Category: News

On Wednesday, residents of Agbado, a community in Lagos State, marched to the premises of Ikeja Electric to voice their anger over an extended electricity blackout. The protest, which was predominantly led by women, saw demonstrators blocking the main entrance to the distribution company’s office, demanding an immediate end to the power crisis.

The outage, which has lasted for several weeks, has severely hampered local businesses and disrupted daily life. Households have been forced to rely on expensive alternatives such as generators and inverters, placing a heavy financial strain on families. Many residents expressed frustration that they had lodged multiple complaints with Ikeja Electric but received little to no response or explanation about when normal service would resume.

The protesters carried placards and sang songs of solidarity, calling on government authorities to step in and ensure a permanent fix to the electricity problems in the area.

In response, officials from Ikeja Electric urged the crowd to remain patient, attributing the blackout to technical faults. They assured the community that repair work was in progress and that power would be restored as soon as possible.

This demonstration highlights the growing discontent in parts of Lagos over persistent electricity supply failures and the severe economic toll that extended blackouts take on both homes and small businesses.

Advocates in Ogun State are urging authorities to integrate Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Safe Termination of Pregnancy (SToP) framework. They highlighted that women with disabilities often suffer fatal consequences from unsafe abortions due to neglect.

During a meeting on inclusive SToP guidelines in Abeokuta, community leaders, NGOs, healthcare workers, and activists raised concerns. Paul Bennett, head of The Rainbow Alive Hub Initiative (TRAHI), said the gathering aimed to pinpoint obstacles faced by PWDs and push for policy improvements.

Bennett praised Ogun for launching SToP guidelines to protect women but noted the policies overlook marginalized groups like disabled women, those with mental health issues, and substance users. He emphasized that a policy gap leaves visually impaired or non-verbal women vulnerable—if impregnated, they cannot identify the perpetrator or access abortion services easily.

God’s Gift Udoh, TRAHI’s Program Director, stated that although SToP guidelines theoretically cover all women, awareness and execution fall short for PWDs. He called for collective action to meet the SDG 2030 goal of leaving no one behind.

Dr. Michael Ebonhor, Chair of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ogun, demanded that PWDs be classified as vulnerable and granted free health insurance. He criticized inaccessible clinics, derogatory language from medics (e.g., “with this condition, who impregnated you?”), and stereotypes that deter PWDs from seeking care.

Ebonhor urged continuous training for health professionals and bridging information gaps, as many disabled girls lack knowledge of where to get help. He also noted that pursuing justice for rights violations is prohibitively costly, causing many to abandon cases.

Another participant, Adeosun Olufemi, advocated for broader awareness campaigns reaching rural areas. He recounted an instance where a deaf-mute woman was raped but couldn’t identify the attacker, underscoring the silent suffering of PWDs.

In response, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, said the government is recruiting sign language interpreters for public health centers and has installed ramps and accessible toilets in 75 facilities. He assured that PWDs are a top priority and comprehensive reproductive health services are available. “Your choice to have sex or a relationship and decide what to do about pregnancy is respected. We offer family planning and trained health workers—no need to visit quacks,” he stated.

Mrs. Olekanma Funminiyi, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Ministry of Women Affairs, affirmed the government’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all women, including those with disabilities.

The Plateau State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed claims that Fulani communities are involved in land grabbing across the region. In a statement released on Thursday, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the allegations as baseless and lacking evidence.

According to MACBAN, the accusations are a deliberate attempt to paint the Fulani as aggressors and incite attacks against them. The group argues that such narratives are one-sided and overlook the suffering endured by Fulani pastoralists over the years.

Babayo highlighted that Fulani settlements in areas like Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have faced repeated attacks, forced evictions, and destruction of property. He noted that many families have been displaced from ancestral lands due to persistent violence and insecurity.

The chairman further lamented that while Fulani communities are accused of land grabbing, they have actually lost vast tracts of land, homes, and livestock without receiving any compensation or justice. Thousands of cattle have been stolen or killed, and numerous homes have been burned down, leaving women and children displaced.

MACBAN emphasized that Fulani people are law-abiding Nigerians entitled to constitutional rights, including the freedom to live and conduct legitimate business anywhere in the country. The association called for a balanced approach to addressing the crisis, urging the Plateau State government, security agencies, and traditional leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could worsen tensions.

They appealed for equal protection and fair treatment for all communities, regardless of tribe or religion, and stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, mutual respect, and honest dialogue. MACBAN also warned against unfounded accusations that could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in the state.

The Imo State Police Command has officially dissolved the Tiger Base Unit, a well-known tactical squad, along with other units such as the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad. In their place, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has been established to enhance the command’s ability to tackle violent crimes effectively.

State Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso unveiled the VCRU at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, stating that the move aligns with the Inspector-General of Police Olatunj Rilwalu Disu’s directive to strengthen operational capacity and response to violent crimes nationwide. Bosso explained that forming the VCRU became essential following the disbandment of earlier tactical units with animal symbols, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit referred to as Tiger Base.

