Category: News

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has pointed to pervasive insecurity and widespread poverty as major barriers to securing decent employment opportunities. Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day gathering held at Muhammadu Sunusi Bello Durbar Ground in Dutse, the governor highlighted how these twin issues directly impact labour conditions and overall quality of life.

The event, themed ‘Insecurity and Poverty as the Bane of Decent Work,’ provided a platform for Namadi to underscore the deep connection between these challenges and the daily struggles faced by workers. He emphasized that addressing them requires both well-orchestrated policies and collective accountability. ‘These problems touch every aspect of living, and they demand our unwavering focus,’ he stated.

Namadi outlined his administration’s 12-point development strategy, which prioritizes agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection. He noted that the agricultural transformation initiative is specifically designed to enhance food security, generate jobs, and offer sustainable livelihoods. The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing dialogue with organized labour, asserting that the government remains open to discussions aimed at resolving worker grievances. ‘We cherish this collaboration and will persist in striving for equity, openness, and advancement for all employees,’ he added.

Sunusi Alhassan, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Jigawa, recognized the government’s strides in boosting worker welfare but stressed that eradicating poverty and insecurity is crucial for achieving decent work. He applauded the governor’s attention to the well-being of civil servants in the state, urging continued efforts to ensure lasting improvements.

Residents of Ugakwoche in Egbule Obube, Owerri North Local Government Area, have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as the unlawful seizure of their ancestral land by the Imo State Government. The community, comprising farmers, youth, elders, and women, organized a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday to halt the government’s move to take over their remaining farmland covering roughly 200 hectares.

The protesters, dressed in black and carrying placards, marched from their village square to the farmland bordering the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport road. Many wept and fell to the ground as they expressed their anguish. Their placards bore messages like “All our land in Ugakwoche is gone,” “Stop land grabbing,” “Governor, please save us,” “Our people are under attack,” “Our ancestral farmland is lost,” “Our children have no future,” “We have no other farm land,” and “Don’t let our youths turn to crime due to lack of farmland.”

Reacting swiftly, the State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, denied the allegations, asserting that the government had already acquired the land long ago for development projects and that no fresh acquisition was taking place.

Pastor Cletus Opara, chairman of Ugakwoche village, speaking on behalf of the community, expressed disappointment that the government had not engaged in any dialogue or signed a memorandum of understanding before moving into their land. He described the Good Friday incursion as an insult to the peaceful people of the area. “We are protesting peacefully because of the government’s action of sending agents to bulldoze our remaining ancestral farmland without any prior notice or agreement. Earlier, they took 100 hectares for a Nigerian Air Force base, which we allowed for public interest. Now they want the rest without negotiation or due process—this will destroy our means of survival,” Opara said.

Hon. Kelechi Opara, another community leader, condemned the government’s actions, accusing it of a deliberate scheme to turn the people into refugees on their own land. He pointed out that the community depends on farming for its livelihood. He explained that the land had been initially acquired in 2017 by former Governor Rochas Okorocha, who took 200 hectares, giving 100 hectares to the Air Force. The remaining land was returned to the community by a panel set up by Governor Emeka Ihedioha. A 2020 White Paper and Gazette directed the Ministry of Lands to reclaim the 100 hectares improperly given to third parties and return them to the original owners. “But now the same government comes without warning to take even our residential areas. We appeal to the governor to protect us from this destruction,” he added.

Commissioner Onuegbu reiterated that the ongoing work was not a new acquisition but a recovery and clearing of land already belonging to the government for development. He advised the community, through their traditional ruler Eze Jude Nworgu, to formally write to the governor for consideration under the Land Use Act. “I cannot be called a land grabber for doing my job. In my own community, Mbaishii in Ngor Okpala, the government acquired 2,000 hectares under former Governor Achike Udenwa, and we still live there. Under the Land Use Act, the governor holds all land in trust for public purposes,” he said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, also refuted claims of land grabbing. He urged the community to engage the governor formally, showing a government site plan indicating that the remaining land is earmarked for an Orashi Power Station substation, which he said is for the public good.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has lauded the local chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its role in promoting harmony between workers and the state government. Speaking via his official Facebook page after the 2026 May Day celebrations, the governor acknowledged the union’s efforts in bridging gaps and fostering mutual understanding.

