2025 | Page 41 of 68 | Trendbrio.com

Amnesty International Calls for Probe Into Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the serious allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The human rights organization urged Nigerian authorities to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry, stressing the importance of upholding justice and accountability. Senator Natasha recently accused Akpabio of misconduct, raising concerns about abuse of power and potential violations of ethical standards. Amnesty International emphasized that such allegations must not be swept under the rug and called for a fair and independent investigation to uncover the truth. “The allegations are serious and demand immediate attention,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “Authorities must demonstrate that no one is above the law by conducting a credible and transparent investigation.” The organization also underscored the need to protect Senator Natasha from any form of intimidation or retaliation, stressing that whistleblowers and those who speak out against injustice must be safeguarded. Amnesty’s call adds pressure on Nigerian authorities to address the issue promptly and ensure that justice is served, regardless of political status or influence.

Ahmed Musa performs Islamic rites in Saudi Arabia

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

Super Eagles and Kano Pillars’ striker, Ahmed Musa, has joined other Muslim faithfuls to observe the annual Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Umrah is considered a recommendation, not an obligation, by some branches of Islam. The former Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia star, who was pictured alognsides his other two associates, wrote on Twitter now X; “May Allah accept our prayers. Ameen, Ameen.” Musa became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He is also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring another brace against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Pope Francis discharged after five weeks in hospital

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after more than five weeks of treatment for pneumonia. Despite looking visibly tired, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the gathered crowds, waving and thanking them for their unwavering support as he headed home. Seated in a wheelchair on one of the hospital balconies, Francis appeared frail but determined as he acknowledged the hundreds of well-wishers below. It was his first public appearance since February 14, when he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with breathing difficulties that escalated into pneumonia. “Thank you, everyone,” Francis said softly into a microphone, his voice weak but steady. He raised his hand in a gentle wave and offered an occasional thumbs-up, sparking cheers from the crowd. Spotting a woman holding yellow flowers, he smiled and said, “I can see that woman with yellow flowers — well done,” prompting laughter and applause. After two minutes on the balcony, the pope was discharged. Francis was driven to his Vatican residence, Santa Marta, waving from the front seat of the car. He could be seen wearing a nasal cannula, a sign that he still requires oxygen support. His first stop, however, was Santa Maria Maggiore — his favorite church in Rome — where he paused to pray, a testament to his resilience and faith. Doctors have confirmed that the pope’s health has improved enough for him to return home. However, they cautioned that the 87-year-old, who lost weight during his hospitalization and had part of one lung removed as a young man, will need at least two months to fully recover. The fragility of Francis’s health has renewed speculation about whether he might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, and step down from his role. ‘A Period of Rest’During his hospital stay, Francis faced multiple respiratory crises, leading doctors to perform bronchoscopies to clear his lungs and even administer a blood transfusion. “Further recovery will happen at home,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of Francis’s doctors. “A hospital — even one as well-equipped as Gemelli — isn’t the ideal place for recovery because the risk of infections remains high.” Alfieri also made it clear that the pope’s return to his regular schedule won’t happen overnight. “Convalescence, by definition, is a period of rest. He will need time to regain his strength before resuming his daily responsibilities.” As Pope Francis embarks on this crucial phase of recovery, his quiet strength and humility continue to inspire millions around the world.

SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘unlawful suspension of Fubara, Rivers lawmakers’

