Author: Gabby

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to residents to remain composed after technical issues caused delays in voter accreditation and voting during the governorship election on Saturday. Shortly after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 003, located at Oyebanji’s Compound in Registration Area 06, Ekiti West Local Government Area, the governor urged voters to stay orderly.

Reports from across the state indicated that biometric verification devices failed to read some voters’ fingerprints, leading to setbacks in the accreditation process and postponing the start of voting in several polling units. In response, Oyebanji said he was confident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would fix the problems and ensure no eligible voter is left out.

“I appeal to our people to be patient, because everyone will vote. INEC has assured me that all who came out will be allowed to vote,” he stated. The governor noted that he had been updated on the situation and was encouraged by assurances from electoral officials that corrective measures are under way. He emphasized the need for voters to trust the electoral body to resolve the glitches promptly.

The Ekiti State governorship election took a violent turn on Saturday at Unit 4, Ward 2, Ilawe-Ekiti, when supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) engaged in a physical confrontation. The altercation was reportedly sparked by accusations of vote buying, leading to the hospitalization of an ADC backer who suffered a head wound.

Dare Bejide, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, cast his ballot at the affected polling unit and later alleged that political forces were trying to undermine the electoral process by distributing cash in the area. He claimed that the arrival of cash meant for voters provoked a clash when his supporters attempted to halt the practice.

According to Bejide, an APC chieftain drove to the scene in a Toyota Jeep, allegedly carrying money to hand out to voters. This, he said, ignited the chaos. He further asserted that his aide was assaulted by security personnel brought in by the opposing camp, necessitating immediate medical attention.

The ADC candidate reported that the presence of cash at the voting center had been flagged to security authorities, but the situation still spiraled into disorder and fear among residents. Despite the outbreak of violence, Bejide praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials for their professionalism, noting that the election had been progressing smoothly until the incident.

He remarked that the electoral staff had been diligent, and everything was on track before the pandemonium. Security reinforcements were later deployed, allowing voting to resume under heightened surveillance, though tensions remained palpable at the unit.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, has leveled serious accusations against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming widespread vote buying and an assault on his driver during the Saturday governorship election.

Bejide, who voted at Polling Unit 004, Ward 2, Oke Adura, Ilawe-Ekiti, alleged that APC members were openly handing out cash to voters to sway the election outcome. He stated that several APC leaders, along with local government officials, gathered at his polling unit with large sums of money for this purpose.

According to Bejide, his driver sustained injuries during a scuffle at the polling unit while trying to protect him from being pushed. The driver was later taken to a hospital for treatment. The ADC candidate said the incident was reported to the police, but expressed dissatisfaction with the security personnel’s response, calling it inadequate.

Bejide condemned the alleged vote buying as a violation of democratic principles and an embarrassment to the electoral process. His son, Olumide Bejide, also alleged that APC chieftains flooded all polling units in Ilawe with money, distributing it to voters in defiance of INEC regulations. He remarked that the funds thrown around could have fixed all bad roads in Ekiti.

In response, APC chieftain Makinde Araoye dismissed the allegations, insisting that the election was conducted peacefully across the state. He noted that improvements in INEC’s technology had reduced accreditation and balloting time. Araoye expressed confidence that Governor Biodun Oyebanji would win re-election due to his performance in office.

Addressing claims of a confrontation with Bejide at the polling unit, Araoye denied any wrongdoing, stating he was merely monitoring the process in his ward. He said the dispute arose when Bejide allegedly tried to stop him from moving around the polling area. Araoye maintained that he had every right to observe and acted only in self-defense.

As of this report, neither the police nor INEC has issued an official statement on the allegations.

The Kebbi State Government has ramped up efforts to combat a severe invasion of quelea birds that is endangering rice fields across multiple areas as the wet-season farming gets underway. This was announced by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Shehu Mu’azu, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

Mu’azu explained that the migratory pests have swept through major Fadama agricultural zones, posing a serious risk to rice output and the livelihoods of local farmers. The infestation was first noticed within the past 72 hours, with reports already indicating damage to early-planted rice paddies.

Quelea birds are considered one of Africa’s most harmful agricultural pests, traveling in enormous flocks and capable of ravaging extensive grain fields in a matter of hours. “Without prompt control measures, these birds can destroy an entire hectare of grain in just a few hours,” the commissioner warned.

The worst-hit local government areas include Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Argungu, Kalgo, and Bunza, where large congregations of the birds have been sighted. In response, the government has dispatched agricultural extension officers and crop protection experts to track bird movements, evaluate the extent of the destruction, and coordinate mitigation strategies. Surveillance teams have pinpointed nine primary roosting sites across the impacted regions.

Mu’azu also revealed that ground spraying operations using pesticides have already started, while preparations for aerial spraying are in progress, pending the necessary regulatory approvals. The state remains committed to safeguarding its rice production and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers dependent on it.

In a troubling incident that has sparked unease among locals, an armed faction believed to be the Lakurawa group reportedly entered the town of Soba in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State and delivered sermons in mosques. The event was brought to light on Saturday via a social media post by security analyst Bakatsine.

According to Bakatsine’s account, the militants arrived shortly after the Maghrib prayer and proceeded to visit several mosques, where they convened worshippers to disseminate their beliefs and outline their objectives. The post detailed: “Last evening, inhabitants of Soba town in Mashegu LGA, Niger State, reported that Lakurawa operatives entered the community post-Maghrib and went from one mosque to another, assembling congregants to propagate their doctrine and clarify their intentions.”

This development has heightened anxiety regarding the group’s expanding sway and unrestricted movement across certain areas of the region. Bakatsine posed a critical question: “If armed outfits can conduct open outreach in communities, what does that imply about the success of security measures and government presence in those locations?”

