Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims of having revived Nigeria’s economy as an insult to the millions of Nigerians currently enduring severe hardship. 

Senator Wabara argued that if the President’s assertions were accurate, there would be no need to convince Nigerians—citizens themselves would be attesting to the administration’s achievements. 

“The reality on the ground does not support President Tinubu’s claims. If he had truly improved the economy, Nigerians would be the first to testify,” Wabara said.

He pointed to the soaring inflation, widespread hunger, and deepening poverty as evidence contradicting the President’s remarks.

“It’s ironic that Mr. President is talking about economic revival when the economy is clearly deteriorating under his watch. The indices say otherwise,” he added. “Poor and hungry Nigerians do not need a lecture on economic revival. The first sign of improvement will be reflected in market prices.”

Wabara urged the President to use the remaining two years of his tenure to focus on real economic reforms rather than making rhetorical statements. He called on Tinubu to review key economic policies, particularly those related to multiple taxation, which he said are stifling businesses and worsening living conditions.

The PDP BoT Chairman also highlighted the urgent need to address the country’s security crisis, stating that insecurity has significantly contributed to food shortages by displacing farmers from agrarian communities due to attacks by bandits and criminal herders.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging a once-thriving economy. “When the PDP was in power, Nigeria’s economy was among the top two in Africa. The APC has reversed those gains,” he said.

Despite the current challenges, Wabara expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economy would rebound once the PDP returns to power in 2027.

No fewer than 21 corpses were recovered, yesterday, and scores of people were declared missing, after a severe midnight flood caused by torrential rainfall wreaked havoc in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to sources, about 50 residential houses were submerged by the devastating Tuesday night flood, which caught many residents and commuters unawares, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction of property.
The two communities most affected are Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, in Mokwa town. 

In addition to the loss of lives, several vehicles, including commercial vehicles, private cars and trucks, were also trapped. 

Drivers and commuters were seen struggling to navigate through the floodwaters, with no rescue efforts immediately available.

As of the time of this report, 21 bodies, including those of a woman and her two children, had been recovered, while many others remain missing.

A woman, her children, and several others who were injured were receiving medical attention, yesterday, at Mokwa General Hospital.

A statement by the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the disaster, stating: “There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours, and the surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.

“In response, the agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and brave volunteers, are conducting search and rescue operations to recover survivors and bodies.

“At present, three survivors, a woman and her two children, are receiving treatment for wounds and shock, at Mokwa General Hospital.

“Twenty-one bodies have, so far, been recovered, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other sister security agencies have made significant progress in addressing insecurity in different regions of the country in order to curb food insecurity. 

General Musa stated this at an event in Lagos, tagged “Food Security and Sports Diplomacy,” organised by Lagos State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in commemoration of United Nations World Nutrition month. 

Musa, who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos listed the efforts as kinetic and non kinetic in nature.

According to him, “Some of these kinetic efforts include the counter insurgency operation, that is Operation Hardin Kunama against Boko Haram in the North East; Operation Fansan Yamma  in North West, the Multinational Joint Task Force set up involving countries in Chad Basin; Operation Safe Haven to tackle communal violence, herders and farmers clash and banditry in the Middle Belt;  Operation Whirl Stroke specially commissioned to combat armed bandits in Benue and Taraba states and also in Niger Delta to protect our oil installations, prevent and combat militancy and finally the Deep Blue Sea Operation, a security initiative lunched by NIMASA in collaboration with the  Nigerian Navy.”

On the non kinetic operation, he said the armed forces  in partnership with local communities, the Nigerian military has launch the Defence farm by establishing military managed farms in some areas, adding: “This initiative aligns with Federal Government’s efforts at addressing food insecurity and challenges and reflects the military commitment to sports as a tool to promote peace and community engagement.”

In her opening speech, Convener of the programme and Chairman, Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, said food nutrition and hygiene play vital role in every child’s endeavour, adding: “But imbibing basic hygiene measures and nutritional needs is more essential. Embracing healthy and safe nutrition gives right to life, right to live well, right to security, right to safety, right to good health, right to dream big and aspire well, right to happiness and right to become successful.

