Category: News

A prominent Fulani socio-cultural organization, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and restrain Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, following what they describe as incendiary statements targeting Fulani communities in Oyo State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, expressed alarm over reports that Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the state over the alleged kidnapping of a woman and her children. Igboho reportedly threatened to take matters into his own hands if the victims were not freed within the timeframe, vowing to raid a forest reserve suspected to be a hideout for the abductors.

Chubado warned that singling out the Fulani ethnic group for crimes committed by individuals could inflame ethnic tensions and sabotage ongoing peace and security initiatives. He emphasized that the Fulani people oppose terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality, insisting that illegal acts should not be generalized to an entire community.

The group noted that Fulani communities across Nigeria consist of law-abiding citizens who should not be collectively blamed for the actions of a few criminals. They voiced concern over a recurring pattern of associating Fulani identity with criminality without concrete evidence, cautioning that such broad generalizations could incite hostility and violence.

“We acknowledge that there are bad elements among Fulani, Hausa, and other northern ethnic groups. However, offenders should be dealt with as individuals, not profiled by ethnicity or religion. We urge the authorities to call Igboho to order,” the statement read.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has made it clear that the annual Egungun festival should not be used as an excuse to perpetrate violence in the historic city. The monarch, who previously served as governor of Oyo State, issued this directive through a statement delivered by his media representative, Chief Adeola Oloko.

According to information obtained by our correspondent, the scheduled start of the week-long festival is Monday. This period will see masquerades from various compounds across Ibadanland parading through key areas of the city.

In his address, the royal father urged both the masquerades and their supporters to avoid any form of aggression during and after the festivities. He emphasized that the true purpose of the festival is to promote unity and harmony among residents.

Ladoja stressed that the celebration should not be misused as a platform for personal vendettas, power struggles, or retaliatory acts. He warned that any violent behavior would face legal consequences.

“Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has called on masquerades and their devotees to steer clear of violence throughout the festival and beyond, as such actions are punishable by law,” read the statement.

“This is a moment to reflect on our heritage—our origins and current state. It deserves to be enjoyed with music, dance, and joy.”

The Nigeria Society of Criminology (NSC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to promptly identify and bring to justice individuals involved in kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes, including their financiers. This appeal was made by NSC President, Professor Oludayo Tade, in a statement released on Sunday after the association’s 2026 international conference.

Professor Tade emphasized that Tinubu’s primary constitutional duty is to safeguard lives and property, and failure to do so would constitute a failure of leadership. He urged the President to demonstrate political will by intensifying efforts to secure the nation, ensuring that citizens can travel without fear and that schools and communities are no longer targets for abduction.

The conference, which drew prominent scholars including Professor Etannibi Alemika, Chairman of the NSC Board of Trustees, and Professor Temitope Oriola, former President of the Canadian Sociological Association, stressed the urgency of action. Tade called for collaborators within and outside government to be flushed out and punished, leveraging security agencies for effective prosecution.

Keynote speaker Professor Jibrin Ibrahim of the Centre for Democracy and Development lamented the deteriorating security situation, warning that Nigeria is fracturing due to widespread insecurity. He argued that the only solution is for the state to fulfill its role of protecting citizens and securing the country. Ibrahim cautioned against disintegration, describing it as a path to chaos, and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further decline.

Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the All Workers Convergence (AWC), has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to abandon imperial tendencies. In a statement released on Sunday, Emelieze asserted that Tinubu’s governance has plunged Nigerians into severe economic hardship and social instability.

According to Emelieze, the current administration has become a primary cause of suffering for the populace. He called on the President to review the overwhelming public criticism against his leadership. The labour leader highlighted rampant insecurity, including kidnapping and banditry, as proof that the government’s policies exacerbate daily struggles for citizens.

Emelieze emphasized that Tinubu must reflect on his legacy and consider how history will judge him. He insisted that the President should stop acting like a monarch, emphasizing that Tinubu is merely a temporary occupant of Aso Rock, Nigeria’s presidential seat. “You are not the owner of Aso Villa; you are only a tenant,” Emelieze declared.

