Category: News

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has expressed concerns over reports of electoral material diversion during the recent All Progressives Congress primaries in Benue State, warning that such incidents could undermine the party’s internal electoral credibility.

Speaking on Friday shortly after his arrival at Makurdi Airport, ahead of the APC presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, the former Benue State governor appealed for unity among party members, urging them to prioritize the collective interest of the party over personal ambitions.

Akume stated, “The presidential primaries are taking place tomorrow. We are here to mobilize support for our dear president. He is doing very well. I have assured him repeatedly that he has no issues in Benue State.” He added, “In this country, his performance, commitment to patriotism, and inclusive governance speak in his favor. In a democracy, there will always be dissenting voices, but the truth is his work is remarkable and has been approved by most Nigerians. We are confident that tomorrow our people will vote massively for Mr. President.”

Addressing complaints that followed the earlier APC primaries in Benue, the SGF revealed he had received numerous allegations of election material diversion and other irregularities. However, he noted, “I was not here during the last election. I received many reports about diversion of materials and other issues, but since I was not present, I prefer not to comment extensively.”

Akume urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation, insisting that disagreements from the primaries should not cause divisions within the APC in the state. “I want the APC to be a united family, as we originally intended. Those of us who are founding fathers of the party do not want factions. We are certain that come 2027, Mr. President will return to the Villa,” he said.

He further called on relevant authorities and security agencies to investigate the allegations surrounding the primaries and ensure that anyone found guilty faces appropriate sanctions. The SGF also appealed to APC members and supporters in Benue to remain peaceful and participate actively in the presidential primary election.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has formally accepted his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary for the 2027 election, viewing the outcome as a testament to his administration’s achievements. Seeking a second term from 2027 to 2031, Alia emphasized that the strong backing from party members signified their trust in his leadership and developmental vision.

The primary, conducted on May 20, 2026, was announced at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi by the committee chairman, Prof. Mohammed Kabiru Isa. Alia secured 367,786 votes, far ahead of his nearest rival, Dr. Terwase Orbunde, who garnered 3,247 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Alia called for unity, extending an olive branch to other aspirants and urging them to collaborate for the party’s success in the 2027 general elections. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a fair process, and praised the APC leadership for conducting a peaceful primary.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Alia noted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrialization, and digital innovation. He cited the revival of industries like the Zeva Premium Beer brewery and Oyi Bitters, and the construction of over 500 kilometers of roads, including underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko. In healthcare, the Benue State University Teaching Hospital was upgraded, and more than 100 primary healthcare centers were rehabilitated.

On education, Alia mentioned the construction or remodeling of over 400 classroom blocks and the recruitment of more than 10,000 teachers. The newly established Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology aims to equip students with practical skills. In digital transformation, partnerships with Microsoft and Google are training over 10,000 youths in ICT, along with e-governance training for civil servants.

Alia called for peace across political, ethnic, and religious lines, pledging to govern transparently and accountably. He described his nomination as a call to greater service rather than personal triumph.

Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has asserted that his proposals for Nigeria are more effective than those of President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the activist criticized the current leadership, stating that their strategies have led the country into a cycle of hardship, crime, and despair. He questioned whether Nigerians should continue supporting the same figures while ignoring candidates with transformative solutions. Sowore, who ran for president in 2019 and 2023 without success, reiterated his commitment to offering fresh ideas to address the nation’s challenges.

Engineer Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the newly elected governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, has promised to expand on the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq if he emerges victorious in the general election. Speaking after his primary victory on Friday, Danladi emphasized that his win was a collective success for all aspirants and party members.

The State House of Assembly Speaker expressed gratitude to God and highlighted the unity within the APC, stating that there were no losers in the primary. He also thanked the people of Kwara for their support, particularly those from Kwara North. Danladi acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for backing his candidacy, noting that this marks the first time since 1999 that a candidate from the Borgu Kingdom has secured the governorship ticket of a ruling party.

