and share moments of joy amid insecurity. Music lovers danced in colourful outfits, sang along to the performers and embraced the sense of normalcy the festival sought to foster.

“I come from a place where war breaks out at any moment, ever since we were little,” said Clem Cléopâtre. “And for me, that’s a real motivation. I encourage young people not to feel alone, especially women, because they are often forgotten.”

Festivalgoers said the event has grown more important as violence has persisted. Attendee Jean Luc Maroy described how people now cherish spaces where they can meet and express themselves despite ongoing conflict. “Today, we are all together as young people. A year ago, that was impossible because of the war,” he said. “Here, we can express our frustration … and see young people united around culture and women.”

Organizers also emphasized the festival’s role in pushing back against the surge in sexual violence that has accompanied years of fighting in eastern Congo, particularly against women and girls. They said events like this help rebuild social bonds and underscore the resilience of communities determined to seek peace through art, activism, and collective expression.

While clashes continue in the region, “Musika na Kipaji” stands as a testament to the power of culture and community in offering hope and solidarity — even in the most difficult circumstances.

Netanyahu Orders Expansion Of Israeli Operations In Southern Lebanon

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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March 30, 2026

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expansion of military operations in southern Lebanon, according to official statements, as tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border continue to escalate.

The directive comes amid ongoing cross-border exchanges between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Israeli authorities say the expanded operations are aimed at neutralising threats and preventing further attacks on northern communities.

Military officials indicated that the operations would involve increased air and ground activity targeting positions believed to be linked to Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Residents in affected areas have reportedly been advised to evacuate as precautionary measures intensify.

Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets and drones into northern Israel, while Israel has carried out retaliatory strikes on multiple مواقع in southern Lebanon. The sustained exchanges have raised fears of a broader regional escalation.

The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for restraint from global leaders and organisations, including the United Nations, which warned of the risk of further destabilisation along the border.

Security analysts note that any significant expansion of Israeli ground operations could mark a shift in the conflict dynamics, potentially drawing in additional actors and increasing humanitarian risks in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces said operations would continue as necessary to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians, while monitoring developments closely along the northern frontier.