Author: Gabby

The national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Gombe, has leveled accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming the electoral body is meddling in the party’s internal affairs to stir up a leadership crisis. Speaking during a press briefing at the party’s secretariat on Thursday, Gombe expressed his concerns.

According to reports, the party’s former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, is alleged to have led a group of political thugs to disrupt party activities, prompting police intervention. In response, Gombe defended the decision to suspend and expel Gabam and other officials, citing breaches of the SDP constitution, including misconduct and financial irregularities.

Gombe elaborated that a five-man investigative committee, headed by Air Vice Marshal Bakir Sadiq Gilmour, was inaugurated to probe the allegations. The affected individuals were formally invited to defend themselves, but Gabam reportedly failed to show up for the internal dispute resolution process.

“The committee convened daily for two weeks at our national secretariat. After examining the findings, the National Working Committee set up a white paper committee that recommended their expulsion,” Gombe stated.

He expressed surprise that INEC called for an alternative dispute resolution on the eve of the party’s convention, asserting that there is no dispute to resolve. “Our party has the constitutional right to manage its own affairs. INEC seems intent on imposing leadership on us,” he added.

Gombe reaffirmed the party’s resolve to proceed with its convention in Bauchi, declaring, “We are law-abiding citizens, but we will not be intimidated. No one will dictate to us in our own country.”

Following his recent confirmation by the Senate, the newly appointed Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at ensuring consistent electricity supply across Nigeria. Tegbe replaces Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned in April to pursue his gubernatorial ambitions in Oyo State.

In a statement released on Thursday, Tegbe emphasized that his administration would focus on five critical areas to transform the nation’s power sector. First, he plans to bolster gas supply to increase power generation capacity significantly. Second, investments in grid infrastructure will be prioritized to improve reliability and minimize outages.

Third, the minister intends to enforce accountability within distribution companies to streamline operations. Fourth, he is committed to accelerating the metering of customers to better measure consumption and reduce revenue losses. Finally, restoring financial stability across the sector is seen as essential for long-term sustainability.

Tegbe’s priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the chronic power challenges that have plagued Nigeria for decades. By targeting generation, transmission, distribution, and financial health, the new minister hopes to deliver tangible improvements in electricity supply for households and businesses alike.

In a brazen attack on Tuesday night, armed individuals invaded a student lodge in Anguwar Ninzo, on the outskirts of Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The assailants seized several occupants, sparking an immediate security response from the state police command. Spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel confirmed that seven people were taken, including six from the Faculty of Engineering at Nasarawa State University’s Gudi Campus and a visitor present during the raid.

The police have since ramped up efforts to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed personally assessed the scene and assured the university community that all necessary measures are being deployed for a safe rescue. He emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to freeing the captives and bringing the criminals to justice.

To bolster the operation, the Area Commander in Akwanga has been reassigned to coordinate on-the-ground activities until the mission is complete. A joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, military, NSCDC, local vigilantes, and other tactical units has been formed to scour the area. Residents are advised to stay calm but alert, reporting any pertinent information to security agencies to support the ongoing search and investigation.

Intending pilgrims from Bauchi State have been reminded of the critical importance of protecting their Nusuk cards while in Saudi Arabia, as losing this document could lead to deportation. The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, shared this warning during a press briefing at his office in Bauchi.

The Nusuk card, issued free of charge by Saudi authorities for the 2025/2026 Hajj season, serves as both a digital and physical identification tool. It acts as an official permit granting pilgrims access to Makkah, the Grand Mosque, and other holy sites such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Additionally, the card facilitates essential services like accommodation and transportation, and can be managed through the Nusuk platform.

Imam Idris also announced a schedule change for the first batch of pilgrims. Departure, originally set for 8:29 pm, has been moved to 4:50 pm on May 7 due to operational adjustments. Screening procedures will begin after Governor Bala Mohammed delivers the farewell address.

Pilgrims were further advised to secure their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to prevent financial loss. Additionally, they are required to pay for the Hadaya (sacrificial offering) through Ja’iz Bank, with the cost estimated at around N180,000.

Security measures have also been tightened: relatives of pilgrims are urged to avoid parking vehicles at the Hajj camp and airport, as only designated areas are now accessible. The inaugural flight will carry a total of 485 pilgrims, comprising 323 from Bauchi State and 162 from Plateau State.

In a decisive move to combat environmental degradation, the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) apprehended 45 individuals for illegal waste dumping. The offenders were nabbed in the Panseke, Quarry Road, and Kolobo districts of the state capital for discarding trash on roadsides, highways, and other public areas.

The arrests, conducted on Thursday, underscore the government’s commitment to upholding environmental regulations. Speaking before their community service, Special Adviser to the Governor on OGWAMA, Farook Akintunde, highlighted the severe repercussions of such actions, including the spoiling of the state’s visual appeal, the spread of diseases through the air, and the pollution of underground water sources.

Akintunde expressed dismay at the offenders’ conduct, noting that it was inexcusable given the extensive public awareness campaigns about proper waste management and the availability of government-licensed waste collectors. He revealed that due to the offenders’ apologies and written assurances to comply with the law, coupled with their immediate registration with local waste collectors, they were permitted to serve community service instead of facing prosecution. However, he warned that any future violation would result in legal action under the state’s environmental laws.

The Special Adviser also issued a stern warning to other residents still engaging in indiscriminate dumping, urging them to desist immediately or risk facing severe penalties.

The Nigerian Senate has officially greenlit the 2026 budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), setting total spending at N2.285 trillion. This approval, which took place on Thursday, allocates funds for both administrative operations and developmental projects within the capital city.

The decision followed a detailed review of a harmonized report from a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, presented during a plenary session in Abuja. Senator Austin Akobundu, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, delivered the report on behalf of Chairman Ibrahim Bomai.