Emelieze further criticized the administration’s approach, labeling governance under Tinubu as hazardous to democracy. He accused the President of pursuing a covert agenda masked as public service. “Your policies betray a hidden plan, and your leadership lacks mass interest. The escalating killings demand your resignation or impeachment. If you had any conscience, you would step down voluntarily,” he stated.

The labour coordinator added that the general mood among Nigerians now calls for Tinubu’s exit, epitomized by the hashtag #TinubuMustGo. He urged the President to reform his ways before it is too late. “Your time in power is finite. You will not remain indefinitely; one day, you must depart. Look ahead and consider what people will say about you when you leave office. It is not too late to change,” Emelieze concluded.

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new initiative to combat improper waste disposal on its roads by creating a specialized enforcement unit called the “Sanitation Police.” This body, drawn from transport union members across all local government areas, will monitor motor parks and their vicinities to prevent indiscriminate dumping.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed the emergency evacuation of refuse from the state’s road network, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for waste on roads. The decision emerged from a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, LAWMA, NURTW, and RTEAN, held at the Ministry of Transportation on Saturday.

Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi stressed that transport unions must keep their parks and garages clean and discourage improper trading and waste disposal. He announced that enforcement actions will begin soon to ensure compliance.

Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Sam Egube drew comparisons with global practices, noting that transport operators elsewhere collaborate with governments to manage infrastructure. He urged all parties to unite in solving waste management issues.

Hon. Sola Giwa called on NURTW and RTEAN to take full ownership as partners in waste control, insisting on strict adherence to cleanliness rules in all motor parks and garages.

LAWMA Managing Director Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin praised the unions for supporting the reintroduced monthly sanitation exercise and emphasized that LAWMA cannot handle waste management alone. He noted that LAWMA evacuates roughly 13,000 tons of waste daily, while transport unions move around 22 million commuters each day. He called for strong collaboration to ensure proper disposal at parks and to report violations for swift action.

The Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is experiencing internal division following allegations of marginalization. Concerns have been raised by stakeholders regarding recent board appointments, which they claim favor non-indigenes over qualified local Muslims. This has sparked calls for the state government to reconsider the selections to ensure fairness and harmony.

Speaking on Sunday, Abdulsalam Ogan, the Publicity Secretary of the Delta State Muslim Council, criticized the board’s composition, stating it is unjust to indigenous Muslim communities. He argued that competent locals should be prioritized for roles managing religious affairs in the state.

Ogan specifically pointed to the appointment of a representative for Delta Central, asserting that capable indigenous Muslims from the senatorial district could have filled the position. He warned that ignoring these concerns could lead to resentment and unnecessary friction within the Muslim community.

The spokesperson urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to review the appointments and consult relevant stakeholders to achieve equitable representation in institutions serving Delta’s Muslim faithful. Failure to act, he cautioned, might worsen tensions and undermine community cohesion.

Inter Lagos have stepped up their preparations for the upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with head coach Shakiru Giwa emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning. The newly promoted side is determined to make a strong impression in their first top-flight campaign.

Giwa, speaking to Sportslighthub, stressed that superior fitness will be a key factor in navigating the demanding NPFL schedule, which involves long-distance travel and intense matches. He outlined plans to focus on endurance, speed, and recovery during training sessions.

“Physical readiness is crucial for us this term,” Giwa said. “We aim to build a squad capable of performing at its best for the full 90 minutes, whether at home or away.”

The technical team will closely monitor players’ progress to minimize the risk of injuries, Giwa added. Inter Lagos earned promotion to the NPFL for the first time in their history last season, and the club is eager to establish itself among Nigeria’s elite.

In the wake of the Ekiti State governorship election held on June 20, 2026, Yiaga Africa has raised alarms over the surprisingly low voter participation. The organization’s preliminary analysis indicates that turnout hovered between 34.0% and 38.1%, based on data collected from a representative sample of polling units across the state.

Using its Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology, Yiaga deployed 250 stationary observers and 22 mobile observers across all 16 local government areas, supplemented by 16 collation center observers. The estimates rely on reports from 246 to 250 sampled polling units, covering 98% of the targeted locations. According to the group, if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirms turnout within this range, it would accurately reflect the actual voter behavior observed at the polls.