The VCRU reflects ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at enhancing professionalism, accountability, and service delivery. After inspecting the new squad alongside other security heads and stakeholders, Bosso emphasized that the unit underscores the command’s dedication to professional policing and public safety across the state.

Personnel for the VCRU were chosen based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience. They have undergone rigorous specialized training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance, and professional conduct to ensure lawful and effective service delivery.

To promote transparency and accountability, the command also inaugurated the Civilian Oversight Board (COB), which will monitor the VCRU’s operations and channel public complaints to the Police Commissioner. State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by his Chief Principal Security Officer Gboyako Shaba Adamu, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s continued support for security agencies in maintaining law and order.

The event was attended by top government officials, security heads, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and others. Highlights included the unveiling of the VCRU logo and operational dress code, with the command urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support the unit.

According to command spokesperson Henry Okoye, the VCRU is tasked with proactively combating violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms through intelligence-led policing and rapid response operations. The unit will also strengthen collaboration with communities and sister security agencies. The command reiterated its commitment to professional policing, protecting lives and property, and ensuring sustained peace and security across the state.

Stakeholders at the event advised the newly formed unit to operate with a human face and avoid actions that could bring it into disrepute.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to enhance telecommunications services across the country, responding to widespread complaints about poor network quality. In a statement from Nnenna Ukoha, the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, the NCC acknowledged public frustration over dropped calls, slow internet, and unreliable data services in many regions.

Telecom services have become vital for business, education, healthcare, and daily communication, the NCC noted, emphasizing that consumers deserve reliable service and value for money. Over the past two years, improving Quality of Service (QoS) has been a top regulatory priority, with intensified oversight of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers, and Tower Companies to address structural barriers.

The commission revealed that operators made significant infrastructure investments in 2025. Mobile Network Operators spent over N2.13 trillion, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion in network expansion and upgrades nationwide. These investments led to the addition or enhancement of over 2,800 telecom sites, including faster 4G and 5G services, expanded fibre backhaul, and increased capacity in urban and underserved areas.

In 2026, operators have committed to deploying and upgrading over 12,000 more sites, with nearly 3,000 already completed and more than 730 new 5G sites rolled out across 27 states. The NCC also highlighted efforts to improve spectrum efficiency by reallocating unused radio spectrum among major operators to boost performance.

Recent QoS assessments show gradual improvements in coverage, capacity, and download speeds. 4G penetration has risen from 45 percent in January 2024 to 54 percent currently, while median download speeds increased from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps. However, the regulator admitted that some areas still suffer from poor service, congestion, and unstable connectivity, requiring operators to accelerate their efforts.

External factors like vandalism, theft of infrastructure, fibre cuts, and power outages continue to affect network performance. In 2025 alone, over 27,000 preventable fibre-cut incidents were recorded, often due to road construction and vandalism. The NCC is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and combat telecom equipment theft.

Operators must now promptly inform consumers during major outages and restore services within set timeframes, with reports logged through the Major Network Outages Reporting Portal. Enforcement of the Quality of Service Regulations 2024 began in November 2025, and operators failing to meet standards will face penalties, including consumer compensation and additional investment demands.

The commission urged all levels of government and host communities to help protect telecom infrastructure and create an enabling environment for continued investment. “The expectation is unequivocal: the industry is now required to deliver tangible improvements, and the Commission will persist in enforcing compliance for the benefit of consumers and the broader economy,” the statement concluded.

The Association of Legislative and Advocacy Drafting Practitioners (ALDRAP) has formally challenged an Abuja Federal High Court ruling that barred it from awarding the Blue Silks rank to non-litigation lawyers. In a notice of appeal filed on Thursday, the association argued that the presiding judge, Justice Omotosho, overstepped by granting a relief not requested by any party in the case.

Justice Omotosho’s verdict, delivered earlier this month, imposed a permanent injunction stopping ALDRAP and its Executive Secretary, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, from continuing the conferment of the Blue Silks designation, known as Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN). The rank was introduced by ALDRAP as an alternative to the traditional Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title, which is awarded by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the LPPC had opposed the Blue Silks initiative, labeling it unlawful and warning that lawyers who accept it could face disciplinary action for professional misconduct. In response, ALDRAP had approached the court seeking protection for its members’ rights and to prevent interference with its activities.

However, the court sided with the respondents, issuing an order that ALDRAP now contends was not sought in any of the pleadings. Dr. Jaja, in a statement, emphasized that the appeal relies on the established legal principle from the case of Odofin vs. Agu (1993), which holds that a court cannot grant reliefs not demanded by the parties.

ALDRAP further argued that the trial judge disregarded a previous ruling by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on January 27, 2026, which stated that both the NBA and LPPC lack authority over matters outside the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962. The association also asserted that the judge overlooked correspondence dating back to 2021, in which ALDRAP informed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the LPPC, and the NBA that the Blue Silks rank is akin to a fellowship for members who meet specific criteria.

Additionally, the group claimed the judgment failed to consider that Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provide legal backing for the SCN rank. In line with the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, ALDRAP has instructed its legal team to file the appeal and a stay of execution motion, seeking to suspend enforcement of the decision pending the outcome of the higher court’s review.

