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Historical Analysis (Steve Bankole Rhodes

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When Steven Bankole Rhodes (1890-1951) was appointed a member of the Executive Council of the then Colonial Nigeria on September 23, 1942. He was the only African to have had the opportunity to participate directly in policy formulation at the central executive level, before that time colonial administrators exempted Africans from participating in policy formulation.

Earlier In January of the same year, he was nominated as an Unofficial Member of the Legislative council of Nigeria. In this capacity he pushed for the nationalisation of all Nigerian industries, he also advocated for the autonomy of native courts.

In 1943, King George VI of England conferred on him the honour of the commander of the said Most Excellent Order – CBE for his dedication to public services in Nigeria.  Justice S.B Rhodes became a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, King George VI also gave the directives for his appointment on October 9, 1945, thereby becoming the first Nigerian lawyer to be elevated to the Supreme court bench straight from the Bar.

He subsequently became the second indigenous judge appointed to the Nigerian Judiciary, After and before Justice Jibowu and Justice Ademola Adetokunbo respectively.

He also held the position of Chancellor of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion. At that time the diocese covered Eastern Nigeria, the Mid-West, Kwara and the Middle Belt. He was succeeded by Louis Mbanefo.

His son, Steve Rhodes, a successful musician and broadcaster was Fela Kuti’s manager in the 1960s.

He was Uncle to Justice R.W.A Rhodes-Vivour, Grand Uncle to Supreme Court Justice Bode Rhodes-Viviour and Great Grand Uncle to Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos State. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

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FG Vows to End Frequent Power Grid Collapses

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to put a stop to the recurring national grid collapses and improve overall stability in the country’s power sector.

Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday during the maiden retreat of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) themed “NISO on the Move,” Adelabu—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Mamman—said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been implementing fresh strategies from day one to stabilise the grid and curb nationwide power outages.

According to him, the establishment of NISO is one of the key reforms introduced by the Federal Government to transform operations within the power sector and drive reliable electricity supply.

Nigeria has long grappled with repeated grid collapses, largely attributed to ageing infrastructure, inadequate funding, poor maintenance, and vandalism. These disruptions have resulted in widespread blackouts, affecting businesses, slowing economic activity, and forcing households to depend heavily on generators and other costly alternatives.

Adelabu noted that the current administration is committed to reversing these trends. “Since the commencement of this administration, things have been done differently. The creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator is a clear indication of government’s renewed approach to achieving grid stability, reducing power outages, and ensuring every Nigerian has access to electricity,” he said.

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China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

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China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

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Tanzania Erupts in Protests Over Controversial Election as President Samia Faces Mounting Pressure

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Tanzania has been plunged into chaos as citizens flood the streets to protest alleged irregularities in the country’s presidential election.

The unrest, which erupted shortly after the announcement of preliminary results, has spread rapidly across major cities. In Dar es Salaam — the nation’s commercial hub with a population exceeding seven million — the situation escalated as angry demonstrators set government offices and several public buildings on fire.

The tension comes amid heightened political scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. Many opposition supporters allege that the current election was manipulated to keep her in power, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the democratic process.

In response to the violence, the police have imposed an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam to restore order and prevent further destruction. Security forces have also been deployed across key areas of the city to contain the growing tension.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while investigations into the alleged electoral misconduct continue. However, opposition figures and civil society groups are demanding accountability, insisting that the people’s mandate must be respected.

As the crisis deepens, many fear the situation could spiral into nationwide unrest if dialogue and swift action are not taken.

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