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The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Ojotu Ojema, has condemned the alleged killing of a youth, Ernest Owoicho, by personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) deployed to Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
DAILY POST gathered that Owoicho was reportedly arrested by the military on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and died in custody in the early hours of Sunday, April 6.
Signs of torture were allegedly visible on his body, raising suspicions of abuse while in detention.
Ojema, who cut short his trip to Abuja upon hearing the news, visited the OPWS base in Ugbokpo, the LGA headquarters, to confirm the incident.
Speaking at the base, he described the death as “gruesome” and called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute the culprits.
Ojema urged security agencies to uphold the law and human rights while assuring the deceased’s family of his support.
He also instructed that welfare checks be conducted on the two children left behind by the late Owoicho to determine how assistance can be extended to them.
While urging Apa residents, especially the youth, to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, he reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for his constituents.
“I have the mandate to stand, speak and defend the people of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
“There are several civil ways of investigating a case other than torture, more so that we are in the Democratic era. The gruesome murder of this young man is highly condemnable and culprits won’t go unpunished. In as much as I stand against any form of criminality, I can not accept the intimidation and unjustifiable killing of my people” Ojema was quoted as saying by his media aide, Olikita Ekani.
In tears, a relative of the deceased, Peter Ibrama, lamented the loss, describing Owoicho as a gentle and jovial young man. He said the family was shocked to receive only his corpse after his arrest.
Responding, the OPWS commander who declined to be named expressed regret over the death, stating that the unfortunate outcome of the investigation process was not intentional. He assured the federal lawmaker that an internal inquiry would be launched immediately and anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
Owoicho Ernest, an orphan, is survived by two young sons.
Four popular Nigerian gospel singers whose names are Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin and Opeyemi Adesina have tragically lost their lives following a fatal car accident that happened along the Ikorodu/Sagamu road in Ogun State.
Florence Okupe, the Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a statement on Sunday, April 5 explained that the accident occurred after a vehicle crashed into two vehicles that collided.
She mentioned that the gospel singers who were from the same family, were in one of the two vehicles that collided and they died instantly on the spot.
Offering her condolences to the families of the bereaved, Okupeurged drivers to avoid overspeeding.
Their deaths have created sadness in the Nigerian gospel music industry as their lives were cut short at their prime.
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The protesters had converged at the Isaac Boro Park when the officers stormed the area.
The protest was organized by the Take It Back Movement over the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Members of the organization were greeted by heavy police presence when they gathered at the protest venue as early as 9:00 am.
“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” Channels TV reported young demonstrators shouting at policemen.
The Nigeria Police Force had advised the organizers to shelve their plans.
More to follow…
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday deployed tear gas canisters to dismantle a protest in the Maitama district area of Abuja.
The demonstrators, who had assembled to air their frustrations on the state of the economy and the emergency rule in Rivers state, were thrown into panic as tear gas fumes filled the air, forcing many to scamper in different directions.
The demonstration is part of a larger nationwide action led by the Take It Back Movement (TIB).
Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2023, led the protest.
“We have informed the political authorities that we will not accept any laws that infringe on our fundamental human rights. We will continue to speak out,” Sowore said.
“The police are aware that we are marching today. They claim to have their own event as well, but we’ve made it clear that theirs cannot interfere with ours.
“We have also informed them that we are heading to the national assembly. If they wish, they can mobilise and march alongside us.
“In fact, we’ve told Nigerian police officers that the time has come for the people and the police to unite. Together, we can fight to improve both their living and working conditions.
“Nigerian police are among the most mistreated globally, yet they continue to harm those advocating for their welfare. We will not tolerate this any longer.
“While we protest here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit idly while the president continues to suppress our rights.
“We’ve also made it clear that the current inspector general of police, who is leading the programme at Eagle Square today, holds the position unlawfully.
“He has overstayed his tenure after 16 years in power. This is one of the main reasons we are marching today. No one can suppress a powerful idea.
