Category: News

The Federal Government has once again confirmed the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) as the only chartered regulator for Human Resource practice across the country. This comes after the release of a new circular aimed at professionalising HR roles within the Federal Public Service.

The directive, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) under reference number HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230, dated May 14, 2026, sets mandatory certification requirements for staff serving in HR positions within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

According to the circular, which was signed by the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, MCIPM, this policy is part of broader reforms designed to boost professionalism, competence, ethical standards, and service delivery in the Federal Civil Service.

The circular specifically highlights certifications from CIPM and a select group of internationally recognised HR bodies, thus reinforcing CIPM’s unique role as Nigeria’s chartered and legally backed institution for regulating and advancing Human Resource Management.

Under these new rules, any officer deployed to HR functions in the Federal Public Service must hold an approved HR certification. A twelve-month grace period has been provided for current officers to obtain the necessary certification, after which only certified professionals can be assigned to HR roles within the Service.

Reacting to the announcement, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM, fnli, praised the government for this bold step toward institutionalising professionalism in the public sector. He said, “This circular marks a landmark policy that aligns Nigeria’s public service with global HR best practices. As the chartered institute legally empowered to regulate HR practice in Nigeria, CIPM fully supports this reform and insists that professional certification and ethical conduct are essential for effective people management in any organisation.”

Mallam Gobir also stressed that CIPM’s enabling law positions it as the authoritative body for setting standards, certifying practitioners, and maintaining discipline within the HR profession in Nigeria. “Although the circular recognises some international certifications, it is crucial to note that within Nigeria, CIPM alone holds the legal mandate to regulate HR practice. All practitioners working in Nigeria must align with CIPM’s regulatory framework.”

This policy is expected to significantly improve service delivery, promote merit-based appointments, and ensure that HR roles are filled by competent professionals with the right knowledge and ethical grounding to manage the country’s public workforce. The Institute encourages all HR practitioners, especially those in the public sector, to use the transition period to regularise their status and obtain CIPM certification. As Nigeria advances its public sector reforms, professionalising HR practice stands as a vital pillar for building a more efficient, accountable, and results-driven civil service, one that is grounded in global standards and strengthened by local regulatory oversight under CIPM.

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has paused a planned military strike on Iran following urgent appeals from key Arab leaders on Monday. The decision, announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform, came just a day before the attack was set to occur.

According to Trump, the offensive was initially slated for Tuesday, but he agreed to delay it after receiving requests from Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These leaders argued that meaningful negotiations are currently underway between Washington and Middle Eastern nations, as well as other parties.

The U.S. president emphasized that any eventual deal must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!” He confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine were instructed to stand down, but remain ready to launch a full-scale assault at a moment’s notice if negotiations fail.

This development comes less than 24 hours after Trump warned that time was running out for a diplomatic solution. Negotiations have stalled for weeks since a ceasefire was put in place.

Nollywood star Emeka Ike has officially declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives. In a video that has quickly gained traction online, the actor confirmed his plans to seek the Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency seat in Abuja, representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“My ambition is to run for the Federal House of Representatives under Bwari/AMAC Constituency in Abuja, and we intend to send a strong federal message,” Ike stated in the clip.

Asked what impact he hopes to make if voted in, the actor turned politician did not mince words. “If I have entertained you all as Nigerians, now I am ready for the real deal. It is time to block those who think they are the only ones with power. Let us rise, take control, and restructure our nation. We should not have to beg for what is rightfully ours.”

He went on to redirect his frustration: “I no longer hold anger toward our politicians—they have clearly shown they have no regard for us. My anger is now directed at you, the Nigerian people. Go and obtain your Permanent Voter Cards. That is the only outcry we need at this moment.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made public the roster of individuals vying for Senate seats who have been disqualified from taking part in the party’s primary elections.

According to a statement from Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the list was released to inform party members and the public about the outcome of the screening process.

In the statement, Morka explained that the screening was carried out by the party’s designated committees, strictly following the laid-down rules and procedures.

The APC urged all aspirants and their supporters to remain calm and respect the decisions made, emphasizing that the process was transparent and fair.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidacy for Ekiti Central ahead of the 2027 elections, running unopposed in the party’s screening process.

His nomination was confirmed in a list of approved senatorial aspirants for Ekiti State released by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Arugungu.

Other cleared candidates for the Ekiti South district include Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, former Senate Minority Leader Biodun Olujimi, and Bamidele Faparusi. For Ekiti North, the party approved Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Senator Ayo Arise, Oladipupo Bamisaye, and Chief Oluwadare Owolabi.

This marks Bamidele’s third consecutive term as the APC flagbearer for Ekiti Central, following his initial victory in 2019 when he defeated incumbent Fatimat Raji-Rasaki in a competitive primary. He also clinched the ticket uncontested in 2023, a feat attributed to his strong legislative record, constituency service, and oversight duties.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Senate, has accused state authorities of manipulating the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election. He claims that the panel tasked with overseeing the primaries has been taken captive by agents loyal to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

In a statement released by his campaign director, Ekene Kerry, Nwoko asserted that government officials are working to block his re-election bid. He specifically pointed to Okowa, who recently joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the mastermind behind the alleged scheme.

The campaign organization highlighted that state government appointees are reportedly serving as returning officers at ward and local government levels, manipulating results to favor Okowa. They also warned that supporters of Nwoko face threats of violence, but vowed not to be intimidated.

Nwoko’s team recalled that during the 2023 elections, Okowa lost Delta State to the Labour Party while Nwoko won his senatorial race. They argued that the people have already rejected Okowa and will do so again. The campaign called on the APC national leadership and security agencies to intervene and ensure a free and fair primary.