“As the global community continues to advocate the importance of international diplomacy, its diversity across the world, diplomacy in each nation has enhanced wider opportunities for cultural values via its strength of influence and diversity, hence promoting cultural relevance, economic development and investment opportunities.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent incident where Nigerian students were forced to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, in dark and unfit conditions, calling it a ‘national disgrace.’ 

This came as the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies gave WAEC, a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it on Friday, to address concerns surrounding the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE. 

Meanwhile, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, slammed WAEC, for the delay in the conduct of English Language examination in the ongoing SSCE.

In a statement, Atiku urged immediate action to address the systemic failures in Nigeria’s education sector.
He said: “This is not merely an unfortunate incident, it is a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most basic standards in public education.

“It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and utterly indefensible that in 2025, our children are forced to write critical national exams in pitch darkness like second-class citizens.

“Examination preparedness is a shared responsibility between students and the examination authorities. In this case, it is glaringly evident that the latter has failed spectacularly in their duty.

“I, therefore, demand, unequivocally, that the affected examination paper be retaken in all compromised centres. Anything less would be a grave injustice to the students whose futures hang in the balance.

“Going forward, it is imperative that relevant authorities establish and enforce minimum environmental and infrastructural standards for all high-stakes national examinations.“

Reps give WAEC 24-hrs ultimatum to appear over ongoing exams

Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Oforji, issued the ultimatum, yesterday, following WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to appear before the panel. 

According to Oforji, the committee had invited WAEC to provide explanations over widespread complaints and irregularities observed during the ongoing examinations.

In a statement, Oforji recalled that the committee extended an invitation to WAEC on May 27, 2025, seeking clarification on various issues disrupting the conduct of the exams across the country.

He expressed disappointment at WAEC’s absence during the scheduled hearing, yesterday, describing it as unacceptable given the scale of public outcry over the conduct of the exams.

“The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities. We’ve received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres across the country.

“The House felt it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. However, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the ongoing exams. Ironically, this is the very reason we are asking them to appear.” 

NANS slams WAEC over delay in writing English paper due to alleged leakage

In a statement yesterday by the National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the association said: “We strongly condemn WAEC over the undue delay of the English Language paper on Wednesday ,allegedly due to the leakage of examination questions

“This development, which resulted in the postponement of the examination to an absurdly late period of 4p.m., to 7p.m., demonstrates a shocking level of insensitivity and a gross disregard for the safety and well-being of Nigerian students, particularly those in rural communities.

“The decision to hold examinations at such late hours not only endangers students, many of whom must navigate unsafe routes to and from examination centres, but also disrupts their psychological preparedness and undermines the integrity of the process. WAEC, as a long-standing examination body, is expected to be a beacon of professionalism, preparedness, and efficiency. The repeated incidents of examination paper leakage are a clear indication of systemic failures in WAEC’s security measures and operations.

“NANS strongly believes that these lapses tarnish the credibility of our educational system and unfairly burden Nigerian students, who are already grappling with numerous challenges.”

A former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Waziri, has said that, contrary to public opinion, it was the Military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, that left Nigerians with no choice but to choose between two of his friends, the late M.K.O. Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa, in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. 

The ex-Minister explained that Nigerians were denied the opportunity to chose from an array of other ably qualified Nigerians, including the late General Shehu Yar’Adua and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. 

Waziri stated this at the Second Posthumous Legacy Colloquium held in honour of the late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, in Abuja, yesterday.

The event was organised by Dokpesi’s friends and political family and associates under the aegis of D-37.

Waziri said: “Nigerians, out of disappointment, were forced to vote in 1993, for candidates not of their choice. So, while we are celebrating June 12, Nigerians were tired of military rule, so, they were forced to vote to see if they could just push the military out.”

Paying tribute to the late Dokpesi, whom he described as a pioneer in various fields, Waziri noted that his contributions in the field of politics, business and broadcasting cannot be easily forgotten.

