Author: Gabby

The Adamawa State local government elections, held on Saturday to elect chairmen for 21 councils and councillors for 226 wards, were marked by a noticeable lack of voter enthusiasm and reports of delayed or missing electoral supplies. Despite these setbacks, the exercise proceeded without any major security incidents across the state.

Several voters and officials noted the poor turnout at polling stations. Hon. Jibril Jimeta, the incumbent chairman of Yola North Local Government Area, who voted at Yelwa Ward and is seeking re-election, remarked that while participation was lower than expected, the distribution of materials was generally acceptable. He acknowledged that voter apathy is a persistent issue, even during national elections.

Alhaji Muhammed Umar, chairman of the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), which conducted the polls, confirmed receiving complaints about late or non-delivery of election materials in some locations. He assured the public that his team was investigating these reports and taking corrective steps to address any irregularities.

Overall, the electoral process was calm, with no incidents of violence or unrest reported in any of the hundreds of wards involved. Observers gave a passing grade to the conduct of the election, citing the peaceful atmosphere as a positive aspect despite the logistical challenges and low voter engagement.

In a surprising political twist, the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council, representing key constituencies in Ebonyi State, has publicly disowned their native son, Governor Francis Nwifuru. Instead, they have thrown their weight behind Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the PDP candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. This decision was announced following a stakeholders’ meeting in Abakaliki on Saturday, with Barrister Emmanuel Nwibo serving as the council’s spokesperson.

The council, which includes leaders from Ohaukwu, Ishielu, Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Izzi, Ikwo, Ezza South, and Ezza North local government areas, voiced deep concerns over the state’s current trajectory. They lamented what they perceive as declining governance, economic hardship, high youth unemployment, and a notable slowdown in developmental projects. The communiqué stressed that future leadership must be based on competence, integrity, and a proven track record, rather than on zoning or political affiliations.

According to the statement, the days of trial-and-error leadership are over. The overriding criteria for selecting the next governor should be capability, vision, and a dedication to good governance. The council also called on the state government to urgently address pressing economic issues, including the rising cost of living and lack of opportunities for businesses.

The group praised Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as the most credible alternative, citing his private sector background and leadership qualities as assets that can revive the state’s economy. They urged him to remain steadfast despite political opposition and criticism. The council also announced its formal recognition as a socio-cultural platform committed to fostering unity, development, and good governance among the Umuekumenyi people.

The Labour Party has expressed appreciation for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to add its candidate to the roster of contenders for the Enugu North senatorial by-election. Originally, the party and its nominee were absent from the official list released by INEC for the upcoming polls scheduled for June 20, 2026.

In a statement issued by Ken Eluna Asogwa, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, it was highlighted that despite fulfilling all legal and constitutional requirements, the Labour Party was inexplicably left out when INEC first published the approved participants for the by-elections nationwide. This omission has now been addressed following constructive dialogues with the commission’s leadership, resulting in the reinstatement of both the party and its candidate.

Asogwa noted that the party is fully geared up to contest the election and deliver genuine, people-focused representation to the constituents of Enugu North for the remainder of the 10th Senate term. He further remarked that INEC’s prompt corrective action demonstrates its commitment to accountability and reinforces public confidence in the electoral system.

The Labour Party extended its gratitude to supporters, members, and well-wishers who raised concerns and sought clarification about the party’s participation. Their vigilance and unwavering dedication are deeply valued, the statement added.

As the campaign period enters its final stretch, the Labour Party wishes success to all its candidates competing in the Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South-East, and other by-elections across the country. The party remains optimistic that the results will not only favor its candidates but also strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes and bolster citizens’ trust in elections.

The remains of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, were interred in Katsina on Saturday following funeral rites attended by a large gathering including family members, military personnel, government officials, and local residents.

According to a post by crisis reporter Bakatsine on his X handle, the burial took place after the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired officer died while in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife on May 30 along the Matazu axis of the state.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, stated that security authorities received information indicating the retired general died while in the custody of his abductors.

Officials reported that Abubakar succumbed to complications from diabetes and hypertension, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure his release from the kidnappers.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the death as a painful loss for both Katsina State and Nigeria, emphasizing that the general’s decades of dedicated service to the nation made his passing a significant blow.

Mourners gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects as the retired military officer was laid to rest following Islamic funeral traditions.

