Author: Gabby

In a significant political move, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has formally aligned himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Thursday at the party’s secretariat in Ondo City, where the state APC chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, alongside other party leaders and supporters, officially received him.

Mimiko’s defection marks a notable development in the state’s political landscape, as he holds the distinction of being the first governor in Ondo’s history to complete two terms in office. This transition comes after a wave of his loyalists had earlier moved to the APC in 2025, which many observers interpreted as a precursor to his eventual switch to the ruling party.

The former governor’s decision is largely seen as part of broader realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, reinforcing the APC’s influence in the region. Political analysts suggest that this move could significantly reshape the dynamics of Ondo politics and the party’s strategies for upcoming polls.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has successfully completed the screening of three senatorial candidates and 131 contenders for the state House of Assembly positions, marking a significant step towards the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Jos after the exercise, the chairman of the screening committee, Tyem Gideon Nanden, confirmed that the cleared aspirants will now proceed to the party’s primary elections scheduled for next Wednesday.

Nanden revealed that many of the candidates emerged through consensus arrangements, including those vying for the three senatorial seats in the state. He named the senatorial aspirants as Johnbuil Shekarau (Plateau South), Timothy Golu (Plateau Central), and Formson Godson Dalyop (Plateau North), all of whom were selected via consensus.

Additionally, all House of Representatives hopefuls were chosen through consensus, except for the Langtang North/South federal constituency, which remains contested. Meanwhile, 131 individuals are seeking tickets for the 24-member Plateau State House of Assembly.

Nanden also disclosed that five governorship aspirants from the state are undergoing screening in Abuja. They include Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, Sarpya Danielo, Sunday Biggs, Alfred Dapal, and Alex Ladam.

Addressing speculation about internal divisions, Nanden dismissed reports of factionalism within the PDP, asserting that the party remains unified under the leadership of National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. He ruled out the possibility of any breakaway group fielding candidates, emphasizing that the PDP continues to be recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress and former National Agricultural Land Development Authority executive secretary, Prince Paul Ikonne, has articulated reasons why Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, will not retain his position in the upper legislative chamber come 2027.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ikonne asserted that the senator’s constituents across Abia State have collectively decided against his re-election after nearly two decades in the Senate, citing a lack of visible developmental achievements in the district during his tenure.

Ikonne remarked, ‘Senator Abaribe is effectively heading home. After 20 years in the Senate, there simply aren’t any tangible results. You can search the entire Abia South and you won’t find a single constituency project attributed to him. Interestingly, Abia South serves as the economic engine of Abia State and the entire Southeast region, given that Aba is the commercial hub. Moreover, it is the oil-producing zone of the state. Yet, there is nothing to show for it. So, he’s already on his way back, and some groups are even advocating for him to receive a traditional title to take over a community in his local government area.’

Ikonne, who recently announced his own intention to contest the senatorial election in Abia State, also predicted that following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election in 2027, the Southeast would be entitled to a full eight-year presidential term.

In a series of coordinated missions under Operation DESERT SANITY, forces from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully liberated six women and children and taken into custody several individuals believed to be cooperating with terrorist networks. The operations occurred across multiple locations within the North East region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the media information officer for OPHK, the rescue took place on May 12 following a targeted air interdiction mission near the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved on a suspected terrorist crossing point close to Amuda, where they found the abductees. The victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya. They had been seized from Ngoshe community during an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on March 3, 2026.

After their rescue, the group was taken to a military medical facility for medical attention. They were later reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda. In a separate development on the same day, troops stationed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area apprehended a 40-year-old woman, Hauwa Bulama, on suspicion of having links with terrorist elements. Items recovered from her included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes. Initial investigations suggest she was en route to Gezuwa to meet four of her children who are allegedly members of a terrorist group. She has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further inquiry and possible prosecution.

Furthermore, personnel from Sector 2 OPHK, with assistance from military intelligence, arrested two more suspects—Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17—during a follow-up operation in Damaturu. These arrests were connected to an earlier operation that intercepted a suspected ammunition courier named Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was allegedly trying to supply ammunition to terrorist groups. Preliminary findings indicate that Adiza had been assigned to collect the ammunition from the courier and deliver it to a terrorist commander. The suspects remain in custody as efforts continue to track down the commander and recover the ammunition.

The Joint Task Force has reiterated its dedication to ongoing campaigns aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, freeing kidnapped civilians, and restoring peace in the North East. The military high command praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational tempo in the fight against insurgency.

On Wednesday, residents of Agbado, a community in Lagos State, marched to the premises of Ikeja Electric to voice their anger over an extended electricity blackout. The protest, which was predominantly led by women, saw demonstrators blocking the main entrance to the distribution company’s office, demanding an immediate end to the power crisis.

The outage, which has lasted for several weeks, has severely hampered local businesses and disrupted daily life. Households have been forced to rely on expensive alternatives such as generators and inverters, placing a heavy financial strain on families. Many residents expressed frustration that they had lodged multiple complaints with Ikeja Electric but received little to no response or explanation about when normal service would resume.

