Category: News

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on citizens to emulate the example set by Kaduna State in fostering harmony among diverse religious and ethnic groups. She made the appeal during a ceremony launching the distribution of 100 truckloads of rice and N1.2 billion in palliative support for vulnerable Muslim communities across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The event, held at the Abba Kyari Banquet Hall on Thursday, was described by Mrs. Tinubu as a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim Ummah in northern Nigeria. She noted that the initiative aligns with the spirit of Eid el-Kabir, a time for sacrifice, compassion, and gratitude, translating these values into tangible aid for those in need.

Reflecting on earlier efforts, the First Lady recalled that on December 23, 2025, similar palliatives were provided to Christian communities in the north. She emphasized that the current distribution fulfills the same commitment to Muslim brothers and sisters, underscoring a consistent approach to supporting all faiths.

Mrs. Tinubu urged communities across the north to continue living together with love and mutual respect. She called on religious and community leaders to persistently preach peace, stating that a united Nigeria can overcome any challenge. The First Lady also expressed gratitude to Ulamas, traditional rulers, and community leaders for their prayers and support for the administration, and praised the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, for his dedication in coordinating the programme.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, in his goodwill message, applauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable, noting that her actions demonstrate true leadership beyond occupying high office. He referenced her earlier intervention distributing Christmas packages to Christian families in northern Nigeria, describing it as a powerful expression of unity and shared humanity. The Governor highlighted that such gestures convey a reassuring message that every Nigerian matters, regardless of faith or background.

Governor Sani praised the inclusiveness of Mrs. Tinubu’s philanthropy, noting that both Muslims and Christians across the country have benefited. He reiterated Kaduna State’s dedication to alleviating hardship through targeted social interventions, support for small and medium enterprises, youth empowerment, agricultural development, and security investments.

Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to temper its enthusiasm following a recent Supreme Court decision. In a message posted on his X account on Thursday, Shehu characterized the legal win as fraught with potential pitfalls, cautioning that undue celebration might lead to complacency.

Rather than a definitive triumph, Shehu described the ruling as a double-edged sword, warning that the ADC could fall into a trap if it eases its guard. He emphasized that the judgment pertains to an interlocutory appeal, not the core of the substantive case, meaning the legal battle remains unresolved.

Shehu noted that the Federal High Court will continue deliberating the main suit, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable is rigid, irreversible, and governed by the Electoral Act. This timeline could become a critical factor if the case drags on.

He predicted further legal skirmishes, stating that whichever faction—whether aligned with Nafiu or David Mark—loses at the lower court will likely appeal, prolonging the dispute. Even a potential ADC victory at the highest level might prove hollow, Shehu argued, as INEC may have already advanced too far in its preparations to accommodate a latecomer.

“If either the Nafiu or David Mark group loses at the Federal High Court, an appeal to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court is inevitable,” Shehu wrote. He added that given the strict INEC timeline and the likelihood of extended litigation, a final win could amount to a success in futility, as the electoral body might be unable to reverse its course.

Shehu concluded by advising the ADC to remain vigilant, strengthen its resolve, and prepare for additional political and democratic challenges ahead. “ADC must brace up, tighten its belt and prepare for more democratic and political landmines and explosives,” he stated.

The ongoing legal proceedings involving former Taraba State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Yero, have been postponed by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. This development occurred after the lawyer representing Yero announced his immediate withdrawal from the case.

Justice S. C. Oriji ordered the adjournment following the unexpected move by counsel Samuel Fagade, who stated, “I hereby notify the court of my withdrawal from representing the second defendant, and I kindly request Your Lordship’s approval.” He added that his client had been informed and was already in the process of seeking a replacement.

Ishaku, the former governor, and Yero, who previously served as permanent secretary in the state’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, are facing a 15-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

The trial was scheduled to continue with the testimony of the prosecution’s third witness, Taiwo Johns, but this was interrupted by the counsel’s withdrawal. In court, Yero pleaded for additional time to secure legal representation, saying, “I humbly request an adjournment of four to six weeks to allow me to engage a new lawyer. Currently, I have no legal representation.”

Prosecution lawyer Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, did not object to the adjournment but expressed concern over the timing of the withdrawal. He pointed out that the outgoing counsel was present during the previous session when the witness began testifying but failed to provide the mandatory three-day notice. “When our PW3 was called, this counsel was present. He should have at least notified the court three days in advance,” Jacobs argued.

Jacobs further alleged that Yero may not have been entirely transparent, claiming that a new lawyer had accompanied him to court but later withdrew from the cause list. “The second defendant arrived with a lawyer; they entered the courtroom together, and that lawyer is currently listening to my argument,” Jacobs stated, urging the judge to limit the duration of the adjournment.

