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Showing posts from May, 2025

Tinubu is salvaging looming anarchy in Rivers - Fubara tells residents

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu's swift intervention has salvaged the state from looming anarchy arising from the festering political crisis. Therefore, Fubara urged his supporters and the Rivers people to thank the President, expressing hope that the crisis would soon be over. Nelson Chukwudi , the governor's spokesman, quoted his principal as having said these during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of his support group, ‘Simplified Movement.’ Chukwudi said in a statement that the meeting was part of activities to mark Fubara's two years in office as governor in Port Harcourt on Thursday, May 29, 2025. ALSO READ: I don't have a personal battle with Fubara, he's my son - Wike yields ground The Governor confirmed that the peace and reconciliation process, which was a precursor to restoring all executive and legislative institutions and offices in the state, was already underway. He assured hi...

Terrorist commander with N100m bounty on his head killed in Borno

Notorious wanted Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Amir Abu Fatima, has been eliminated during a precision strike on a terrorist stronghold in the Kukawa axis of Borno State. The operation, carried out by Special Forces troops under Operation Hadin Kai, was launched on Thursday, May 29, 2025, following credible intelligence pointing to the location of the high-value target. In a statement shared on its X handle on Friday, the Nigerian Army said Abu Fatima, who had a ₦100 million bounty on his head, was fatally wounded in an intense gun battle . The statement also noted that Abu Fatima's lieutenants, including his deputy, several explosives experts, and multiple fighters, were also neutralised. READ ALSO: 44 surrender as troops neutralise 5 terrorists in Borno “In a major counter-terrorism success, Special Forces under Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision strike on 30 May 2025, targeting a key Boko Haram/ISWAP stronghold in the Kukawa axis of Northern Borno State," the A...

Biafra Day 2025: Reflecting on history, embracing unity

On May 30, 1967, Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the independence of the Republic of Biafra, marking the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in Nigeria's history—the Nigerian Civil War. This conflict, lasting until January 15, 1970, resulted in significant loss of life and left enduring scars on the nation's psyche. The war was precipitated by a series of events, including ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic disparities. The Eastern Region's secession was met with military resistance from the Nigerian federal government, leading to a brutal conflict characterised by widespread famine and civilian suffering. Estimates suggest that between 500,000 and 2 million Biafran civilians died, primarily from starvation due to blockades imposed during the war. Internationally, the war drew attention to humanitarian crises, with images of malnourished children prompting global outrage and leading to significant humanitarian aid efforts, such as the Biaf...

France backs grassroots gender revolution in Nigeria

A quiet revolution is blooming in corners of Nigeria, too often overlooked—backyards with moringa trees, shelters for gender-based violence survivors, and rural farms. Thanks to the newly launched €1 million French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC), these spaces are becoming sites of transformation for women and girls, powered by innovation, resilience, and a shared dream for dignity. At a heartfelt ceremony in Abuja, French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier unveiled the FEF-OSC 2025 initiative, celebrating 19 local organisations whose ideas were selected for support. “Gender equality and women’s empowerment are not wishful thinking. They are universal rights,” Fonbaustier said, applauding the “rich diversity and creativity of Nigerian civil society.” CSOs gear up for swift impact From Bauchi State, Ms. Eswayi Polycarp Ikpi of the Youth Adolescent Health Initiative and Counselling (YAHIC) described her joy at being selected: “Do miracles actually exist...

Tinubu’s camp hits back as Atiku fires fresh shots at Presidency

The Nigerian presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engaged in a fierce war of words on Thursday, May 29, over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, marking Tinubu’s second anniversary in office. Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused the administration of exacerbating poverty and economic hardship, describing it as the most punishing government in Nigeria’s history. “No previous administration has inflicted this level of hardship on the masses while showing such disregard for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership,” Atiku said in a statement released by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe. He also slammed the government’ s “wasteful public spending and economic mismanagement.” Presidency slams Atiku In a strongly worded response, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku’s criticism as baseless and politically motivated. “Atiku’s swe...

