Author: Gabby

The protracted internal discord within the All Progressives Congress in Benue State has finally been laid to rest as Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, have mended fences. A peace parley convened on the directive of President Bola Tinubu was held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, attracting prominent party figures, traditional monarchs, and religious leaders from across the state.

During the meeting, which was initiated by Governor Alia through an invitation to Akume, both parties reached several consensus points. Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Alia disclosed that a key resolution was to unite the party machinery in support of his reelection bid in 2027. He also revealed that all APC federal lawmakers from Benue State are expected to retain their seats in the forthcoming general elections.

The reconciliation marks a significant step toward ending the rift that has threatened the party’s cohesion in the state. Further details are expected to emerge as the implementation of the agreements unfolds.

The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has mandated the detention of a merchant caught selling government-funded nutritional items intended for no-cost distribution to at-risk families.

This action came after the commissioner and his delegation carried out a surprise check at various health supply locations in Kano on Sunday.

The detained individual, Surajo Ibrahim, a dried food vendor in the Kofar Dawanau district along Northwest Road, was discovered with several cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a product used to treat children with severe acute malnutrition.

Commissioner Yusuf expressed outrage, calling the behavior unacceptable and detrimental to the state’s public health initiatives.

“These items are provided by the government at no charge. Purchasing or selling them is illegal,” he stated.

He underscored that the supplies are financed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to support underprivileged children.

He promptly instructed that the suspect be transferred to the Dala Police Division for inquiry and likely prosecution, while urging a comprehensive investigation into how the goods were redirected.

“We will not permit any effort to undermine programs designed to save lives, especially those focusing on at-risk children,” the commissioner added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj to embody discipline, humility, and integrity, warning that their conduct abroad will influence how the world perceives Nigeria. Speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during the departure ceremony for the first batch of 500 pilgrims from Kogi State at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the pilgrimage is both a spiritual duty and a national responsibility.

“You are ambassadors of our nation. The way you behave will shape the reputation of Nigeria globally,” Shettima said. He reminded the pilgrims that while the journey is religious, they must strictly follow the laws of the host country and uphold the highest standards of behavior.

The vice president noted that the Hajj exercise requires collaboration between government and citizens. Authorities are tasked with ensuring safety and smooth coordination, while pilgrims must reflect national values. “It is our duty to make sure every pilgrim experiences minimal hardship,” Shettima added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, Shettima stated. Other officials at the event, including Governor Usman Ododo, urged pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and progress. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, assured that all flight operations would be seamless. The National Hajj Commission chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, reiterated efforts to enhance transparency and pilgrim experience.

With over 50,000 Nigerians expected to participate in the 2026 Hajj, Shettima’s message underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s image.

The Abia State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has strongly rejected the state government’s claim of having largely met the conditions for judicial financial independence, calling it baseless. The union emphasized that its call for fiscal autonomy is a constitutional issue that must not be taken lightly.

This response came after two Abia State officials, Onyebuchi Ememanka and Ferdinand Ekeoma, stated at a press conference that ongoing talks had resolved most grievances of judiciary workers. JUSUN leaders Chinedu Ezeh (Chairman) and Chibueze Nwachukwu (Secretary) argued that it is premature and deceptive for the government to declare substantial progress while negotiations remain incomplete.

The union pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), specifically Sections 121(3) and 162(9), mandates direct funding of the judiciary from the Consolidated Revenue Fund as a first-line charge. They noted that this is supported by court rulings, executive orders, and official instruments. However, the current practice—where funds are disbursed to the judiciary at the accountant-general’s discretion—falls short of constitutional requirements.

JUSUN disclosed that as of their statement, the Abia State Government has not released allocated funds for judiciary salaries and overheads for March and April 2026, despite budget appropriations. This includes funds for official activities such as seminars and training for judges, magistrates, and staff. Such a situation, they argued, directly contradicts any assertion of “substantial compliance.”

On the issues of verification and pensions, the union insisted that verifying judiciary staff falls exclusively under the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and should not involve external consultants.

The Nigerian government has clarified that no Nigerian citizen lost their life during the recent anti-foreigner demonstrations in South Africa. Additionally, no properties belonging to Nigerians were damaged or destroyed in the unrest that occurred in several cities.

In a statement shared on her X account on Sunday, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, provided this update. She emphasized that government authorities are closely monitoring the situation following protests in places like Pretoria and Johannesburg between April 27 and 29, 2026.

According to the minister, South African officials have described the protests as largely peaceful, though police resorted to using tear gas in certain locations. However, she noted that two Nigerians passed away in separate incidents that are not directly connected to the protests. One individual died after an encounter with soldiers, while another was found dead following an alleged confrontation with metro police.

Both cases are being treated with utmost seriousness and are considered unacceptable. The Nigerian government is working through its High Commission to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice is served. The minister also warned that additional protests are anticipated between May 4 and 8, 2026, and announced that Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner while intensifying diplomatic engagements. Furthermore, approximately 130 Nigerians have already registered for a voluntary evacuation to return home.

A combined taskforce focusing on illegal mining and environmental protection has apprehended seven people suspected of illegally cutting down trees in Suntai Forest, located in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. The arrests were made over the weekend during a coordinated operation.

Superintendent of Police Jamu Emmanuel led the operation, which caught the suspects in the act of felling and destroying trees within the forest reserve. Authorities stated that illegal logging has been a major contributor to environmental degradation in the region, causing harm to the local ecosystem.

The taskforce issued a statement warning that such activities pose significant dangers to nearby communities, including an increased risk of erosion and flooding due to the loss of forest cover. The suspects are set to be transferred to a mobile court, where they will face charges related to violations of environmental protection laws, illegal logging, and destruction of protected vegetation.

Reaffirming their commitment to preserving natural resources, the taskforce warned that anyone caught engaging in illegal mining or deforestation will be arrested and prosecuted promptly.