Category: News

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has firmly rejected suggestions that he is positioning himself to become the next Senate President. In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former governor made it clear that such assumptions are premature and unfounded.

Oshiomhole stressed that he is not in a position to assume outcomes that are not yet determined. Drawing on wisdom from his parents, he likened the situation to praying for a grandchild before a child is even married. His current term ends in mid-June, and he has applied for a renewal of his mandate from the people of Edo North. He emphasized that taking their support for granted would be a disservice to the democratic process.

Having submitted his application and undergone screening, Oshiomhole faces primary elections on Monday, followed by the general election on January 15. He cautioned against overconfidence, stating that only those who lack reverence for divine timing would speculate about future positions. His focus remains on securing reelection step by step, rather than entertaining discussions about higher offices.

In his own words, Oshiomhole declared, “I will not join in playing God.” He urged patience and humility, reminding observers that political outcomes are not achieved through personal strength alone.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the party, positioning itself as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a strategic move to solidify its stance, the bloc pledged to ensure the Federal Government remains accountable to the Nigerian people.

Led by House Minority Leader Honourable Victor Afem Ogene, the delegation earlier this week paid a courtesy call on Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC, at his Abuja residence. The meeting was also attended by prominent political figures including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other top party chieftains.

Honourable Ogene, speaking on behalf of the caucus, emphasized that the visit was designed to reaffirm the lawmakers’ dedication to the party’s core values and their resolve to serve Nigerians through robust opposition politics. He stated, “This evening, we are here as members of the House of Representatives Caucus of the NDC to reassure you of our commitment to serve the people of Nigeria in keeping with the motto of our party, ‘Service to the People.’”

Ogene underscored the caucus’s determination to promote accountability and democratic governance. “In rendering this service, we will hold the government of the day accountable to the people so that they would render to the Nigerian people the basic necessities associated with democracy and civil rule,” he added. He praised the NDC as the leading opposition force in the National Assembly, particularly in the House of Representatives, and noted that the party’s growing numbers would amplify its voice both nationally and internationally.

Responding on behalf of the party leadership, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso commended the lawmakers for their steadfastness, describing loyalty as a rare virtue in contemporary Nigerian politics. He welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for their identification with the party leadership. “We have to thank you for the loyalty, which of course is a very rare commodity these days. We appreciate you and we want to assure you on behalf of the leader and the party that we’ll continue to do whatever it takes to carry you with us so that together we can succeed,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also urged Nigerians to register with the NDC and with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to participate in the electoral process. “Let me take the opportunity also to urge Nigerians to ensure that they register with the NDC and also register with INEC as voters. That will give everybody the opportunity to bring about the required positive change that is coming, by the grace of God, in 2027,” he said. He further called on party members to intensify grassroots mobilization, particularly among youths and supporters of political change, to strengthen the party’s base ahead of the next elections.

The women’s wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State recently convened a key leadership gathering at the party’s state secretariat in New Owerri. The meeting aimed to reinforce unity, strength, and stability within the party across the state.

During the session, local government area women leaders and other stakeholders discussed strategies to boost party cohesion, increase women’s participation, and advance the ADC’s collective vision for Imo. The event also focused on grassroots mobilization and methods to sustain the party’s expansion across all 27 local government areas.

State Woman Leader Uju Ihejiagwa opened the meeting by praising the women for their loyalty and dedication despite political challenges. She encouraged members not to be discouraged by recent defections, emphasizing that the ADC in Imo remains united and focused on its goals. This information was shared in a statement by Ihezie Dede Walax, Director of Imo ADC New Media, on Wednesday.

Ihejiagwa warned that some individuals might try to sway members to leave the party, but urged women leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to ADC ideals. “The ADC is one big family in Imo State. Our strength comes from togetherness, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a better society. Women have a crucial role in maintaining party stability and mobilizing support across communities,” she stated.

South-East Zonal Woman Leader, Hon. Barrister Mrs. Chioma Joy Anyanwu, commended the Imo women for their resilience and organizational skills, urging them to continue promoting peace, unity, and responsible leadership. She reiterated the ADC’s commitment to democratic values, inclusive leadership, and empowering women and youths throughout the region.