Finance ministry, Accountant-General slammed over delayed contractors' payments

The Centre for Economic Justice and Social Equity (CEJSE) has accused Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of gross negligence for the continued non-payment of verified contractors who have completed government projects across the country. In a strongly worded statement signed by its president, Dr. Ibrahim Okehi Omeiza , the group warned that the delays are having devastating economic consequences, crippling small businesses, increasing unemployment, and undermining public trust. “The consistent refusal or failure to pay duly verified contractors has now become a silent but deadly virus spreading through the Nigerian economy,” said Dr. Omeiza. “ Contractors are the lifeblood of national development… When they are owed for months and sometimes years, it leads to layoffs, defaults on loans, and a breakdown of local economies that depend on them.” Describing the situation as a form of economic injustice, CEJSE noted that many contractors took high-int...

Sowore labels Tinubu’s 2 years in office a failure

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance as he marks his second year in office. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, May 29, Sowore declared Tinubu’s presidency a “failure ,” citing economic decline, insecurity, and lack of infrastructure progress as evidence. “Today marks Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office as ‘President,’” Sowore began, putting the title in quotation marks to question its legitimacy. He criticised Tinubu’s flagship infrastructure initiative, the Lagos-Calabar highway project, noting that only 30 kilometres of the 700-kilometre stretch have been constructed. READ ALSO: Progress or democratic decline? Mixed reactions trail Tinubu's 2 years in office “A man who took two years to construct only 30 kilometres of highway... is FAILURE,” he said. Today marks Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office as “President.” A m...

Renounce cultism and turn a new leaf - Gov Okpebholo offers Edo cultists amnesty

Governor Monday Okpebholo has offered an amnesty to cult members in Edo State, urging them to surrender and turn a new leaf. Okpebholo, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua , on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, called on the cultists to renounce their membership of outlawed groups and surrender the arms in their possession. He disclosed that a technical committee will soon be announced to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the violent crime menace, including kidnapping. “I am dangling a window of restitution for cult members in the state to renounce and turn a new leaf, while those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty," the Governor said. ALSO READ: Any kidnapper caught in Edo will be hanged to death - Okpebholo According to the statement, the amnesty programme will comprise skills acquisition and empowerment programme...

PULSE LIST: 5 underperforming ministers in Tinubu's cabinet

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approaches the second anniversary of his administration, attention is shifting toward the performance of his cabinet, a diverse team tasked with driving the nation’s ambitious reform agenda. While some ministers have earned praise for decisive action and visible impact, others have struggled to meet public expectations or deliver tangible results in their respective ministries.  In this edition of the Pulse List, we spotlight five underperforming ministers whose track records, policies, or public perception have raised concerns about their effectiveness.  Their inclusion is based on a combination of public sentiment, media analysis, expert opinion, and policy outcomes, or the lack thereof, since their appointments. 1. Ayodele Olawande – Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, makes this list in what would be described as a slow and uninspiring performance nearly halfway into President...

Senator Natasha’s lawyers demand action on unaddressed petitions

Embattled Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's legal team has expressed concern over what it describes as a disparity in the handling of legal matters involving her following the Federal Government’s decision to file criminal charges against her while numerous petitions she submitted remain unaddressed. In a statement released by her counsel, Uju Nwoduwu , the lawyers revealed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed twelve separate petitions between March and May 2025. These petitions reportedly cover serious allegations, including cyberstalking, threats to life, defamation, and other security-related offences. “The public expects law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies to uphold fairness, the rule of law, and impartial justice,” the legal team stated. ALSO READ: Akpabio: Police arrest whistleblower over alleged defamation against Natasha The lawyers highlighted that while these petitions are still under review or have not received attention, separate allegations ha...

Makinde, Wike's camp trade tackles as PDP crisis deepens

A fresh wave of tension has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s camp has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of engineering the party’s internal crisis. Mr. Dare Adeleke, Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Federal Constituency Matters, alleged that Wike is actively working to weaken the PDP in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Adeleke, Wike’s ultimate goal is to eliminate political opposition and solidify APC as the country’s only political party. “I strongly condemn Governor Nyesom Wike’s undemocratic and arrogant remarks,” Adeleke said, responding to Wike’s recent threats to abandon reconciliation efforts within the PDP. “He has turned governance into a personal enterprise. I believe President Bola Tinubu should call him to order.” Adeleke further suggested that Wike’s manoeuvres are aimed at clearing the path for President...

