Author: Gabby

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has leveled accusations against Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, alleging that the awarding of contracts for two flyover bridges in Benin City violated procurement laws. The group has vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the matter.

In a communiqué released after its second general meeting on May 2, 2026, in Benin City, the CRPP expressed concerns about the lack of financial transparency and accountability in the contract awards. The first flyover at Ramat Park, Ikpoba Hill, was launched on November 19, 2024, with an 18-month completion timeline, while the second at Adesuwa Junction, Sapele Road, was started on October 15, 2025. Both projects were awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.

The CRPP, citing the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), has demanded that the Edo State Government disclose the contract sums, the newspapers where bids were advertised, the list of bidding companies aside from CCECC, and the role of First Bank in the projects. The communiqué, signed by National Chairman Dr. Samson Isibor, also criticized Governor Okpebholo for inviting media personalities and a musician to inspect the projects at taxpayers’ expense.

The group described the governor’s claims of being the best-performing Edo governor as propaganda, asserting that his administration is the least effective since the state’s creation. They also dismissed the government’s assertion of tolerance for opposition, citing instances where a commissioner allegedly abused and stigmatized them.

Despite acknowledging the flyover projects as positive developments, the CRPP insisted that Edo citizens have the right to know how contracts are awarded. They pledged to invite the EFCC to scrutinize the contracts, which they described as shrouded in secrecy.

The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive step to address the escalating xenophobic violence against its citizens in South Africa by forming a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives. This committee, led by the National Assembly leadership, is tasked with conducting a diplomatic mission to South Africa to find lasting solutions to the recurring attacks.

Lawmakers revealed that the delegation will meet directly with the South African Parliament to officially express Nigeria’s concerns over the mistreatment of its nationals. The Senate also plans to reach out to the Speaker of the South African Parliament, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs will update legislators on diplomatic efforts.

The resolution emerged from a motion on urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Bassey, which highlighted the worsening xenophobic persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana. The motion called for immediate national, diplomatic, and humanitarian action to protect the dignity and safety of Nigerian citizens.

During debates, senators voiced alarm over the rising violence, psychological trauma, and discrimination faced by Nigerians abroad. One lawmaker noted that the issue goes beyond physical attacks, encompassing a system of profiling and dehumanization.

The Senate also revisited the 2019 bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa, following a motion by Senator Simon Lalong, and urged their full implementation to prevent further escalation. A proposal to revoke operational licenses of South African firms like MTN and DStv, made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was dismissed on procedural grounds.

The Senate President emphasized diplomacy over economic retaliation, stating that while the attacks are deeply concerning, the response should prioritize diplomatic engagement. He assured that the matter would be treated urgently.

A brief disagreement arose when Senator Aliero proposed a closed-door debate, but Senator Ningi and others opposed, insisting on transparency. The session concluded with a minute of silence for Nigerians killed in the attacks.

In response to an assault on one of their own, physicians at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara have initiated an indefinite work stoppage. The action stems from an incident involving Dr. Adja Harrison, the immediate past president of the hospital’s chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD).

Witnesses say Dr. Harrison was slapped and then set upon by a group during a tense blockade of the hospital’s access roads. The doctor had earlier parked his vehicle inside the hospital grounds and escorted his children through a pedestrian exit to school. Upon returning, he observed the scene from a distance and reportedly made a calm request that a motorcyclist not headed to the hospital be allowed to pass. This plea allegedly sparked hostility, leading to the physical attack before bystanders intervened.

Dr. Harrison was subsequently rescued and taken to a safe location. Medical examination later revealed injuries to his right ear, including bleeding and signs consistent with trauma to the eardrum caused by blunt force. Following an emergency congress, the ARD declared a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike encompassing all categories of doctors.

The doctors’ union is demanding a written apology from the host community, enhanced security measures, guarantees against future assaults, full medical care and compensation for the victim, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible. The ARD emphasized that the strike will persist until all these conditions are satisfied.

