Category: News

In the ongoing presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aspirant Mohammed Hayatudeen has exercised his voting right in Jare, Borno State. He is vying for the party’s presidential ticket alongside notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

On Monday, Hayatudeen shared on his X handle that he cast his vote in Jare, Borno, for the ADC primary. He emphasized that his candidacy aims to provide Nigerians with a fresh direction, asserting that defeating the current president in next year’s election requires offering the country a new path. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, he noted, and the ADC faces similar crossroads. Hayatudeen declared his readiness to guide both his party and the nation toward a more secure and prosperous future for all citizens.

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has raised the alarm over an alleged scheme involving Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, aimed at fracturing President Bola Tinubu’s electoral base in the South ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at the APC presidential primary result announcement in Abeokuta, Osoba warned party members not to be deceived by the President’s strong showing in the primary.

According to Osoba, there is a covert strategy to erode Tinubu’s support margin in the southern region. He emphasized that complacency would be dangerous, stating, ‘Many believe we have no challengers, but that is a false sense of security. The adversaries are numerous.’ Osoba pointed to Obi’s emergence, Jonathan’s quiet maneuvering, and Makinde’s recent actions as evidence of a coordinated effort to split the southern vote.

Osoba urged the APC to remain vigilant and not underestimate the opposition’s tactics. He described the situation as a ‘strong gang-up’ against the party, with multiple candidates being positioned to draw votes away from Tinubu in the South, thereby weakening his overall electoral strength.

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Tever Akase, the former media aide to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, leveled serious criticisms against Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday. Akase argued that Alia’s comments about inheriting salary debts contradict President Bola Tinubu’s earlier statements on the state of the economy.

Governor Alia had previously claimed that his predecessor left behind a massive backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions, which he has been forced to manage. However, Akase refuted this, insisting that Ortom only failed to pay salaries for five months out of his eight-year tenure. He emphasized that Ortom managed 91 out of 96 months successfully, despite inheriting a N160 billion debt from previous administrations, including N72 billion in salary arrears and over N100 billion in contract obligations.

Akase drew attention to President Tinubu’s remarks made in Kigali, where the president noted that 27 states were unable to pay salaries before fuel subsidy removal, labeling the economy as fake. He also reminded that during a visit to Benue State after the Yelewata attack, Alia denied the death toll of over 200, which was confirmed by no less than the Pope. During a town hall, Tinubu asked governors if they were borrowing to pay salaries after subsidy removal; they all said no, due to increased federal allocations to states.

Using Benue as an example, Akase highlighted that under Ortom, the state received an average of N3 billion per month, while Alia now gets nearly N20 billion—an increase of over 700%. Despite Nigeria experiencing two recessions, Ortom managed to pay salaries for 91 months out of 96. He also paid N42 billion of inherited pension arrears, which had accumulated from previous administrations. Therefore, Akase concluded that labeling Ortom a failure is inaccurate and unfair.

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to release a groundbreaking declaration on artificial intelligence, as the Vatican steps into the global conversation about the ethical challenges posed by the rapidly advancing technology.

The document, known as Magnifica Humanitas—which translates to Magnificent Humanity—will be officially presented at the Vatican on Monday, May 25, 2026. This marks the first significant teaching of his papacy dedicated to exploring the effects of AI on human dignity, labor rights, and broader societal well-being.

Vatican insiders have indicated that the manifesto will tackle critical concerns such as the dangers of autonomous weaponry, widespread surveillance, digital disinformation, and the growing impact of algorithms on daily life. Pope Leo has consistently voiced his alarm over the prospect of machines being entrusted with life-and-death decisions, advocating for technology that enhances human existence without replacing it.

Vatican officials emphasized that the document aims to provide guidance on ensuring AI remains a tool for the common good rather than a threat to humanity’s core values. The release is anticipated to spark discussions among global leaders, technologists, and ethicists about the moral boundaries of artificial intelligence.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has mobilized a total of 1,889 personnel throughout Kano State as part of a dedicated patrol initiative in anticipation of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festivities. This announcement was made on Sunday via a statement from Abdullahi Labaran, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Sector Command.

The deployment encompasses both regular and special marshals, with operations scheduled to run from May 25 to May 31. Sector Commander Idris Lawal emphasized that the primary goal is to enhance road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and alleviate congestion during the holiday period. Lawal noted that such patrols are standard practice during festive seasons when road traffic typically surges.

