Anambra State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has appealed to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to return to the party.

DAILY POST recalls that Obi defected to LP when he felt he could not achieve his presidential ambition within the PDP’s fold.

The PDP made the appeal following the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee, SEC, to review the state of the party and chart a way forward in Awka on Thursday.

According to the communique, signed by the State Chairman of the party, Chidi Chidebe, alliances with ideologically incompatible political formations in the guise of coalitions would likely not yield the desired success.

“The committee extends an open invitation to all aggrieved and former members of the PDP in Anambra, particularly our revered former governor, Mr Peter Obi, to return home and reunite with the now rejuvenated and restructured PDP.

“We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria,” he said.

Chidebe told Anambra electorate to support Mr Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Mr Francis Okeke, in the coming election while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial electoral process.

While announcing the unanimous nomination of Chief Clems Ezike to fill the vacant position of National Ex-Officio from Anambra, Chidebe urged the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee under Chief Ali Odefa to recognise and transmit same to the national secretariat.

…they don’t know what they’re talking about

President Bola Tinubu has asked David Umahi, minister of works, not to listen to the critics of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

Tinubu spoke in Lagos on Thursday during the launch of the reconstruction of the deep-seaport access road. 

On May 31, Tinubu inaugurated the completed 30km section one, phase one of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road. 

However, criticism has trailed the inauguration of section one of the road since it is less than five percent of the 700km project.

In March 2024, Tinubu flagged off the construction of the highway project awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

During the inauguration of the seaport access road, Tinubu said those complaining about the cost of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project can explore other roads. 

The president said his administration is ready to deliver enduring infrastructure for the benefit of the country.

Tinubu asked Umahi to plan the other sections of the Lagos-Calabar project and continue construction activities. 

“I appeal to you, David, don’t listen to those critics. They don’t know what they are talking about,” Tinubu said.

“If they don’t like the road or if it’s too expensive, toll it for them. They could go to Idumota.

“My own is to affirm our commitment to deliver enduring infrastructure across our great nation.

“Forget all the misconceptions; you are a doer, thinker, and great professional, David.

“On my way here, I witnessed the significant progress of section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar highway project, with 10km out of a 55km stretch already done.

“I’m also pleased to report ongoing works at the Cross River and Akwa-Ibom sections and have directed that more segments be designed and procured. Go ahead and do the job.”

Tesla Inc. shares reportedly tumbled by over 14 percent on Thursday, as the public feud between Elon Musk, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO), and President Donald Trump rattled investors.

The development was said to have resulted in a $150 billion loss in the automaker’s market capitalisation.

Musk, who previously led the department of government efficiency (DOGE), described a Republican-backed tax bill as a “disgusting abomination” and claimed that Trump’s earlier presidential victory was partly due to his support.

Shortly after, he announced his resignation from the department.

In response, Trump threatened to revoke federal subsidies and contracts linked to Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.

Following the exchange, Tesla shares dropped to $284.7 at market close, pushing the company’s valuation below $900 billion.

The broader Nasdaq Index also slipped by 0.8 percent.

The tension between the duo sparked investor concern over Tesla’s future in the US, especially its planned launch of autonomous robotaxi services, which are expected to roll out in Austin, Texas, later this year and expand to more cities by 2026.

Meanwhile, reports show Tesla’s vehicle sales in Europe are also slowing.

The company is also facing renewed scrutiny over its autopilot system, after the resurfacing of a fatal 2023 crash allegedly linked to the software.

The latest development has also cut into Musk’s net worth, which dropped by nearly $27 billion, although he remains the world’s richest person.

Tesla has not issued an official statement on the matter at the time of this report.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked US President Donald Trump’s proclamation banning Harvard University from enrolling foreign students.

Although Kristi Noem, secretary of the department of homeland security, announced the restriction on Harvard last month, it took on the weight of a presidential directive on Wednesday after the White House issued an official order.

Allison Burroughs, district judge, issued a temporary restraining order against Trump’s ban. 

Burroughs said if she does not intervene, the school would “sustain immediate and irreparable injury before there is an opportunity to hear from all parties”.

The judge said her order “shall remain in effect until further order of this Court”.

Foreign students make up roughly a quarter of the student body in Harvard, US’ oldest and wealthiest university. 

Trump’s spat with the university stems from its refusal to budge to presidential directives, including reporting international students accused of misconduct no matter the degree, and eliminating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.