Nigerian professor remanded in prison for forgery, land racketeering

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has remanded Professor Sani Ibrahim of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in correctional custody over charges of forgery, criminal trespass, and conspiracy involving a disputed land in Guzape, Abuja. The biochemistry professor was arraigned alongside Mubarak Musa Saliu and others still at large. They are accused of fraudulently altering the corporate registration number of NEXTDORA Nigeria Ltd., the rightful owner of Plot 4411 in Guzape, in an attempt to seize the property. According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly changed the company’s registration from RC 1190723 to RC 564478, falsely attributing it to "NETCAP INTERSWITCH", in a forged document. The document was used to gain unlawful access to the land in December 2024. READ ALSO: Court sends medical doctor to 7 years in prison for N127m fraud The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is prosecuting the case, which was brought befor...

Best online platforms for Nigerians to learn tech skills in six months or less

The best platforms provide clear learning paths with real-world assignments and support from instructors and fellow students. When selecting a provider, consider cost, accreditation, payment options in naira, and access to certified instructors. Whether your goal is to build responsive websites, analyze large data sets, or deploy cloud solutions, the right curriculum will guide you from fundamentals to practical application.  Below are the platforms that offer intensive, focused training and industry-recognized certificates to prepare learners for technology roles within six months.  ALSO READ: 7 Ways digital skills training is creating job opportunities in Nigeria 1. Coursera  Offers professional certificates and specializations in software development, data science, and cloud computing in partnership with top universities and technology companies. Many courses can be audited at no cost. A monthly subscription of around ₦6,000 grants access to graded projects, pee...

Tax reform: FIRS to kick off e-invoicing for taxpayers July 25

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has commenced onboarding of large taxpayers onto its Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS) interface, ahead of the full-scale launch of Nigeria’s National E-Invoicing system on July 25, 2025. Designed to replace traditional invoicing methods, the MBS provides a digital platform for recording transactions between suppliers and buyers. According to FIRS, the system marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s tax administration, offering a fully digital and standardised invoicing format for VAT-registered businesses. Sodiq Arogundade, the lead consultant on the MBS project, confirmed the system’s readiness after a meeting with stakeholders in the oil and gas midstream sector in Lagos. READ ALSO: FIRS debuts tax advocacy podcast to demystify taxation “The system is ready, it’s completely ready. We have several large taxpayers piloting at the moment—some are ready to go live,” he said. The MBS, built as a restful API system, allows businesses to generate el...

Wike told to sack FCTA official over alleged anti-Tinubu protest

A civil society organisation, the Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative (EUYI), has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Nyesom Wike, to take disciplinary action against Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, over allegations of disloyalty to President Bola Tinubu. The group alleged that Ango participated in a protest last Thursday at the National Assembly alongside members of opposition parties, voicing opposition to Comrade  Solomon Adodo's appointment as a board member of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). EUYI’s National Coordinator, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince , condemned Ango's alleged actions, describing them as a betrayal of trust and an affront to President Tinubu's “Renewed Hope Agenda.” “It is reprehensible for Ango, an appointee of the President, to join opposition forces against a government decision,” Prince said. He further claimed that statements made during the p...

2027: Fresh twist as SDP faction rejects anti-Tinubu coalition

A faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by National Chairman Wole Adesina has distanced itself from any political coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without a viable alternative agenda for Nigeria’s development. In a statement released on Monday, May 26, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, criticised what he described as “a desperate coalition” of aggrieved politicians aiming to remove President Tinubu from office. “The influx of some aggrieved politicians in a desperate coalition to ‘send President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos’ without showcasing any clear-cut alternative agenda for Nigeria’s transformation” is troubling, Mohammed said. “The party is not for sale or lease to any group and will not be part of any anti-government plots.” Mohammed emphasised that the SDP remains committed to engaging the federal government constructively while holding it accountable, but will not join forces with any movement that seeks to ...

Sentz Launches ‘Sentz Earn’ to Help Users Earn up to 8% Annually on their Stablecoin Balance

Global payments app, Sentz, has announced the official launch of ‘Sentz Earn’, a rewards feature that allows Nigerian users to grow their eUSD stablecoin balance by up to 8% annually while maintaining full control of their funds. This self-custodial solution addresses the growing demand for accessible dollar-based options to preserve and grow their wealth in Nigeria's volatile economic climate. While other platforms force users to choose between earning rewards and maintaining control of their money, Sentz’s self-custodial nature allows Earn to eliminate this compromise by offering daily-compounding rewards without requiring users to lock funds. Regular financial systems often make users choose between growth and control, said Sara Drakeley , CEO of Sentz. Sentz Earn represents a third option; one where users can watch their dollar balance grow while retaining complete ownership of their funds at all times. The feature has already gained significant traction during its beta ph...