He recalled some of the roles played by the late businessman and politician in promoting the political culture of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while he was alive.

He recalled his last encounter with the late businessman, broadcaster, and politician, saying, “At least we exchanged chat messages. I was asleep at about 11p.m., when I was woken up with the sad news. It was good he died at home.

Otherwise, the controversy of his death on that day would have had dire consequences on this country.”

He advised organizers of the event to document the role Dokpesi played in the nation’s politics, especially from 1999 to May 29, 2023, so that the history would not be lost.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday affirmed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, upholding his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Danjuma dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, describing it as lacking in merit.

The three-member panel ruled unanimously, reiterating the decision of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Justice Danjuma held that the appellants failed to prove any miscarriage of justice or provide credible witnesses and documentation to support their allegations of over-voting. 

“The foundation of the appellants’ case having collapsed, the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed,” the court ruled.

In reaction, Ighodalo vowed to challenge the verdict at the Supreme Court.

Speaking with The PUNCH, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, confirmed the decision:

“We are surely taking the matter to the Supreme Court after today’s judgment, and we shall do so within the stipulated time.”

Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo called on Ighodalo and the PDP to accept the Court of Appeal’s decision and join him in moving Edo State forward.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor said the judgment, which reaffirmed the will of the people, should signal an end to divisive politics.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice. This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.”

“The governor urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. Prolonged litigation only distracts from the urgent task of governance and the delivery of democratic dividends.”

Reiterating his earlier stance, Okpebholo extended an olive branch to all political actors, regardless of party affiliation, emphasising that the state’s development must take precedence over political rivalry.

“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear,”he said.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a “people-first” agenda, prioritising development across infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

“We urge all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities. This affirmation of our mandate re-energizes the government to continue working tirelessly in the best interest of all residents of Edo State,” he stated.

INEC had declared Okpebholo winner of the election, having polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Ighodalo, who garnered 247,655 votes.

Dissatisfied, the PDP and its candidate filed a petition before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, challenging the outcome.

On April 2, the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the petition, ruling that the petitioners failed to substantiate claims of over-voting and electoral irregularities.

The tribunal affirmed that Okpebholo received the highest number of valid votes and found that the petitioners failed to link their allegations to credible evidence.

The petition, marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, alleged widespread irregularities, including non-serialisation of ballot papers, inaccurate collation, and faulty computation of results in 765 polling units.

The petitioners also accused INEC of failing to comply with the Electoral Act and claimed sensitive election materials were neither serialized nor pre-recorded, allegedly facilitating rigging in APC’s favour.

During the trial, the petitioners presented 19 witnesses, including a subpoenaed Senior Technical Officer from INEC’s ICT department who tendered 154 BVAS machines from 133 polling units to support claims of over-voting.

INEC, the first respondent, did not present any witnesses, while Okpebholo, the second respondent, called one, and the APC presented four.

However, the tribunal faulted the petitioners for failing to call polling unit agents or presiding officers who could directly attest to the alleged malpractices, describing most of the testimonies as hearsay.

“It remains the law that documents do not speak for themselves. Petitioners must demonstrate their allegations with credible, relevant witnesses,” the tribunal ruled.

The tribunal further held that the BVAS machines submitted were not properly examined or linked to the allegations and were effectively “dumped” on the court without analysis.

“None of the witnesses could speak to the BVAS machines or demonstrate their contents. The machines remained dormant,” Justice Kpochi said.

On the issue of ballot serialisation, the tribunal confirmed that the materials used by INEC complied with the necessary guidelines and held that the petitioners failed to prove any violation of the Electoral Act.

Unsatisfied with the ruling, the PDP and Ighodalo proceeded to the Court of Appeal, which has now upheld the tribunal’s verdict in its entirety.

With the appellate court’s dismissal, the legal battle now shifts to the Supreme Court, where Ighodalo and the PDP hope to have the decision overturned.

A war of words broke out on Thursday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Senator Ireti Kingibe over the recent sealing of properties in Abuja for failure to pay ground rent.