 

Harvard has vowed to fight till the end. 

Burroughs set a hearing for mid-June to listen to arguments over whether she should block Trump’s proclamation indefinitely.

Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, was absent on Thursday when President Bola Tinubu flagged off the reconstruction of the deep seaport access road in Epe, Ijebu-Ode area of the state.

Several dignitaries, including Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, and Femi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, attended the event. 

Sanwo-Olu’s seat was clearly labelled, but he was noticeably absent, with his deputy, Hamzat, seated behind it. 

Speaking at the event, Tinubu directed his remarks at the deputy governor rather than Sanwo-Olu.

The president also cautioned governors against issuing planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments that encroach on designated road setbacks and maritime zones.

“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the ministry of works on these roads,” the president said. 

“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos state is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.”

While the Lagos government has not given an official reason for Sanwo-Olu’s absence from the event, it may be linked to the alleged rift between the two politicians. 

On Saturday, Tinubu snubbed Sanwo-Olu during the inauguration of the completed phase 1, section 1 (30km by six lanes) of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

The event was attended by personalities, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Zulum, Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, and Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River.

Tinubu exchanged pleasantries by shaking hands with the dignitaries as he proceeded along the line of officials.

However, when Tinubu reached Sanwo-Olu, he ignored the Lagos governor and extended a handshake directly to greet Ahmed Ododo, the governor of Kogi, who was next in line.

There has been speculation that Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu are not on good terms following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Lagos assembly speaker.

Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in February over allegations of financial misconduct but was later reinstated after 49 days following the alleged intervention of Tinubu.

Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, says Nigeria has reversed its status as one of the world’s largest importers of cement and now exports more than any other country in Africa.

Dangote spoke on Wednesday at the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers event held in Lagos.

He said the West African nation has made significant strides in reversing its dependence on imports in key sectors such as cement, fertiliser, and petroleum products, adding that the same success can be achieved in healthcare. 

“I think you are right. We can make it happen in business and also in health. We have actually done a lot. Let me start with health,” Dangote said.

“In health, through our own partnership with Bill, we have actually end polio. Also, we have participated and also did quite a lot in nutrition. So that’s our partnership.

“In terms of business, it’s true. We have done quite a lot by reversing a lot of things. 

“Nigeria used to be the second largest importer of cement in the world and now, we have reversed it. Nigeria now exports cement more than any other African country.

“We have looked at also challenges in terms of fertiliser where our farmers were suffering.

“We built from the zero level to the second largest plant of fertiliser in the world. So, Nigeria now not only exports, we actually export 37% of our fertiliser to the United States of America.”

On petrochemicals, the billionaire said Nigeria used to import 350,000 tonnes of polypropylene, but that challenge has now been addressed and will not recur.

He said the country will meet domestic demand and also export 600,000 tonnes to other African countries.

“We are the highest, biggest capacity of refinery that has ever been built in the world by Saudi Aramco, which is 430,000 barrels. We said, let us do what has never, ever been done before, that is to do 650,000 barrels per day and we have delivered,” he said.

“In May alone, we have actually exported 400,000 metric tonnes of PMS, which is petrol. Nigeria imports 100%, but right now, no more.”

Dangote said the achievements in business should serve as a model for transforming the healthcare sector, particularly by ending Nigeria’s reliance on medical tourism.

He emphasised the need for the country to begin local drug production and ensure that people can access quality treatment without needing to travel overseas.

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says President Bola Tinubu demonstrated rare courage by removing the petrol subsidy on his first day in office.

Wike spoke on Thursday during the 2025 distinguished personality lecture held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state. 

The lecture was titled “The Nigeria of Our Dreams”. 

The FCT minister said Tinubu’s action distinguished him from past leaders, who, according to him, only paid lip service to subsidy removal.

“Leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it,” Wike said.

“Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling, and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.”

‘NIGERIA’S MAIN PROBLEM IS BAD LEADERSHIP’ 

Wike said Nigeria’s biggest problem remains bad leadership.

He referenced Chinua Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria, noting that the absence of proper leadership remains the country’s undoing.

“This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert,” he said.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development. This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts.”

He said Tinubu has stood out as a leader with character, vision and resilience.

Wike described the president as someone who makes informed, proactive and logical decisions with the courage to act and the audacity to lead.

“The leader we need must believe in the infinite possibilities that Nigeria exemplifies while taking solid, proactive, logical and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualise her potential,” he said.