According to the report, the budget is based on projected revenues of N2.385 trillion. The approved expenditure includes N165.7 billion for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overheads, and a substantial N1.741 trillion dedicated to capital projects. This breakdown means that 76.19% of the total budget is earmarked for capital expenditure, while recurrent costs account for 23.8%.

The committee highlighted that the budget aligns with constitutional requirements and was shaped after extensive consultations with officials from the FCT Administration. Key lawmakers praised the budget as balanced and growth-focused, emphasizing its potential to boost infrastructure and security in Abuja and its satellite towns.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin lauded the budget as exceptional, noting that N1.7 trillion of the over N2 trillion total is directed at capital investments. He commended the FCT minister for this achievement. Senator Abdul Ningi also described the budget as well-structured, addressing previous concerns raised by the Senate Committee on the FCT.

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has taken enforcement action against Pinnock Beach Estate, located in Osapa London, Lekki, along with several other properties across the state. This decision comes after reports of illegal discharge of untreated sewage into the environment.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the agency carried out the sealing operation following multiple warnings and abatement notices that had been issued to the affected premises. The move aims to curb environmental degradation and protect public health.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that Pinnock Beach Estate faced closure for violating regulations by pumping untreated sewage directly into a canal. This act caused pollution, foul odors, and posed serious risks to both residents and aquatic life.

In addition, a property at No. 28 Amodu Street, Itire, Surulere, was shut down after complaints from residents about the continuous release of raw sewage into a neighboring compound and public drainage systems. The LSWMO labeled this as a significant environmental and health hazard.

Another property affected was on Oladipo Dumoye Street, Mashy Hill Estate, Ado Road, Ajah, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area. It was sealed for discharging untreated wastewater into public drains, leading to pollution and blockages.

Vintage Heights Estate on Ojulari Street, Elegushi, Lekki, Eti-Osa, also faced sealing for similar violations, accused of pumping untreated sewage into public drains and the surrounding area, contributing to offensive smells and drainage clogging.

The Lagos State Government has reiterated the importance of proper wastewater management practices among residents, estate managers, and property owners. They warned that violators of environmental regulations would face sanctions, including possible prosecution under the law.

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Kingsley Uchegbu, a reporter with Independent Television and Radio who was assigned to the Government House. The governor has pledged the state government’s support to the bereaved family.

According to reports, Kingsley Uchegbu passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after a short illness in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo, represented by a delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa, visited the widow, Mrs. Chineyeamara Uchegbu, at her home in Benin City to offer condolences. The delegation assured the family that the government would provide assistance following the loss of their breadwinner.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Kassim Afegbua, who was also part of the delegation, the governor described the late journalist as a dedicated and committed professional who served with diligence.

“Madam, the governor sent us here. We promise you will not face this alone. We will stand with you and help in any way we can to bring relief to you and your children. It is comforting that no one among us can say a bad word about Kingsley, as he was a loyal friend, devoted, humble, and led a simple life. Please remain strong for your children, as they are the ones who will carry on his legacy,” Afegbua stated.

Dr. Magnus Oshiogwe, a church elder at Winners Chapel, speaking on behalf of the family, thanked the government’s representatives for their timely visit to the widow, noting that it showed great respect for the deceased. “We are expecting more close family members shortly. Whatever support the government can provide will go a long way in easing their burden,” he added.

Until his death, Kingsley Uchegbu was a staff of Independent Television and Radio, seconded to the Government House Press Corps. He is survived by his wife, children, and an elderly mother.

The delegation also included the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Ken Ihensenken; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Ebojele; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Paul Ezenwa, along with members of the Government House Press Corps.

The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Lagos State Examinations Board, has officially announced the schedule and protocols for the 2026 Public Service Examinations. This announcement follows a prior directive from the Head of Service identified as Circular Reference Number CIR/HOS/’26/005, which was issued on January 21, 2026.

The examinations are slated to take place from Tuesday, May 12, through Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) located in Magodo, Lagos. The lineup includes the Compulsory Examination for all cadres within the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

Candidates are required to print their examination slips starting Tuesday, May 5, 2026, via the official portal using their registration credentials. The slip will provide critical details, including the specific date and time assigned to each candidate.

According to the statement, all candidates must present valid identification at the test center. Acceptable forms of ID include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards. Additionally, candidates must bring printed copies of their examination slips and strictly adhere to their allocated date and time.

The board has emphasized that the exams will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, advising candidates to familiarize themselves with basic computer skills beforehand. Furthermore, a formal dress code is mandatory, as inappropriate attire will not be permitted at the examination venue.

The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to fully comply with these guidelines to facilitate a smooth and orderly examination process.

The lawmaker representing Umuahia North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Anderson Akaliro, has raised an alarm over the massive destruction of farmlands in the Umuagu Autonomous Community, located in Umuahia North Local Government Area. According to him, the devastation is being caused by cattle belonging to suspected herdsmen.

Presenting the issue as a matter of urgent public importance during a plenary session, Akaliro expressed deep concern that such destruction is occurring despite the existence of the 2018 anti-open grazing law enacted by the state. He emphasized that the situation could escalate into a serious crisis if left unaddressed.

The lawmaker called on the Abia State House of Assembly to step in swiftly and take necessary measures to prevent further damage and potential conflict between farmers and herders.

In response, the Assembly referred the matter to its joint committee on security and agriculture for immediate legislative action, signaling the gravity of the issue.

In a related development, the Assembly also considered H.A.M. 50, a motion urging the Abia State Government to take over the Erei Palm Plantation Farm Settlement in Okon Aku, Ohafia South. Kalu Mba Nwoke, the representative for Ohafia South, argued that government takeover of the plantation is essential to restore lasting peace and avert further bloodshed in the community.