Akpabio sues Natasha over ‘apology’ video

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete a satirical apology she posted on her social media pages.

On April 27, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared a short video in which she mockingly apologised to Akpabio, claiming it was for not allowing him to have his way with her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated she was “sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect” and for rejecting the advances of the Senate President, whom she implied believed no one could refuse him.

The dispute between the two senators stems from an altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements.

This led to Akpoti-Uduaghan initiating a suit that sought to stop the Senate from investigating her for alleged misconduct.

In particular, the senator asked the court to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, from taking any disciplinary action against her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was, however, later suspended following her accusations against the Senate President, accusing him of sexual harassment.

The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on April 4, 2025, restrained all parties involved in the suit from making public comments about the ongoing case.

Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, has filed a fresh application asking the court to direct Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete the video, arguing it violated a judge’s directive.

In his application, Akpabio’s lawyer also requested the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the post from all her social media accounts.

Additionally, Ogunwumiju urged the court to mandate Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a written apology in at least two national newspapers and file an affidavit confirming her compliance.

Judge bans Kanu’s in-law from court for livestreaming proceedings on Facebook

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, banished Favour Kanu, wife of Fineboy Kanu, the younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu, for streaming the proceedings of the court live on her Facebook page.

Mr Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, is being prosecuted by the federal government over a terrorism charge.

Justice James Omotosho, who gave the order after Ms Kanu admitted to engaging in the act and apologised to the court, held that Ms Kanu would have been charged with contempt of court.

Although Mr Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, also apologised on her behalf, the judge insisted that Ms Kanu would be barred from three proceedings.

The judge expressed surprise that, even though Ms Kanu’s phone was confiscated on the last adjourned date when she was caught recording him, she still posted the video online.

Ex-junta leader Oligui sworn in as Gabon’s new president

Gabon began swearing in on Saturday President-elect Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup ending decades of Bongo family rule and swept polls last month with nearly 95 percent of the vote.

The general and former junta leader, who toppled Ali Bongo in August 2023, ending 55 years of dynastic rule by the Bongo family, officially takes the presidential reins after leading a 19-month transition government.

Some 20 African heads of state arrived for the inauguration ceremony at a stadium north of the capital Libreville, while supporters decked out in T-shirts and flags bearing Oligui’s likeness packed out the 40,000-capacity venue.

Leaders in attendance include Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo from Equatorial Guinea.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, likewise made his entrance around midday.

Tickets were free to attend the investiture at the Angondje stadium, built to honour the friendship between Gabon and China.

It marks the first time the country holds a swearing-in ceremony in front of such a large audience.

From the morning the roads of the capital Libreville and around the Angondje stadium were clogged with traffic, AFP journalists saw.

On the programme for the ceremony was a series of artistic performances and a military parade, according to state media, which will be followed by a “victory concert” on the Libreville waterfront in the evening.

In the lead-up, hundreds of workers have been painstakingly cleaning and repainting areas around the main roads leading to the stadium.

Authorities and official media have called for people to be public-spirited in view of the influx of foreign guests.

“All citizens of Greater Libreville are asked to extend a warm welcome to these distinguished guests,” the interior ministry said in a statement.

It called on residents near the stadium to “take part in cleaning and beautifying” the area.

Oligui, 50, faces serious challenges in leading the oil-rich country, which needs to revamp crucial infrastructure and diversify its economy but is heavily indebted.

Among the main concerns are an ageing electricity network which suffers frequent power cuts, youth unemployment that hovers at 40 percent, poor or lacking roads and a ballooning public debt, forecast to hit 80 percent of GDP this year.

During the transition, Oligui portrayed himself as a “builder”, launching numerous construction projects, while vowing to “crack down” on corruption to get the country back on track.

PDP strategizing to reclaim Ogun in 2027- Youth leader

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party has promised to focus on strengthening its presence in the state’s local government areas ahead of the 2027 poll.