Senator Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, criticised the clampdown as unconstitutional and high-handed.

In a statement issued on May 26, 2025, and shared via her official X handle, she warned that the mass closure of buildings—including offices of key institutions like the Peoples Democratic Party Secretariat and Access Bank—violated the rights of residents and business owners.

But Wike’s camp swiftly fired back through a statement  his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka.

The minister accused Senator Kingibe of displaying “ridiculous ignorance” of the Land Use Act and turning every issue into a personal vendetta against Wike.

“It is embarrassingly ignorant for a serving senator to be unaware of the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act,” Olayinka said. “Ground rent is not optional. It’s a legal obligation tied to land ownership, and failure to pay it over 10, 20, even 43 years cannot be brushed aside.”

He insisted that Kingibe’s opposition was politically motivated and called on her to “purge herself of hatred for Wike,” rather than shielding defaulters under the guise of defending legality. 

Senator Kingibe, however, maintained her position, arguing that while enforcement of ground rent is necessary, the method of sealing off properties without due process is illegal.

She cited the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act, which, according to her, prescribe fines or surcharges—not arbitrary property takeovers—as penalties for default.

“No Nigerian’s property can be lawfully seized or sealed solely due to ground rent default,” she said, calling the FCT Administration’s actions “indiscriminate” and “insensitive” to current economic realities.

The senator also warned that such abrupt enforcements erode public trust and worsen the economic hardship facing residents of the FCT. She pledged to push for legislative action to ensure compliance with due process in future enforcement activities.

Olayinka countered that Kingibe’s interpretation of the law was selective, stressing that non-payment of ground rent constitutes a breach of the Certificate of Occupancy—grounds enough, under the law, for revocation.

“Would Kingibe, as FCT Minister, fold her arms while landowners refuse to pay what is legally due for over four decades?” he asked.

The spat comes despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention granting defaulters a 14-day grace period to settle their arrears. While that move temporarily halted further sealing of properties, the clash between Kingibe and Wike’s camp underscores a deepening political divide over the handling of public policy in the capital. 

Kingibe urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the matter was receiving her full attention.

“We are committed to ensuring that dialogue, justice, and due process prevail,” she stated.

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention which halted the degeneration of the political crisis in the state.

Fubara said the president deserved all the kudos for acting wisely to salvage and stabilise the state.

According to Fubara, the story in the state “would have been different” if President Tinubu failed to act when he did.

Fubara stated thus at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement as part of activities to mark his two years in office as Governor of Rivers State in Port Harcourt on Thursday. 

It would be recalled that Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025 declared a state of emergency citing the need to restore law and order as the crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike festered.

He subsequently announced the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State for an initial six months.

This was followed by the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Rivers State administrator to steer the affairs of the state, during the period of the emergency rule.

Fubara, in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, said his supporters, Rivers people and Nigerians needed to thank President Tinubu for his swift intervention to salvage the state from looming anarchy arising from the festering political crisis.

He also said a peace and reconciliation process had been activated, assuring that all executive and legislative institutions would be restored.

He tasked his supporters to be open to the ongoing peace process to enable the state to move forward.

He said, “We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.

“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.

“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you, the interest of the State is paramount.”

The suspended governor assured that democracy and good governance will soon return in the state, with both arms working together for the good of the people.

Fubara stated, “I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the Executive arm, but also Legislative arm.

“I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”

The governor pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasising that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of the state.

The governor explained that those expressing anger and grievances have the right to do so, but quickly added that the time has come for all to embrace peace, and pursue reconciliation and forgiveness for the development and progress of the state.

He expressed appreciation to Mr President for the steps he has taken as a father to restore peace, stability and good governance in the State, and assured reconciliation with the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, very soon.

The governor disclosed that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.

He said: “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga”, about the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”

While asserting that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve, the governor promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.

“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said.

He thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.

He noted that but for the political situation, orchestrated by the crisis, the second year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by the administration in various sectors across the state.

He assured that the government would bounce back stronger, more united and engineered to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people.