“As we march here today, similar protests are happening in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
“These are just the early signs. Very soon, all Nigerians will rise up, and no force will be able to hold them back.”
Juwon Sanyaolu, national coordinator of TIB, said the core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the cybercrime act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers state, which the group described as a “form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had urged the organisers to shelve the protest and encouraged them to dialogue with relevant government institutions.
The demonstration also coincides with the National Police Day celebration on April 7.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, said it has disbursed N397,030,900 as transport allowances to 1,909 officials participating in the conduct of the 2025 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, scheduled for April 10, 2025.
The Director of Finance, Mufutau Bello, disclosed this at a meeting convened to evaluate the Board’s readiness for both the mock examination and the main UTME.
According to Bello, the amount released so far for transport allowances represents only the first tranche of payments, covering one-third of the total officials involved in the exercise.
Stressing the critical national importance of the two examinations, he said, “The mock exercise is the first phase of our core mandate, and we must, as always, distinguish ourselves. The nation relies on the success of this exercise; any shortcomings could tarnish the integrity of our education system.
“Much is at stake, including the dignity of our processes, the tertiary education system, and substantial financial resources—over N397,030,900 has been paid as transport allowances to the 1,909 officials travelling for the mock exercise scheduled for the 10th April, 2025.
“This amount represents only the initial phase, accounting for one-third of the total number of officials involved.”
Staff members of the Board pledged their full commitment to ensure the successful and hitch-free conduct of both exercises across the country.
While acknowledging public concerns over local travel allowances, they clarified that such discussions often come from a limited understanding of the logistical scope involved in the nationwide examination process.
House Of Reps Sends Fresh Warning To Rivers Administrator, Ibas, Gives Directives On Law Making
Admin
The House of Representatives has issued a reminder to Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), emphasizing that he lacks the constitutional authority to make laws or draft a budget for the oil-rich state.
Naija News reports that the House’s stance follows Ibas’s announcement of plans to prepare a new budget after the declaration of a state of emergency in the state in March.
In an interview with Punch on Sunday, the Deputy Spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese, clarified that the Sole Administrator does not have the mandate to perform legislative functions under the current circumstances.
“The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances.
“The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, is consulting with the leadership of the House to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented,” Agbese said.
Agbese further explained that the House of Representatives had already communicated their position on the administrator’s appointment and mandate to President Bola Tinubu.
He warned that if the Sole Administrator oversteps his constitutional boundaries, the House would take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure adherence to the rule of law.
The political situation in Rivers State, stemming from a crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March. This move resulted in the suspension of the governor and the state legislature for an initial period of six months.
In place of Governor Fubara, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator. Last week, Ibas revealed his intention to formulate a new budget to manage the state’s affairs for the next six months.
While hosting a delegation of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, Ibas reiterated his commitment to the people of the state and outlined his plan for the new budget.
He said, “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.”
Ibas emphasized that the new budget would focus on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay,” he added.
The Sole Administrator stressed that the budget would be transparent, inclusive, and expedited to improve the lives of the citizens. He also assured that the process would not lose any more time in making the necessary investments in the state’s future.
[NaijaNews]
The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria, CORAN, has explained why Nigerians cannot get cheaper Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, prices amid the crude oil price drop.
CORAN argued that the suspension of Naira-for-crude deals, profiteering by middlemen, and rising foreign exchange rates are the reasons local prices of petrol have remained high despite the drops in crude prices.
The spokesperson of CORAN, Eche Idoko, made this known while reacting to the global crude oil price crash.
DAILY POST reports that crude fell to as low as $64 per barrel for Brent and $59.7 for WTI at the weekend.
The drop in crude prices has been consistent since Trump’s tariff took effect and following an unexpected Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC+) supply cut announcement.
Meanwhile, despite the drop in global prices, the local prices of refined products such as fuel have been on the increase in Nigeria.