The protesters carried placards and sang songs of solidarity, calling on government authorities to step in and ensure a permanent fix to the electricity problems in the area.

In response, officials from Ikeja Electric urged the crowd to remain patient, attributing the blackout to technical faults. They assured the community that repair work was in progress and that power would be restored as soon as possible.

This demonstration highlights the growing discontent in parts of Lagos over persistent electricity supply failures and the severe economic toll that extended blackouts take on both homes and small businesses.

Advocates in Ogun State are urging authorities to integrate Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Safe Termination of Pregnancy (SToP) framework. They highlighted that women with disabilities often suffer fatal consequences from unsafe abortions due to neglect.

During a meeting on inclusive SToP guidelines in Abeokuta, community leaders, NGOs, healthcare workers, and activists raised concerns. Paul Bennett, head of The Rainbow Alive Hub Initiative (TRAHI), said the gathering aimed to pinpoint obstacles faced by PWDs and push for policy improvements.

Bennett praised Ogun for launching SToP guidelines to protect women but noted the policies overlook marginalized groups like disabled women, those with mental health issues, and substance users. He emphasized that a policy gap leaves visually impaired or non-verbal women vulnerable—if impregnated, they cannot identify the perpetrator or access abortion services easily.

God’s Gift Udoh, TRAHI’s Program Director, stated that although SToP guidelines theoretically cover all women, awareness and execution fall short for PWDs. He called for collective action to meet the SDG 2030 goal of leaving no one behind.

Dr. Michael Ebonhor, Chair of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ogun, demanded that PWDs be classified as vulnerable and granted free health insurance. He criticized inaccessible clinics, derogatory language from medics (e.g., “with this condition, who impregnated you?”), and stereotypes that deter PWDs from seeking care.

Ebonhor urged continuous training for health professionals and bridging information gaps, as many disabled girls lack knowledge of where to get help. He also noted that pursuing justice for rights violations is prohibitively costly, causing many to abandon cases.

Another participant, Adeosun Olufemi, advocated for broader awareness campaigns reaching rural areas. He recounted an instance where a deaf-mute woman was raped but couldn’t identify the attacker, underscoring the silent suffering of PWDs.

In response, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, said the government is recruiting sign language interpreters for public health centers and has installed ramps and accessible toilets in 75 facilities. He assured that PWDs are a top priority and comprehensive reproductive health services are available. “Your choice to have sex or a relationship and decide what to do about pregnancy is respected. We offer family planning and trained health workers—no need to visit quacks,” he stated.

Mrs. Olekanma Funminiyi, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Ministry of Women Affairs, affirmed the government’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all women, including those with disabilities.

The Plateau State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed claims that Fulani communities are involved in land grabbing across the region. In a statement released on Thursday, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the allegations as baseless and lacking evidence.

According to MACBAN, the accusations are a deliberate attempt to paint the Fulani as aggressors and incite attacks against them. The group argues that such narratives are one-sided and overlook the suffering endured by Fulani pastoralists over the years.

Babayo highlighted that Fulani settlements in areas like Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have faced repeated attacks, forced evictions, and destruction of property. He noted that many families have been displaced from ancestral lands due to persistent violence and insecurity.

The chairman further lamented that while Fulani communities are accused of land grabbing, they have actually lost vast tracts of land, homes, and livestock without receiving any compensation or justice. Thousands of cattle have been stolen or killed, and numerous homes have been burned down, leaving women and children displaced.

MACBAN emphasized that Fulani people are law-abiding Nigerians entitled to constitutional rights, including the freedom to live and conduct legitimate business anywhere in the country. The association called for a balanced approach to addressing the crisis, urging the Plateau State government, security agencies, and traditional leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could worsen tensions.

They appealed for equal protection and fair treatment for all communities, regardless of tribe or religion, and stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, mutual respect, and honest dialogue. MACBAN also warned against unfounded accusations that could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in the state.

The Imo State Police Command has officially dissolved the Tiger Base Unit, a well-known tactical squad, along with other units such as the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad. In their place, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has been established to enhance the command’s ability to tackle violent crimes effectively.

State Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso unveiled the VCRU at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, stating that the move aligns with the Inspector-General of Police Olatunj Rilwalu Disu’s directive to strengthen operational capacity and response to violent crimes nationwide. Bosso explained that forming the VCRU became essential following the disbandment of earlier tactical units with animal symbols, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit referred to as Tiger Base.

The VCRU reflects ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at enhancing professionalism, accountability, and service delivery. After inspecting the new squad alongside other security heads and stakeholders, Bosso emphasized that the unit underscores the command’s dedication to professional policing and public safety across the state.

Personnel for the VCRU were chosen based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience. They have undergone rigorous specialized training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance, and professional conduct to ensure lawful and effective service delivery.

