Category: News

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially acknowledged that former House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda is a bonafide member of the party. This confirmation comes amid widespread speculation regarding his reported defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his involvement in the APC’s governorship screening process.

Chibuike Ikenga, the APC’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, made this known while fielding questions about Chinda’s entry into the governorship race under the APC banner. Chinda’s emergence as an aspirant on the APC platform has generated significant buzz, particularly given his recent prominence in the PDP and his role as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

Addressing the controversy in an interview with Daily Post, Ikenga stated unequivocally that Chinda has met all membership requirements of the APC. He emphasized that the party’s constitution permits any Nigerian to join at any time, including those seeking elective offices.

“He is a member of the APC,” Ikenga asserted.

Explaining the procedure for late entrants, the APC spokesperson noted that aspirants who join close to an election period can apply for a waiver, allowing them to participate in party activities on par with long-standing members. Once such a waiver is granted by the appropriate party authorities, the aspirant becomes eligible to purchase nomination forms, undergo screening, and fully participate in the process.

“Even if it is three days, as soon as you obtain that waiver, you are free to participate,” he added.

On whether Chinda has completed his membership registration, Ikenga said he is aware that the lawmaker has obtained his membership card, though he could not independently confirm if the waiver has been approved by the APC national leadership. “I know. I have a copy of the membership card,” he stated. He further maintained that Chinda’s participation in the screening exercise would be clear evidence that the necessary approvals have been secured.

The APC spokesman also touched on the “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers State, describing it as a political alliance comprising several parties and groups working together ahead of the elections. According to him, the coalition includes members of the APC, PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and other platforms. He noted that political coalitions are not new in Nigeria’s democratic history.

In a significant development for Lagos State politics, former Somolu Local Government Chairman Abdul Hamed Salawu, popularly known as Dullar, has stepped down from the contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Somolu Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Salawu made his decision public on Saturday, citing a deep-seated commitment to party cohesion, democratic stability, and the overarching welfare of the APC within the constituency. He emphasized that his withdrawal was a voluntary act aimed at fostering unity among party members.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as disciplined and forward-looking. According to Salawu, national interests should always take precedence over personal ambitions and political maneuvering, a principle he said guided his decision.

The former chairman also vowed to accept whatever outcome the party reaches, promising to do so “peacefully and in good faith without protest.” He called on his supporters across Lagos State to remain calm, united, and steadfastly loyal to the APC.

Additionally, Salawu expressed a hope that future political actors would reciprocate similar understanding and loyalty when internal party decisions do not favor them, reinforcing the need for a culture of sacrifice within the party.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State descended into chaos on Saturday as party members and their supporters clashed at the polling venue.

A video obtained by DAILY POST shows the violent outbreak, with supporters engaging in heated physical confrontations that halted the primary process. The footage, lasting about one minute, captures a large crowd of men, many wearing traditional attire like kaftans and caps, while others are in casual clothing.

In the video, participants are seen fighting, dragging each other, and forcefully pushing a man into a car. The incident highlights the intense rivalry within the party as the primaries proceed.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the altercation began among party loyalists, disrupting the smooth conduct of the exercise. No official statement from the APC or security agencies has been released at the time of this report.

President Bola Tinubu has verified the death of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also identified as Abu-Mainok, a high-ranking Islamic State commander, during a collaborative counterterrorism mission executed by Nigerian and American forces around the Lake Chad Basin. This announcement came through a statement released from the State House on Saturday.

The operation, which took place overnight, was hailed by Tinubu as a “major demonstration of efficient partnership” in the global fight against extremism. He emphasized that the mission was a joint effort between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States military.

“Our courageous military personnel, alongside their US counterparts, undertook a bold combined action that inflicted a severe setback on the Islamic State,” Tinubu stated. He added that initial reports confirm the elimination of the wanted senior IS leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, often called Abu-Mainok, together with many of his associates, following an attack on his hideout in the Lake Chad region.

The President also thanked former US President Donald Trump for his contributions and direction, noting that Nigeria values this cooperative relationship with the United States in pursuing common security goals. He praised the professionalism and bravery of the troops from both nations and expressed optimism about further decisive operations against terrorist strongholds nationwide.

Previously, President Trump had announced on his Truth Social platform that American forces, alongside Nigeria’s military, had conducted a joint strike that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) globally. Trump attributed the success to extensive intelligence gathering and strategic coordination aimed at monitoring the terrorist leader’s activities in Africa.

The Jigawa State Government is taking decisive steps to bolster its partnership with traditional authorities and local leaders as a strategy to foster greater confidence and synergy in the state’s security framework. This initiative was highlighted by Governor Umar Namadi during the opening of a two-day interactive session for participants of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, held at Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall in Dutse.

Represented by Deputy Governor Engineer Aminu Usman, Governor Namadi emphasized that engaging communities is essential for tackling contemporary security threats, noting that the military alone cannot address these challenges. The government, he said, is actively reinforcing collaborations with traditional rulers and grassroots security structures to build public trust, enhance intelligence gathering, and foster peaceful coexistence.

We have deepened our engagement with traditional and community leaders to strengthen trust, boost intelligence, and promote harmony. We also encourage grassroots involvement in security initiatives, he stated.

Governor Namadi pointed out that through community policing mechanisms, intelligence-sharing systems, and partnerships with local leaders, Jigawa has enjoyed relative peace and stability, allowing the state to concentrate on development in education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment. He described the study tour’s theme, “Promoting Community Engagement for National Security and Prosperity,” as highly relevant to current national realities.

