Alex Otti under fire as health workers protest two years of unpaid salaries

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April 1, 2026

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is under fire as health workers in the state have protested the non-payment of their salaries, two years after the state government extended their years of service.

The affected workers, drawn from local government areas, the Hospital Management Board, and the Ministry of Health, stormed the office of the State Accountant-General, Mrs. Njum-Uma Onyemenam, in Umuahia on Tuesday to demand the immediate commencement of their salary payments.

They alleged that despite being recalled to service in 2024 and undergoing reinstatement screenings, they have yet to receive any salaries.

Speaking during the protest, the workers recalled that the Abia State Government had, in 2024, extended their retirement age from 60 to 65 years and years of service from 35 to 40 years.

According to them, the development was in line with a federal government circular aimed at retaining experienced health personnel.

One of the protesters, Mrs. Egendu, lamented that despite complying with all directives, including verification processes, they have not been paid since their reinstatement.

“The Governor, in his fatherly heart, approved the reinstatement of retired health workers in line with the Federal Government circular.

“He added five years to retired health workers. But since 2024 till now, we have not been paid. We have done everything required of us, yet no payment has been made,” she said.

The workers also complained that those willing to proceed with retirement were unable to process their pensions and gratuities due to the situation.

They appealed to the accountant-general to urgently address their concerns.

Meanwhile, the accountant-general’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

However, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Obi-Anakwalam Elechi, said the Ministry of Health would provide the necessary verification codes and forward them to the Accountant-General’s office.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, were unsuccessful as he neither answered calls nor responded to a message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

Palm Sunday killing in Plateau: Christians being killed, yet you look other way in bulletproof car—Portable blasts Nigerian pastors

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April 1, 2026

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Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has criticized Nigerian pastors for what he described as their silence amid recurring attacks on Christian communities.

His outburst follows reports of a fresh attack on Christians during Palm Sunday in Jos, Plateau State, allegedly carried out by suspected jihadist militia. The incident has sparked renewed outrage over claims of targeted violence, although the federal government has consistently denied allegations of a Christian genocide.

Reacting in a viral video, Portable accused pastors of hypocrisy, alleging that they prioritize personal safety over the protection of their members.

“Why are Nigerian pastors not fighting for Christians? They use bulletproof cars, yet their followers are dying,” he said.

The singer questioned the lack of organized resistance or advocacy from church leaders, urging them to take a more active role.

“Why can’t pastors lead a protest to Aso Rock?” he queried.

Portable also compared the situation to other religious groups, suggesting that similar attacks on them would provoke stronger reactions.

“You can’t harm a Muslim, and there won’t be chaos. If you kill a traditionalist, there will be a crisis,” he added.

Expressing frustration, the Zazu crooner further alleged that Christian leaders often ignore the plight of their followers.

“But if you kill a Christian, the pastor will look away and be enjoying himself in his car,” he said.

BREAKING: NLC shuts Tony Elumelu-owned AEDC offices in Abuja, three States over mass layoffs

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April 1, 2026

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down operations of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), owned by billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu, across Abuja and three states following the mass dismissal of over 900 workers.

Checks by Nigerian Newssphere on Wednesday morning revealed that AEDC’s headquarters in Abuja, along with offices in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi State, Niger State, and Nasarawa State, were shut.

This comes after the NLC, led by its president Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday picketed AEDC’s headquarters in protest against the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 employees.

Ajaero explained that the dispute began about six months ago when AEDC management indicated that only workers who had reached or were close to retirement would be affected by the exercise. However, he said the actual implementation contradicted that assurance.

“At that time, the union intervened based on that understanding. No responsible labor leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age,” he said.

“A majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had not even spent up to five or six years in service. In fact, many had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” he added.

Total darkness looms—NLC gives a 48-hour ultimatum

Meanwhile, the NLC has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management to resolve the crisis or face intensified industrial action that could disrupt electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory and the affected states.

“If nothing is done within that time, we cannot guarantee power supply. The workers who keep the system running will stay at home, and if they are not at work, the system will naturally be affected,” Ajaero warned.

JAMB releases 2026 Mock UTME results

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March 31, 2026

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) mock test held on March 28.

In a statement issued by its Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, candidates were directed to check their results by sending “MOCKRESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used during registration.

Benjamin revealed that a total of 224,597 candidates registered for the mock examination, with 152,586 successfully participating in the exercise conducted across 989 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

He noted that over 20 centres encountered technical challenges during the exercise and have subsequently been delisted by the board.

The JAMB spokesperson also cautioned candidates against falling prey to individuals or groups claiming they can manipulate or boost UTME scores, describing such claims as fraudulent and criminal.

“Candidates found engaging in such activities risk having their registration cancelled or their results withdrawn,” he warned.

JAMB further reminded candidates that the main UTME examination is scheduled to begin on April 16.