The state PDP Youth Leader, Sunkanmi Oyejide, stated this during an interview in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Mr Oyejide explained that the party would continue to mobilise supporters and foster an inclusive environment to welcome new members.

He noted that the party was determined to present a credible alternative to the current administration, emphasising transparency, accountability and good governance.

He stressed that with the backing of the National Working Committee and the unwavering support of its members, the Ogun State PDP was poised to make significant strides in the state’s political landscape.

Mr Oyejide added that the party was committed to ensuring that the voices of the people were heard and represented, and with a promise to take on the challenges.

“The successful conduct of the party congresses from ward to the state level has laid a solid foundation for our operations and strategies moving forward. It demonstrates the unity and commitment of party members to work together towards a common goal. The Ogun State PDP, under the leadership of Abayomi Tella, has been actively engaging with the community, addressing pressing issues, and formulating policies that resonate with the needs of the people. This grassroots approach is essential for building trust and support among the electorate as the party prepares for the upcoming elections,” he said.

Mr Oyejide claimed that the situation within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was tense, with significant internal conflicts among key figures.

“The Ogun APC will face serious challenges heading into the 2027 elections. Discontent among party members, lack of cohesion, and public disputes will weaken the party’s overall position and diminish its chances of success in the state upcoming elections,” he said.

Seyi Tinubu denies involvement in alleged attack at NANS inauguration

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has firmly denied allegations by the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, accusing him of orchestrating a violent attack during the students’ inauguration event in Abuja.

Isah had claimed that armed thugs loyal to Seyi Tinubu invaded The Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, disrupting the event with cutlasses and firearms.

He alleged that the attackers stabbed participants, looted property, and forced dignitaries, including Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and former Governor Idris Wada, to flee the scene.

Describing the incident as politically motivated, Isah linked the attack to an alleged attempt to bribe and silence him.

In a swift response shared on his official Instagram page, Seyi Tinubu dismissed the allegations as entirely false, baseless, and defamatory.
“I have never held a meeting to discuss any subject matter with Comrade Isah in Lagos or anywhere else in the world,” Seyi wrote.

“I have never knowingly met him before. Neither did I visit any location with thugs. All these allegations by Atiku Isah are completely fictional.”

Expressing disbelief, he added: “Wow…how can someone lie with so much confidence? Wow wow…an attempt to defame any character. May God be with you, Comrade Atiku Isah.”

Seyi Tinubu’s statement has drawn support from his followers, many of whom called for a formal investigation to clear the air.

As of now, no official complaint has been filed against him.

Shettima presides over NEC meeting at Aso Villa

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.

Several key national issues, including insecurity and state policing, are expected to dominate the agenda.

The state governors and several deputy governors attend the Council Chambers meeting.

Among those in attendance is the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who is attending the NEC for the first time since his appointment.

Also present is Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other governors in attendance include the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Bassey Otu (Cross River); Monday Okpebholo (Edo); Uba Sani (Kaduna); and Alex Otti (Abia), among others.

Their deputy governors represent a sizable number of the states.

The National Economic Council, which is chaired by the Vice President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Central Bank Governor, and other key officials, meets periodically to deliberate on economic and developmental matters and to advise the President accordingly.

Among the pressing issues on the table is the growing insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Kwara states.

The council is expected to review ongoing security strategies and the status of state-level consensus on the establishment of state police.

The last NEC meeting, held on February 20, saw the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a nationwide program designed to tackle malnutrition in all local government areas across the country.

The outcome of the ongoing meeting is expected to shape federal and state-level collaborations in tackling insecurity, boosting economic growth, and enhancing governance in Nigeria.

Defection: Atiku is a loser again – Onanuga

The meeting was chaired by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Other governors in attendance included those of Edo, Imo, Zamfara, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Ekiti, Delta, Osun, and Kaduna, among others.ABUJA – Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a “loser again” following the defection of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Okowa, who served as Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, was among a wave of high-profile PDP figures who recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking intense political reactions.

Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, made the comments via his official account on X (formerly Twitter). Reacting to the defections, he stated:

“Atiku’s political future looks bleak. The coalition that he, El-Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated. Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again.”

Atiku Abubakar, who ran as the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, came second behind President Tinubu. The recent high-profile defections are being interpreted by political observers as a major setback for his efforts to build a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The mass defection is also being viewed as a boost to the APC’s influence in the South-South region and a possible sign of shifting political alliances ahead of future contests.

2027: APC Forum slams Malami for dismissing Al-Makura-led CPC bloc

The North Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has criticized former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over his comments questioning the credibility of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) bloc led by former Nasarawa state governor, Tanko Al-Makura.

Malami had argued that Al-Makura’s group lacked the authority to speak for CPC legacy members, insisting that only the faction aligned with former President Muhammadu Buhari — to which Malami belongs — could determine whether or not to engage with the emerging opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a swift response on Saturday, the NC APC Forum, through a statement signed by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, rejected Malami’s assertions and accused him of lacking the credibility to represent the CPC bloc or comment on critical national issues.Abubakar Malami is in no position to represent the CPC bloc. His tenure as Justice Minister was marked by controversial decisions that weakened public confidence in the government institutions.

“Nigerians are still grappling with the aftermath of the impunities that occurred under his watch,” the Forum said.”The Forum further accused Malami of undermining the anti-corruption war during the Buhari administration, alleging that he interfered with anti-graft fights and appointments, citing a particular high profile appointment leading to compromise of high-profile cases.Additionally, the Forum suspected Malami as part of those responsible for the controversial Naira redesign policy and the resultant cash crunch and widespread hardship that gripped the nation in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections.

The Forum also aleged Malami of covertly working against Tinubu during the 2023 election and aligning with those seeking to undermine the current administration.

“He and others from the former President’s camp did not support Tinubu then, and now they’re upset because they have no role in the present government.

Adeleke, Makinde begin peace moves over Oyo, Osun boundary disputes

Following inter-state communal war between communities in the Oyo and Osun states boundary, the governors of the two states, Ademola Adeleke and Seyi Makinde, have commenced peace moves.

The Nation recalled that the communal war started weeks ago, leading to the destruction of property, including the houses of chiefs, hence Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed, raised alarm after the escalation of the clash.

Subsequently, Adeleke in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed disclosed that Osun governor with his Oyo counterpart, Seyi Makinde have waded into the incessant border clashes between Lagelu and Iwo local governments of both states ahead the release of the report of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

According to him, the two governors met over the dispute during the week and resolved on immediate actions which include a directive to the deputy governors of both states to meet and then visit the areas involved in the dispute.

“The resolution which was reached at the Ibadan residence of Governor Makinde emphasised the need for peaceful engagement and resolution of all outstanding issues, charging the Deputy Governors to meet leaders of Lagelu and Iwo communities involved in the confrontation.

“The deputy governors are also to look into other related boundary disputes, such as the recurring one between Orolu local government and Ogbomoso areas of the two states.”

He noted that the governors called for restraints and cessation of reported raids into each other’s territories by aggrieved parties, insisting on due process and the rule of law in conflict resolution.

“The National Boundary Commission had conducted a mediation visitation to the disputed areas to collate data from documentary and oral evidence to determine the exact boundary of the two states.

“The federal agency has, however, not released its report despite several follow-ups by the stakeholders, creating a vacuum being exploited by violating groups.

“In the last month, several villages in Iwo local government have been attacked, while the Lagelu groups also alleged attacks on their men and settlements.”

Rasheed said Adeleke at the meeting emphasised the historical linkage between the two states, declaring that we are one and we must peacefully resolve any outstanding issues.

“I commend my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, on this proactive decision. Our deputy governors will take up the matter as a matter of urgency”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.

Suspend France trip, Nigerians are dying- Peter Obi tells Tinubu

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his retreat in France and return home to address the ongoing communal clashes and killings across the country.