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago011 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the unlawful suspension of democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State while exercising his constitutional powers to proclaim a State of Emergency in the state.” The suit is brought by Yirabari Israel Nulog; Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal; and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, who are members of SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers state. The plaintiffs are registered voters and voted in the 2023 general elections. Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd). In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the plaintiffs are seeking: “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state.” The plaintiffs are seeking: “an order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.” The plaintiffs are also seeking: “a declaration that by virtue of section 1(2) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.” In the suit, the plaintiffs are arguing that: “The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.” The suit filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by their lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN read in part: “Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law. “The suspension is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s obligations under article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. “The combined provisions of sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1) (2) and 305(1) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, balancing the exercise of the President’s power against the people’s right to participation in their own government, and the notion of respect for the rule of law. “Together, these Constitutional provisions presume that Presidential Powers under section 305 are to be exercised fairly and the duty of fairness requires that the people’s right to participation and democracy should be upheld even in the context of a declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State. “The combined effect of the provisions of sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1) (2) and 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution is that the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers state is unlawful and unconstitutional. “Democracy works best when everyone participates. The right to participation is the bedrock of any democratic society. “The suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers state has seriously undermined the ability of the Plaintiffs to participate more effectively in their own government, and the credibility and integrity of the country’s electoral process, as well as the notion of the rule of law. “The rule of law ought to be protected to ensure that persons and institutions operate within the defined ambit of constitutional and statutory limitations. “Where agencies of government are allowed to operate at large and at their whims and caprices in the guise of performing their statutory or constitutional duties, the end result will be anarchy and authoritarianism, leading to the loss of constitutionally guaranteed freedom and liberty. “Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution is neither absolute nor superior to other provisions of the Constitution. Rather, it is expressly made subject to other constitutional provisions. “The phrase ‘Subject to’ as a legislative device is used in a Constitutional provision or statutory enactment to make the provision of the section inferior, dependent on, or limited and restricted in application to the Section to which they are made subject to.” The plaintiffs are also seeking the following reliefs: No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Fubara makes first public appearance after his suspension

Fubara makes first public appearance after suspension

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made his first public appearance since his suspension from office following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The governor was seen attending a Sunday service at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt. Fubara’s appearance comes just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, March 19, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. As part of the emergency measures, Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended. In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups. Meanwhile, the newly appointed Sole Administrator has already taken steps to assert control. Since assuming office, he has held emergency security meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and local government administrators. During these meetings, he confirmed the release of withheld state allocations and directed the immediate processing of payments for local government workers. Fubara makes first public appearance after his suspensioIbas has also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, promising to ensure its timely completion for the stability of governance. Governor Fubara attended the church service with his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

Côte d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles to play group phase matches in Korhogo

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Seven-time African champions, Nigeria will commence their participation in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals with a game against the Young Pharaohs of Egypt on Wednesday, 30th April, at the 20,000-capacity Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo. The encounter is billed to kick off at 5pm CIV time (6pm Nigeria time). The Flying will next take on Morocco’s Young Atlas Lions at the same venue, starting 8pm local time (9pm Nigeria time) on Saturday, 3rd May. Nigeria, who qualified for the finals following a successful defence of their WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome in October 2024, will then wrap up their group B campaign with a session against South Africa, also in Korhogo on Tuesday, 6th May, starting from 5pm local time (6pm Nigeria time). The Flying Eagles, quarter-finalists at the last edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina in 2023, are currently camping in Katsina, courtesy of the State Government, in the first phase of their final preparations for the continental championship. A semi-final spot in Côte d’Ivoire will guarantee the Eagles a spot in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.

Chelle raises alarm over fake social media account

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

Super Eagles’ manager, Eric Chelle has stated that he currently manages no other social media handles other than his Instagram page. The official Super Eagles’ twitter handle, @NGSuperEagles, posted this disclaimer on Saturday. “DISCLAIMER. “Please be advised that Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, does not possess an X account. “Exercise caution and be wary of scams or any misleading information.”

Super Eagles’ll fight for every victory -Chelle

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Super Eagles’ handler, Eric Chelle has assured that the senior national team will fight for every victory in the World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers. Chelle gave this assurance after leading the former African champions to victory in his first game against Rwanda in MatchDay 5 of the 2026 World Cup qualifier. The gaffer said; “To all Nigerians, I want to sincerely appreciate every single one of you who has supported me in one way or another. Your encouragement, belief, and passion for the Super Eagles have been truly inspiring. Taking charge of my first game as head coach is a great honor, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. “Football is more than just a sport in Nigeria—it is our pride, our passion, and a symbol of our unity. As we begin this journey together, I ask for your unwavering support, prayers, and belief in this team. We will give our all on the pitch, fight for every victory, and work tirelessly to bring success to our great nation. “Thank you for standing with us. Let’s keep pushing forward, believing in our team, and making Nigeria proud. Together, we soar!” The Nigerian side will slug it out the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Tuesdat as they hope to consolidate in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.