2027: Tinubu under pressure to drop Shettima as running mate

A Northern Islamic group has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his choice of running mate for the 2027 presidential election, urging him to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima in favour of a Northern Christian. The group, known as the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, made the call in a Sunday statement signed by its convener, Bala Duguri. The appeal, it said, followed extensive consultations with Islamic organisations across Northern Nigeria. “Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with different Islamic organisations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging,” Duguri stated. READ ALSO: Benue NASS APC caucus endorses Tinubu for 2027 The group argues that the principle of religious balance is essential for national cohesion, especially after the Muslim-Muslim ticket that saw Tinubu and Shettima elected in 2023. While that decision was controversial at t...

Gov Otti faces backlash over alleged ₦800bn spending

As Governor Alex Otti approaches the second anniversary of his administration in Abia State, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong call for transparency and financial accountability, accusing the government of operating under a veil of secrecy. In a statement released Sunday, May 25, by Mazi Eric Ikwuagwu , the PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Abia State, the party alleged that Otti’s government has failed to disclose the cost of major infrastructure projects and details of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) since taking office. "Those who hailed transparency yesterday have become masters of concealment today," Ikwuagwu said. He cited respected critics such as Scotland-based engineer Eke O. Ako and former Abia Finance Commissioner Chief Obinna Oriaku —figures once praised by Otti’s political allies for their outspoken views under the previous administration, but now allegedly targeted for similar scrutiny of the current government. READ ALSO: Pressure mou...

4 police officers accused of abducting, extorting ₦151m from diaspora Nigerian

Four police inspectors with the Nigeria Police Force have been accused of abducting a Nigerian living abroad and extorting N151.5 million from his family in a shocking case that has sparked calls for urgent disciplinary action. In a petition dated May 2, 2025, renowned legal practitioner Prof. Yemi Oke (SAN) wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, on behalf of the victim's father, Mr. Okubajo Kehinde. The petition accuses Inspectors Mohammed Yusuf (No. 229655), Ojochenemi Jubrin (No. 227141) , Rizama Reuben (No. 318195), and Isokpuwu John (No. 318172) of violently arresting Segun Okubajo in Lagos, transporting him to Abuja, and holding him incommunicado. “Our client’s son, Segun Okubajo, who had no criminal complaints against him from any source or by any person, was violently arrested on October 9, 2024. "The said officers invaded his apartment with heavy weapons, switched off all his CCTV cameras, seized his phones, and held him incommunica...

Benue Gov Alia snubs APC Tinubu endorsement amid defection rumours

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has intensified speculation over a possible defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after reportedly boycotting a key party event endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The APC National Working Committee hosted the high-profile summit at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall to consolidate party unity ahead of the 2027 polls. However, Governor Alia’s conspicuous absence raised eyebrows and deepened existing fractures within the party’s Benue chapter. Sources within the party claim Alia had sought a dual endorsement — one for Tinubu’s re-election and another for his own second-term bid. When APC leadership declined the request, he reportedly withdrew from the process. Alia, Akume's feud Tensions have been mounting between Alia and top APC figures in Benue, particularly Senator  George Akume,  the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The friction reached a flash...

Akpabio: We’ll present defence in court, Natasha’s lawyers react to FG’s suit

Lawyers representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have confirmed receipt of court documents in a defamation case filed by the Federal Government, pledging to present a vigorous defence in court. The suit, lodged on May 16, 2025, accuses the Kogi Central senator of making defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a live television broadcast. The charges, brought under Sections 391 and 392 of the Nigerian Penal Code, allege that Akpoti-Uduaghan made imputations “knowing or having reason to believe” they would damage Akpabio’s reputation. In a statement released Saturday, her lead counsel, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, said the legal team received the court information on May 23 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. “The legal team would adequately prepare all factual and statutory defences available to our client and place same before the Court during trial, ” the statement read. The government has named both Akpabio and former Ko...