As of now, no official response has been issued by security authorities concerning this matter.

Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in Ado-Ekiti carried on with their usual business activities on Saturday, despite a police-imposed travel restriction during the state’s governorship election. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that by 8 a.m., when accreditation and voting were scheduled to commence, many traders in key markets such as Eleyele, Oja Oba Erekesan, and Oja Bisi had already opened their shops and were serving customers.

Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle had earlier announced a ban on vehicular movement from midnight Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday as part of election security measures. However, many residents chose to ignore the order. One commercial motorcyclist, Oluwadare Adeleye, stated that he continued working because he believed Governor Biodun Oyebanji would easily win the election. He added that the security personnel deployed for the election appeared more friendly and relaxed compared to previous exercises.

Similarly, tricycle operator Moses Ajibade acknowledged awareness of the police directive but said economic pressures forced him to work. He explained that he needed to provide for his family and meet weekly contribution obligations. “I came out around 5:30 a.m., hoping to stop by 8 a.m., but when I noticed security operatives were not enforcing the restriction strictly, I continued working,” he said.

A pepper and vegetable trader, Mrs. Funmilayo Abolade, said she could not afford to stay away from the market because her goods were perishable. “I cannot allow my goods to spoil. That is why I came out to sell. As you can see, many other traders are also here doing business,” she noted. Although aware of the restriction order, she maintained that she had no alternative but to trade before heading to cast her vote later.

Minister of Works Dave Umahi has allayed fears raised by motorists and observers about water pooling on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, confirming that the project and other key federal road schemes remain on track for completion by 2031.

Speaking Friday after an inspection of sections one and two alongside lawmakers, Umahi responded to criticism about flooding and depressions on the corridor. He clarified that the water seen along the median results from the design’s future railway provision, not a defect.

“The median area spans about 25 meters—essentially another dual carriageway—and was meant for trains,” he explained. Since railway work has not begun, the contractor has been instructed to install drainage within the median and link it to the existing system.

Umahi acknowledged minor depressions may collect rainwater but said corrective actions are underway. “I take responsibility for those slight depressions, and we are fixing them. There is no need for worry,” he stressed.

He rejected speculation that the coastal road might be abandoned, noting significant progress in just two years: “Section one, 47 kilometers with six lanes, is complete—ahead of its three-year timeline. Section two, 55 kilometers, will be largely finished by November.”

Work is advancing on sections three and four in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, and Ondo states. Umahi noted that challenging terrain and environmental rules have required redesigns and route adjustments. “Engineering adapts. In some protected forest areas, international regulations block construction, so we create alternative alignments,” he said.

He praised Hitech Construction for continuing work despite delayed payments, calling it a true partnership. “Few companies show such commitment under these circumstances.”

Umahi also reported progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and other major roads in Kebbi, Oyo, Gombe, and Akwa Ibom. He reaffirmed that all four legacy projects under President Bola Tinubu will meet their 2031 deadline. “These projects will be completed on time. We have reputable contractors like Hitech, Infouest, and CGC,” he concluded.

The Nigerian Air Force has intensified its campaign against insurgents and bandits in the country’s northwest, conducting precise attacks on their hideouts as part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1. These missions, carried out over two days, demonstrate the military’s commitment to eliminating threats and ensuring peace in the region.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF’s public relations chief, the airstrikes on June 18 and 19 targeted a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the joint operations area. Intelligence-led operations in Kidandan also resulted in the neutralization of terrorists who were detected moving in the area.

Following the strikes, reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed that no further terrorist activities were taking place. The air force continues to provide aerial surveillance to support ground troops and ongoing operations across the theater.

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, has stressed the importance of combining air power with ground operations. “Decisive air power achieves its greatest impact when fully integrated with surface actions,” he stated. The NAF remains dedicated to using intelligence-driven strategies alongside ground forces to eliminate terrorists, safeguard civilians, and restore lasting security in the northwest.

Babafemi Ojudu, a former aide to the president, has raised alarms about potential voter disenfranchisement during the ongoing gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. He reported encountering significant delays at his polling unit due to faulty equipment from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Taking to X, Ojudu explained that despite being the first person in line at his polling station, his biometric details could not be captured even half an hour after accreditation commenced. He described this situation as completely unacceptable and urged INEC to resolve the issue promptly.

According to Ojudu, if the very first voter requires thirty minutes to be processed, it raises serious concerns about how many hours will be needed to handle the hundreds of other voters who are patiently waiting to exercise their democratic rights. He expressed hope that this malfunction is an isolated case rather than a statewide problem, warning that if not addressed immediately, many citizens could be disenfranchised, casting a dark cloud over an election that should inspire confidence and trust. Ojudu called on INEC to act swiftly to rectify the situation.

Jubril Oladapo Gbadamosi, widely recognized as Officer Woos, has strongly disputed reports suggesting his apprehension for drug-related offenses. The Nigerian online personality, through his legal team Versed Attorneys, dismissed the allegations as baseless and damaging to his career and public image.

In a statement released on Saturday, the content creator described the circulating news as fabricated, asserting that it constitutes defamation and a deliberate effort to tarnish his reputation. The reports, which emerged on Thursday, claimed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had arrested Officer Woos for importing a significant amount of bread and brownies laced with cocaine from Mexico.

His legal representatives demanded an immediate and unconditional retraction from all platforms and individuals responsible for spreading the misinformation. They also insisted on a public apology within 48 hours, posted on the same channels where the false statements were originally published.

Officer Woos, who transitioned from content creation to bread manufacturing in 2025, has yet to receive any official confirmation or denial from NAFDAC or the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) regarding the alleged arrest. Despite the silence from authorities, the comedian is taking a firm stance to protect his integrity.