Category: News

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected allegations of favoritism during the screening of its House of Assembly aspirants. Addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, publicity secretary Chibuike Ikenga labeled the claims as false and unjust.

Reports had suggested that aspirants aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were given preferential treatment, while those loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were deliberately disqualified. Ikenga dismissed these assertions, stating that Wike is not a member of the APC and has no role in the party’s screening activities.

Although Wike has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection, linking him to the screening outcome is baseless, according to Ikenga. He emphasized that the exercise was carried out transparently and peacefully. The screening committee’s report shows that 33 aspirants received clearance, while 65 did not.

Ikenga also noted that the party has established an appeals committee to handle grievances from dissatisfied aspirants, ensuring the process remains smooth and undisrupted. He reiterated that Wike’s non-membership in the APC makes any claims of his involvement in the screening process entirely unfounded.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State is experiencing a surge of political interest, with eight prominent figures stepping forward to contest the governorship race on its platform for the 2027 general elections. This influx underscores the party’s growing appeal as a hub for credible leadership and citizen-oriented governance, according to a statement by Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, the state chairman-elect of the ADC.

Dimkpa highlighted that the momentum within the party is unprecedented, attributing it to a widespread desire for fresh political alternatives. Among those vying for the top seat are a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, a former House of Representatives member who also served as an Executive Director at the Nigerian Ports Authority, another ex-lawmaker and former chairman of NIMASA, a former Commissioner for Employment Generation, a former Chief Medical Director of UPTH, a notable architect, and several private sector leaders and entrepreneurs.

The party also noted that numerous qualified individuals have expressed interest in Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions across Rivers State under the ADC banner. This wave of enthusiasm, Dimkpa said, is fueled by the recent declaration of former Rivers Governor and ex-Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to run for president on the ADC platform—a move the party describes as a major milestone in its national expansion.

“ADC is no longer seen as just an alternative; it is increasingly perceived as the vehicle for the future,” the statement read, emphasizing that the party is committed to internal democracy, transparent processes, and issue-based campaigns. The influx of experienced politicians and technocrats, the party added, reflects a growing belief among Nigerians in the need for competent, accountable, and inclusive governance.

The ADC reiterated that this organic momentum is real and strengthening daily as preparations for 2027 intensify, positioning the party as a formidable force in the upcoming elections.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a bold declaration that Akwa Ibom State will outpace every other state in the South-South region in delivering ballots for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at a consultation event with key All Progressives Congress (APC) figures at the Government House in Uyo, Akpabio highlighted the state’s unity and progress under Governor Umo Eno. The gathering was part of Eno’s formal consultation with party members ahead of his 2027 reelection bid.

According to a statement from his media aide Jackson Udom, Akpabio praised Eno’s leadership style, describing him as a peaceful and humble leader who values inclusivity. “The event shows that Governor Eno is a man of peace, both in word and action. His ability to carry everyone along gives us confidence that Akwa Ibom will deliver the highest votes in the South-South zone,” Akpabio remarked.

He noted that despite having no opposition for the party ticket, Eno still sought the input of stakeholders, reflecting his character. Akpabio also commended the governor’s developmental strides, including the revival of abandoned projects and the launch of international flights at Victor Attah International Airport.

Expressing gratitude to Tinubu for supporting his rise to Senate President, Akpabio assured that the people of Akwa Ibom would demonstrate their appreciation at the polls. “The state is thankful to President Tinubu for backing one of our own to become Senate President. We will show our gratitude through our votes,” he added.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to overcome the prevailing security issues plaguing the region. Speaking on Tuesday in Jos during a visit from students of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, Mutfwang described the recent violent incidents as acts of terrorism.

The governor expressed deep concern over the resurgence of attacks on peaceful communities, noting that these killings have stripped many residents of their livelihoods, especially farmers who are frequently targeted while working on their farms.