Let God judge me if I'm being used by APC - PDP chairman Damagum

Embattled acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has issued a fresh denial of alleged collusion between him and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sabotage his party. The chairman made this known in a recent interview with BBC Hausa , reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP. His remarks followed recent insinuations by some party stakeholders that he's collaborating with the former Rivers State Governor and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike , to destroy the PDP. Damagum defended his relationship with Wike and maintained that he remains committed to his party's ideals. ALSO READ: The coalition only wants to take advantage of your popularity - Sowunmi warns Obi He also debunked the allegations that he had a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London, saying, “ May God judge us, if I am working for the APC.” Stressing his long-standing commitment to the PDP, Damagum stated, “I h...

'No going back': Tinubu reaffirms stance on subsidy removal

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s decision to scrap the fuel subsidy, declaring it a crucial move for Nigeria’s future. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit on Thursday, May 22, Tinubu said the difficult reform was necessary to put the country on a path to long-term economic recovery. “Today, I am proud to affirm that our economic reforms are working. There’s nothing good that comes easily. The subsidy is gone and was gone for the good of this country,” the president said, marking two years since he assumed office. READ ALSO: Is Tinubu controlled by cabal? Minister reacts Since removing the costly subsidy in 2023, Tinubu’s administration has faced criticism and economic pressure, including rising fuel prices and public unrest. However, the president insists the decision was unavoidable and ultimately beneficial. “We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and unborn babies,” Tinubu stated, defending the move a...

Trump's govt blocks Havard from enrolling Nigerians, other foreign students

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revoked Harvard University's certification to enrol international students, a drastic move by the Trump administration in its ongoing confrontation with the Ivy League school. According to a report by CNBC on Thursday, May 22, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem delivered the decision in a letter to Harvard, citing violations of federal immigration laws. “I am writing to inform you that effective immediately, Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification is revoked, ” Noem stated in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times. The move follows months of tension between the Trump administration and Harvard. In April, Noem had issued a stern warning , indicating that the university’s ability to host international students hinged on full compliance with federal immigration policies. “We will not allow any institution, no matter how prestigious, to operate above the law,” she said at the time. Harv...

Peter Obi breaks silence on alleged ₦225bn debt talks with Tinubu in Rome

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly denied media reports alleging he met with President Bola Tinubu in Rome to discuss a ₦225 billion scandal linked to Fidelity Bank. In a statement issued on Thursday 22, Obi described the claim as "entirely false" and part of an orchestrated smear campaign to tarnish his reputation. “Attacking Peter Obi has become a booming business for blackmailers. Even a quiet spiritual journey I took to Rome has now been turned into yet another opportunity for mischief,” he stated. READ ALSO: I'm head of the Nigerian delegation - Tinubu jokes with Obi at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration The controversial report suggested that Obi, who once served as a director at Fidelity Bank, sought Tinubu’s assistance over alleged financial improprieties tied to the institution. However, Obi refuted any such meeting, asserting that he has not had any private engagement with the president since he took office. “The only time ...

Atiku confirms ADC as coalition platform to unseat Tinubu in 2027

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed the selection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the official platform for Nigeria’s newly formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The decision was reached during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night. The meeting brought together major opposition leaders, including Labour Party leader Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai, speaking at an event in Kaduna on Wednesday, revealed, “Yesterday at 8 p.m., there was a very important meeting of the coalition we are putting together to ensure that President Tinubu returns to Lagos in 2027.” Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe , confirmed the coalition’s adoption of the ADC. “Yes, ADC has been agreed as the party. The coalition leaders have set up relevant committees and directed them to resolve grey areas in the arrangement and prepare for a public unveiling,” he said. What happened to SDP? Ibe dispelled speculatio...

El-Rufai endorses minister Bosun Tijani amid plot to unseat Tinubu in 2027

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has signalled a bold political move ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He revealed plans to oust President Bola Tinubu while expressing strong support for the current Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. Speaking at the Arewa Tech Fest in Katsina on Wednesday, May 21, El-Rufai made clear his alignment with a growing political coalition determined to unseat the president. READ ALSO: Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai forge opposition alliance ahead of 2027 election “There was a very important meeting of the coalition we’re putting together to ensure that President Tinubu goes back to Lagos,” El-Rufai said, suggesting an active effort to build an opposition front ahead of the next presidential race. Despite Tijani serving under the Tinubu administration, El-Rufai praised the minister’s performance and hinted at keeping him in a future government, should their coalition succeed. “Though we will still keep...