Reacting, Idoko said, “The price will continue to rise because these middlemen are the elements that want to see that local refining is not sustained.
“You have the FX effects, you have the effects of the logistics of shipping in refined petroleum products, and then you also have the effect of the middlemen. All these will push the cost of petroleum products high in Nigeria.”
Recall that MRS filling stations, a partner of Dangote Refinery, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and others, last week increased their petrol pump prices.
Currently, Nigerians buy petrol for between N900 and N975 per litre, depending on the location.
The development comes as Dangote Refinery, on 19th March 2025, suspended petrol product sales in Naira following the stalemate of the Naira-for-crude sale deal between the company and the Nigerian government through NNPCL.
[DailyPost]
Defunct Heritage Bank’s depositors with N5 million minimum balance have described as unacceptable the announcement by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (NDIC) that they will receive only partial payment of the uninsured sums.
They stated this at the weekend while reacting to the statement by the NDIC on their initial outcry to the National Assembly to prevail on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure their trapped funds were released without further delays.
The depositors, who had lamented the sufferings they and their loved ones were going through as a result of their inability to access their funds deposited in the defunct Heritage Bank, noted that the NDIC’s statement of March 30 that it would pay those in the category on pro-rata basis further confirmed their fears of lack of resources and underscored the urgency of the situation.
Speaking through their leader, Ibrahim Elisha, the aggrieved depositors emphasised that the NDIC’s pro-rata payment scheme was inadequate and exposed severe funding deficiencies that could threaten public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system.
“The dire financial predicament facing us demands swift, decisive intervention from the Presidency, National Assembly, and the CBN.
“The NDIC has demonstrated its inability to fully reimburse affected depositors, even after liquidating the bank’s assets. A recent press statement—clearly issued in response to mounting media scrutiny—has confirmed that depositors will receive only partial payments, an unacceptable outcome that underscores the urgency of the situation.
“The NDIC’s pro-rata payment scheme is inadequate, exposing severe funding deficiencies that threaten public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system. For nine months, depositors have endured broken promises, uncertainty, and financial hardship.
“In times of distress, the CBN has historically provided bailout funds to stabilise financial institutions and prevent systemic collapse. It has done so in notable cases, including a N460 billion allocation to First Bank for Heritage Bank prior to its liquidation; support for the merger between Providus Bank and Unity Bank to preserve financial stability; a N700 billion lifeline extended to Unity Bank with favorable repayment terms; and the acquisition of Keystone Bank’s shares to avert institutional failure.”
They argued that it was incomprehensible that the CBN would neglect urgent intervention in their matter.
“Its inaction jeopardizes the entire financial ecosystem, creating unnecessary hardship for depositors who entrusted their savings to a bank that was assured to be stable.
“Delays are unacceptable. The credibility of Nigeria’s financial sector is on the line. If immediate bailout funds are not provided, public trust in financial institutions will erode, investor confidence will falter, and global banking observers will question Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability,” they stressed.
The depositors urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to mandate the CBN to release the necessary funds to NDIC for full depositor reimbursement.
They insisted: “Time is of the essence. Prolonged hesitation will intensify the crisis and inflict irreversible reputational damage. The government must step in without delay to restore trust, and protect vulnerable depositors. The consequences of inaction are far too grave. Immediate action is non-negotiable.”
In a statement by its acting Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Hawwau Gambo, NDIC explained that the excess of the insured N5 million already reimbursed would be paid as liquidation dividends in accordance with statutory mandate.
The statement reads: “With the considerable progress recorded in the asset realisation, the corporation will declare the first tranche of liquidation dividends in April 2025 which will be paid to uninsured depositors on a pro-rata basis, in line with Section 72 of the NDIC Act 2023 on the priority of claims.
“For clarity, the referenced section states that: ‘Where an insured institution is unable to meet its obligations or suspends payment, or where its management and control have been taken over by the Central Bank of Nigeria following the revocation of its license, the assets of the insured institution shall be available to meet its deposit liabilities. Such deposit liabilities shall have priority over all other liabilities of the insured institution’.
