Category: News

The Imo State Government has issued a strong warning to the public, particularly applicants in the ongoing teacher recruitment exercise, to ignore unauthorized lists circulating on social media. The clarification comes from the Office of the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Schools, Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha.

In a press statement personally signed by Ikegwuoha, he explained that the Ministry became aware of a fraudulent list being shared online by individuals who are intent on causing confusion and discrediting the recruitment process. He stressed that this list is neither authentic nor approved by the Ministry.

Ikegwuoha noted that the circulation of such bogus information is the work of mischief makers trying to politicize the situation and stir up unnecessary tension among applicants. He strongly advised everyone to disregard the fake document completely.

The Commissioner further warned that no applicant should make any payment to any person or group claiming to facilitate recruitment, as the Ministry does not charge fees for its hiring processes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and urged the public to await official communication from the Ministry for genuine updates.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar believes the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has the potential to transform into a formidable opposition capable of defeating the current ruling party. He made these remarks in a series of posts on his X account on Thursday evening.

Atiku disclosed that he recently convened with other prominent members of the party to chart the way forward and outline strategic priorities. He described the gathering as a demonstration of the party’s internal unity and resolve.

The ADC, according to Atiku, is committed to strengthening its organizational framework and preparing for the political challenges that lie ahead. He emphasized that the party is working to build a robust platform that can effectively challenge the existing administration and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

Beyond merely winning elections, Atiku stressed that the party’s broader mission includes restoring hope, rebuilding public trust, and steering the nation back onto a path of sustainable growth and purposeful leadership. He underscored that unity and unwavering dedication among party members will be crucial to achieving these objectives.

The Gombe State Police Command has officially refuted a viral story that claimed the residence of Mr. Nafiu Bala, a factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was set on fire. The false information, which included a video of flames purportedly showing the attack on Bala’s property, began circulating around 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, authorities categorically denied the incident. “The Command confirms that the report is false, as no such event has occurred anywhere in the state,” the statement read.

Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, also called on the public to ignore the baseless claims. He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security across Gombe State.

The Abia State Government has expressed strong disapproval over the recent threat by the Nigerian Bar Association’s forum of chairmen in the state, who vowed to mobilize lawyers for a public demonstration if the ongoing strike by judiciary workers is not resolved.

According to the government, the NBA chairmen’s claims that their attempts to meet with Governor Alex Otti and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, were ignored are baseless and not reflective of the current state of negotiations.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Umuahia, the Director General of the Strategic Communication Bureau, Onyebuchi Ememanka, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the government has made significant progress in addressing the issues raised by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.

They noted that the misunderstanding over leave allowance, which was one of the key issues, has been resolved after it was discovered that the government’s position—that consolidated salaries already include a leave component—was correct.

Regarding financial autonomy for the judiciary, Ememanka stated that the state has substantially complied, with the Chief Judge having the authority to determine fund allocation for the judiciary branch.

He further explained that matters of employment, promotion, payment, and retirement of judiciary workers are handled by the Abia State Judiciary Service Commission, not the executive arm.

The government also denied allegations that Governor Otti and the Attorney-General snubbed a scheduled courtesy visit by the NBA chairmen, calling the claim false and misleading.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made changes to its official website, now recognizing the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by David Mark. The update, which took place around 9:58 p.m. on Thursday, also includes Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as national legal adviser.

This development comes shortly after the Supreme Court nullified a Court of Appeal decision that had required parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum. In a unanimous verdict, the apex court instructed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for the substantive case to be heard. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, delivering the judgment, affirmed that the lower court was correct in asking the defendants to show cause why the ex parte application should not be granted.

The controversy began when Nafiu Bala Gombe, an aggrieved member, filed a lawsuit challenging Mark’s emergence as ADC national chairman and sought a court order to prevent his faction from acting as the party’s leadership. Following a prior ruling by the Appeal Court, INEC had removed the Mark-led executive from its portal, stating it would not recognize any faction. However, the latest update indicates a change in stance, as the commission now lists the Mark-led ADC while the legal proceedings continue.

In Benue State, local government leaders from Oju and Obi have taken action following a violent confrontation between two communities that forced residents to flee their homes. The conflict involved the Ukpute settlement in Oju and the Adiko community in Obi.

Hon. Ominyi Jackson Adah, chairman of Oju Local Government, and his Obi counterpart, Hon. Silas Odeh, personally traveled to the Ukpute area in Ainu Ette after the violence erupted earlier this week. Their visit aimed to calm tensions and restore peace.

According to local accounts, the trouble started on Monday when a woman from Ukpute was allegedly assaulted and severely wounded while farming. This incident reportedly provoked a retaliatory action by young men from Ukpute, resulting in the capture of 19 individuals.

In response, the council chairmen coordinated with security forces, including the military and police, to bring the situation under control. Their efforts led to the successful rescue and return of all those taken.

During their visit, the chairmen urged residents to remain calm and avoid any further acts of revenge that could worsen the situation. They emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, the Omi Ny’Igede Youth Wing Development Association (ONYDA) Worldwide is calling on the Benue State Government and federal agencies like SEMA and NEMA to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the displaced. The group highlighted that many families lack food, shelter, and medical care due to the disruption.

The clash underscores ongoing tensions in parts of Benue, often fueled by land and boundary disputes. Authorities continue to stress the importance of dialogue and early intervention to prevent such conflicts from escalating. Security personnel remain stationed in the area to maintain peace.

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.