Missing critic of Sokoto Gov found in critical condition at Zamfara hospital

Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, an 18-year-old activist who was declared missing after criticising Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, has been found in Zamfara State. Sharif's lawyer, Abba Hikima , posted on her Facebook page on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, disclosing she had been informed that her client had been found at a general hospital in Zamfara. “We have been informed that Hamdiyya is in the Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State. “She is in a critical condition. But there are security personnel with her,” the lawyer wrote. ALSO READ: 18-year-old activist vanishes months after criticising Sokoto governor Hikima also confirmed that the activist had been kidnapped earlier. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the lawyer announced that the teenager had gone missing, sparking widespread concern among human rights advocates. The embattled activist rose to prominence in November 2024 after posting a video condemning Governor Aliyu’s handling of insecurity in the state. In the video, she urge...

2027: Northern APC governor declares Senate ambition

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has formally declared his ambition to contest the Nasarawa North senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, marking the beginning of what insiders describe as a strategic transition from executive leadership to national legislation. The Director-General of the State Bureau for Pension Administration, Suleiman Musa Nagogo, announced on Tuesday, May 20, in Wamba Local Government Area, during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders. “I have been in Wamba with a crystal clear message from His Excellency… to simply introduce a very important subject matter. “That important message is to inform them that he is desirous of contesting for the office of Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2027,” Nagogo said. Nagogo emphasised that the governor had chosen to launch his senatorial bid from his home base, Wamba, which he described as the political heartland of the APC in the zone. “Charity begins at home… This is ...

VIDEO: Gospel singer Timilehin Ajayi praying in court as shocking murder details emerge

Gospel singer Timilehin Ajayi was seen praying in court this morning as his murder trial continued over the gruesome killing of 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. Ajayi, who was arrested on January 12, stands accused of murdering Adaidu after she visited him at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. Adaidu served at Nicon Insurance in Abuja at the time of her death. Authorities apprehended Ajayi while he was allegedly attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s body, which had been dismembered. His actions have sparked widespread outrage and horror, especially given his status as a gospel musician. During police interrogation, Ajayi reportedly confessed to the crime and expressed no remorse. “She was my girlfriend. She was always cheating on me,” he allegedly said. The trial resumed on Tuesday, 20, amid tight security. Ajayi entered the courtroom clutching a Bible and engaging in visible prayer....

'I’d rather be jailed' – Agbakoba slams compulsory voting bill

Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has condemned a proposed bill in the National Assembly that seeks to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, declaring that he would rather serve time in prison than comply with such a law. Speaking on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television, Agbakoba described the bill as misguided and symptomatic of a more profound misunderstanding of Nigeria’s democratic crisis. The legal luminary fiercely opposed what he termed “forced civic participation,” arguing that voter apathy cannot be resolved through coercion. “Look at the ridiculous one in the National Assembly about voting being compulsory. If that bill were to pass, I would say, ‘Agbakoba, we will not obey it.’ I’ll plead conscientious objection. I’d rather go to prison for six months than to obey it,” he declared firmly. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Labour Party lawmaker Daniel Asama Ago sponsored the bill, whi...

Upgrade Your Eid and Win Exciting Prizes with the Infinix Sallah Splash Promo

Leading smartphone brand Infinix is set to make this Eid celebration even more rewarding with the launch of its Sallah Splash Promo, which runs from now till the 10th of June, 2025. The campaign offers customers exciting benefits including instant gifts, massive discounts, and a chance to win up to ₦500,000 in Eid food baskets and other high-value prizes in a nationwide raffle draw. As part of the Sallah Splash initiative, Infinix is delivering more than just innovative devices, it’s giving customers a chance to celebrate Eid in grand style. Whether you are looking to upgrade your smartphone, surprise your loved one with a new device, or simply upgrading your tech game, this is the perfect time to make that purchase, as the Sallah promo comes packed with unbeatable offers that make every purchase more rewarding. Here’s what Infinix is offering customers this season: 1) Instant Discounts - Enjoy unbeatable price cuts on select models like the Smart 9 & 9HD, Hot 50i, Hot 50 Pro+...