- Fubara denied entry into Rivers assembly quarters
- We’ll hear both sides before deciding on Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension, says IPU
- How drones killed nearly 1,000 civilians in Africa in three years
- Naira Continues Decline Against Dollar On March 12
Fubara denied entry into Rivers assembly quarters
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was on Wednesday denied access to the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sittings. Fubara, who arrived at the complex in the company of top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, met a locked gate, effectively preventing his entry. Read more
Athena commentary: The actions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as described, raise serious concerns about adherence to the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance. Denying Governor Siminalayi Fubara access to the Assembly complex and failing to respond to his attempts at communication not only undermines the authority of the office of the governor but also sets a troubling precedent for governance in the state. Such actions could be perceived as an attempt to present the governor in an unfavorable light, which is deeply disappointing.
We’ll hear both sides before deciding on Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension, says IPU
The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union , Tulia Ackson, has assured embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that due process will be followed in addressing the concerns surrounding her suspension from the Senate. Ackson’s assurance came in response to Natasha’s appeal for intervention by the IPU and the United Nations over what she termed as an unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate. Read more
Athena Commentary: The principles of fair hearing and open inter-parliamentary dialogue are cornerstones of any democratic institution. In Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case, ensuring that all parties are given an equal opportunity to present their perspectives is not just a procedural necessity but a moral imperative. The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s commitment to due process reflects the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing disputes, especially those involving elected representatives.
How drones killed nearly 1,000 civilians in Africa in three years
The use of drones by several African countries in their fight against armed groups is causing significant harm to civilians, according to a new report. More than 943 civilians have been killed in at least 50 incidents across six African countries from November 2021 to November 2024, according to the report by Drone Wars UK. Read more
Athena Commentary: It is deeply troubling that, despite the significant role of regulatory agencies, such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) responsible for regulating and managing unmanned drones in Nigeria., there appears to be a glaring failure to ensure the responsible and ethical use of unmanned equipment like drones. The statistics reported by Drone Wars UK, with Nigeria among the affected countries, reveal an alarming toll on civilian lives.
Naira Continues Decline Against Dollar On March 12
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the naira is exchanging for ₦1,562 to 1 US dollar at the parallel market (black market) in Nigeria. This means that for every one dollar, you can get the equivalent in naira of ₦1,562 on March 12, 2025. The black market rate represents the value at which individuals can trade their dollars for naira outside official exchange channels. Today’s exchange rate shows a decline in the naira’s value compared to yesterday’s rate on Tuesday, March 11, when the naira exchanged at ₦1,561 per dollar. Read more
Athena Commentary: The current exchange rate of the naira to the dollar is troubling, with the naira depreciating to ₦1,562 per dollar in the parallel market. Factors such as inflation, interest rates, capital flows, and money supply contribute to this decline. The depreciation leads to increased costs for imported goods, higher inflation, and reduced purchasing power for Nigerians. Businesses relying on imports may also face rising production costs, potentially driving up consumer prices. To address these issues, the government should implement stringent measures as these is essential to stabilize the naira, ensure economic stability, and improve living standards for Nigerians.
Compiled by Kesiena Jasper