Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the screening of nine of his commissioner-nominees by the state House of Assembly as exceptionally rigorous.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, said Fubara made the remark during the inauguration of five commissioners who had been confirmed by the lawmakers.

Fubara noted that the thorough screening had adequately prepared the commissioners to understand their duties, emphasizing that no additional instructions were necessary. He, however, urged them to commit fully to serving the state.

“Ordinarily, I would charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has already been accomplished through the Assembly’s screening. Having gone through such a rigorous process, it is clear that those of you who succeeded are fit and ready to serve our dear State.

“There is no further charge—the screening itself was the charge. I wish you all the best and expect nothing less than excellence in your service.”

The five commissioners sworn in at the ceremony were Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.

The Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office were administered by David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Chief Registrar of the High Court of Rivers State.

At least one Nigerian has been identified among more than 100 people injured after Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid rising tensions in the Middle East.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Authorities in the Gulf country said their air defence systems have been actively responding to retaliatory missile attacks launched by Iran since the conflict began on February 28.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the UAE Ministry of Defence revealed that its defence systems detected 262 ballistic missiles fired from Iran since the outbreak of hostilities.

According to the ministry, the majority of the missiles were successfully intercepted. A total of 241 were destroyed before reaching their intended targets, while 19 fell harmlessly into the sea.

However, two missiles reportedly landed within UAE territory, causing casualties and injuries.

Officials confirmed that the attacks resulted in six deaths and more than 120 injuries.

“These attacks resulted in six deaths of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 122 cases of minor and moderate injuries of Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian and Palestinian nationalities,” the ministry said.

Authorities did not provide a breakdown of casualties by nationality.

The missile strikes come as the UAE continues to intercept missiles and drones launched from Iran. Reports indicate that Tehran carried out the attacks in response to allegations that the UAE allowed the United States to launch military operations from American bases located in the country.

The developments have intensified tensions in the region and raised concerns about the safety of residents and foreign nationals.

On Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Defence stated that its forces were still intercepting additional missiles and drones launched from Iran.

Officials assured residents that the country remains fully prepared to counter any threats, adding that security agencies are taking necessary steps to protect national interests and ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, Nigerians stranded in several Gulf countries have appealed to the Federal Government to make contingency evacuation plans should the security situation worsen.

Some Nigerians in the region have urged authorities to consider arranging evacuation flights if the conflict escalates further.

It is still unclear how many Nigerians are currently in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries affected by the ongoing tensions.

Countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia remain major destinations for Nigerian workers, travellers and transit passengers, making the safety of Nigerians in the region an increasing concern.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) held an expanded emergency meeting on Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The meeting follows a recent Appeal Court ruling that invalidated the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the BoT issued a communique presented by its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara. According to the communique, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu has been appointed Secretary of the BoT.

The BoT also stated that it would leverage the reconciliation window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, to resolve internal party disputes.

Full communique highlights:

1. The BoT disagrees with the March 9, 2026, Court of Appeal ruling that invalidated the November 15–16, 2025, National Convention, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee. The BoT is awaiting legal advice on the next steps.

2. The BoT expressed concern over internal leadership disputes and litigations that have negatively affected party unity and smooth operations.

3. The Board resolved to explore the reconciliation opportunities provided by the Court of Appeal to heal internal divisions.

4. The BoT acknowledged the interest of members seeking to contest positions in the 2027 general elections.

5. Recognizing its role as the party’s conscience and third-highest leadership organ, the BoT committed to reconciling stakeholders, ending disputes, and restoring the party’s political health to ensure a strong presence in the 2027 elections.

6. A special committee was constituted to engage legal teams and stakeholders to facilitate reconciliation within the party.

7. The BoT praised the support and loyalty of Nigerians, as reflected in the ongoing nationwide e-registration, with millions of members registering daily, reinforcing the PDP’s position as the party of choice ahead of 2027.

8. All party leaders and members are urged to set aside personal and group interests and unite for the overall wellbeing of the party and Nigerians whose hopes are anchored on the PDP.

9. The BoT commended the commitment of Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State toward party unity and national development.

10. Pursuant to Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (2017 amendment), Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu was unanimously appointed Secretary of the Board.

11. The BoT encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful as the party continues efforts to reposition itself to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.