During the event, which was jointly organized by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Governor Sani stood alongside thousands of workers to honor their contributions to the state’s development. He expressed particular appreciation for the labour leaders’ acknowledgment of his administration’s initiatives across vital sectors.

Among the achievements highlighted were the upgrade of 255 Primary Healthcare Centers, reconstruction of general hospitals, recruitment of 10,000 teachers and 1,800 health workers, and the disbursement of N17.796 billion for pensions, gratuities, and death benefits. The governor described these obligations not merely as financial but as moral commitments.

Reflecting on his personal history, Governor Sani reminded workers that his journey has always been anchored in solidarity. As a lifelong advocate for justice and civil rights, he stood with labour during key moments of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. He reaffirmed that this bond remains strong, pledging to continue advancing the dignity, welfare, and aspirations of every worker in Kaduna State.

The administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State has pushed back against allegations made by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the condition of public schools in the state. The state government insists that its education sector is not in decline, countering accusations of decaying infrastructure and insufficient teaching staff.

Speaking at a training session for timetable officers in Osogbo, Temitope Mustapha, Chairman of the Osun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), described the APC’s assertions as baseless. He reaffirmed that the current government has placed education at the forefront of its agenda, ensuring that no school is left behind in development initiatives.

Mustapha highlighted that both urban and rural institutions are benefiting from ongoing projects, directly refuting claims that some schools face neglect. He pointed to impressive student performances in national exams like NECO and WASSCE as evidence of the system’s strength, noting that Osun has climbed from 30th to 7th place in national academic rankings.

The TESCOM chairman dismissed rumors of school closures in rural areas, labeling such narratives as fabrications spread by individuals opposed to progress. He assured that under this leadership, no school will be shut down, and new teachers have been deployed to underserved regions to address staffing needs.

Addressing the role of timetable officers, Mustapha urged them to maintain high professional standards, emphasizing that all teachers except principals and vice principals must complete 24 teaching periods weekly. His comments came in response to earlier criticisms from Wole Oke, Director-General of the APC campaign committee, who accused the state of misusing resources and claimed that public schools lack buildings and teachers, leading to declining enrollment.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed joy over the resignation of two-term House of Representatives member Leke Abejide. The party’s reaction came after Abejide officially announced his exit from the ADC on Friday.

During a press conference held on the same day, Abejide revealed his decision to step down from the party and also signaled his intention to join what he termed a “mainstream political party” in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

He stated, “I am moving to the mainstream political party,” describing the transition as “a homecoming.”

It is worth noting that Abejide, along with some other members, had recently been expelled from the ADC during the party’s national convention.

In response, the ADC Vanguard, the party’s mobilization platform on X (formerly Twitter), described Abejide’s departure as “the end of a distracting chapter and the beginning of a stronger, cleaner, and more united movement.”

The statement further emphasized, “Every serious political platform must, at some point, separate genuine builders from those who thrive on internal crisis. Abejide’s exit provides the ADC with the necessary space to concentrate on organization, expansion, grassroots mobilization, and the broader national task ahead.”

In a significant political shift, Aishatu Binani, who stood as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa State during the 2023 elections, has officially moved to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The announcement came on a Friday in Adamawa, marking yet another change in her party affiliation.

This move follows her departure from the APC in July 2025, when she joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid tensions with the state APC leadership. However, her stay in the ADC proved turbulent. By April 2026, internal conflicts over party congresses led to the resignation of a faction loyal to Binani from the ADC, signaling deep divisions.

Binani’s latest defection underscores the fluid political landscape as the 2027 elections approach. Her switch to the NDC is seen as a strategic realignment, though details of her future political ambitions remain unconfirmed. The NDC has yet to issue an official statement welcoming her, but sources within the party suggest she may play a key role in their 2027 campaign.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused certain individuals of orchestrating a scheme to downplay the significance of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, which validated the party leadership headed by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, warned against labeling the judgment as a “pyrrhic victory” and questioned why some members would not celebrate the achievement. He emphasized that such narratives are not only deceptive but also hazardous, urging the party to avoid conspiracy theories.

