World March 23, 2025 Ex-US attorney, Jessica Aber, found dead at 43

Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead Saturday morning in Alexandria, Virginia, authorities confirmed. She was 43.

Police responded to a residence on Beverly Drive at approximately 9:18 a.m. following a report of an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, officers discovered Aber deceased inside the home, according to a statement from the Alexandria Police Department.

Officials said an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will establish the cause and manner of death.

Aber served as U.S. Attorney for most of the Biden administration, taking office in October 2021 after a unanimous Senate confirmation. She stepped down in January following President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Overseeing approximately 300 prosecutors and staff, Aber handled federal cases across the state.

Her career with the U.S. Attorney’s Office began in 2009 as an assistant U.S. attorney, where she prosecuted cases involving financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation. She earned her law degree from William & Mary Law School in 2006.

“We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber,” said Erik Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in a statement. “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world.”

Describing Aber as a “proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career,” Siebert added, “Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard.”

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also expressed his condolences, saying in a statement that Aber’s “career of public service included U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and [her] work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize.”

“Our thoughts and our prayers are with her family this week,” he added.

News Politics March 23, 2025 Anyanwu : They are fighting me because of Wike, says PDP won’t join any coalition

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has claimed that the political opposition he faces within the party stems from his close relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Anyanwu described the tensions as “proxy wars” and emphasized that he would not abandon his friendships for political convenience.

“Those who appear to be against me are only fighting a proxy war because of my relationship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who is my bosom friend and remains my friend. I cannot jettison my friends because of politics,” he said.

Anyanwu dismissed speculations of a PDP merger with other parties, asserting that the party remains too influential to be part of any coalition.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s recent judgment has deepened divisions within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), with different factions interpreting the ruling differently.

Reflecting on the ruling, Anyanwu expressed satisfaction, stating, “As for me today, I am not celebrating, but I am happy that God has vindicated me.” He reiterated his commitment to unity within the PDP, urging party members to work together to strengthen the organization before the end of their tenure in December 2025.

Regarding the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) revocation of the PDP’s new national secretariat, Anyanwu clarified that similar issues have affected other institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He maintained that the party had engaged legal counsel on the matter and had sought assurances from the FCT Minister.

On the future of the PDP, Anyanwu reaffirmed the party’s strength, dismissing talks of a coalition. “PDP is too strong and too big to be drawn into being a mere part of any coalition; rather, people should empty their platforms and come into PDP,” he stated.

News March 23, 2025 Fresh setback for local govt autonomy as govs push back against CBN accounts

State governors across Nigeria are resisting federal efforts to mandate local governments to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for direct allocation payments.

The federal government’s plan follows a recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, aiming to ensure funds are deposited directly into their accounts. Initially, the governors persuaded federal authorities to delay the implementation to address technical issues. However, as the process neared completion, the governors began advocating for local governments to retain their accounts with commercial banks instead.

Their main argument is that there is no legal obligation for local governments to bank with the CBN.

Chairman of the Finance Commissioners Forum, Akin Oyebode, spoke on the position in an interview with The Nation, stating that forcing local governments to bank with the CBN would be unlawful.

“You can’t force me to open an account,” Oyebode said.

“No local government, to my knowledge, has gone to say we want an account in the CBN. Local governments already have bank accounts with commercial banks.”

He emphasized that whether revenue should be paid directly to local governments or routed through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAC) depends on constitutional interpretation.

“The conversation as to whether you pay local governments directly or through JAC is an administrative discussion,” he noted. “JAC itself is a provision in the constitution.”

Oyebode pointed out that Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution empowers state Houses of Assembly to legislate on local government administration, which includes financial oversight. Citing Anambra State as an example, he maintained that states have the right to decide how to manage local government funds.

Acknowledging concerns over potential misuse of local government allocations by states, Oyebode argued that the Supreme Court ruling was more about reinforcing autonomy than dictating payment methods.

“The ruling of the Supreme Court is groundbreaking,” he said. “You cannot sack a local government chairman and expect that you will receive the revenues. That is the real value of this judgment.”

He added that even if local governments receive direct federal allocations, state governments could still pass laws requiring them to manage funds through JAC.

Oyebode also warned that without restructuring the revenue-sharing formula, many local governments would struggle financially.

“By not reviewing those indices, if you pay local governments directly, at least a third of the local governments are going to be insolvent,” he said. “As of today, those local governments cannot even pay their salaries from their allocation.”

To address this, he explained that states currently use JAC to pool resources and prioritize salary payments before distributing remaining funds based on service needs. He also noted that local governments must contribute to initiatives like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), where states provide counterpart funding.

On the issue of CBN accounts, Oyebode maintained that the federal government lacks the authority to dictate banking choices for local governments.

“The owner of the account has the right to self-determination. The Central Bank is the bank of the federal government. The local government is not an appendage of the federal government,” he stated.

He also questioned the practicality of local governments banking with the CBN, arguing that the apex bank is not structured for retail banking services.

“The Central Bank is not a retail bank. It doesn’t even bank states, where there are only 36, not to talk of remotely located local governments,” he said.

Oyebode suggested seeking further constitutional interpretation on JAC’s role from the Supreme Court, emphasizing that state governments’ involvement in local government finances aligns with constitutional provisions.