BREAKING: Nigerian Senate approves Tinubu’s $6bn foreign loan

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March 31, 2026

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The Nigerian Senate has granted approval to President Bola Tinubu to secure external loans totalling $6 billion.

The approval was given just hours after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s request during plenary on Tuesday.

The upper chamber endorsed the borrowing plan following the presentation and adoption of a report by the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, chaired by Aliyu Wamakko.

Earlier, the president had formally communicated the request through two separate letters to the Senate leadership. In the first, he sought approval for a structured total return swap (TRS) external financing program of up to $5 billion to be arranged with First Abu Dhabi Bank.

In the second letter, Tinubu requested authorization for a $1 billion loan facility backed by UK export finance and arranged by Citibank.

According to the president, the funds will be deployed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of key maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

2027: Tinubu’s minister Sununu resigns for Kebbi Guber race

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March 31, 2026

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The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Sununu, has resigned from his position to contest for a senatorial seat in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sununu’s decision follows a directive issued by the Kebbi State Government, requiring all political appointees seeking elective offices to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was contained in a circular dated March 2, 2026, from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, aimed at ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.

Appointed in November 2024, Sununu served in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs after previously holding office as Minister of State for Education.

Prior to his ministerial roles, he represented the Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services.

His resignation is part of a growing trend of exits by public office holders in Kebbi State positioning themselves for the 2027 polls.

BREAKING: El-Rufai Back in ICPC Custody after Mother’s Burial

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March 31, 2026

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, back into its custody following his court appearances in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who was earlier released on March 27, 2026, to attend to family matters after the death of his mother, returned to court proceedings on Tuesday.

He first appeared before the Kaduna State High Court over a separate charge filed by the ICPC. However, the absence of a co-defendant stalled proceedings, forcing the court to adjourn the case until April 10, 2026.

Following the session at the state high court, the former governor was subsequently moved to the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application came up for hearing. The court adjourned the bail application to March 31, 2026.

With the adjournment, El-Rufai has now been returned to ICPC custody pending further proceedings.

BREAKING: Nigerian filling stations Slash petrol prices following NNPCL, Dangote Refinery cuts

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March 31, 2026

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Fuel prices have dropped across several Nigerian filling stations after recent price reductions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery.

Checks on Tuesday showed that major outlets, including Mobil, NIPCO, AP (Ardova), and Eterna stations in Abuja, have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,280 and N1,296 per liter, down from the previous range of N1,370 to N1,390.

The adjustment reflects a decrease of about N90 to N94 per liter across the affected retail stations.

The development comes less than 24 hours after NNPCL reduced its petrol price to N1,295 per liter from N1,361.

Similarly, Dangote Refinery had last Friday announced a cut in its gantry price of petrol by N85 to N1,200 per liter. The move followed a series of at least five price increases recorded in March 2026, driven by fluctuations in global crude oil prices linked to tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

BREAKING: Reps deputy spokesperson Agbese dumps APC for Labour Party

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March 31, 2026

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The lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Labour Party (LP).

Agbese, who serves as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, announced his decision on Tuesday via a statement posted on his official Facebook page.

He said his move to the Labour Party was driven by a “higher call to serve my people with sincerity, humility, and commitment.”

The federal lawmaker disclosed that he had been warmly received by fellow lawmakers within the party, describing the LP as a welcoming platform “where Papa, Mama, and Pikin dey.”

Agbese also praised the leadership of the party, noting that he was inspired by the “exemplary leadership mantra” of the National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and expressed pride in joining what he described as a group of dedicated patriots.

Acknowledging his position as the highest-ranking Labour Party officeholder from Benue State, Agbese said he is fully aware of the responsibility ahead in strengthening and repositioning the party for electoral success.

He added that his engagement in the party would focus on inclusiveness, mutual respect, and unity, stressing that both old and new members have important roles to play in building a stronger and more cohesive labor party.

Easter Day: Primate Ayodele raises alarm over terrorist attacks in seven Nigerian states

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March 31, 2026

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The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Ayodele, has issued a warning of possible terrorist attacks in seven Nigerian states beginning from Easter Sunday in April.

In a statement released by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele urged the government and security agencies to heighten surveillance, particularly around churches, claiming that plans for coordinated attacks had already been concluded.

He called on Christians across the country to remain vigilant during the Easter period to avoid falling victim to potential threats.

According to him, “There are more plans to attack Christians. Our security operatives must closely monitor activities on Easter Sunday because arrangements have been made to launch attacks in seven states from that day.”

The cleric identified the states as Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna, stressing the need for increased security presence in these areas.

Ayodele also urged Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to address what he described as a growing crisis of attacks on Christians, warning of possible consequences if the situation is not handled promptly.

He further referenced Donald Trump, noting that the issue is drawing international attention and should be treated with urgency.

The cleric concluded by advising security agencies to take prophetic warnings seriously, suggesting that such information could aid efforts to prevent violence and enhance national security.