Abdullahi stated that the political landscape is fiercely competitive, where opposition groups are often tested and underestimated. Acknowledging their underdog status, he highlighted that the ADC comprises battle-hardened leaders and resilient members who recognize true victory. He clarified that the struggle transcends any single court ruling, with the ultimate goal being to win the 2027 elections and prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.

The party spokesperson explained that wars are not won in one moment but through a series of battles. The Supreme Court victory was one such battle, and it was right to celebrate it as a signal of their continued fight. He stressed that celebration does not mean the war is over; rather, they have returned to the trenches, committed to their mission in the courts, public opinion, and political arenas until their final objective is achieved.

Senator Abba Patrick Moro, who currently serves as both the representative for Benue South Senatorial District and the Senate Minority Leader, took a major step towards his re-election bid on Friday. He personally collected his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the PDP State Secretariat located in Makurdi, Benue State. This move signals his intent to seek a third term in office, riding on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Addressing the State Working Committee members and enthusiastic party supporters, Moro expressed his determination to work tirelessly not only for his own victory but also for all PDP candidates in the upcoming elections. He voiced strong confidence that the party would reclaim the Benue Government House in 2027, reinforcing the party’s position in the state.

According to the senator, he chose to personally purchase the forms rather than sending a proxy to demonstrate the seriousness of his ambition. He highlighted the party’s recent judicial triumph, noting that despite skeptics who doubted they would have a platform to contest, the PDP remains a viable vehicle for elections. He encouraged patience among those who did not receive nominations, emphasizing that timing is in God’s hands. Drawing from his own experience, he recalled how his name was initially replaced when nominated as minister, yet he went on to serve three years, longer than his predecessors.

Moro vowed to champion the cause of Zone C, which he described as a stronghold of the PDP, and pledged to ensure the party delivers impressive results in the general elections. He reassured the people of Benue South of his unwavering commitment to serve and not let them down.

A magistrate court in Birnin Kebbi has thrown out a contempt case brought against Safiyanu Bala, a factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The defendant, who had been brought to court directly from the hospital for the continued hearing, saw the proceedings take an unexpected turn.

During the session, state prosecutor Magistrate Abdullahi-Koko informed the court that he had discovered the same matter was already pending before the High Court in Birnin Kebbi. He subsequently asked the court to strike out the case so that the involved parties could pursue the issue in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Defense counsel Mudasir Sani backed the prosecution’s stance, confirming that the case was indeed already under consideration by the High Court. In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Abdullahi-Koko struck out the case, citing the agreement between both legal teams. He simply stated, “The case is hereby struck out.”

The contempt charge had been filed by Abdulrazak Abubakar, another factional chairman within the ADC, who alleged that Bala had violated a court order and incited public disobedience. Notably, in a previous hearing, defense lawyer Ahmad Fingilla had walked out of the courtroom after the magistrate refused to recuse himself over claims of bias.

Jibrin Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who represented Senator David Mark in the African Democratic Congress leadership dispute, has expressed admiration for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s immediate adherence to the Supreme Court’s directive. Rather than waiting for formal notification, INEC proactively restored the ADC leadership details on its portal following the apex court’s decision.

In a social media post on Friday, Okutepa highlighted that INEC’s swift action demonstrates a commendable commitment to judicial respect. He noted that the electoral body acted without prompting, setting a positive example for other institutions.

The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, partially allowed David Mark’s appeal and nullified the Court of Appeal’s order that had directed parties to maintain the status quo. The higher court criticized the appellate court for overstepping its jurisdiction by issuing such an order unilaterally. Consequently, the case was sent back to the Federal High Court for a substantive hearing.

The legal tussle began when Nafiu Bala, a former ADC vice chairman, filed a suit seeking to prevent the Mark-led executive from functioning as the party’s national officers. The defendants included the ADC, Mark, Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary), INEC, and Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founder.

Okutepa, who declared himself a non-partisan legal practitioner, stated that the removal of David Mark and his team from INEC’s portal was based on the annulled Court of Appeal order. He praised INEC for respecting the rule of law, unlike some entities that ignore court directives until formally served.

He emphasized that INEC’s proactive compliance reflects a proper understanding of legal decorum. In a society where impunity often prevails, such behavior is exemplary. Okutepa urged other government bodies and individuals to emulate this respect for judicial authority to foster national progress.