A prominent financial analyst and educator, Kalu Aja, has voiced sharp criticism of the current administration’s strategy for tackling Nigeria’s escalating security crisis. He contends that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being misled by advisors who downplay the severity of the situation.

In a social media post on Saturday, Aja challenged the prevailing narrative that the insecurity is primarily political in nature. He warned that such a perspective could lead to complacency and allow the crisis to worsen unchecked.

He posed a rhetorical question, asking if the United States would be conducting military operations if their security challenges were merely political. He further argued that paying ransoms to criminal groups only incentivizes more kidnappings and attacks.

While acknowledging that some politicians might be involved in the insecurity, Aja insisted that the government must focus on directly confronting insurgents and criminal elements. He believes that addressing insecurity would not only improve public safety but also boost the economy and earn the government public support.

Aja called on the federal government to immediately halt all non-essential spending, especially projects unrelated to health and human services, and redirect those funds toward security operations. He urged the deployment of the entire armed forces, paramilitary agencies, and anti-graft bodies into forests and other criminal hideouts for a massive three-month campaign to eliminate insurgent and bandit threats.

According to him, treating insecurity as a political problem and failing to act decisively will only allow the crisis to spread further across the country.

He stated, “The President is listening to poor advice. They are telling him that the insecurity is political, which is code for ‘ignore it; it will automatically disappear after 2027.’ So, the US is bombing politicians? Paying ransom, whenever you do so, only increases insecurity; bad incentives also have their effects. Let’s assume they are correct and that politicians are actually involved in insecurity. Addressing insecurity will win votes and boost GDP, so go after the insurgents. Suspend all spending unrelated to health and human services, and mobilise the entire armed forces and paramilitary groups, including the EFCC, into the forests. Launch a massive three-month campaign to clear everything out. Ignoring this as mere politics will only allow the problem to spread. A stitch in time saves nine.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the recall of certain Impala brand gel nail polishes due to the presence of a hazardous chemical. The alert follows a notification from Brazil’s health regulator, ANVISA, which identified the substance Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) in these products.

TPO is not permitted in cosmetics, personal care items, or perfumes in Brazil because of its potential health hazards. According to NAFDAC, exposure to this chemical may lead to allergic reactions, as well as increased risks of cancer and reproductive harm.

The affected items, manufactured by Laboratório Avamiller de Cosméticos Ltda., include Impala Plus Gel, Impala Gel Esmalte, and other variants. ANVISA has mandated the withdrawal of all impacted batches from the Brazilian market. While the recall is currently limited to Brazil, NAFDAC is closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria and will take appropriate regulatory steps if these products are found locally.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled nail polishes are advised to discontinue use immediately and store them safely away from children. NAFDAC also encourages the public to report any adverse effects to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s online reporting platforms.

Acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has leveled serious accusations against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, claiming the facility is deliberately blocking a coroner’s investigation into her son’s passing. She alleges that negligence in medical treatment was followed by attempts to hide the truth.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Adichie explained that she felt compelled to speak out after what she termed persistent hold-ups and legal maneuvers by the hospital to hinder or derail the inquest. She noted that Euracare originally pushed for a court-ordered inquiry in January, citing concerns about “rumors of negligence,” but later reversed course and tried to shut it down through legal action.

Adichie pointed to discrepancies in how the hospital documented the cause of death. According to her, the initial explanation pointed to complications from sedation during a procedure, but the official death certificate later listed meningitis—a diagnosis she contests. She also stated that hospital officials admitted mistakes shortly after the incident and pledged to hand over medical records and staff reports, which she claims were either delayed, incomplete, or never provided.

She accused the facility of issuing contradictory public statements and engaging in what she described as strategies to shift blame and slow down the investigation. Her legal team, she said, faced obstacles when trying to obtain full medical records, and the documents eventually turned over were, in her assessment, lacking important details.

Adichie said that the drawn-out legal and administrative proceedings have deepened her family’s anguish and stripped them of privacy, stressing that the inquest is crucial for uncovering the truth behind her son’s death. “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing. Did this really happen? My precious son, Nkanu Nnamdi. My KanKan, my diokpala. The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that,” she wrote.

She added: “I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it. I do not want anyone mentioned to be personally targeted. I have erased two names and left two for clarity and credibility. Since the letter was sent in April, Euracare has become uglier.”