To promote transparency and accountability, the command also inaugurated the Civilian Oversight Board (COB), which will monitor the VCRU’s operations and channel public complaints to the Police Commissioner. State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by his Chief Principal Security Officer Gboyako Shaba Adamu, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s continued support for security agencies in maintaining law and order.

The event was attended by top government officials, security heads, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and others. Highlights included the unveiling of the VCRU logo and operational dress code, with the command urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support the unit.

According to command spokesperson Henry Okoye, the VCRU is tasked with proactively combating violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms through intelligence-led policing and rapid response operations. The unit will also strengthen collaboration with communities and sister security agencies. The command reiterated its commitment to professional policing, protecting lives and property, and ensuring sustained peace and security across the state.

Stakeholders at the event advised the newly formed unit to operate with a human face and avoid actions that could bring it into disrepute.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to enhance telecommunications services across the country, responding to widespread complaints about poor network quality. In a statement from Nnenna Ukoha, the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, the NCC acknowledged public frustration over dropped calls, slow internet, and unreliable data services in many regions.

Telecom services have become vital for business, education, healthcare, and daily communication, the NCC noted, emphasizing that consumers deserve reliable service and value for money. Over the past two years, improving Quality of Service (QoS) has been a top regulatory priority, with intensified oversight of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers, and Tower Companies to address structural barriers.

The commission revealed that operators made significant infrastructure investments in 2025. Mobile Network Operators spent over N2.13 trillion, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion in network expansion and upgrades nationwide. These investments led to the addition or enhancement of over 2,800 telecom sites, including faster 4G and 5G services, expanded fibre backhaul, and increased capacity in urban and underserved areas.

In 2026, operators have committed to deploying and upgrading over 12,000 more sites, with nearly 3,000 already completed and more than 730 new 5G sites rolled out across 27 states. The NCC also highlighted efforts to improve spectrum efficiency by reallocating unused radio spectrum among major operators to boost performance.

Recent QoS assessments show gradual improvements in coverage, capacity, and download speeds. 4G penetration has risen from 45 percent in January 2024 to 54 percent currently, while median download speeds increased from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps. However, the regulator admitted that some areas still suffer from poor service, congestion, and unstable connectivity, requiring operators to accelerate their efforts.

External factors like vandalism, theft of infrastructure, fibre cuts, and power outages continue to affect network performance. In 2025 alone, over 27,000 preventable fibre-cut incidents were recorded, often due to road construction and vandalism. The NCC is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and combat telecom equipment theft.

Operators must now promptly inform consumers during major outages and restore services within set timeframes, with reports logged through the Major Network Outages Reporting Portal. Enforcement of the Quality of Service Regulations 2024 began in November 2025, and operators failing to meet standards will face penalties, including consumer compensation and additional investment demands.

The commission urged all levels of government and host communities to help protect telecom infrastructure and create an enabling environment for continued investment. “The expectation is unequivocal: the industry is now required to deliver tangible improvements, and the Commission will persist in enforcing compliance for the benefit of consumers and the broader economy,” the statement concluded.

The Association of Legislative and Advocacy Drafting Practitioners (ALDRAP) has formally challenged an Abuja Federal High Court ruling that barred it from awarding the Blue Silks rank to non-litigation lawyers. In a notice of appeal filed on Thursday, the association argued that the presiding judge, Justice Omotosho, overstepped by granting a relief not requested by any party in the case.

Justice Omotosho’s verdict, delivered earlier this month, imposed a permanent injunction stopping ALDRAP and its Executive Secretary, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, from continuing the conferment of the Blue Silks designation, known as Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN). The rank was introduced by ALDRAP as an alternative to the traditional Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title, which is awarded by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the LPPC had opposed the Blue Silks initiative, labeling it unlawful and warning that lawyers who accept it could face disciplinary action for professional misconduct. In response, ALDRAP had approached the court seeking protection for its members’ rights and to prevent interference with its activities.

However, the court sided with the respondents, issuing an order that ALDRAP now contends was not sought in any of the pleadings. Dr. Jaja, in a statement, emphasized that the appeal relies on the established legal principle from the case of Odofin vs. Agu (1993), which holds that a court cannot grant reliefs not demanded by the parties.

ALDRAP further argued that the trial judge disregarded a previous ruling by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on January 27, 2026, which stated that both the NBA and LPPC lack authority over matters outside the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962. The association also asserted that the judge overlooked correspondence dating back to 2021, in which ALDRAP informed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the LPPC, and the NBA that the Blue Silks rank is akin to a fellowship for members who meet specific criteria.

Additionally, the group claimed the judgment failed to consider that Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provide legal backing for the SCN rank. In line with the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, ALDRAP has instructed its legal team to file the appeal and a stay of execution motion, seeking to suspend enforcement of the decision pending the outcome of the higher court’s review.

Dr. Jaja affirmed that by filing both documents, ALDRAP has secured sufficient legal cover to continue using and conferring the Blue Silks rank without interruption.