Category: News

Engr. Sunny Oche, the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, has lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering focus on advancing Benue State as the governor reaches his third anniversary in office. Speaking on behalf of the Ado LG administration and its residents, Oche emphasized that Alia’s tenure exemplifies visionary leadership, accountability, and a steadfast dedication to statewide progress.

In his commemorative statement, Oche highlighted how the governor has effectively steered transformation across essential sectors while enhancing the lives of citizens, calling these efforts truly commendable and motivational. The council chairman further noted that Alia’s accomplishments showcase a deep passion for public service and a clear vision to reposition Benue for enduring growth.

Oche also recognized the governor’s personal sacrifices, steadfastness, and unyielding resolve in guiding the state toward stability and advancement. He added, “As you celebrate this milestone, we honor your perseverance and unwavering commitment to steering our beloved state toward progress.” The chairman concluded by wishing Alia greater wisdom, strength, and divine direction as he continues his leadership journey, and extended warm congratulations on his three years of service.

Human rights advocate and former presidential contender Omoyele Sowore has strongly supported the push for a N500,000 minimum wage across Nigeria, taking aim at what he calls reckless expenditure by elected officials. In a statement released through his official platform, Sowore dismissed the notion that the country lacks the financial means to increase worker compensation.

Referencing unverified reports about Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and allegations tied to campaign financing, Sowore argued that the same resources available for political activities could and should be redirected to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “If there is money for politicians, there must be money for workers,” he declared.

The activist further asserted that demanding a N500,000 minimum wage is not unreasonable. Instead, he identified the core issue as a political elite that treats public money as their own personal stash while millions endure hardship. “The problem is a political class that treats public funds as private property while millions of Nigerians suffer,” the statement read.

Sowore concluded that Nigeria’s economic struggles stem more from corruption and skewed priorities than from any genuine scarcity of funds. He called for a fundamental shift in how national resources are allocated, insisting that workers deserve a fair share of the nation’s wealth.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made a heartfelt appeal to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging him to put aside personal grievances and join the collective effort to reshape the state. Speaking during the annual Hawan Nassarawa event on Friday, Yusuf emphasized that the primary focus should be on the welfare and progress of Kano, not individual ambitions.

“I invite him to think of Kano first, set aside personal concerns, and become part of our team for peace and a renewed Kano that promises stability and advancement,” the governor stated. He noted that during a recent program, nearly all key figures were present except Kwankwaso, pointing out that even governors who had disagreements with their deputies managed to set aside their differences for the occasion.

Yusuf stressed that his administration’s core mission is to foster unity and build a great Kano, and he expressed gratitude to the Emir of Kano for his wise guidance. However, he made it clear that his humility stems from a genuine connection with the people, not weakness. “I have never been afraid of anyone. My calmness is not cowardice but a reflection of my good character and closeness to the masses,” he said.

Reflecting on the state of affairs when he took office, Yusuf mentioned that many systems were in disarray, which prompted his administration to implement corrective measures without creating hostility. He recounted how they successfully prevented killings and conflicts, such as the crisis from two years ago, which led them to avoid the Hawan Daushe event. He assured the Emir of his continued support and hinted at a forthcoming durbar celebration that would be extraordinary.

The governor also addressed internal government issues, stating that while 85% of his advisers are performing effectively, the remaining 15% are attempting to cause disruptions. “Be warned, we are monitoring you. Soon, you will face the repercussions of your destructive actions,” he cautioned.

The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions, demolishing 17 illegal structures and sealing 52 buildings across the state. This enforcement action is part of a broader initiative to uphold physical planning regulations and restore order in the built environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Oluyinka Olumide, revealed these figures during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja. He presented the ministry’s achievements in the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

According to Olumide, the enforcement followed investigations into numerous public complaints and disputes regarding property development. The ministry’s Technical Services Department handled 987 complaints during the review period, resolving 399 through mediation and compliance, while 519 remain under investigation.