“What is clear, which is not subject to opinion, is that the constitution provides for that,” he said. “If a state wants to oversee the management of local government finances, Section 7 of the constitution allows the House of Assembly to make laws.”

Celebrity Gist Entertainment March 23, 2025 Asake moves ailing father to specialist hospital for treatment by Chinese experts

Afrobeats sensation Asake has admitted his father, Fatai Odunsi, to a specialist hospital in Ikoyi, where Chinese medical experts are providing treatment, a reliable source has confirmed.

A neighbour of Odunsi confirmed the development.

Speaking in the local Isale Eko dialect, she initially requested more time, saying, “Call me again around 6:30 pm. By then, I should have gone to their house, so I would be able to give you more information on what you asked.” Later, around 7 pm, she confirmed, “I have confirmed from his (Odunsi’s) wife that he has been admitted to a specialist hospital in Ikoyi where Chinese experts are currently attending to him.”

A source within Asake’s management, speaking anonymously, described the situation as an oversight. According to the insider, Asake has started fulfilling his financial obligations toward both his father and his daughter, Zeenat. However, the source could not confirm whether the artist plans to rekindle his relationship with Zeenat’s mother or provide financial support for her.

“The entire thing was an oversight, but all has been sorted. He has reunited with his family and promised to give them whatever they would need to keep him going. To the best of my knowledge, he has begun fulfilling the promises he made and that is why there is now calm. I have no knowledge of what has or will happen to the baby mama; what I know is what I have told you,” the source revealed.

In a viral video, Odunsi shared an update on their reconciliation, stating that Asake had pledged to buy him a new house and cover his medical bills. He confirmed that real estate agents were actively searching for a suitable property. Additionally, he noted that Asake had agreed to take full responsibility for his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat. However, he did not address whether the artist would rekindle his relationship with Zeenat’s mother or provide her with financial assistance.

(PUNCH)

 

News Politics March 23, 2025 2027 : Why Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai ’s coalition can’t unseat Tinubu– Shekarau

Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has cast doubt on the ability of a newly formed opposition coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

Shekarau described the alliance, which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, as a gathering of individuals with personal political ambitions rather than a structured and unified opposition front.

His remarks came just two days after the coalition’s formation was announced, with the stated goal of challenging Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Dr. Sule Yau, Shekarau remarked, “This is just a gathering of certain individuals with political ambitions; none of them has officially consulted their party leadership.”

He further argued that a coalition featuring prominent figures does not necessarily equate to an effective political alliance.

“The coalition of opposition figures is a good development, as seen in their recent meeting under what they call an opposition alliance. However, none of the key figures involved represents their party leadership,” Shekarau stated.

Emphasizing the legal framework for political mergers, he pointed out that only registered parties could formally unite, making the recent gathering an informal arrangement rather than an officially recognized coalition.

 

News Politics March 23, 2025 Emirship Tussle: Tension in Kano over Sallah Durbar

Tensions in Kano continue to rise as the battle over the emirship takes a new turn, with the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, formally informing the State Police Command of his intention to hold the traditional Sallah Durbar during the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Bayero’s letter to the police surfaced online just days after Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Yusuf, instructed his rival, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to begin preparations for the grand Sallah festivities.

The letter, signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, outlined the proposed schedule for the traditional events, set to take place at the end of Ramadan. These include the Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa on the 2nd and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, followed by a cultural celebration on the fourth day.

Additionally, the letter emphasized that this year’s Durbar holds special significance as it marks Bayero’s five-year anniversary on the throne.

“The purpose of this letter is to formally notify the security agencies in Kano State, particularly the police force, that this year’s Sallah events coincided with five years of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers, with the assurance that all activities will be conducted peacefully,” the letter stated.

This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirship.

The crisis dates back to 2020 when Emir Sanusi II was removed from the throne, and Bayero was appointed in his place. However, in 2024, the Kano State government reinstated Sanusi II, sparking a prolonged legal battle. While Bayero has since secured legal victories to remain in his position, the Court of Appeal recently ruled that the status quo should be maintained until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment, leaving both claimants in limbo.

Since the dispute began, no Durbar has been held in Kano due to security concerns, making this year’s celebrations a crucial test of authority in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kano State government nor Sanusi  has responded to Bayero’s move, while the State Police Command has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.

Health News March 23, 2025 6 students die as meningitis hits Nigerian university

A major outbreak of meningitis has led to the deaths of six students at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA), according to a statement released on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Ango.

On behalf of the university’s management, Ango expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, noting that Vice-Chancellor B.G. Danshehu was profoundly saddened by the tragic event.

He stated that the university swiftly implemented several measures to contain the outbreak.

“Upon detecting the initial signs of the outbreak, KSUSTA took immediate and decisive action to mitigate the spread of the disease.

“A specialised committee, led by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Balarabe Adamu Isah, was formed to conduct a thorough investigation.

“We promptly reported the outbreak to the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Higher Education. A stakeholders’ meeting was convened, bringing together key health sector experts, including representatives from the World Health Organisation, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Médecins Sans Frontières, and other medical professionals.

“Despite the best efforts of the university and health authorities, six students have succumbed to the disease.

“We deeply regret these losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” the statement read.

Ango further advised students seeking information to reach out to the university’s Public Relations Office for updates.

“We appreciate the continued support and cooperation of our university community and stakeholders as we work tirelessly to overcome this crisis,” he added.