Author: Gabby

Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has launched a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu’s first three years in office, calling them a period of catastrophic failure and gross incompetence. Speaking on News Central Television on Friday, Dalung took aim at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for celebrating what he described as a deeply troubled anniversary.

According to Dalung, the Tinubu administration has inflicted unprecedented hardship on Nigerians, marked by soaring hunger, poverty, and widespread trauma. He argued that the third anniversary of the government has been overshadowed by a worsening economic crisis and growing public discontent.

“In the history of this country, citizens have never endured such terrible conditions,” Dalung said, adding that he wishes these three years could be erased from Nigeria’s national calendar. His remarks come amid a wave of criticism from opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, who earlier accused Tinubu of presenting a “report card written in hardship and tears of kidnapped children.”

Dalung’s strong words reflect mounting frustration with the government’s performance, particularly on economic management and security. He concluded by emphasizing that the administration’s failures are not just administrative but have deeply wounded the nation’s social fabric.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027, has declared that his campaign will focus on substantive ideas rather than personal attacks. In a statement released on Friday, he emphasized that the upcoming election will not be about empty rhetoric or divisive language, but about concrete solutions and effective governance.

Atiku, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stressed that Nigerian citizens have endured enough unfulfilled promises and hardship. He asserted that what the country urgently needs is leadership that demonstrates genuine competence, compassion, accountability, and a sincere commitment to the public welfare.

The former vice president outlined his vision for a campaign driven by innovation and problem-solving, not by propaganda or insults. He promised to assemble a team of top professionals, technocrats, and experienced experts to guide the next administration. According to Atiku, this approach will restore merit-based decision-making, elevate expertise in public service, and ensure that every major policy is rooted in national interest and integrity.

“By the will of God and with the mandate of the Nigerian people, my government will bring together the best minds across the nation,” Atiku said. “We will rebuild trust by prioritizing competence over slogans and results over empty promises.” He concluded by urging Nigerians to reject politics of division and embrace a future built on accountable and capable leadership.

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has issued a clarion call for Nigerians to vote out the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. He described the current state of the nation as dire and in need of urgent political change.

Speaking at the Social Democratic Party (SDP) national convention and presidential primaries held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State, Olaitan highlighted the severe challenges confronting the country. He noted that insecurity has reached alarming levels, with banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal conflicts making life unbearable for citizens.

“Our people cannot sleep with both eyes shut because of the ceaseless wave of insecurity,” Olaitan stated. “Farmlands have become killing fields, and hope has turned into fear.”

The Afenifere leader also condemned the economic situation, pointing to soaring prices of essential goods, widespread unemployment among youths, and the daily struggles of farmers and traders. “The economy has sunk to its lowest point. Basic commodities are out of reach for ordinary families,” he added.

Olaitan accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of undermining democracy by fracturing opposition parties and stifling dissent. “The APC government is nervous about constructive criticism and has been breaking any identifiable opposition into factions, eroding the multi-party system,” he charged.

He emphasized that the suffering in Nigeria is not an act of God but a direct consequence of poor policy decisions and neoliberal economic strategies that prioritize market forces and elite comfort over the welfare of the masses. “The hardship is man-made. It stems from wrong choices,” Olaitan asserted.

Calling on Nigerians to see the 2027 election as a choice between the ruling party and the people, Olaitan urged voters to rally behind the SDP, which he described as the party best equipped to deliver social justice, economic recovery, and democratic inclusion. “The SDP reflects the values of equity and concern for the masses. It is not just another party; it is the vehicle for genuine change,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong denial regarding a viral video that has been circulating online, which falsely claims to be connected to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. According to an official statement released on the police’s verified social media pages, the footage is entirely unrelated to the incident and appears to originate from outside the country.

The police emphasized that the video is being deliberately shared to mislead the public, create unnecessary alarm, and spread falsehoods. The statement further clarified that the clip does not depict any event tied to the Oyo school kidnapping and urged citizens to disregard it.

In addition to debunking the misinformation, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that security agencies have ramped up their efforts to rescue the abducted victims. Enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic operational deployments are now in place to ensure the safe recovery of all individuals taken during the attack.

Members of the public are strongly advised to rely solely on verified information from official sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed content that could fuel panic and confusion. The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and urged everyone to cooperate by reporting suspicious materials online.

Engr. Sunny Oche, the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, has lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering focus on advancing Benue State as the governor reaches his third anniversary in office. Speaking on behalf of the Ado LG administration and its residents, Oche emphasized that Alia’s tenure exemplifies visionary leadership, accountability, and a steadfast dedication to statewide progress.

In his commemorative statement, Oche highlighted how the governor has effectively steered transformation across essential sectors while enhancing the lives of citizens, calling these efforts truly commendable and motivational. The council chairman further noted that Alia’s accomplishments showcase a deep passion for public service and a clear vision to reposition Benue for enduring growth.