“Our supporters must not be cowed. They should come out peacefully and vote for Senator Ned Nwoko,” the statement concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the list of senatorial aspirants who did not pass the party’s screening exercise, and former Senator Ben Murray Bruce is among those named. According to DAILY POST, the APC on Monday published the names of candidates who will not be participating in the party’s Senate primary elections, scheduled to take place across the country on Monday.

Bruce, a former lawmaker representing Bayelsa East, is joined on the list by other aspirants from Bayelsa West and Bayelsa East districts. Specifically, Donald Daunemigita (Bayelsa West), Ben Murray Bruce (Bayelsa East), and Benson S. Agadaga (Bayelsa East) were all disqualified.

This development means these aspirants cannot proceed to the next stage of the nomination process unless the screening committee reviews or reconsiders their cases. The APC primary elections are set to hold as scheduled, and the party has yet to announce whether there will be an appeal process for those affected.

A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Daniel Onjeh, has announced his exit from the Benue South APC senatorial primary scheduled for the 2027 general elections. Onjeh disclosed this decision through a video statement made public on Monday, attributing his withdrawal to what he termed the ‘undemocratic nature’ of the primary process.

The former senatorial candidate described the move as tough yet unavoidable, given recent developments within the party in Benue South. ‘As promised, I have been keeping you informed about the Benue South APC senatorial primary. Now, I have arrived at a difficult but well-considered decision,’ he stated.

Onjeh, who identifies as a founding member of the APC in Benue South, highlighted his instrumental role in establishing the party in the region. He recounted his efforts during the party’s early days, which included mobilizing support and financing registration activities following the merger that formed the APC from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). ‘I traveled from village to village, engaging with okada riders, farmers, and everyday citizens. I spread the party’s message with the zeal of a Jehovah’s Witness. That is how we built the APC in Benue South,’ he recalled.

The APC stalwart expressed disappointment that his dedication and contributions to the party’s progress seemed undervalued. ‘Despite previous plots and intrigues against me, I stayed loyal to the party due to my commitment to its advancement. Regrettably, it now feels like all those sacrifices have been overlooked,’ he added.

Onjeh also mentioned ongoing discussions about his next political steps but confirmed that he would not take part in the Benue South APC senatorial primary. ‘I formally announce my withdrawal from the Benue South Senatorial Primary because of the undemocratic conduct that has marked the process,’ he declared.

The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his role in preventing internal conflicts before the party’s primaries, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to his consistent efforts in reconciliation and consensus-building across the state.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, APC Publicity Secretary Musa Sarkinkaji revealed that the governor and party leaders held numerous late-night meetings with aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders to forestall divisions that could have weakened the ruling party. “Governor Bago and the party leadership spent many sleepless nights working to reconcile aspirants, ensuring that primaries across Niger State were peaceful and credible. Their timely intervention helped avert crises and facilitated consensus in several key districts,” Sarkinkaji stated.

According to him, these interventions successfully eased tensions in major senatorial zones, leading to consensus agreements that circumvented the need for fiercely contested elections in certain areas. Specifically, in the Niger North Senatorial District, aspirants voluntarily stepped down to support Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, enabling the district to adopt an affirmation process rather than a competitive primary. Similarly, reconciliation in Zone B allowed Senator Sani Musa to continue unopposed via affirmation.

The APC spokesman confirmed that both Niger East and Niger North senatorial districts would now conduct affirmation exercises as a direct outcome of the governor’s reconciliatory moves. He noted that the party had over 100 aspirants vying for House of Assembly tickets across the state, a scenario that could have sparked serious internal disagreements without the prompt intervention of the governor and party executives.

Sarkinkaji pointed out that the only remaining contentious issue was in the Niger South Senatorial District, where multiple aspirants declined to step down despite several rounds of negotiations. In response, Governor Bago directed that the district proceed with open primaries, emphasizing that delegates must be free to choose the party’s candidate through transparent voting. “Although consensus proved elusive in Niger South due to the high number of aspirants, the governor insisted that delegates decide via transparent voting. The APC remains dedicated to free, fair, and peaceful primaries,” Sarkinkaji added.

He assured party members that strict measures have been implemented to guarantee the integrity of primaries in affected areas. Election officials were selected from within the districts to enhance trust and credibility. Sarkinkaji also cautioned against spreading rumors that could cause confusion or tension during the primaries, particularly concerning House of Representatives elections. He reaffirmed that the APC leadership in Niger State remains committed to unity, stability, and internal democracy as the 2027 political season approaches.

Violence erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Ondo State on Monday, as gunshots rang out across multiple wards in the Ondo Central Senatorial District. Suspected political thugs stormed the venues, causing chaos and endangering lives.

The attackers, believed to be backers of a rival aspirant, targeted Ward 5 Okelisa on Amudipe Street in Akure, the state capital. There, they assaulted supporters of the incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbomire, who is also vying for the party’s ticket.

Adegbomire had a narrow escape after his vehicle was struck by gunfire. Security personnel swiftly whisked him away from the scene as bullets flew. The thugs fired indiscriminately into the air and also shot at the senator’s car, leaving visible bullet marks.

Journalists covering the event, pupils from Ebenezer Primary School, and local traders were forced to flee for safety as the gunfire intensified. The assailants also wielded machetes, attacking voters and disrupting the vote-counting process at the ward.

Speaking to reporters, Adegbomire condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate sabotage. He claimed that the process was leaning in his favor before the thugs intervened. According to him, his supporters were being counted, and he had around 360 backers, while the other aspirants had fewer. When it became evident that he was leading, the thugs invaded.

Adegbomire alleged that the thugs were deployed to prevent his supporters from accessing the polling stations. He reported that similar attacks were occurring across the senatorial district, with his supporters being turned away and told to go home if they weren’t voting for a particular candidate. He accused the opposition of using hired thugs to intimidate voters.