Obi made the appeal in a statement posted via his official X account.

The plea comes four days after the Presidency dismissed speculation that Tinubu left the shores of the country to see doctors in France, insisting that it was a working visit.

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the clarification when he was featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Bwala was reacting to the claim by popular activist and politician Omoyele Sowore that the President’s trip to France was for medical attention.

Although his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Tinubu, who travelled out on April 2, is expected to return to Nigeria in ‘about a fortnight,’ Sowore alleged in a post on his official Facebook page that the trip was for medical care.

But Obi warned that the President’s continued stay in a foreign land will further exacerbate the rising wave of insecurity in the country.

He said, “I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.

“In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states. The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, further reflect a nation in distress.

“In the North East, Borno State leaders are bemoaning the return of insurgency, with troops and civilians being killed randomly. In the Southeast, the story is the same: killings and abductions. Amid all these, the CEO of the troubled company called Nigeria, is retreating to a faraway land in France from the company’s headquarters.

“I, therefore, like to urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues. That is the new Nigeria that the nation seeks.”

PDP governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom backs Tinubu for second term

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid come 2027.

Mr Eno, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, disclosed this on Monday before the flag-off of the construction of a 65-kilometre, three-lane dual carriageway by the Minister of Works David Umahi.

“Let me end by assuring our people-loving president who will complete eight years because we’re going to stand by him,” Mr Eno said. “He cannot start this work and abandon it; somebody else may not finish it.”

“The hand that has started this work, that hand shall complete it. Our prayer for Mr President is for good health to finish the work that he has started and commission this work so that this work will not be abandoned. It will not be like the East-West Road,” he added.

The carriageway is part of the 750km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, connecting Lagos to Cross River through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states.

According to the governor, Hitech Construction Company, contracted to handle the project, will mobilise its men to commence work after Easter.

Mr Eno vowed that his government will continue to reciprocate Mr Tinubu’s love for the state across party lines by collaborating with the president despite being the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

PDP governors rule out coalition ahead of 2027 elections

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum has declared that the party would not join or merge with any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum’s chairman, Governor Muhammad Bala of Bauchi State, said this after the governors’ meeting on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Reading the group’s communique after the meeting, Mr Bala said the PDP governors resolved that the party would not join any coalition or merger.

“Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger,” the governor said.

He, however, said PDP, as a major opposition party, would welcome any party, association or group willing to join it to wrestle power and enthrone good leadership in 2027.

Mr Bala, who was flanked by other PDP governors when reading the communique, equally stated that the forum reaffirmed its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the party’s national secretary.

He said, “That on the wake of the Supreme Court judgement, the forum resolved to recommend the publicity secretary of the party to act as the national secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive national secretary from the South East zone by NEC at its next meeting.”

The chairman stated that the forum reasserted its collective determination to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear verdict on the interpretation of the law on the declaration of a state of emergency in any state of the federation.

“The forum, therefore, reiterates its solidarity with His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on the ordeal in which he and his people are being plunged into by the declaration of a state of emergency, and we reiterate our commitment to stand with him to the end,” he stated.

The forum also raised concerns over the worsening security situation in some parts of the country, especially in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States.

Mr Bala disclosed that the forum called for a review and reordering of priorities and strategies for security agencies that would guarantee improved security across the country.

The forum commiserated with the people of Plateau over the loss of lives in the recent attack in the state.

The chairman of the forum further made it known that the NEC meeting of the party would be held on May 27, “having resolved with the National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party.”

He explained that zoning committees would be constituted during the May 27 meeting to address all issues relating to the running of the party offices.

Mr Bala said the party convention would be held in August, “precisely on the 20th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.

Present at the meeting were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) were represented by their deputies, Monday Onyeme and Akon Eyakenyi, respectively.

Natasha’s recall petition fails constitutional requirement – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the petition seeking the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has failed to meet the necessary constitutional requirements.