However, the lawyer in question clarified that he had only held preliminary discussions with Yero and had not formally accepted the case. Justice Oriji allowed the withdrawal and rescheduled the trial for June 15, 2026, with additional hearing dates set for July 2, 7, 13, 14, and 15 of the same year.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised an alarm over the dire state of early childhood education (ECE) in Northwest Nigeria, noting that limited access is undermining the region’s educational progress. Speaking at a media dialogue in Dutse, Dr. Karanveer Singh, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, highlighted that only 24% of children in Jigawa State, 29% in Kano, and 32% in Katsina have access to ECE. He described these figures as deeply concerning, emphasizing that the majority of children are missing out on the critical early learning period, which is essential for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Children without quality early education often start primary school behind their peers and struggle to catch up, exacerbating the region’s out-of-school children crisis. Dr. Singh also pointed out that foundational literacy levels in parts of the region remain below 15%, indicating that many children cannot read even at a basic level. The challenges, he said, stem from limited parental awareness, a shortage of trained teachers, poor infrastructure, and inadequate learning materials. However, he stressed that these issues can be overcome with stronger commitment and investment from state governments. He called on authorities in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa to prioritize ECE by increasing funding, recruiting qualified caregivers, and expanding child-friendly learning spaces.

UNICEF Education Specialist Mustapha Shehu added that data from MICS 2022 shows only 37.8% of children aged three to four in Nigeria have access to ECE, with vast inequalities: 75% of children from the richest households attend early education, compared to just 11% from the poorest. Education consultant Dr. Sunday Jacob noted that Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, with Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina accounting for 30% of that number. He stressed that investing in ECE is fundamental to reducing the out-of-school population, as it contributes to 90% of brain development. He advised states to create dedicated budget lines for ECE. In response, the Commissioners for Basic Education in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa pledged to ensure adequate budgetary provisions and timely release of funds for the development of early childhood education in their states and the nation at large.

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 821 pharmaceutical outlets in Kano State following a crackdown on regulatory infractions. The four-day enforcement operation, covering eight local government areas, was announced during a press conference at the council’s state office on Thursday.

Dr. Suleiman S. Chiroma, the Head of Enforcement, who represented the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, stated that the exercise targeted illegal medicine sellers and non-adherent pharmaceutical businesses that failed to meet approved standards. A total of 1,140 premises were inspected, including pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendor (PPMV) stores, and unauthorized outlets.

Out of these, 821 were sealed: 68 pharmacies, 587 PPMV stores, and 166 illegal outlets. Additionally, 10 compliance directives were issued, and one individual was arrested for obstructing inspectors and violating the PCN Act.

Chiroma highlighted common violations such as the inability to present valid licenses, selling prescription-only drugs by unlicensed vendors, improper storage conditions, and interference with regulatory officers. These infractions pose serious public health risks, including drug abuse, poisoning, and the proliferation of substandard or fake medicines.

The operation also uncovered clusters of illegal pharmaceutical activities in Kasuwan Kurmi and Kwangiri areas of Kano metropolis, where 46 non-compliant outlets were sealed. Chiroma noted improved compliance levels compared to previous exercises, with more premises now meeting regulatory requirements.

He urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed outlets displaying valid PCN certification and assured continued nationwide enforcement to ensure the availability of safe and quality medications.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm congratulations to Nigerian workers on the 2026 Workers’ Day. In a statement released on May 1, he lauded their resilience, patriotism, and unyielding contributions to the nation’s development.

Yilwatda, through his media aide Abimbola Tooki, emphasized that workers across various sectors form the bedrock of national progress. He specifically acknowledged their fortitude and patience amidst challenging economic conditions, interpreting these as evidence of the Nigerian spirit’s strength.

The APC chairman assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains resolutely focused on advancing policies that prioritize the welfare, dignity, and prosperity of the workforce. He described the President as a leader genuinely attuned to the needs of labor and its crucial role in nation-building.

Yilwatda further explained that the ongoing economic reforms—such as the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange unification, increased infrastructure spending, expansion of social safety nets, and a renewed push for industrialization—are essential for tackling deep-seated structural issues. These measures, he argued, aim to boost productivity, foster economic stability, attract domestic and foreign investment, and create more jobs and wealth.

Acknowledging the temporary difficulties that may arise, he assured that targeted relief measures are in place to mitigate the impact, ensuring the benefits are widely shared. He expressed confidence that the sacrifices workers are making will lead to a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient economy.

Concluding, Yilwatda urged Nigerian workers to remain steadfast, hopeful, and united behind the national development agenda, stressing that collective effort is key to achieving the nation’s aspirations. He wished all workers a fulfilling Workers’ Day celebration and prayed for their continued strength and prosperity.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has pushed back the deadlines for purchasing aspirant forms and submitting completed documents for the 2027 general elections.

This decision was taken during a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja. Speaking to journalists, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Durosinmi Meseko revealed that the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms will now run until midnight on Monday, May 4, 2026. Additionally, the deadline for submitting filled forms and accompanying documents has been moved to midnight on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Previously, the forms sale was scheduled from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submissions due by May 4. Meseko explained that the extension was necessary due to the nationwide public holiday on Friday and to accommodate the overwhelming interest shown by numerous aspirants.