Notable attendees included Hon. Lady Leticia Okere, Hon. Mrs. Ruth Nwokocha, Hon. Mrs. Getrude Iroemeh, Hon. Barr. Chisom Dominic, and Nneoma Gloria Chukwuba, along with other women stakeholders and party faithful from across Imo.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Council, has announced its intention to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This action follows an alleged assault on Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgery expert at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

During an emergency virtual meeting on Tuesday, the association issued a communiqué outlining ten resolutions, including the legal action. The NMA condemned the incident, describing it as a direct attack on the integrity of the medical profession.

According to reports, EFCC operatives invaded UUTH under the pretext of verifying a medical report linked to a suspect. They forcibly arrested Professor Ekpe, subjecting him to public humiliation and physical harm. Witnesses stated that the professor was beaten, handcuffed, and paraded in a degrading manner, despite his attempts to explain that the hospital was processing the request.

At a press conference on Wednesday, NMA Chairman Professor Aniekan Peter, who was also affected during the confrontation, expressed outrage. He emphasized that the assault on a professor performing his lawful duties is unacceptable. The union noted a troubling pattern of harassment by security agencies and vowed to take a stand.

Key demands from the NMA include a formal apology from the EFCC, identification and prosecution of the officers involved, and a guarantee of no further violations. The union has declared an indefinite strike, suspending all medical services until their conditions are met. Additionally, the NMA resolved to deny medical care to EFCC officials and their relatives.

The communiqué detailed that masked operatives physically assaulted Professor Ekpe, causing bleeding, and also used teargas on Professor Peter when he intervened. The NMA described the hospital as a sacred space for healing, not a battleground for security operations. The lawsuit seeks N1 billion in damages for physical, emotional, and professional harm, aiming to deter future misconduct.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has broken up a criminal network involved in the theft and repurposing of vital state-owned infrastructure. The group is accused of stealing railway tracks, NNPC pipelines, and other assets and converting them into scrap for resale.

A widely shared video on social media recently exposed severe damage to the newly constructed Kaduna-Kano railway line and older rail fixtures. In response, Corps Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi instructed the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the Kaduna State Command to track down and apprehend those responsible.

According to a statement released Wednesday by NSCDC spokesperson ACC Afolabi Babawale, operatives launched a targeted raid on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The SIS, led by Commandant Apollos Dandaura, partnered with the Kaduna State Command to raid and shut down the Kaduna facility of Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area.

The statement explained that the operation followed weeks of careful intelligence gathering. It revealed that the company was using its scrap-buying business as a front to receive stolen railway materials, NNPC pipes, and Water Board equipment, which were then processed at the Kaduna site.

The vandals’ stolen railway lines and pipes were crushed into scrap metal at the Kaduna plant to disguise their original identity, then transported to the company’s main office in Aba, Abia State. There, the assets were melted down and turned into nails and iron rods for public sale, the statement added.

During the raid, twelve major suspects were taken into custody. Authorities recovered huge quantities of damaged railway tracks, sleepers, and suspected NNPC and Water Board pipes valued at billions of naira.

Commandant General Audi praised Commandant Dandaura and his team for their professionalism and courage. He warned that the corps would not tolerate economic sabotage and would pursue all perpetrators.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has strongly criticized the alleged diversion of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to finance President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing it as a grave constitutional breach. He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a thorough investigation.

In his statement, Adeyanju emphasized that any deduction from statutory allocations for political campaigns raises serious legal and ethical issues. He cited Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which designates FAAC funds as public money meant for states and their citizens, not for partisan use by governors. He also noted that large sums allegedly involved could exceed the donation limits set by the Electoral Act of 2022.

Adeyanju warned that using public funds for campaign financing could amount to criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, abuse of office, and economic sabotage. He highlighted the lack of transparency and public consent in the alleged deductions. He urged anti-corruption agencies to act swiftly, recover any diverted funds, and prosecute those responsible.