In a post shared on its official X page on Thursday, INEC stated that the recall petition did not satisfy the provisions of Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the commission wrote.

I would have performed better than Tinubu in two years- Peter Obi

A former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, said that he would have performed better than President Bola Tinubu in two years if he was occupying his position.

In an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday, Mr Obi said Mr Tinubu has not done well in the past two years in office.

“The president that is there today. How many years has he stayed? Two years and you could see where we are. Look at the turn of things in two years. That means that you can change things in two years,” Mr Obi said.

The former Anambra governor said he could have tackled corruption head-on, make investment in critical education and health and reduce cost governance, if he were the president in the past two years.

“If I were there (Presidency) in two years, you could have seen considerable change in critical areas. I would have tackled corruption head-on. I would have reduced costs of governance, and you will see it, people would feel it,” Mr Obi said.

Mr Obi said he would have “invested in critical areas, adding “By now you would have seen the impact in education. You will be seeing it visibly. You would have seen the change in our health sector.”

A spokesperson for Mr Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed Mr Obi’s statement in the interview as illogical.

“As I listen to @PeterObi this evening struggling to play the opposition (oppose the government) I can’t but shudder at his abysmal delivery. He was speaking devoid of facts, logical analysis and almost sounded like a tinkling cymbal or a sounding brass,” Mr Bwala wrote in a post on X.

“Mr Gregory has still not recovered from the painful defeat of the 2023 polls. But I can understand his confusion because as it stands today, he seems deserted in the banana republic of fantasy, wondering how he will convince his followers about his agreement to play a second fiddle in the 2027 wild goose chase of the opposition. Nigeria dodged a bullet,” he added.

Shehu Sani declares interest in Kaduna central senatorial seat

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has announced his intention to contest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.

“Any politician contesting an election depends on the political equation that determines the position to vie for. If the conditions are right and the equations are favorable, I will offer myself to contest specifically for the Kaduna Central senatorial district,” he stated.

He further emphasised that his ambition remains secondary to ensuring the re-election of Governor Uba Sani for a second term.

“For now, our priority is to see that the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, is re-elected. We will work with all our might and strength to achieve this. We know there will be challenges and opposition, but we are well prepared for all forces,” he added.

Sani also used the occasion to urge Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and unity during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Additionally, he condemned the recent killing of hunters in Edo State, calling on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

“If citizens cannot move freely across the country, then we are not truly a nation. If individuals take the law into their hands for any reason, it means there is no government or authority,” he lamented.

He called on all Nigerians who desire a better country to work towards peace and unity for the preservation of democracy, despite the challenges being experienced.

Sani also urged the government to uphold fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life, as a crucial step towards national stability and development.

Tinubu appoints new leaders for River Basin Development authorities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new appointments to key leadership positions within the River Basin Development Authorities under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

The appointments aim to enhance efficiency in water resource management and rural development across the country.

In the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta, Sowade Oluwakayode Adebayo has been appointed as the Executive Director of Engineering Services, replacing Engr. Julius Oloro.

At the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chucks Erhire has been named the new Executive Director of Engineering Services, taking over from Dr. Austin Nonyelim Izagbo.

Tinubu also appointed Sunday Kubba Hassan as the Executive Director of Planning at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, succeeding Chief Chris Tarka.

Engr. Okibe Timothy retains his position as the Executive Director of Engineering at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, ensuring continuity in leadership.

The Presidency emphasised that these appointments are part of the administration’s broader effort to improve water management, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance rural development.

The President urged the newly appointed officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and efficiency in their respective roles, ensuring that Nigerians benefit from improved water resource management and infrastructure development.

The River Basin Development Authorities play a crucial role in Nigeria’s water sector, and these leadership changes reflect the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development.

Wike outlines projects for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has outlined some projects that will be inaugurated in May to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

Mr Wike, after inspecting some of the projects in Abuja on Thursday, identified the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), being rehabilitated by Julius Berger, as one of the projects.