Yiaga emphasized that the low turnout is a cause for concern and underscores the need for deeper engagement with the electorate to boost participation in future elections. The complete findings have been submitted to INEC and other stakeholders for review.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has extended his congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State following his re-election, hailing it as a strong affirmation of his leadership and governance achievements. Bamidele, who led the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in the state, asserted that Oyebanji’s renewed term would ensure continuity in effective governance and speed up development across Ekiti.

In a statement from his Media and Public Affairs Directorate on Sunday, Bamidele described the victory as a harbinger of a more prosperous and united Ekiti. He highlighted that Oyebanji’s tenure has fostered peace, unity, and stability, transforming the state’s political climate from one marked by division and hostility to a collaborative and synergistic approach to public administration.

The returning officer, FUTA Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the final results at the collation center in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday morning. Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes, far ahead of PDP candidate Dr. Wole Oluyede, who garnered 40,543 votes, and ADC candidate Dare Bejide with 12,872 votes.

Bamidele praised Oyebanji’s unique ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across party lines, forging a shared vision for the state’s advancement. He specifically lauded the governor for cultivating strong, resilient relationships with former governors and other influential figures, calling the harmony among Ekiti’s leaders a rare achievement in Nigeria’s politics.

He noted that the election outcome perfectly mirrors the public’s confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership, his commitment to governance, and his dedication to the welfare of Ekiti residents. Bamidele pointed out that Oyebanji made history as the first governor to be re-elected consecutively since 1999, a feat attributed to his governance style and his knack for uniting stakeholders across party lines.

Looking ahead, Bamidele expressed optimism that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives, and further establish Ekiti as a model of good governance and political stability in Nigeria. He also thanked Ekiti citizens for their peaceful conduct during the election and for showing faith in democracy through active participation. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the national and state APC leadership for their platform and support that contributed to the victory.

The June 20, 2026 by-election for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District drew sharply opposing assessments from top political figures. Governor Abdullahi Sule praised the electoral process as exceptionally smooth, while former Information Minister Labaran Maku highlighted what he termed as widespread irregularities, including technical failures of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Governor Sule, casting his ballot at Polling Unit 002 in Gudi Motor Park alongside his wives, described the experience as one of the most seamless in recent memory. He noted that the entire process, from BVAS accreditation to voting, took only three to five minutes. “For me, this is the smoothest it has ever been. Historically, this is the fastest I’ve seen,” he remarked to journalists. Sule dismissed the notion that the by-election was a test of his personal political clout ahead of the 2027 general elections, instead framing it as a referendum on the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “It is an opportunity for the people of Nasarawa North to say thank you to APC. By the grace of God, we are going to see a ‘thank you’ result,” he added.

In stark contrast, Maku, who voted at his Wakama Ward polling unit, alleged that BVAS devices malfunctioned across several parts of the district. While his own accreditation went smoothly, he claimed many voters faced long delays due to faulty machines. “Quite a number of people, the BVAS could not capture their fingerprints and they have been waiting there since morning,” Maku asserted. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to employ facial recognition technology as a backup, arguing that voter photographs are already in the electoral register. Maku further reported similar issues at polling centers in Wamba Central and Wamba Clinic, where officials struggled to repair accreditation devices, and alleged that some BVAS units ran out of data after processing only a few voters. “At my polling unit, we had to volunteer data to INEC officials to enable them continue the accreditation process,” he stated. Beyond technical glitches, Maku claimed there were reports of multiple thumbprinting of ballot papers in communities like Alushi and Wacho, though no official confirmation was available.

Despite his complaints, Maku acknowledged that voting was largely peaceful across many units but cautioned that tensions often flare during result collation. He called on security agencies to protect the collation process and criticized a “win-at-all-costs” political culture, urging governments to rely on performance rather than manipulation. He also stressed that public trust in elections would grow if disputes were judged on substance rather than technicalities.

The by-election was held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. As of press time, INEC had not responded to the allegations, and result collation was ongoing.