Author: Gabby

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that the APC-led administration never assured Nigerians of instant transformations. Speaking at the inauguration of a seven-kilometer road and bridge project in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday, he emphasized that the government committed to delivering what he described as ‘structural, calculated and deliberate progress’ under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

His remarks come amidst widespread public frustration over soaring living costs, largely triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies and other recent policy shifts. Akpabio insisted that the administration is faithfully implementing its long-term governance strategy.

‘When we assumed office, we did not promise you miracles that would materialize out of nowhere. We pledged structural, calculated, and deliberate progress,’ he stated. He added, ‘We promised a Renewed Hope Agenda that would impact every Nigerian, not just in economic figures but in the tangible reality of their daily hardships.’

Laolu Akande, a former aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has called on Diezani Alison-Madueke to come back to Nigeria and address the corruption allegations against her. Speaking during a Friday interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief,’ Akande stated that her acquittal by a UK court does not absolve her of legal responsibilities in Nigeria.

He emphasized that the former Minister of Petroleum Resources still has unresolved cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Akande, the ex-minister should seize this opportunity to return and defend herself in her home country, where multiple properties linked to her have already been forfeited through court orders.

The UK court’s decision to clear Alison-Maduewe of all charges has been described as ‘exciting news’ by Akande, but he stressed that the legal battles in Nigeria remain. He urged her to face the EFCC cases, noting that the time is ripe for her to clear her name on home soil.

Since leaving office in 2015, Alison-Madueke has faced numerous corruption probes both locally and internationally. The EFCC has successfully obtained several court-ordered asset forfeitures and has consistently sought her extradition from the UK.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has named Chief Superintendent of Police Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer, marking a strategic shift in the police’s communication unit. The announcement came via a statement on Friday from the outgoing FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.

Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, earned a degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo. His career includes extensive training in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, human rights-based policing, strategic communication, and intelligence analysis, equipping him for this key role.

Prior to this appointment, Iniedu led the Complaint Response Unit at Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he managed public grievance mechanisms and championed transparency and accountability. He also served as PRO for the Police College of Information Technology in Kobape, Ogun State, and held positions such as Operations Officer in Yobe State, Area Crime Officer in Abia State, second-in-command of the 50 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Kubwa, and officer in charge of the Force Headquarters Situation Room.

IGP Disu expressed strong confidence in Iniedu’s ability to steer the Force Public Relations Department, emphasizing that his background would enhance strategic communication and public engagement initiatives. The new FPRO can be contacted at 08128526154 or via his X handle, @cspiniedu.

The Benue State Government’s investigative panel has concluded its examination of financial records from 2015 to 2023, uncovering a staggering N139.8 billion in public funds that could not be accounted for. This discovery was made by the Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, which submitted its findings to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday.

Retired Justice Jubril Idrisu, who chaired the commission, revealed that during the eight-year period, Benue State generated over N826.5 billion in revenue and spent approximately N683.4 billion. The difference of roughly N139.8 billion represents funds that were either mismanaged or misappropriated, and the panel has recommended that these monies be recovered from those responsible.

The commission’s investigation, which covered both state government and the 23 local government councils, uncovered irregularities in loan agreements involving some councils and financial institutions. In several instances, loan repayments exceeded the original amounts borrowed, with insufficient documentation to justify the extra payments. The panel also traced suspicious transfers of public funds to various financial institutions, where proper authorization and proof of legitimacy were missing.

Justice Idrisu emphasized the need for stronger financial controls, particularly urging authorities to ensure that all online transactions are properly authorized and to halt the practice of issuing pre-signed blank financial mandates, which undermines transparency. He noted that the commission faced significant challenges, including reluctance from some individuals and institutions to cooperate or provide necessary information.

Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alia, Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode praised the commission for its thorough and courageous work. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to accountability and institutional reforms, stating that the findings would be used to strengthen public trust and ensure that those found culpable face consequences. The governor also apologized for logistical difficulties the panel encountered, attributing them to challenges inherited from previous administrations.

The report is expected to play a key role in ongoing efforts to improve financial management and transparency in Benue State, with future generations likely to view it as a vital contribution to good governance.

In a swift security operation, Nigerian troops have successfully rescued two herdsmen who were attacked by suspected militia forces in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victims sustained injuries during the assault and are now receiving medical attention.

The incident occurred on the evening of June 18 near the Rafin Bauna settlement, where the pastoralists were tending to their livestock when they came under fire. Upon receiving a distress signal, personnel from Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace mobilized immediately to the scene.