Dr. Jaja affirmed that by filing both documents, ALDRAP has secured sufficient legal cover to continue using and conferring the Blue Silks rank without interruption.

The Lagos State Government has announced that its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) has identified more than 737,000 traffic infractions since implementation. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance road safety, streamline traffic flow, and advance digital governance across Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, revealed the figures during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa on Wednesday. The event marked the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Alake emphasized the government’s dedication to leveraging innovation, science, and technology to fortify governance, elevate public service delivery, and transform Lagos into Africa’s premier smart city.

He highlighted ongoing progress in digital governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, science education, enterprise architecture, and smart city projects. Under the Safe City initiative, Lagos has bolstered digital surveillance and traffic enforcement systems across key locations throughout the state.

The commissioner noted that these measures have led to improved traffic compliance, safer roads, and more effective security management. “The Intelligent Transport System has recorded over 737,000 traffic violations to date, contributing to safer roads and better traffic behaviour across Lagos,” Alake stated.

Additionally, the Ministry has made substantial strides in digitizing government operations through the Enterprise Architecture initiative. Out of 211 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), 192 have been evaluated, and 232 application workloads have been documented. This standardization aims to minimize IT project expenses and boost operational efficiency.

Alake also highlighted the growing adoption of digital government services via the Lagos State Digital Service Platform, which now attracts over 250,000 monthly visitors.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Taraba State, Abubakar Bawa, has highlighted the pivotal role that local government chairmen play in translating government policies into tangible benefits for citizens at the grassroots level.

Speaking during a strategic gathering with all 16 local government council chairmen in Jalingo on Wednesday, Bawa emphasized the importance of collaboration and party coordination to enhance governance across the state.

According to Bawa, local government chairmen are the closest administrative link to the people, making them essential in executing state government initiatives and driving development within their jurisdictions.

He called on the council leaders to actively promote party activities at the ward level and maintain strong cooperation with party structures throughout their local government areas.

Bawa also underscored the need for unity and dedication among all party stakeholders to ensure effective governance and lasting political stability in Taraba.

Responding on behalf of the council chairmen, Moses Maihankali, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Taraba and Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, expressed appreciation for the APC leadership’s inclusive approach and commitment to involving local government officials in decision-making processes.

Maihankali assured the party leadership of the council chairmen’s unwavering loyalty, cooperation, and full support for the state government and the APC in advancing developmental programmes across the state.

In a fiery reaction to recent allegations, businessman and activist Isaac Fayose has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) over claims that N800 billion was diverted from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). According to Fayose, such mismanagement of public funds is the primary reason many states remain underdeveloped.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused President Bola Tinubu and APC governors of siphoning over N800 billion from FAAC, purportedly to fund Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. The opposition party claims this diversion led to a rift within the Progressive Governors Forum.

Reacting via a video on his Facebook page, Fayose called on Nigerians to be vigilant and vote out the APC in the next election. He said, “They are using your own money to buy your votes with rice and envelopes. 32 APC governors allegedly pooled N800 billion for Tinubu’s re-election. That is why your state is underdeveloped. If APC returns, things will only worsen.”

Fayose warned that allowing the APC to remain in power would further impoverish the nation. He urged citizens to wake up and take action before the 2027 polls, emphasizing that the alleged theft of public funds is a direct assault on development and the well-being of Nigerians.

The Enugu State Working Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has threatened to take legal action if the party’s National Executive Committee does not promptly approve congresses held across all wards, local government areas, and the state. The congresses, culminating in the state-level event on May 4, 2026, elected Dr. Johnpaul Ani as chairman and Dr. Sebastine Okafor as secretary.

Despite the Congress Committee Secretary, Engr. Echezona Ogbanufe, submitting a report confirming that the exercises were conducted successfully, the National Secretariat has allegedly delayed ratification. In a pre-action letter from their counsel, Stanley C. Nwankwo, Esq., of the Chambers of Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, the newly elected officials demand immediate recognition or face a lawsuit. The letter, titled “Report of Unconstitutional Conduct by the National Secretariat of Nigeria Democratic Congress,” was addressed to the National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and copied to party leaders Seriake Dickson and Peter Obi.

According to the petitioners, the congresses followed the party’s schedule and were observed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). They claim the National Secretariat is planning a fresh congress in Enugu, which would violate the party’s constitution. Specifically, they cite Article 12.7, which states that the former protem leadership ceases to exist once new executives emerge.

The group also alleges that Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta threatened party members, including the South-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Teddy Odeh, and attempted to deploy security forces to disrupt party activities. They note that the party’s visibility in Enugu has grown since the congresses, and the National Secretariat has not publicly disavowed the outcomes.

The petition further accuses the National Secretary of trying to undermine the newly elected executives, particularly after former African Democratic Congress (ADC) members joined the NDC following the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. “Had His Excellency Peter Obi and His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso not joined the party, would these persons come anywhere close to the NDC?” the petition asks, highlighting concerns over internal sabotage. The officials warn that canceling the congress would breach the constitution and have serious repercussions beyond internal party affairs.