To ensure swift emergency responses, the command has positioned 24 patrol vehicles, four ambulances, one heavy-duty tow truck, and two motorcycles at key locations across the state. Unit commanders and officers in all 44 local government areas have been instructed to maintain comprehensive coverage throughout the operation.

Enforcement teams will focus on violations such as speeding, reckless driving, overloading, using mobile phones while driving, and operating vehicles with worn-out tires or mechanical defects. Mobile courts have been set up to prosecute offenders, while rescue teams remain on standby for emergencies.

The FRSC urged motorists and other road users to adhere to traffic regulations, exercise patience, and avoid behaviors that could lead to crashes. The public is encouraged to report any accidents or road emergencies via the FRSC emergency line, 122, for prompt assistance.

Lawal extended his wishes for a peaceful and accident-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration to all residents of Kano State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recommended that drivers traveling along routes connecting Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory adopt the Kachia-Bwari road as an alternative to reduce congestion and enhance travel safety.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed conveyed this advice, calling on commuters to exercise caution and work with traffic officials tasked with managing movement on busy highways.

Mohammed highlighted that the Kachia-Bwari route offers a safer option, particularly for those heading toward the FCT and neighboring areas, given the increasing traffic strain on primary roads.

He stressed the importance of adhering to traffic laws, refraining from reckless overtaking, speeding, and impaired driving, and emphasized that road safety should remain a top priority for everyone.

“Drivers must prioritize safety, follow traffic regulations, and avoid behaviors like speeding, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, and other infractions that can result in preventable accidents,” he said.

The FRSC also reassured travelers that personnel have been stationed to monitor traffic flow and assist, as part of initiatives to cut down on crashes and ease movement.

The Katsina State Government has disclosed that a former top aide to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, recently tied to a kidnapping ring, had been suspended well before the accusations emerged.

The former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, identified as Garwa, is alleged to have orchestrated the abduction of an eight-year-old child in Katsina metropolis. However, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, clarified in a Monday statement that Garwa’s suspension preceded these allegations.

According to the statement, Garwa was initially suspended due to accusations of misappropriating empowerment supplies meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.

Governor Radda expressed dismay over the involvement of a public figure with political ambitions in such criminal activities, calling the syndicate’s actions deeply unfortunate.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, often abbreviated as MDCN, has officially authorized the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO). This significant milestone was revealed over the weekend by an insider within the institution. The same approval extends to the training of House Officers at the associated teaching hospital located in Otukpo.

This decision comes shortly after a period of uncertainty and student demonstrations, during which MBBS candidates voiced their worries regarding the accreditation status of the medical program. Their protests had stirred considerable attention within the academic community. With this recent endorsement from the regulatory body, those concerns are expected to be resolved, paving the way for enhanced medical education and clinical training at both the university and its hospital.

The Kwara State Police Command has publicly condemned the brazen assault on the Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area, labeling it as both cowardly and desperate. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, targeted the police divisional headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Seriki.

According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the armed criminals launched a simultaneous attack at approximately 2:00 a.m. During the assault, a section of the Emir’s palace was set on fire, and ten individuals, including two of the Emir’s wives, were kidnapped.

However, police operatives stationed at the Yashikira Divisional Headquarters successfully repelled the attack on the station, preventing further casualties. In response to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered an extensive intelligence-driven operation involving the police, military, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security agencies. The combined forces are tasked with combing the surrounding forests and criminal hideouts to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators.

The commissioner has vowed that the command will not be intimidated by acts of terror from bandits or any criminal elements within the state. He emphasized that the command is fully prepared to confront these enemies of peace using all lawful operational resources and strategies. “These criminals have declared war on peace-loving citizens, and we are ready to hunt them down relentlessly. We will deploy every operational capacity to smoke them out, dismantle their networks, rescue all abducted victims, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law,” the CP declared.

Meanwhile, the command has assured residents of Yashikira, Kaiama LGA, and the entire state that security operations have been intensified in vulnerable areas. Ongoing efforts include enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and aggressive bush-combing operations to track down the criminals and prevent future attacks.

In a proactive move to ensure safety during the Sallah festivities, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stationed 2,480 officers across Kwara State. The deployment, announced on May 25, 2026, aims to protect lives, critical infrastructure, and maintain peace before, during, and after the celebrations.

The Kwara State Commandant, Mr. Umar Mohammed, confirmed that personnel have been strategically placed at worship centers, recreational areas, markets, motor parks, and other high-risk public spaces. He emphasized collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful holiday.

“Our mandate is to safeguard lives and national assets,” Mohammed stated. He also urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security post for immediate action.