He said the AICC would come back to life in May as a befitting international conference centre that Nigerians would be proud of.

Mr Wike expressed optimism that the centre would attract a lot of activities, adding, however, that it would no longer be business as usual.

“You know what happened last time. It was given out to one senator, who was making money but destroying the edifice.

“When we finish, we are going to have a maintenance contract with Julius Berger to address our poor maintenance culture.

“Nigeria needs an internal conference centre that is of standard and comparable with any centre in the world,” Mr Wike said.

The minister added that the two interchanges on Wole Soyinka Way (N20) would also be inaugurated in May.

He said Gilmor was constructing the interchanges, one at Murtala Mohammed Way and the other at Shehu Shagari Way.

Mr Wike said the interchanges, when completed, would connect Jahi, Jabi, Mabushi and Utako Districts and eventually connect to the FCT Division of the Court of Appeal.

He said the N16 interchange at NICON Junction would equally be inaugurated to connect Maitama and Katampe Districts through Gishiri village and be linked to Wole Soyinka Way.

“You can see all the other connecting roads leading to Judges Quarters are ongoing, and the contractor has promised that all these roads will be completed before May.

“We will also inaugurate the connecting roads to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office,” he said.

The visibly elated minister added that projects in satellite towns would also be inaugurated.

He particularly identified some of the roads as A2-Pai rural roads in Kwali Area Council, Aguma Palace Road in Gwagwalada and the ongoing dualisation of Ushafa to Military Checkpoint Road in Bwari Area Council.

Another project to be inaugurated, according to the minister, includes the service lane from Apo interchange to Wassa, which is being constructed by CGC.

Speaking about funding the projects, the minister said the 2024 budget, which was being used to finance the project, would be implemented until June.

He added that he had submitted the 2025 budget to Mr Tinubu and expressed confidence that it would soon be transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.

“By the time the 2025 budget is passed, we will not have a problem with funding,” Mr Wike said.

PDP governors congratulate Jonathan on Sunhak Peace Prize

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has congratulated former president Goodluck Jonathan for winning the prestigious 2025 Founders Sunhak Peace Prize.

The congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement on Wednesday.

PDP-GF chairman Governor Bala Mohammed said that since leaving office in 2015, Mr Jonathan has been visible on the global scene advocating and propagating peace towards the development of humanity.

He said Mr Jonathan’s administration recorded several outstanding and yet-to-be-surpassed achievements.

According to him, these include rebasing the Nigerian economy and its gross domestic product for the first time in over a decade, making the country the largest economy in Africa by overtaking South Africa and Egypt.

Mr Jonathan was declared the winner of the 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Award, a prestigious recognition by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea.

With this win, Mr Jonathan becomes the first African leader and only the third recipient of the Founder’s Prize, following in the footsteps of former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee lauded Mr Jonathan’s relentless peace efforts, highlighting his pro-democracy initiatives and mediation roles across Africa.

Tinubu make four fresh appointments into NCDMB Governing Council

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new members to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), reinforcing the board’s capacity to drive local content growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The new members include Mr. Olusegun Omosehin from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Engr. Wole Ogunsanya of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).

Also appointed are Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi, representing the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF) and Barrister Owei Oyanbo from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

These appointments follow the exit of previous institutional representatives, ensuring that the council remains fully constituted and capable of fulfilling its mandate.

The NCDMB Governing Council, established under Section 69 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, plays a crucial role in overseeing and promoting Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector.

It consists of representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), COREN, PETAN, NCCF, and NAICOM.

Tinubu urged the newly appointed members to apply their expertise and dedication to further enhance local content development, in line with his administration’s commitment to economic growth and job creation in the oil and gas sector.

INEC makes u-turn, says petition to recall Senator Natasha now in order

Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission dated today, Wednesday 26th March 2025.

As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address. The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website.

The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one-half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency. This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission.

We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent.

Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee

1 2 3 204
Exit mobile version