In a press statement, the ARD strongly condemned what it described as an unprovoked attack on Dr. Harrison, noting that it reflects a broader pattern of insecurity faced by healthcare workers in the area. The union pointed to repeated instances of intimidation and threats that have forced many doctors to reside in nearby towns such as Sapele, Warri, and Benin City, highlighting the urgent need for a safer working environment.

The management of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has strongly condemned a recent violent incident in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, where staff were physically assaulted and the company’s office was invaded.

In a statement released by the Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, the company emphasized that such attacks on employees performing their lawful duties are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The incident involved suspected criminals forcefully entering the Biu office, assaulting staff, vandalizing property, and setting company vehicles on fire.

YEDC also reported that several operational assets were stolen during the raid, including service cables, meters, computers, refrigerators, television sets, and other office equipment. The company noted that these actions severely disrupt service delivery and pose significant risks to electrical infrastructure and personnel safety. As a result, operations in Biu have been temporarily suspended.

Citing Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023, YEDC highlighted that assaulting utility workers and vandalizing power infrastructure are criminal offenses. The company urged customers to channel their complaints through established and lawful means, warning that violence could lead to service withdrawal and legal action against perpetrators.

YEDC reaffirmed its dedication to providing safe, reliable, and efficient electricity services and called on all stakeholders to help protect critical power infrastructure and personnel. The safety and well-being of its employees remain the company’s top priority.

Prince Allwell Nwandu, an Aba native based in Houston, Texas, has announced that the upcoming Umu Aba Reunion Worldwide Convention, set for July 24–25, 2026, is designed to be a transformative event for the Aba community worldwide. He emphasized that the gathering will not only bring people together but also foster unity and initiate honest discussions on the collective development of Aba and Abia State.

Nwandu, a key organizer, revealed that the convention will feature lectures, workshops, and professional sessions covering medical, economic, political, and social topics. He stated that the event goes beyond a simple reunion, creating a platform for generating ideas, solutions, and shared responsibility. In an era where progress relies heavily on collaboration and diaspora engagement, such a gathering is crucial. It provides an opportunity for Aba indigenes across the globe to reconnect with their roots in a practical, not just emotional, manner, while exploring investment opportunities, sharing knowledge, and supporting long-term community growth.

Nwandu highlighted that Aba has always been a hub of enterprise and creativity, and this spirit must be continually strengthened through sustained engagement. He stressed that no community can advance without the active involvement of its people. While the government can provide structure and direction, lasting development occurs when citizens take responsibility for creating the future they envision.

He acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the governor of Abia State, noting that Otti’s leadership has restored a sense of direction and confidence in the state, particularly in governance, infrastructure, and economic renewal. This progress is gradually changing perceptions and making it easier for investors and diaspora indigenes to reconnect and contribute meaningfully. As a result, individuals like Nwandu have chosen to base their real estate, construction, and development companies in Aba, and are also launching educational initiatives to nurture children from early learning stages while equipping young people and adults with practical skills in crafts and healthcare.

The goal, according to Nwandu, is to build capacity that supports real life and sustainable development. The Umu Aba Reunion Worldwide Convention is therefore more than an event; it is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of Abia State through connection, investment, and commitment.

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has ruled that Bashir Mohammed Saidu, the former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-accused, Ibrahim Murktar, must present their defence in a N155 million money laundering case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Justice Rilwan Aikawa rejected the no-case submissions filed by the defendants, stating that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring their response. He emphasized that the evidence produced by the ICPC was sufficient to compel the accused to provide explanations.

Bashir Saidu, who also served as Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, and Ibrahim Murktar face four counts linked to violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The ICPC alleges that Murktar, a cashier in the Ministry of Finance, withdrew N155 million in multiple cash sums from the state’s Exchange Gain Account.

According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were delivered in cash through a proxy for Saidu’s benefit, bypassing official financial channels. The transactions are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. During the trial, which began after the defendants’ arraignment on January 21, 2025, the prosecution presented two witnesses and multiple exhibits before closing its case.

The defendants argued that the evidence was insufficient to warrant a defence, but the court disagreed. The next hearing is set for June 22, 2026, when the defendants will begin presenting their case.

The ICPC has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing corruption cases to their conclusion, aiming to promote transparency and accountability in public service.