General News
Abana Resumes as Acting Chairman of Fiscal Responsibility Commission
The newly appointed Acting Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, has officially resumed duty, rolling out key directives aimed at strengthening productivity and institutional discipline within the Commission.
At his inaugural meeting with management and staff, Abana directed Heads of Directorates to ensure that all personnel are fully engaged through structured work schedules and clearly defined assignments. He emphasised that no staff member should remain idle, noting that efficiency and accountability are critical to the Commission’s mandate.
The Acting Chairman, who was the most senior Director in the Commission prior to his appointment, described leadership as a collective responsibility. He stressed that the successful implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act requires teamwork, discipline, and a shared commitment across all departments.
On staff welfare, Abana assured employees that management remains attentive to their concerns, including salary-related matters. He, however, urged staff to demonstrate renewed loyalty, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out their official duties.
He further announced that punctuality and discipline would be strictly enforced under his leadership. Regarding capacity development, Abana clarified that the knowledge-sharing allowance would only be granted to employees who actively participate in mandatory knowledge-sharing sessions, stating that attendance and engagement are prerequisites for eligibility.
The Acting Chairman also disclosed that efforts are underway to improve the Commission’s working environment and encouraged staff to collaborate in strengthening the institution and protecting its mandate.
In separate remarks, leaders of the Commission’s two labour unions congratulated Abana on his appointment and pledged their full support. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship with management to advance the Commission’s objectives.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally forwarded a list of nine commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi, directed the nominees to submit their credentials for legislative review as part of the confirmation process.
The nominees are Datonye Alasia, Tonye Bellgam, Temple Nwofor, Peters Nwagor, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Lekue Kenneth, Otonye Amachree, and Amairigha Edward Hart.
According to the statement, the nominees are required to submit forty copies of their curriculum vitae (CV), along with photocopies of their academic and professional credentials. They are also expected to provide evidence of compliance with their tax obligations.
“All documents should be forwarded to the Office of the Clerk of the House at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters,” the statement read.
The move comes nearly a month after President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja, amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
The submission of the commissioner nominees is seen as a significant step in strengthening the state’s executive council following recent political developments.
General News
US-Israeli Airstrikes Reportedly Kill Iran’s Acting Defence Minister Hours After Appointment
Iran’s newly appointed acting Defence Minister, Seyed Majid Eb Al-Reza, has reportedly been killed in fresh U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, less than 48 hours after assuming office.
According to emerging reports on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Al-Reza was targeted in strikes carried out in Tehran. Iranian authorities have yet to issue a detailed official statement confirming the circumstances of his death, but multiple sources indicate he was among the latest high-profile casualties in the escalating conflict.
Al-Reza was appointed on March 2, 2026, by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as interim defence minister. His appointment followed the killing of his predecessor, Aziz Nasirzadeh, who died in earlier U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Those earlier attacks also reportedly claimed the lives of senior Iranian figures, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour, Army Chief Abdol Rahim Mousavi, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
If confirmed, the killing of two successive defence ministers within days would mark an unprecedented blow to Iran’s military leadership and signal a dramatic intensification of hostilities between Tehran and the U.S.-Israel alliance.
The reported strikes come amid widening regional tensions, with both sides trading accusations over targeted attacks on strategic installations and leadership structures.
Analysts warn that the continued decapitation of Iran’s top command could provoke further retaliation and deepen instability across the Middle East.
The investigation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended the medical director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital and two other doctors following preliminary findings linked to the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence in the management of the deceased, who died on January 7, 2026, after complications arising from preparatory medical procedures.
Based on its findings, the council suspended Tunde Majekodunmi, medical director of Euracare; Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist; and Atinuke Uwajeg, chief medical officer of Atlantis Hospital.
The affected practitioners have been barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The panel’s secretary, Enejo Abdu, disclosed that evidence of professional misconduct was also found against 10 other doctors at Atlantis Hospital after reviewing complaints, written responses, and sworn testimonies.
However, the council clarified that the report remains preliminary and does not represent a final judgment. All affected medical personnel will undergo a full hearing before a tribunal, which will deliver the final decision.
Eight doctors were cleared of wrongdoing during the review of the 21 medical practitioners involved in the case.
The investigation concluded during the panel’s 25th session held on February 17 and 18 in Abuja, while a coroner’s inquest into the incident is scheduled to commence on April 14, 2026.