“This leader must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasise excellence over mediocrity.”

He said Tinubu’s track record in Lagos and his commitment to democracy make him fit for the job.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process,” he said.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development, as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond.”

‘TRUE FEDERALISM BEING RESTORED’

Wike also referred to Tinubu’s moves to decentralise power and promote regional development.

“The overwhelming cry of over-centralisation of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism are being systematically addressed,” he said.

“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions so that power can truly return to the people.”

On security, he said Tinubu is investing in the training and retraining of personnel.

He said the approval of forest guard recruitment is a major step in dismantling the safe havens of bandits and terrorists.

“Bandits and terrorists would no longer find incubation points and free territories to operate,” he said.

“Put simply, the era of banditry and terrorism would soon come to an end.”

He said all these actions reflect Tinubu’s resolve to reposition Nigeria for progress.

The Naira further appreciated on Thursday, trading at N1,553.11 against the Dollar in the official foreign exchange market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed the Naira gained N12.35, representing a 0.79 per cent appreciation when compared to Wednesday’s trading at N1,565.46 per Dollar.

The Naira has been on a steady appreciation, trading at N1,579.27 on Tuesday and N1,581.58 against the Dollar on Monday.

The Naira, which also closed the previous week bullish, opened the new week with a gain of N4.56.

These steady gains were recorded even as the recapitalisation for Bureau De Change Operators (BDCs) began on June 3.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has proposed a ban on using styrofoam and foil paper for food packaging, aiming to protect public health and the environment.

Lawmakers raised concerns on Thursday during plenary, adopting the motion sponsored by Mr Ogiji Achadu, who represents the Yala 2 State Constituency.

Achadu noted that styrofoam, a lightweight plastic used for packaging, is made from polystyrene — a petroleum-based product considered hazardous to human health.

He explained that when heated or used with food, Styrofoam releases styrene — a toxic substance that can seep into food and pose health risks.

Long-term styrene exposure, he warned, has been linked to neurological problems, respiratory conditions, and hormonal imbalances in humans.

He further stressed that Styrofoam is non-biodegradable, pollutes the environment, harms ecosystems, and poses challenges to proper waste management.

Achadu urged Governor Bassey Otu to prioritise residents’ health by addressing harmful materials that degrade environmental and public health standards.

Other lawmakers supported the motion, highlighting the risks of heating food in foil paper and the growing problem of non-degradable waste.

They cited Lagos State’s example, which has already enforced such a ban, and urged similar action in Cross River.

The lawmakers recommended empowering the Environmental Task Force Agency to implement and enforce the proposed ban effectively.

Speaker, Mr Elvert Ayambem, praised Achadu and other members for promoting legislation focused on citizens’ welfare and environmental protection.

The unbelievable war of words between US President, Donald Trump and Elon Musk escalated on Thursday, June 5, as the Tesla and SpaceX CEO fired back at the former president’s criticism regarding his opposition to Trump’s key economic bill.

After Elon Musk's continuous attack on Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill', the tech billionaire launched an all-out attack on the US President, saying without his support Trump would have lost the election.

"Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," the Tesla CEO said in a post on X.

In comment section, he wrote, "Such ingratitude".

This comes after US President questioned his relationship with the tech billionaire- indicating their close alliance may be no more. Trump said Thursday he doesn't know if he and Elon Musk will still have "a great relationship" after the former DOGE head has spent days blasting the GOP's spending bill.

"Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office before his bilateral sit-down with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “He hasn’t said bad about me personally, but I’m sure that’ll be next. But I’m very disappointed … I’ve helped Elon a lot.”

The tight relationship between Trump and the Tesla CEO has been fracturing on public display. Asked about Musk's ongoing criticism, Trump said he was "very surprised."

The president noted that Musk hasn't said anything "about me that's bad" but added he'd rather the billionaire "criticize me than the bill." Trump argued Musk was upset because "we took the EV mandate," in reference to the electric vehicle tax credit the legislation would kill.

The war of words between Donald Trump and Elon Musk intensified on Thursday, with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO responding bluntly to the US president’s criticism over his opposition to Trump’s signature economic bill.

“Whatever,” Musk posted on X. “Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill.”

Musk’s post followed Trump’s remarks from the Oval Office, where he said he was “very disappointed” in the billionaire.

“I’ve helped him a lot,” Trump said. “He knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we’re going to cut the EV mandate.”

Musk hit back quickly, saying, “False. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!”