Category: News

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong appeal to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), urging them to spearhead a widespread campaign to safeguard migrant workers from escalating xenophobic violence in South Africa. In a letter dated May 7, 2026, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed deep concern over recent attacks that have resulted in deaths and the destruction of businesses owned by African migrants.

Ajaero attributed the violence to deteriorating economic conditions and misguided government policies, emphasizing that workers across the continent should not be pitted against each other. He stated unequivocally that fighting for workers’ rights cannot coexist with allowing any segment of the working class to be targeted as prey.

The labour leader called on COSATU to undertake extensive educational initiatives within communities, unions, and workplaces to dispel the false narrative that migrants are responsible for job losses and poverty. He urged a definitive end to the racist belief that a fellow Black African from a neighboring country is an enemy.

The NLC also criticized South African security forces for their inadequate response, alleging that authorities have failed to provide necessary protection for migrants and their enterprises. Ajaero demanded full security mobilization to prevent further bloodshed, along with the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators. He further called on the South African government to ensure compensation for victims and their families.

Warning that xenophobia undermines labor solidarity across Africa, Ajaero noted that such divisions weaken collective bargaining power against employers. He proposed an emergency meeting of African labor organizations under the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity to develop coordinated strategies for migrant worker protection.

Concluding his remarks, Ajaero cautioned that unchecked xenophobic violence in South Africa could spread like a cancer across the continent, urging decisive and immediate action to halt its progression.

The Abia State Ministry of Environment has issued a directive for an immediate halt to all sand dredging operations at the Umuadele River, located in the Okpulo Umuobo area of Osisioma Local Government Area. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, during an unannounced inspection of the site.

This decision comes as a response to mounting concerns over environmental damage and reports of unauthorized activities along the river. During his visit, the Commissioner instructed all individuals involved in sand dredging, including operators of tippers and loaders, to report to the Ministry for a thorough verification of their licenses and documentation.

Mr. Ogbonna expressed strong disapproval of the rising trend of illegal dredging in the region, noting that over a decade of unchecked soil mining and sand extraction has led to severe degradation of the area. He emphasized that continued unregulated dredging would only worsen the already critical situation.

The Commissioner underscored the need for sand dredgers to align their operations with state regulations. He described the visit as both an enforcement action and a call for voluntary compliance, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring environmental order and enforcing ecological laws across Abia State.

Amnesty International has strongly denounced a midnight assault on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, which left 12 people dead. The victims included pregnant women and young children, with at least 10 others hospitalized for gunshot injuries.

The organization labeled the attack as “horrific,” stating that attackers allegedly trapped families inside their homes before methodically murdering them. This incident underscores the escalating insecurity in the region.

Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect citizens and prevent further bloodshed. The group emphasized that such violence must not go unpunished and urged authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

In a recent television interview, public policy analyst and development expert Abba Kakah expressed deep concern over what he perceives as the judicialization of Nigerian democracy. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program, Kakah argued that the country’s political system is no longer driven by the electorate but by court rulings.

According to Kakah, the current generation of politicians lacks the sincerity and patriotism exhibited by their counterparts during the Second Republic. He criticized modern political actors for being driven by greed and selfishness, often displaying criminal tendencies.

“Nigeria’s democracy today is being played by the various courts across the land,” Kakah stated. He lamented the rise of a politicized judiciary, noting that in a healthy democracy, the judicial role should be minimal. However, in Nigeria, the courts have become the ultimate decision-makers, sidelining the voters.

Kakah attributed this trend to the dishonesty of politicians who fail to adhere to established rules. “The politicians themselves are not sincere. They are not honest. They don’t play by the rules. That’s the reason it’s happening,” he explained.

The analyst’s remarks highlight growing concerns about the erosion of democratic processes in Nigeria, where legal battles increasingly determine electoral outcomes rather than the will of the people.

Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticized Femi Fani-Kayode, labeling him a liar in response to recent claims about a diplomatic posting. The controversy erupted after President Bola Tinubu appointed Ita Solomon Enang as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, while Fani-Kayode, originally designated for Germany, was reassigned to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his redeployment, stating that he personally requested the change. He cited personal discomfort with Germany and expressed a preference for South Africa, a country he claims to have never visited but holds a strong interest in. In his post, he thanked President Tinubu and the then Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, for approving his request.

Sowore, however, dismissed these assertions, tweeting that anyone who believes Fani-Kayode’s statements would believe anything. “He is lying,” Sowore wrote, adding that “no sane country would accept an unstable character like Femi Fani-Kayode as a diplomat.” The activist’s sharp rebuke has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many weighing in on the credibility of Fani-Kayode’s version of events.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two public figures, with Sowore consistently questioning Fani-Kayode’s integrity. As the story develops, the diplomatic appointments continue to generate debate about Nigeria’s foreign policy and the suitability of certain individuals for key international posts.

For months now, residents across various communities in Kebbi State have been grappling with an extended and worsening power failure, a development that has severely crippled commercial activities and worsened the quality of life for many. The electricity outage, which has lasted for weeks in some areas, has left shops, homes, and small-scale enterprises in total darkness, forcing many to depend on expensive and unsustainable alternatives.

Small business owners, particularly those dealing in perishable goods, have been the hardest hit. For instance, Musa Abdullahi, a trader in Badariya who sells frozen food and drinks, revealed that the blackout has caused him significant financial losses. He stated, “Without power, I cannot keep my products cold. I am losing customers daily because I lack a solar system strong enough to run my refrigerator. The situation is unbearable.” Similarly, a female entrepreneur in the Kara area of Birnin Kebbi lamented that her sales have plummeted as customers are scarce, and the cost of running a generator has become prohibitive for small traders.

The main electricity distributor for the region, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO), which also covers Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara, has faced mounting criticism for its failure to ensure stable power supply. The company attributes the persistent outages to low power allocation from the national grid, transmission bottlenecks, and revenue deficits. However, residents argue that these excuses are no longer acceptable, as the situation has deteriorated beyond what can be attributed to routine load shedding.

In response to the crisis, the Kebbi State Governor, in early April 2026, established a Multi-Stakeholders Committee to engage KAEDCO on the electricity challenges. The committee was formed after a town hall meeting that brought together stakeholders and KAEDCO representatives to discuss the erratic power supply. Its mandate includes assessing the actual power supplied to the state relative to payments made, reviewing billing practices, and identifying operational hurdles. Despite being given a two-week deadline starting April 16 to submit its report, the committee has yet to make its findings public, leaving residents anxious and without any concrete solution.

The state government has taken further punitive measures, suspending its monthly N150 million subsidy to KAEDCO due to poor performance. This decision came after relentless complaints from the public regarding unreliable electricity. Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Yahaya Sarki, issued a stern statement urging KAEDCO to act swiftly, describing the prolonged darkness as “unacceptable” and criticizing the company’s “culture of silence.”

Communities like Kawara have been without power for months because of a damaged transformer that has not been repaired. Many residents find solar power systems too costly, and the general neglect of infrastructure is blamed for the crisis. Areas such as GRA and Kara feeders in Birnin Kebbi, as well as the Gesse to Rugga axis, have experienced either unstable supply or total blackout for over a month. The situation continues to deteriorate, threatening the economic survival of many families and businesses in the state.

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held a high-level meeting with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Washington. The talks took place at the vice president’s residence, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation against terrorism in West Africa.

According to a statement from the security-focused platform Secure Nigeria, the discussions addressed threats from Boko Haram and ISIS, amid ongoing attacks in the region. The platform expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s continued support, including training and intelligence sharing, as Nigerian forces intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and protect vulnerable communities.

The statement emphasized that Africa’s largest democracy remains a steadfast US partner in combating terrorism across the Sahel. It concluded with a strong message that the fight is winnable and that both nations are committed to finishing it together.