“We removed 17 structures and sealed 52 others for various planning violations,” Olumide stated. He noted that these interventions have reduced litigation, minimized conflicts from enforcement, and boosted public trust in the state’s development control efforts.

Beyond enforcement, the ministry completed three key planning documents: the Lagos Island Model City Plan, the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the Revised Badagry Master Plan. These frameworks aim to guide infrastructure, land use, and sustainable urban growth.

Monitoring and compliance activities were stepped up in housing estates and developing communities, with 205 estates inspected to ensure adherence to approved layouts and regulations. To protect residents from fraudulent real estate schemes, the ministry published details of 176 illegal estates operating without approved plans, advising buyers to verify approvals before investing.

Olumide also announced that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority processed 21,603 permit applications between June 2025 and March 2026, approving 17,279. A 60-day amnesty from October to December 2025 attracted 7,198 applications, leading to 4,113 approvals.

A major milestone was the launch of the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS), a digital platform enabling online permit applications. This innovation enhances transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business in Lagos.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to hoteliers and event center owners in Abuja, directing them to conduct business exclusively with political parties officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This directive aims to prevent unauthorized organizations from using these venues for political activities.

In a statement released Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, the administration emphasized that all event spaces and hotels must verify the legitimacy of any group seeking to rent their facilities. Failure to comply would result in severe penalties, including the possible revocation of land titles for the properties involved.

The FCTA stressed that land parcels within the Federal Capital Territory are allocated solely for lawful purposes. Allowing illegal political groups to gather on these premises could threaten the peace and security of the capital city. Consequently, the use of event centers, hotels, and other public buildings will be closely monitored to ensure they are not exploited by unauthorized organizations.

Property owners are now required to keep accurate records of all transactions and confirm that any group renting their space is a legally recognized political entity. The statement warned that noncompliance would attract sanctions, with the ultimate penalty being the cancellation of title documents for the affected properties.

During a youth-centered gathering in Abuja, organized by Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma of the Abuja Archdiocese, Peter Obi drew a powerful biblical parallel. He described the nation’s politicians as formidable Goliaths, urging citizens to rise as Davids to overcome the obstacles hindering progress.

Obi, a leading contender for the 2027 presidential election and former Labour Party candidate, pinpointed corrupt politicians as the primary barrier to Nigeria’s development. He emphasized that these leaders prioritize personal enrichment over national welfare, thereby stalling growth across security, power, healthcare, and education.

The event, aptly named the David and Goliath Conference, aimed to empower young Nigerians to confront systemic challenges. Obi engaged with delegates, answering tough questions about overcoming personal and national Goliaths. He identified key failing sectors—security, education, health, and unemployment—as areas requiring urgent attention.

Challenging the youth to adopt realistic goals, he advised them to live within their means and reject artificial lifestyles. Obi’s message was clear: Nigeria needs a collective David—people of courage and integrity—to defeat the Goliath of corruption and mismanagement. The conference underscored the need for a new breed of leaders who prioritize the country’s interests above all.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Abia State, Eric Opah, has refuted social media reports that he vowed to free Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), should he win the 2027 election. According to a statement from his campaign organization, Opah never made any such promise, either in public or private.

Social media had been abuzz with a quote attributed to Opah: “I will set Mazi Nnamdi Kanu free once I become Governor of Abia State in 2027. I said it, and I will do it. I have the capacity, don’t doubt me.” The APC candidate, through his Director of Media and Publicity, Eric Ikwuagwu, labeled the report as entirely false and a product of desperation by political opponents.

Ikwuagwu emphasized that Opah remains focused on lawful governance, peace, and development, and will not be distracted by “mischief-makers and enemies of progress.” He urged the public and party supporters to ignore the fake news and condemned the attempt to drag Opah’s name into unnecessary controversy.