“Consequently, other claimants of the failed bank, including creditors, and shareholders, will be considered for payment of liquidation dividends only after all depositors have been fully reimbursed.
“The NDIC wishes to reiterate its commitment to the safety of depositors’ funds in all licensed banks. Members of the public are enjoined to continue their banking activities without fear, as all other banks remain safe and sound.”
[TheNation]
As coalition talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections gain traction, northern stakeholders are pushing for southern aspirants to commit to a single-term agreement.
A source involved in the coalition negotiations, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, told The PUNCH that northern stakeholders are urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to run.
The source added that most stakeholders believe that if all coalition leaders unite behind a southern candidate, President Tinubu can be defeated.
On March 20, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition aimed at removing President Tinubu in 2027.
The debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s administration has been intensifying, with various political figures sharing different opinions.
Former Vice President Atiku has been a strong advocate for opposition unity, emphasising the importance of collaboration.
On March 8, he revealed his efforts to unite opposition groups and form a coalition to oust the APC.
Following El-Rufai’s switch from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained significant momentum.
Atiku and other opposition figures declared that the March 20 meeting marked the official launch of the coalition.
It was previously reported by Sunday PUNCH on March 23 that the negotiations among political leaders are being delayed due to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions and the zoning dispute.
The source mentioned that the stakeholders have multiple options to resolve all the concerns.
He stated, “There are numerous concerns among all stakeholders involved in the coalition negotiations, with the North-South issue being the primary concern.
“Most of us understand that if we field a competent and credible southern candidate, defeating President Tinubu would be much easier. Therefore, many stakeholders, especially those from the North, are urging Atiku to step down and allow the coalition to support a southern candidate who will serve a single term if elected.
“In fact, some of these stakeholders are insisting that any southern aspirant the coalition will support must agree to a single-term commitment.
These issues are emerging, but we are committed to addressing them as they arise and accommodating the many Nigerians who are fed up with the APC’s maladministration. Our goal is to ensure a fair process that represents the interests of the people and strengthens the unity of the coalition.”
When reached for comment, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, confirmed that the proposal for southern aspirants to sign a single-term agreement, along with other options, is under consideration by the stakeholders.
In an interview with our correspondent, Ahmeh stated that the opposition forces against President Tinubu are greater than those faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
He stated, “The signing of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table, but this has not been concluded yet. It has not reached a conclusion.
“Peter Obi and some other southern aspirants are involved. I believe that the decision will be reached in the next few weeks.
“There are many options on the table. People are bringing different permutations, but the fact still remains that you can’t put the cart before the horse. As soon as the agreement is reached, we will communicate it to the public.
“It is very obvious that more Nigerians have realised that this government is doing us more harm than good. So, quite a lot of Nigerians are joining the coalition. There are more opposition forces against this government than there were against former President Jonathan in 2014.
“So, I urge all coalition stakeholders and other opposition leaders to sustain this commitment so that we can come together to rescue this country from the failed APC.”
When reached for comment, former Vice President Atiku cautioned against speculation that could undermine the coalition negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, emphasised that any agreement made will be binding for all parties involved.
He stated, “The agreement must be between the stakeholders, and we cannot speculate about it because discussions are still ongoing. We don’t need to reach conclusions while discussions are still ongoing. Once an agreement is reached, it will be binding, but until then, we must refrain from drawing conclusions about the ongoing process.
“Yes, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar is committed. What’s important for him is not to put the cart before the horse. His Excellency, like other leaders, believes that the only way to remove those who don’t mean well for our people and our country is by having a strong, united coalition.
“That coalition must be robust and strong enough to push forward. That is what they are working towards, and it is the most important goal, above all else.”
The National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, corroborated that nationwide consultation is ongoing.