A Federal High Court in Sokoto has scheduled May 19, 2026, for the hearing of a case challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state. Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud set the date on Friday after considering a motion for accelerated hearing, citing the urgency tied to the party’s internal election timetable.

The lawsuit, initiated by Umar Faruk and three others, questions the current leadership structure of the ADC in Sokoto and aims to establish the legitimate party executives. Mathew Burkaa, SAN, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, explained that the dispute revolves around control of the party’s state chapter, particularly the chairman and secretary positions.

Burkaa stated that his clients are challenging the claims of the defendants who now hold those posts, maintaining that they themselves are the rightful leaders. He emphasized the need for a speedy resolution because the party’s primaries are scheduled for May 21, 2026, just two days after the hearing date.

Justice Mahmud granted the motions for abridgement of time and accelerated hearing, recognizing the urgency of the case. He also directed the defendants to submit their responses within a shortened timeframe before the next hearing. After the proceedings, Fidelis Mnyim, another counsel for the plaintiffs, confirmed that the court had set clear deadlines for all filings to ensure an expeditious hearing. He added that all necessary responses are expected to be submitted ahead of May 19.

House of Representatives candidates under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have declared that Nigerians will not hesitate to vote out Peter Obi if he secures the presidency in 2027 and fails to fulfill his campaign pledges. Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja on Friday, organized with the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), the aspirants emphasized that no leader is immune to public scrutiny and accountability.

The press conference came shortly after Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defected to the NDC, marking a major political shift ahead of the next general elections. Nnamdi Iroegbu, vying for the Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo State, stressed that every government must answer to the people. “If Obi becomes president and underperforms, he will be shown the exit at the polls,” Iroegbu asserted.

Kingsley Ndube, another aspirant for the Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, echoed similar sentiments, stating that lawmakers on the NDC platform are committed to prioritizing the welfare of citizens over personal ambitions. “We will continue to ask tough questions and hold the executive accountable,” Ndube remarked, underscoring the party’s people-centric approach to legislative duties.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Gambari Ismaila, an NDC aspirant for Bwari Constituency, explained that the party was founded on the urgent need for political transformation and national restructuring. He noted that the coalition behind the NDC seeks to foster accountability, fairness, and superior governance. Ismaila added that the party’s goal is to ensure that elected officials remain answerable to the electorate at all times.

The Labour Party in Lagos State has announced its preparedness for the 2027 elections, with a commitment to field candidates for every elective office available. During a press conference held on Friday in Lagos, party leaders urged citizens to reject vote-buying and instead back aspirants capable of delivering effective governance.

State Secretary Sam Okpala revealed that the party aims to compete for all 40 seats in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the 24 House of Representatives slots, the three senatorial positions, and the governorship. According to Okpala, preparations for primaries are already in motion to ensure credible candidates emerge.

“We call on Lagosians to step forward and elect representatives who will truly serve their interests,” Okpala stated. He expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing its willingness to conduct free and fair polls.

The party also cautioned against what it termed “stomach infrastructure politics,” warning residents not to exchange their votes for temporary gains like money or food. “No amount of inducement can sustain the people for four years. Nigerians must support leaders who deliver real democratic dividends,” Okpala added.

Criticizing the long reign of a single party in Lagos, he pointed out that persistent issues like traffic congestion and environmental problems remain unresolved despite decades of one-party rule. “Good governance isn’t complicated; leaders just need to listen to the people,” he said.

Oswald Olatunbosun, another party chieftain, highlighted unity among various factions within the Lagos LP. Despite national-level disputes, he stressed that the state chapter remains cohesive and focused on fielding candidates who genuinely represent the masses. “The Labour Party belongs to workers, students, and market women—not to any individual,” Olatunbosun asserted.

In a communiqué issued after the event, the party affirmed its strong structure across all 20 local government areas of Lagos. It expressed optimism about repeating its previous electoral performance and urged voters to strengthen democracy by choosing competent, accountable leaders in 2027.