While acknowledging the military’s contributions to addressing the security crisis, Mutfwang urged for more aggressive measures. He emphasized a direct link between insecurity and the poverty index in Plateau, stating that the challenge is not merely military but also economic in nature. “It is intended to keep the people in perpetual poverty at a very rudimentary level,” he said.

He stressed that ordinary farmers can no longer access their farms safely, making it imperative to secure lives and property to enable productive activities that improve individual and family prosperity.

Mutfwang called on the military to employ both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle the nation’s security problems. He pledged ongoing support for the military and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful and vibrant Plateau State.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu if the president has no confidence in his capacity to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Abdullahi’s remarks came in response to Tinubu’s decision to appoint Major General Adeyinka Fadewa (retired) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security. The president cited Fadewa’s impressive service record, strategic acumen, and notable contributions to Nigeria’s national security framework as reasons for the appointment.

In his reaction, Abdullahi argued that the term “homeland” is more appropriate for nations like the United States, Germany, Israel, or Palestine. He contended that such a designation holds little relevance in the Nigerian context.

Taking to his X account, Abdullahi wrote: “President Tinubu has just appointed a Major General as ‘Special Adviser on Homeland Security.’ The term ‘homeland’ is ideological and historically rooted. It makes sense in contexts like the United States, Germany, Israel or Palestine. In Nigeria, it is largely meaningless.”

He further stated: “If the President no longer has confidence in his National Security Adviser, he should simply replace him, not create a new office with a copycat title.”

Citizens of Odo-Alamo, a community in Ogbomoso, are urgently requesting the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene and stop the series of deadly crashes on their roads. They expressed deep concern over the deteriorated state of their main access road, which they say has turned into a death trap.

In a recent incident, a vehicle plunged into a ditch near the Alamo Stream bridge, prompting residents to speak out. Community leader Mathew Ogunkanmi highlighted that various local chairmen had been approached in the past, but no repairs were carried out. He stated that Governor Makinde is their only hope now, as the road is not included in current rehabilitation projects.

Another resident, Mrs. Kafilat Adekunle, noted that crashes are frequent because of the terrible road conditions. She described an accident where a car flipped over while reversing, landing upside down. The community is pleading for immediate government action to alleviate their suffering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided a detailed account of its operatives’ visit to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, explaining that the action was part of an inquiry into an alleged multi-bank fraud case. The agency said the visit, which took place on Tuesday, was necessitated by the need to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect currently on trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu.

According to the EFCC, the suspect is under remand for defrauding several microfinance institutions, including the University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank. The suspect had presented a medical document that required confirmation from the hospital’s management. The commission noted that it had previously sent two official letters—dated March 11 and April 20, 2026—to the hospital seeking verification, but received no response.

A statement from the anti-graft agency indicated that the investigating officer personally visited the hospital to check on the status of the request, yet still no reply was given. The EFCC described Tuesday’s visit as a last resort, aimed at resolving the matter directly with the Chief Medical Director.

However, the EFCC alleged that its operatives were met with hostility upon arrival. The statement claimed that hospital staff locked them in, raised a false alarm, and launched an unprovoked attack, pelting them with stones and other dangerous objects. The agency further accused the Chief Medical Director of ordering the hospital gates shut, preventing the operatives from carrying out their lawful inquiry.

The EFCC said the Nigeria Police Force intervened and advised hospital authorities to reopen the gates so the team could depart peacefully, but the advice was allegedly disregarded. Despite the confrontation, the commission maintained that its operatives acted professionally and did not disrupt hospital activities, eventually leaving the premises without incident.

The agency stressed that all requests related to its operational duties are lawful, and warned that refusal to cooperate with investigations could amount to obstruction of justice, with potential legal repercussions.

The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State came to a standstill on Tuesday, May 12, following a raid by operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Uyo Zonal Office. The anti-graft agency attempted to arrest Prof. Effiong Ekpe, along with three other hospital staff members, leading to widespread disruption.