The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, to enhance their service quality or face punitive measures. This caution comes after years of inadequate network performance that has plagued consumers.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that recent reforms have eliminated any justification for substandard services. He noted that the administration inherited a structurally flawed connectivity landscape, stemming from chronic underinvestment and operational bottlenecks.

Tijani outlined a dual approach to tackling these issues. On the long term, the government has secured World Bank funding and established a special purpose vehicle under Project BRIDGE to deploy nationwide open-access fiber infrastructure. Fiber rollout and new tower installations via NUCAP are slated to commence before year-end, complemented by expanded satellite capabilities.

In the short term, the government has stabilized the sector through tariff adjustments, designating telecom infrastructure as critical national asset, tax harmonization, and broader macroeconomic reforms. These measures have restored profitability and fostered a transparent, market-driven environment, giving operators the capacity to invest in network upgrades.

Telecom firms are now expected to take all necessary steps to resolve network challenges and deliver the quality of service Nigerians deserve. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been fully empowered to monitor performance, enforce standards, and ensure compliance, with sanctions for defaulting operators.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has implemented a minor reshuffle of his executive council, bringing in Leader Leneke to head the Ministry of Information and Strategy. The announcement was made on Wednesday evening through the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, who stated that Leneke’s appointment follows the resignation of James Iliya, who stepped down to pursue a nomination for the Demsa House of Assembly seat.

In addition to the new appointment, two commissioners exchanged portfolios. Sali Idris has been reassigned from the Ministry of Livestock to the Ministry of Agriculture, while Professor David Jatau moves from Agriculture to Livestock. However, Jatau is currently on sick leave, so Usman Lamurde, the Commissioner for Special Duties, will temporarily oversee the Ministry of Livestock until Jatau returns.

Furthermore, Muhammad Chubado, who previously served as Commissioner for Energy Development, has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Health and Human Services. These changes are part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to optimize his cabinet’s performance and address administrative needs within the state.

The Jigawa State Executive Council has greenlit the creation of a State Steering Committee to oversee the allocation and execution of the Polling Units Development Fund across the state. Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagiru Musa Ahmed, made this known while addressing journalists at the Government House.

Ahmed emphasized that this initiative is designed to bolster grassroots governance, foster community engagement, and guarantee that developmental initiatives penetrate ward and polling unit levels effectively. He stated that the committee will be responsible for providing policy guidance, supervision, monitoring, and coordination to ensure the successful rollout of the Polling Units Ward Development Committee framework throughout the state.

The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, with members drawn from key state institutions such as the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Information and Digital Economy, and other relevant stakeholders.

In addition, the Executive Council sanctioned extra funds for diesel supply to water stations in the five emirate headquarters, aiming to enhance water delivery across Jigawa. The council also approved N875.965 million for the Jigawa Food Bank Initiative to assist 27,000 vulnerable women food vendors chosen from polling units statewide.

Furthermore, the council greenlit empowerment loan schemes for members of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Road Transport Owners in Jigawa State, as part of efforts to boost small businesses and youth empowerment.

Public analyst and accountability advocate Abubakar Yaro has dismissed the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s allegation that N26.9 billion is unaccounted for in the Universal Service Provision Fund, labeling it as deceptive and lacking essential context.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Yaro pointed out that the narrative presented to the public is one-sided and exaggerated. According to him, the claim does not reflect the complete picture, as it omits critical details about the USPF’s financial operations.

Yaro argued that average annual allocations to the USPF during the period in question stood at around N7.5 billion, making it illogical for an institution with such funding to suddenly lose N26.9 billion. Simple arithmetic alone contradicts the assertion.

Further analysis reveals that over N13.8 billion of the supposed missing funds actually relate to operating surplus deductions handled by the Nigerian Communications Commission before any transfer to the USPF. Records indicate that the USPF never received or held those amounts.

Yaro challenged SERAP to explain why these facts were overlooked before rushing to the media. He emphasized the need for accurate and transparent reporting to avoid misleading the public about the management of public funds.