The soldiers engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush. A subsequent search operation led to the discovery of the two injured herders. The wounded individuals were identified as Yusuf Isiaku, who suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and Mubarak Lawan, who had minor injuries. Both were evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared details of the rescue on social media platform X on Friday, noting that the prompt response by the troops prevented further bloodshed. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of the attack.

The leadership of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has officially refuted claims circulating on social media that criminal elements are planning to storm the campus. In a statement released on Friday, the university described the information as baseless and capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among students, faculty, and parents.

According to the Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Anyaso Anyaso, the institution’s security team, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, conducted a thorough investigation and found no credible evidence supporting the alleged threat. The university reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its community, noting that security personnel are working round the clock alongside the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies, with enhanced patrols in place.

MOUAU warned against the misuse of social media to spread panic and urged students and staff to dismiss any fears and continue with their normal academic routines. The statement emphasized that the welfare of everyone on campus remains a top priority.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has issued a strict two-week deadline for its officers to eliminate criminal activities in Abuja’s city center. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi handed down this ultimatum during a meeting with the 17 Divisional Police Officers under the Metro Area Command.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the directive was part of a broader strategy to review and improve security operations. Sanusi highlighted several pressing issues, including traffic robberies, vehicle theft at gunpoint, the notorious ‘one chance’ syndicates, reckless driving, illegal motorcycle operations on major roads, vandalism, and traffic congestion.

The commissioner warned that DPOs must resolve these problems within 14 days or face consequences. He ordered the Metro Area Command to concentrate its efforts on the city center, while he personally supervises suburban security. He also cautioned against negligence and urged the Area Commander to provide effective leadership.

Residents were encouraged to support the police by reporting suspicious activities through emergency lines or their local police stations. The move aims to restore safety and order in Abuja amid growing public concern over rising crime rates.

In a move aimed at ensuring continuity and completing key reforms, President Bola Tinubu has approved a further six-month extension for the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. The decision was announced on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, a presidential media aide.

Adeniyi’s previous one-year extension, granted in 2025, was set to expire on August 1, 2026. The new extension will keep him in office until February 2027. According to Onanuga, the additional time is intended to allow Adeniyi to solidify the implementation of the National Single Window initiative and facilitate a smooth leadership transition within the Nigeria Customs Service.

During this period, Adeniyi, in collaboration with the NCS Board, will oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs. Additionally, the service will enforce the compulsory retirement of officers who have reached 60 years of age or completed 35 years of service.

Adeniyi began his career with the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s.

The House of Representatives has responded sharply to its Minority Caucus after they urged President Bola Tinubu to either tackle insecurity or step down. In a statement released Friday by spokesman Akin Rotimi, the House acknowledged the concerns but stressed that opposition lawmakers are part of the government and have a duty to contribute solutions.

Minority Leader Fred Agbedi had earlier called on President Tinubu to halt all 2027 campaign activities and focus on a six-month national security and economic recovery plan. He warned, “Lead or leave,” during a Wednesday press conference.

The House, however, noted that Nigeria’s security challenges are not new and cannot be resolved overnight. It pointed out that security agencies are making steady progress by dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnap victims.

Lawmakers were reminded that they possess constitutional powers to legislate and control budgets, urging them to propose concrete measures rather than resort to public grandstanding. The House emphasized that parliamentary accountability for national security is a shared responsibility, not limited to any caucus.

“Security remains a shared national responsibility that transcends political affiliation. Our duty as Parliament is not only to express concern but to ensure such concerns are translated into effective legislative and oversight actions that strengthen national security,” the statement read.

Public schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, saw a mass exodus of students on Friday, following a false alarm about a bandit attack raised by a local woman. The rumor caused widespread panic, leading many parents to keep their children at home as a precautionary measure.

Despite school staff being present, classrooms across the state capital—including areas like Oke-Oyi, Eleko-Afeyin, Zango-Kulende, Danialu, and Agbabiaka—stood empty. Even after the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, publicly dismissed the invasion claim and announced a manhunt for the woman who started the rumor, many families remained fearful.

One parent, who wished to remain unnamed, explained that the Thursday alarm had traumatized her, prompting her to refuse her children’s school attendance for safety reasons. The police commissioner warned that such false reports could lead to public disorder and vowed to hold the perpetrator accountable.

In response, Kwara State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, issued a statement on Friday reassuring parents of school safety. He noted that he had personally visited several schools and confirmed a peaceful environment. ‘I encourage all parents to send their children back to school without fear. Their safety is our top priority,’ he said. He added that the government is collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders to maintain a secure learning atmosphere.