He praised Governor AbdulRazaq as a man of his word and a transformer, lauding his performance across various sectors. Danladi, who has served as Speaker for nearly seven years, said he has been integral to the administration’s policies and vowed to ensure the continuity of the governor’s legacy for a better Kwara State.

A Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku has set July 29, 2026, as the date for delivering its verdict in the case of three individuals charged with the kidnapping and murder of Elozino Joshualia Ogege, a university student. The trial, originating from a 2019 charge, faced numerous adjournments before concluding.

The court reserved its decision after all legal teams presented their final written arguments. S. C. Okehielem Esq., representing the first defendant, called for an acquittal, asserting that the prosecution did not prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Similarly, Cosmas Ogugua Esq., representing the second defendant, and Ben Okoh Esq., counsel for the third defendant, both requested the court to dismiss the charges against their clients.

During the proceedings, it was noted that a fourth accused, Robinson Obajero Ojokojo, who was identified as a native doctor, passed away while the case was ongoing. On the prosecution side, the Delta State Solicitor-General, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, along with Funkekeme Junior Solomon, argued that the evidence clearly demonstrated the defendants’ guilt and urged the court to convict them on all charges.

The accused—Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Nwosisi Benedict Uche, and Enaike Onoriode—face allegations related to the abduction and killing of Elozino Ogege in November 2018. The victim, a 300-level Mass Communication student at Delta State University, Abraka, was reportedly taken and murdered in a case the prosecution linked to ritual practices. Her death sparked widespread outrage and drew national attention to violence against women and safety in academic institutions.

The upcoming judgment on July 29 is expected to conclude one of the most prominent criminal cases in Delta State in recent years, offering a measure of closure to the community and the victim’s family.

In a decisive counter-terrorism operation, Nigerian troops successfully thwarted an attempted assault on a military facility in Tungushe, Borno State, leading to the neutralization of numerous ISWAP fighters. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 22, saw soldiers from Operation Hadin Kai repel the attackers after a fierce firefight.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared details via his X handle, citing military sources. Following the failed attack, troops launched a clearance and exploitation mission around 6:00 a.m., recovering an array of weapons and supplies abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. Among the items seized were a mobile phone, three AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, five PKT ammunition belts, a locally made grenade, spent cases of PKT and 7.62mm ammunition, head warmers, slippers, clothing, and fuel.

Based on blood trails, the intensity of the exchange, and intelligence assessments, military sources estimate that at least 15 terrorists were killed during the encounter. The troops’ morale remains high, with a continued commitment to sustaining operations across the region.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is ramping up efforts to tackle hypertension and other non-communicable diseases through a new initiative focused on reducing sodium intake and promoting healthier eating habits nationwide.

On May 19, 2026, the ministry conducted a courtesy and technical visit to the Kano State Ministry of Health to foster collaboration on adopting and executing the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines. The meeting saw participation from senior Kano State officials, including Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, as well as representatives from the federal ministry and development partners like Resolve to Save Lives.

Dr. Yusuf hailed the sodium reduction effort as a crucial step in combating hypertension and cardiovascular ailments that burden many Nigerians. He emphasized the appropriateness and urgency of this intervention for preventing and managing non-communicable diseases, and reaffirmed Kano State’s commitment to localizing the guidelines.

Mr. Femi Stephen, speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted that state governments are essential to achieving the nation’s sodium reduction goals. He explained that the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines aim to cut sodium consumption by 30 percent by 2030 through a phased, multi-sectoral approach that includes public education, collaboration with the food industry, and policies promoting healthier options.

The ministry noted that excessive salt intake is a primary driver of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, making sodium reduction one of the most cost-effective public health strategies. It urged states to weave sodium reduction into primary healthcare, school meal programs, food safety systems, nutrition initiatives, and community awareness efforts.

Officials agreed to bolster collaboration by setting up state-level coordination mechanisms, strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, and advocating for healthier diets to reduce the impact of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff, delivered a powerful message during a special Juma’at service marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary. He asserted that without the divine grace and favor of God, the service’s achievements over the past seven decades would be unattainable.