The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed profound satisfaction with the recent Supreme Court verdict that upheld the Court of Appeal’s cancellation of the Ibadan Convention. In a statement, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Kingsley Akpos Oturubo, emphasized that the ruling underscores the supremacy of the rule of law over popular sentiment.

According to the PDP, the apex court’s decision has effectively ended the protracted leadership crisis within the party. The statement noted, “Now is the time to refocus and strengthen our organization. To all Deltans, the PDP is more united and robust than ever. We are prepared to reclaim our electoral mandates in 2027.”

The party acknowledged the unwavering trust Deltans have placed in it and urged them to renew their commitment. “We call on the people of Delta State to enter into a fresh social contract with our party. The PDP remains the only entity that has delivered genuine democratic governance,” the statement added.

Highlighting its track record, the PDP asserted that under its leadership, democracy flourishes and citizens enjoy its benefits. “We are ready to provide effective governance to the people of Delta State, who are currently facing challenges. We have never let the electorate down, and 2027 will be no different. With your support, we will triumph and restore lost glory.”

The party also extended an olive branch to members who had defected to other parties, urging them to return to the fold. “To our members who have strayed, we will be gracious in victory. We invite you to join us for the journey ahead. The PDP is your home, and your interests will be protected.”

Reaffirming its democratic credentials, the PDP stated, “This party is the only truly democratic platform in Nigeria, and it will not treat its members as political orphans. We urge all members to return immediately as we rebuild and prepare to recover our mandates in 2027.”

The Delta State PDP congratulated the National Working Committee, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for their victory. “This success proves that those who adhere to the law will ultimately prevail, regardless of obstacles. It renews the faith of Nigerians in our party. We commend your resilience and dedication.”

The recent Supreme Court verdict has plunged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a leadership crisis, according to a faction loyal to former Minister Tanimu Turaki. The group argues that the decision effectively eliminates any clear chain of command within the opposition party.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the Turaki-aligned group described the ruling as a pivotal moment that threatens the party’s stability. They emphasized that the court’s judgment, which upheld earlier rulings by the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, invalidated a PDP convention held in Ibadan.

The Supreme Court’s five-member panel delivered a split decision, with three justices supporting the majority opinion and two dissenting. The majority determined that the appellants had violated an existing court order by proceeding with the convention, leading to the dismissal of their appeal on grounds of contempt. In contrast, the dissenting justices argued that the matter was an internal party affair and should not have been adjudicated by the courts. They also criticized the majority for raising legal issues not argued by the parties.

Ememobong warned that the combination of this ruling and previous suspensions of key party figures has created a void in leadership. “This effectively leaves the PDP without a defined leadership,” he stated. The faction urged party organs to take immediate steps to restore order and legitimacy, cautioning that failure to act could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has made his intention to seek a fourth term official. The declaration took place on Thursday at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, where he addressed a large gathering of supporters.

Elliot emphasized that the decision to run again was driven by the overwhelming consensus among his constituents. Many have urged him to continue his legislative work, citing his track record of delivering tangible benefits to the community.

The theme of his declaration, “Experience Over Experiment,” underscores his belief that his years in office have equipped him with the expertise needed to serve effectively. As a legislator with a doctorate in legislative studies, Elliot argues that his academic and practical background makes him uniquely qualified for the role.

He highlighted his achievements, including the rehabilitation of over 32 roads in Surulere, consistent desilting of drainage systems that prevented flooding, and significant improvements in electricity supply. Additionally, he mentioned various healthcare interventions, such as eye surgeries and other medical programs for residents.

Elliot also pointed out that returning to the assembly would allow him to serve as a ranking member, which he believes will enable him to attract even more developmental projects to the constituency. He expressed gratitude for the support from Community Development Associations (CDAs), local government officials, and grassroots stakeholders.

Former Surulere Local Government Chairman Tajudeen Ajide urged party members and Elliot’s supporters to remain peaceful and avoid double-dealing during the election period. Meanwhile, stakeholders from the entertainment industry and community leadership, including Nollywood figure Sunny McDonald (aka Nollywood Ancestor), voiced their endorsement, describing Elliot as a tested and trusted representative.

McDonald remarked that a winning team should not be changed, citing Elliot’s accomplishments in Surulere as evidence of his effectiveness. Cornell Udofia, Director of Communications for the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos, echoed this sentiment, noting that Elliot’s experience cannot be bought and that he has positively impacted youths, women, and the less privileged.

Community leader Prince Taofeek Dabiri praised Elliot’s accessibility and responsiveness, stating that his 12-year tenure in the assembly has yielded impactful laws and contributions. The stakeholders collectively expressed confidence in Elliot’s ability to sustain development in Surulere if re-elected.