A legal expert and Chief Operating Officer of UBIIJUS Intelligence, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, has strongly condemned the recent protest call by social media influencer Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). He argued that such actions could jeopardize national security and stability.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Agbomhere emphasized that Nigeria’s security troubles demand collective patriotism and active collaboration with law enforcement, not street demonstrations or anti-government sentiments. He warned that VDM’s rhetoric could undermine public trust in government institutions at a crucial juncture.

Agbomhere expressed dismay at Nigerians who celebrate VDM, describing him as someone who thrives on online insults and mocking a nation facing serious security issues. He said, “It deeply disturbs me to see some naive and unpatriotic citizens embracing VeryDarkMan, whose only talent is online abuse and ridiculing our country in the midst of complex security problems. Calling for protests against insecurity or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not patriotic; it encourages chaos and national instability.”

The lawyer noted that insecurity arises from multiple causes, including weak law enforcement, poverty, unemployment, poor education, communal conflicts, drug abuse, greed, and the desire for quick riches. He stressed that tackling these requires a united front rather than political agitation. Agbomhere, author of “Nigeria’s National Security Challenges,” highlighted that the solution lies in stronger citizen-security agency cooperation through credible intelligence and community watchfulness.

He praised the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, Office of the National Security Adviser, Homeland Security adviser, FRSC, NSCDC, and other emergency agencies. “Despite ongoing challenges, Nigerians must recognize the dedication and sacrifices of those who risk their lives daily for the nation. Their work deserves not just praise but active public support,” he stated.

Security cannot be solely the government’s burden, Agbomhere argued. “No security system, no matter how advanced, can succeed without citizen backing. Given Nigeria’s vast size and modern threats, people must stay alert and report suspicious activities. Timely tips from the public are among the best crime prevention tools,” he added.

Drawing parallels with the UK and US, he noted that citizens in advanced democracies often act as the first line of defense through vigilance and police cooperation. The lawyer accused certain political figures of using insecurity as a platform for partisan gain ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that inflammatory language could spark widespread tension.

Acknowledging Nigerians’ right to free expression, Agbomhere insisted that these rights “must be exercised responsibly to foster peace, unity, and national progress.” He urged public officials, security personnel, and law enforcement to remain committed to crime prevention and justice.

Concluding, he called on Nigerians to maintain faith in the country’s institutions, emphasizing that overcoming insecurity requires patience, resilience, and sustained teamwork. “Nigeria will overcome its security hurdles if citizens, communities, and government bodies work together for the national good. This is a time for unity, patriotism, and collective action—not division. Together, we can build a safer and more secure nation for all,” he said.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military head of state of Nigeria, has officially stated that MKO Abiola’s death was not a result of poisoning. In his recently released autobiography titled ‘Call of Duty’, the retired general provides new insights into the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s demise.

The book, which spans 27 chapters and 264 pages, was unveiled during a ceremony marking the author’s 84th birthday. The event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honour.

According to Abdulsalami, an international team of pathologists from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Nigeria conducted a thorough autopsy on Abiola’s body. The comprehensive examination concluded that the activist’s death was due to natural causes, contradicting long-held suspicions of foul play.

Abiola passed away on July 7, 1998, while in detention. He had been held since 1994 after declaring himself president. The fatal incident occurred during a meeting with a US delegation that included Tom Pickering and Susan Rice.

The autobiography reveals that Abiola had been battling significant health issues for years. As early as 1994, when he was first arrested by the Abacha administration, it was widely known that he suffered from hypertension and a heart condition. These pre-existing ailments, Abdulsalami emphasizes, severely impacted his quality of life and ultimately contributed to his death.

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has once again criticized Nigeria’s governance, highlighting the country’s persistent electricity crisis as a clear failure of policy. Speaking about her upbringing and its impact on her political views, she argued that Nigeria’s oil wealth has not translated into tangible benefits for its people.

Badenoch stated that despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria has never achieved reliable electricity supply. She described this paradox as evidence of poor decision-making, where valuable resources remain untapped due to misguided public policies. She remarked that having resources underground is one thing, but using them effectively requires smart governance.

She also drew comparisons between the policies she opposes in the UK and those implemented by past military regimes in Nigeria. According to her, excessive state control and wealth redistribution strategies often lead to economic stagnation. She emphasized that her childhood experiences in a developing nation continue to shape her approach to economic management and governance.