The Obidient Movement has called on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to rally behind Peter Obi in the party’s primary election scheduled for today, May 29, 2026. The group emphasized that unity and discipline are crucial for Obi to secure the presidential ticket.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, issued a statement urging NDC members and party faithful to set aside individual ambitions and focus on the collective goal of ensuring Obi’s candidacy for the 2027 general elections.

“Our coming together under the NDC is deliberate and strategic,” Tanko said. “The ultimate aim is to have Peter Obi’s name on the ballot. We must remain disciplined and united throughout this process.”

Tanko acknowledged that not all aspirants can win, as competition naturally produces winners and losers. He cautioned against letting personal disappointments undermine the movement’s broader mission. “In any democracy, there will be setbacks, but we must handle them with maturity and sportsmanship. Any grievances should be resolved through internal party mechanisms, not court cases, which could harm our progress.”

He also warned that political opponents are watching closely, hoping to exploit any internal divisions. “Our enemies are eager to take advantage of any crisis we might face. We must not give them that opportunity.”

After the primaries, Tanko urged all members to close ranks and work together for victory in 2027. “Our focus must shift to building a new Nigeria where every child, regardless of background, can succeed. A New Nigeria is Possible.”

In a scathing critique, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has called out prominent opposition figures Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, accusing them of relentlessly attacking President Bola Tinubu’s character, political strategies, and governance agenda. Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser on Policy Communication, made these remarks in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the trio’s motives stem from their ambition to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Bwala argued that a closer examination of the three politicians reveals deep flaws in their political conduct and philosophical consistency. He questioned Sowore’s democratic credentials, pointing out that Sowore established a political party only to appoint himself as national chairman, securing an automatic presidential ticket through adoption. When elections approach, Bwala claimed, Sowore steps down from the chairmanship, only to reclaim it after losing the election. Bwala posed the rhetorical question: Is this how a genuine democrat behaves?

Turning his attention to Obi, Bwala criticized the former Anambra State governor for his habit of switching parties to secure an uncontested presidential ticket, while his loyal supporters face the rigors of primary elections. Bwala noted that many of Obi’s dedicated followers have lost their primaries, suggesting that political activism does not translate into electoral success.

Regarding Atiku, Bwala took aim at the former vice president’s tendency to change parties in pursuit of his presidential ambition, while condemning others who exercise the same right to pursue their own goals. Bwala described this as a classic master-servant mentality, alleging that Atiku believes no one should aspire to the presidency until he has stepped aside. He referenced Atiku’s relationship with Obi, stating that when Obi left Atiku’s camp to pursue his own ambition, Atiku branded Obi as disloyal.

Bwala contrasted these figures with Tinubu, asserting that the sitting president is more committed to democratic principles. He cited an example where Tinubu allowed primary elections within his party, despite having the option of first refusal as the incumbent, to ensure fairness. Who is the true democrat here? Bwala asked.

The presidential aide concluded by accusing the opposition of merely complaining about the current administration without presenting viable alternatives. He dismissed their criticisms as cheap talk, labeling them as taking advantage of national misfortunes to score political points.

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, has outlined an unconventional approach to national security if he wins the 2027 elections. In a bold statement, he declared that his Minister of Defence would be a drone, emphasizing his deep trust in technological solutions to tackle insecurity.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Sowore proposed a centralized control system to monitor and eliminate terrorist threats in real time. He stressed the need for immediate action against bandits through coordinated efforts backed by advanced equipment and intelligence.

According to Sowore, the current security leadership lacks accountability and focus. He vowed to replace them with honest, technology-driven leaders who prioritize protection over politics. His vision includes a military and police force capable of strategic operations, avoiding misuse of power.

“If I become president tomorrow, my Minister of Defence will be a drone,” Sowore asserted. “That drone will fly everywhere, and we’ll have a control centre where terrorists are tracked and liquidated.” He added that long-term solutions require creating a society where citizens have jobs, education, and no incentive to become tools of violence.