Oche also recognized the governor’s personal sacrifices, steadfastness, and unyielding resolve in guiding the state toward stability and advancement. He added, “As you celebrate this milestone, we honor your perseverance and unwavering commitment to steering our beloved state toward progress.” The chairman concluded by wishing Alia greater wisdom, strength, and divine direction as he continues his leadership journey, and extended warm congratulations on his three years of service.

Human rights advocate and former presidential contender Omoyele Sowore has strongly supported the push for a N500,000 minimum wage across Nigeria, taking aim at what he calls reckless expenditure by elected officials. In a statement released through his official platform, Sowore dismissed the notion that the country lacks the financial means to increase worker compensation.

Referencing unverified reports about Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and allegations tied to campaign financing, Sowore argued that the same resources available for political activities could and should be redirected to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “If there is money for politicians, there must be money for workers,” he declared.

The activist further asserted that demanding a N500,000 minimum wage is not unreasonable. Instead, he identified the core issue as a political elite that treats public money as their own personal stash while millions endure hardship. “The problem is a political class that treats public funds as private property while millions of Nigerians suffer,” the statement read.

Sowore concluded that Nigeria’s economic struggles stem more from corruption and skewed priorities than from any genuine scarcity of funds. He called for a fundamental shift in how national resources are allocated, insisting that workers deserve a fair share of the nation’s wealth.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made a heartfelt appeal to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging him to put aside personal grievances and join the collective effort to reshape the state. Speaking during the annual Hawan Nassarawa event on Friday, Yusuf emphasized that the primary focus should be on the welfare and progress of Kano, not individual ambitions.

“I invite him to think of Kano first, set aside personal concerns, and become part of our team for peace and a renewed Kano that promises stability and advancement,” the governor stated. He noted that during a recent program, nearly all key figures were present except Kwankwaso, pointing out that even governors who had disagreements with their deputies managed to set aside their differences for the occasion.

Yusuf stressed that his administration’s core mission is to foster unity and build a great Kano, and he expressed gratitude to the Emir of Kano for his wise guidance. However, he made it clear that his humility stems from a genuine connection with the people, not weakness. “I have never been afraid of anyone. My calmness is not cowardice but a reflection of my good character and closeness to the masses,” he said.

Reflecting on the state of affairs when he took office, Yusuf mentioned that many systems were in disarray, which prompted his administration to implement corrective measures without creating hostility. He recounted how they successfully prevented killings and conflicts, such as the crisis from two years ago, which led them to avoid the Hawan Daushe event. He assured the Emir of his continued support and hinted at a forthcoming durbar celebration that would be extraordinary.

The governor also addressed internal government issues, stating that while 85% of his advisers are performing effectively, the remaining 15% are attempting to cause disruptions. “Be warned, we are monitoring you. Soon, you will face the repercussions of your destructive actions,” he cautioned.

The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions, demolishing 17 illegal structures and sealing 52 buildings across the state. This enforcement action is part of a broader initiative to uphold physical planning regulations and restore order in the built environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Oluyinka Olumide, revealed these figures during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja. He presented the ministry’s achievements in the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

According to Olumide, the enforcement followed investigations into numerous public complaints and disputes regarding property development. The ministry’s Technical Services Department handled 987 complaints during the review period, resolving 399 through mediation and compliance, while 519 remain under investigation.

“We removed 17 structures and sealed 52 others for various planning violations,” Olumide stated. He noted that these interventions have reduced litigation, minimized conflicts from enforcement, and boosted public trust in the state’s development control efforts.

Beyond enforcement, the ministry completed three key planning documents: the Lagos Island Model City Plan, the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the Revised Badagry Master Plan. These frameworks aim to guide infrastructure, land use, and sustainable urban growth.

Monitoring and compliance activities were stepped up in housing estates and developing communities, with 205 estates inspected to ensure adherence to approved layouts and regulations. To protect residents from fraudulent real estate schemes, the ministry published details of 176 illegal estates operating without approved plans, advising buyers to verify approvals before investing.

Olumide also announced that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority processed 21,603 permit applications between June 2025 and March 2026, approving 17,279. A 60-day amnesty from October to December 2025 attracted 7,198 applications, leading to 4,113 approvals.

A major milestone was the launch of the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS), a digital platform enabling online permit applications. This innovation enhances transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business in Lagos.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to hoteliers and event center owners in Abuja, directing them to conduct business exclusively with political parties officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This directive aims to prevent unauthorized organizations from using these venues for political activities.

In a statement released Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, the administration emphasized that all event spaces and hotels must verify the legitimacy of any group seeking to rent their facilities. Failure to comply would result in severe penalties, including the possible revocation of land titles for the properties involved.

The FCTA stressed that land parcels within the Federal Capital Territory are allocated solely for lawful purposes. Allowing illegal political groups to gather on these premises could threaten the peace and security of the capital city. Consequently, the use of event centers, hotels, and other public buildings will be closely monitored to ensure they are not exploited by unauthorized organizations.

Property owners are now required to keep accurate records of all transactions and confirm that any group renting their space is a legally recognized political entity. The statement warned that noncompliance would attract sanctions, with the ultimate penalty being the cancellation of title documents for the affected properties.