Abbas reflected on the Navy’s journey, acknowledging that divine intervention has been a constant force through both peaceful times and periods of hardship, as well as moments of triumph and challenge. According to him, God’s strength has enabled the Navy to fulfill its constitutional duties effectively.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force, playing a critical role in Nigeria’s national security and providing support to other African nations. Abbas highlighted the significance of the maritime environment, which supports key economic activities such as oil and gas extraction, international trade, and fisheries.

The Chief of Naval Staff credited the Navy’s personnel for their resilience and dedication, which have led to a notable reduction in maritime insecurity within the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria’s territorial waters. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.

Abbas extended his gratitude to both serving and retired officers and ratings, praising their patriotism and sacrifices. He noted that their professionalism and loyalty have built a legacy of honor and excellence for future generations. He also paid tribute to fallen heroes who gave their lives in defense of the nation, urging that they be remembered with deep reverence.

He called on all personnel to use the 70th anniversary as inspiration to strive for greater professionalism, discipline, innovation, and selfless service. Abbas stressed that the responsibility of advancing the Navy rests on everyone, and they must remain steadfast in enhancing operational capabilities to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and contribute to national security and economic prosperity.

In conclusion, Abbas appealed to Nigerians to continually pray for the officers and ratings of the Navy, as well as all members of the Nigerian Armed Forces deployed in various operations within and beyond the country.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to finishing all ongoing development initiatives across the state, despite the prevailing political tensions. Speaking during an inspection of a 7.1-kilometer bypass road near the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday, Fubara emphasized that the project remains a priority.

The bypass road, launched in December of the previous year alongside the airport road commissioning, aims to provide an alternative route for communities near the airport. Fubara explained that frequent protests by host communities, which often led to roadblocks over disputes with airport authorities, made the project essential. “We consistently faced situations where the community would block the airport road to express grievances against the airport management, causing significant disruptions to movement and economic activities,” the governor remarked.

Fubara noted that the bypass will separate community traffic from airport operations, ensuring smoother access for residents and uninterrupted travel to the airport. “Once completed, the community will have its own entrance, leaving the airport road exclusively for airport-related traffic,” he stated.

The governor disclosed that construction is approximately 65 percent complete, with contractors expected to finish the road before October. He assured residents that no project would be abandoned, regardless of the political climate. “We promise the people that every good work we have started, by God’s grace, we will continue and complete,” Fubara declared, reiterating his focus on delivering meaningful infrastructure for Rivers State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Osun State has announced the deployment of 555 personnel for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Corps Commander Sunday Tayo Adebayo, leading the Osun sector command, disclosed this initiative on Friday through a statement by the sector’s public education officer, Agnes Ogungbemi.

In addition to the staff, the FRSC will also mobilize three ambulances, two roadside clinics, one tow truck, and fifteen patrol vehicles to ensure safety during the festivities. This operation aligns with directives from FRSC headquarters for the Sallah period.

Commander Adebayo explained that the week-long operation will run from May 25 to May 31, 2026, involving both the sector command and its unit commands. He emphasized collaboration with other uniformed agencies to manage vehicular movement effectively.

“This season will be bustling with activities as we manage traffic flow throughout the festive period,” Adebayo stated. “Our week-long operations conclude on May 31, 2026. There is no better time than now to emphasize road safety.”

The FRSC boss highlighted the corps’ statutory role in clearing road obstructions and analyzing causes of road traffic crashes (RTCs). He noted that FRSC aims to mitigate risks and propose solutions to enhance road safety and the well-being of Nigerians.

All resources from the sector command and its units will be fully utilized across the state. Adebayo urged motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel, obey traffic rules, and adhere to speed limits. “We cannot do it alone,” he said, calling on media partners to disseminate safety messages to homes, offices, and places of worship.

“Road safety is everybody’s business. We must unite to prevent needless loss of lives. Behind every road safety statistic lies a human being—a child, parent, colleague, or loved one. Route violations, wrongful overtaking, speeding, and overloading must cease,” he added.