The role of communities as active partners cannot be overstated. Modern security challenges demand robust collaboration among the military, civilian authorities, and the communities they serve, the governor added.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government Malam Bala Ibrahim welcomed the participants, calling the college a premier institution for training strategic leaders. He noted that the tour offers a platform for exchanging ideas and gaining practical insights into governance, security management, and intergovernmental cooperation. The SSG reaffirmed the state’s dedication to improving citizens’ welfare through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and economic development.

Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, leader of the delegation, commended Jigawa for its peaceful and hospitable environment, stating that the state was chosen for the exercise because of its reputation as one of the most peaceful and stable in Nigeria.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has ordered an immediate cessation of the production and distribution of Unified Business Identification Cards throughout the state. The directive comes after reports surfaced that fraudulent individuals were exploiting the system to deceive business owners.

The announcement was made public on Friday through Babayo Liman, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Internal Security. Liman revealed that investigations uncovered a scheme where impostors were charging traders approximately N3,000, falsely claiming authorization from the state government and the Department of Internal Security.

Originally designed to bolster internal security and streamline the identification of business entities, the card program has been compromised by these illicit activities. In response, the governor has mandated a comprehensive review and investigation into the matter.

Liman further stated that the responsibility for the card issuance will be transferred to the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. This move aims to enhance oversight and ensure transparency in the process. He also called on the public to report any instances of extortion, promising that perpetrators would face arrest and prosecution.

Nigerian entrepreneur and political commentator Isaac Fayose has publicly confirmed the death of his wife. The announcement came via his social media platforms on Saturday, where he shared a heartfelt tribute.

According to sources close to the family, the deceased had been undergoing treatment for cancer prior to her demise. Fayose expressed his grief in a brief but emotional post, stating, ‘Rest in peace my darling wife.’ He accompanied this with a photograph of her, adding the poignant Yoruba phrase ‘Odaro oyibo mi,’ which translates to ‘Good night, my white woman.’

The news has drawn an outpouring of condolences from fans and public figures alike, many of whom have taken to social media to offer their support during this difficult time.

Prominent Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi has weighed in on the joint operation by American and Nigerian forces that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the worldwide deputy leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In a Saturday Facebook post, Gumi described the fight against terrorism as a religious duty, but he sharply criticized those involved if their hands are tainted with the blood of innocent civilians.

“It is a religious obligation to eliminate terrorists, but not by partnering with the devil or with hands that have spilled the blood of innocent men, women, and children,” Gumi wrote. His comments come after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the successful mission, which he said significantly weakened ISIS’s global reach and its influence in Africa.

Trump, in a statement on his Truth Social platform, praised the Nigerian government and military for their collaboration. He said the operation was the result of meticulous intelligence and strategic coordination aimed at disrupting al-Minuki’s activities. According to Trump, al-Minuki was one of the most active ISIS figures, orchestrating attacks and supporting terrorist operations against Americans and African communities.

The cleric’s reaction highlights the moral complexities of fighting extremism—supporting the aim of eradicating terrorism while questioning the methods and partners involved.

Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, the Action People’s Party (APP) candidate for the Imo East Senatorial District, has voiced deep concern over the escalating violence and loss of lives in Ihiagwa and Eziobodo, two communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a statement released on Friday by his media aide, Cajetan Duke, Amadi described the situation as heartbreaking, alarming, and totally unacceptable. He extended his condolences to bereaved families, those who sustained injuries, and all residents now living in constant dread as criminal activities spread across various parts of the state.

The aspirant asserted that no responsible administration should permit law-abiding citizens to become easy prey for criminals while communities remain defenseless and neglected. He pointed out that the persistent attacks and growing lawlessness in many areas of Imo indicate a troubling deterioration in governance and a lack of commitment by leaders to prioritize the security and well-being of the populace.

Amadi expressed regret that, amid fear, economic struggles, and uncertainty among the people, the state government appears more focused on internal political maneuvers and national political calculations than addressing the urgent security challenges facing the state. He emphasized that effective governance requires a strong presence, responsiveness, and strategic leadership, particularly when citizens look to the government for safety and reassurance.

He further stressed that protecting lives and property is the government’s primary duty and must never be compromised by political distractions or personal ambitions. According to him, the absence of visible and proactive governance has created gaps that criminals are exploiting to terrorize innocent residents across numerous communities.

Amadi called on security agencies to step up efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the attacks, while also enhancing security surveillance and intelligence gathering in vulnerable areas.

Following the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the global second-in-command of ISIS, by a joint operation between American forces and the Nigerian military, former Senator Shehu Sani has called for sustained and intensified counter-terrorism campaigns. While praising the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, Sani emphasized that the fight is far from over.

In a statement on his X account Saturday, Sani described the partnership as laudable and a significant step forward. However, he warned that terrorists thrive on violence and urged authorities to continue pressing the offensive. “Terrorists live by the sword,” he said, indicating that only relentless action can effectively degrade their capabilities.

The operation, announced by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, resulted from extensive intelligence sharing and coordinated strategic planning. Trump identified al-Minuki as a key ISIS figure responsible for orchestrating attacks against Americans and African communities, and noted that his death will severely weaken the terror group’s influence in Africa and beyond.

Trump also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and military for their cooperation during the mission, which he said dealt a major blow to ISIS’s global network.