News
Reopening Akwa Ibom, Cross River oil wells dispute legally baseless – Ex-AGF
Former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, says International Court of Justice, ICJ, and Nigerian Supreme Court rulings on the Akwa Ibom–Cross River oil boundary dispute have been fully implemented.
Speaking on ARISE News’ Morning Show, Aondoakaa stressed that any attempt to reopen the matter is legally baseless and undermines both domestic and international law.
He recalled his active role in the handover of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon under the Green Tree Agreement, signed to enforce the ICJ judgment.
“As chairman of the boundary committee and co-leader of the Green Tree Agreement implementation, I can confirm that the final stage — the Bakassi handover — was completed. The judgement was enforced to the letter,” he said.
According to him, the ICJ ruling clearly established that Cross River State lost its littoral status after the cession of Bakassi, meaning it no longer had legal access to offshore oil wells.
He added that the Supreme Court of Nigeria also upheld this position on two separate occasions, both times ruling in favour of Akwa Ibom.
“Cross River had its day in court — twice. The decisions were clear, and they were implemented,” Aondoakaa stated.
He criticised attempts by some interests to revive the dispute, noting that Cross River had failed to defend its position during crucial meetings with the National Boundary Commission.
“For five days in Calabar, boundary officials waited. No Cross River representative appeared. Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom cooperated and made its case,” he said.
He said that at the time, then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the Boundary Commission, showed sympathy towards Cross River, but most members believed the state had forfeited its claims by failing to act.
Aondoakaa revealed that Akwa Ibom, despite its legal advantage, had offered Cross River a monthly N250 million payment as an act of goodwill — a gesture that was accepted at the time.
He maintained that all aspects of the Green Tree Agreement, including village realignments and territorial adjustments, were executed with international oversight.
“We had meetings in Switzerland. The process was witnessed and monitored by five global powers. Nigeria honoured its commitment and upheld the rule of law,” he said.
The former AGF insisted that international agreements must be respected, especially by a regional power like Nigeria.
“If we cherry-pick which judgments to obey, we lose credibility. We accepted villages returned from Cameroon — we must also accept those ceded,” he stated.
He concluded by warning that the matter is closed from a legal and diplomatic standpoint, and any effort to reignite it is both futile and irresponsible.
News
Abia Unveils State-Owned Electric Bus Transport Scheme
The Abia State Government has announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus transport scheme, marking a major step toward modern, clean and efficient public transportation in the state.
The initiative, part of the government’s broader urban renewal and green mobility agenda, is designed to ease traffic congestion, reduce transportation costs for residents, and cut carbon emissions. The electric buses will operate on key routes across major cities, including Umuahia and Aba, offering commuters a safer, quieter and more comfortable travel experience.
Governor Alex Otti has emphasized that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life for Abia residents. According to the government, a number of electric buses have already been procured, while supporting infrastructure such as charging stations and modern bus terminals is being developed to ensure smooth operations.
Beyond environmental benefits, the scheme is expected to create jobs, improve urban mobility, and set a new standard for public transportation management in the state. Officials say the buses will be professionally managed under a state-owned structure to ensure efficiency, affordability and long-term sustainability.
With this move, Abia State joins a growing number of forward-looking governments embracing clean energy solutions, reinforcing its position as a state committed to innovation, environmental responsibility and people centred governance.
News
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ENFORCEMENT OF TINTED GLASS PERMIT
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.
It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles. Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.
Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes. In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws. He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure.
Meanwhile, motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
CSP FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
15th December, 2025
News
Bianca Ojukwu’s Daughter Joins Her Mother at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session in South Africa
Following a recent post by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, on her official Instagram account on Monday, 15th December, 2025, the minister shared a noteworthy moment from the ECOWAS 95th Session of the Council of Ministers held in South Africa.
In the post, Ambassador Ojukwu revealed that her daughter, Chi, who works with UN Tourism, accompanied her to the high-level regional meeting to gain firsthand insight into the demands of diplomatic service. According to the minister, the experience offered her daughter a clearer understanding of the intensity and dedication required in her role as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She explained that the council’s deliberations often stretched late into the night, sometimes well past midnight, with long hours spent in the conference hall and sustained by endless cups of tea. The demanding schedule, she noted, was far more intense than her daughter had anticipated
The post has since drawn reactions from followers, many of whom praised Ambassador Ojukwu for mentoring the next generation through exposure to international diplomacy and commended her commitment to regional cooperation and public service within ECOWAS.

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