Reports indicate that when EFCC officials arrived with a court warrant to detain the professor, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, hospital employees resisted. Security personnel at the facility locked the main gate, preventing the officers from leaving the premises.

As tensions escalated, the operatives called for backup, and police were eventually dispatched to the scene. In response, Dr. Aniekan Peters, chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, ordered all doctors to immediately cease work. Leaders of JOHESU also declared a complete shutdown of the hospital, condemning what they called a brutal and inhuman act.

Dr. Gabriel Eyo, NMA spokesperson, confirmed the incident and described the EFCC’s actions as an attack on the hospital and its workforce. He stressed that a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, the only such specialist in Akwa Ibom, should not be treated like a criminal, noting that Ekpe was injured during the arrest. The strike was called to protest what they see as an injustice.

“Prof. Ekpe is the only cardiothoracic surgeon in Akwa Ibom State. We are not sure what he did, but that is irrelevant now. Due process must be followed. Even criminals deserve better treatment. A simple invitation would have sufficed, but that was ignored. The NMA has convened and decided on an indefinite strike; our resolutions will be announced shortly,” Eyo said.

Meanwhile, the police have denied any role in the arrest. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, stated that his officers were only sent to verify the identities of the EFCC operatives and maintain order. He explained that he ordered police to accompany the EFCC to execute a court order in an ongoing case, after informing the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Emem Bassey, about the operation.

Azare noted, “The EFCC came to make an arrest, and the CMD contacted me to check if my men were involved. I confirmed with the EFCC head, who said they were acting on a court directive. I advised the CMD to allow them access because it is a lawful duty.”

However, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied any assault by their officers, claiming they faced unprovoked attacks. He explained that the visit was for inquiries regarding a medical report submitted by a suspect in a fraud case involving the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank. The Commission had sent two letters previously—on March 11 and April 20—to the hospital, but received no response. As a last resort, operatives visited the CMD, only to be locked in and pelted with stones by staff.

Oyewale said, “The CMD ordered the gates shut, preventing lawful inquiries. Despite the hostility, our operatives exercised restraint and left without causing a breakdown of law and order. The public must cooperate with the Commission; obstruction is a criminal offense.”

President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States will overcome Iran, whether through peaceful means or by force, and described the naval blockade of Iranian ports as having 100 percent success.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed the notion that Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he is scheduled to meet later this week in China, might assist in resolving tensions with Tehran. “No, I don’t think we need any help with Iran. We’ll win it one way or the other. We’ll win it peacefully or otherwise,” he stated.

The President claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been neutralized. “Their navy’s gone, their air force is gone, every single element of their war machine is gone.” He also emphasized that the blockade of Iranian ports is “100 percent effective.”

When asked how he would consider the situation during his trip, Trump replied, “Well, we’re going to see, and we’ll be thinking about it on the flight [to China], and we’ll be thinking about it for the next little while.” He reiterated that the US has “very soundly” defeated Iran’s armed forces. “One way or another, it’s going to work out very well,” he added.

The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action by closing down Dominion Pizza, a popular eatery located in the Lekki area, following allegations of environmental violations. The infraction involves the discharge of untreated sewage into public drain channels, which prompted the authorities to intervene.

This enforcement was conducted by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) after a complaint was filed by a local resident. Subsequent investigations by environmental officials confirmed the improper handling of waste. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that wastewater from the restaurant’s septic system was overflowing and being discharged into the environment due to a septic tank that had exceeded its capacity.

The commissioner highlighted that this situation led to environmental degradation, including pollution and foul odors, which posed significant health hazards to nearby residents and the general public. In a statement made on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Wahab emphasized that this action is part of the state’s broader initiative to enforce environmental compliance and improve sanitation standards across Lagos.

He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against environmental offenses, warning that individuals and businesses found violating sanitation laws would face penalties, including potential prosecution. The commissioner also urged residents, business owners, and property managers to adopt proper wastewater management practices to protect public health and the environment.

Additionally, residents were encouraged to report any environmental infractions through the official channels provided by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office.