He stated, “I am not in a position to say anything now. I can’t tell you what we intend to do and how far we have gone, consultation is ongoing.
“We are doing more consultations. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it. But our consultations are ongoing nationwide. I am not going to disclose who is involved in the consultation and other details.”
However, the PDP National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the push for a southerner to sign a single-term agreement, calling it premature.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor urged coalition stakeholders to keep the opportunity open for capable Nigerians.
He stated, “For me, I think it is premature to narrow this contest to the South. If we say a southerner must run, who are the southerners capable of running and dismantling this monstrosity called the APC government? There are just three people: former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi, and I don’t think there is anyone as formidable as the Oyo State governor.
“I am not going to speak for all the other southerners who want to run, with all due respect to them. But I think we should allow Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from, to pursue their ambitions. That is the best way we can defeat the APC.
“And if among those who come forward, we unanimously agree to support one, regardless of the geopolitical region they hail from, it will be a collective democratic decision and no one will accuse the coalition of denying them their rights.”
Reacting to the scheming by the opposition, the APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the coalition efforts, stating that the ruling party’s popularity among Nigerians is growing.
According to Ibrahim, the APC remains unfazed, and the party’s accomplishments will ultimately vindicate President Tinubu.
He stated, “Again, the ruling party, the APC is not bothered, because all the people involved (in the coalition) are people who have gone to the polls against the APC and lost.
“The APC, from the period it beat them to defeat, has not lost its membership but has been increasing its membership, and its tentacles of leadership are increasingly growing.
“The people will continue to realise the good dividends of democracy from the APC government, such that they will not regret voting for the party, nor will they think of giving up.
“So, the achievements of the ruling APC under President Tinubu will shame all opposition forces and their plans.”
[Punch]
Two Nigerian nationals and a Texan have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a multi-million dollar tax refund fraud scheme that exploited stolen identities and laundered proceeds through both U.S. and foreign financial institutions.
Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced the sentencing of Imafedia Adevokhai, 47, of Alpharetta, Georgia; Osazuwa Peter Okunoghae, 46, of Houston, Texas; and Michael Martin, 52, of Texarkana, Texas, following their guilty pleas in connection with the conspiracy.
Adevokhai, a Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to money laundering on February 15, 2023, and was sentenced on April 2, 2025, to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III. He was also ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $3,500 in forfeiture.
Okunoghae, another Nigerian national residing in Houston, received the harshest sentence of the trio — 78 months in federal prison — after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy in November 2019.
He was sentenced on January 13, 2022, and ordered to pay $451,117.63 in both restitution and forfeiture.
Martin, the only American among the convicted, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 14, 2023. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison on November 21, 2023, and ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $121,623.41 in forfeiture.
According to court records, the three men were involved in a sophisticated Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) operation spanning multiple years. They used personal identifying information from dozens of victims to file fraudulent tax returns totaling nearly $5 million, causing a confirmed loss of over $390,000 to the U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting individuals who participate in schemes to steal personal information, prepare and file fraudulent tax returns, and launder the proceeds,” McGlothin said.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) agents uncovered the fraud after tracing a complex network of financial transactions involving multiple U.S. and foreign bank accounts.
Special Agent Christopher J. Altemus Jr., who leads the IRS-CI Dallas Field Office, praised the agency’s investigators, stating, “Their sentences should be a warning to anyone who would try to defraud the U.S. Government or prey on law-abiding taxpayers.”
The investigation revealed that Adevokhai primarily handled the preparation and submission of the fraudulent tax returns, while Okunoghae and Martin focused on laundering the proceeds — transferring funds through various accounts in a bid to obscure the source of the money.
The case dates back to a broader 2019 indictment that included individuals from three U.S. states and others based in Nigeria, pointing to a transnational fraud network.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Sean Taylor.
Federal authorities reiterated that prosecuting SIRF crimes remains a top priority, as such schemes threaten the integrity of the U.S. tax system and drain billions from public coffers.
More...
The federal government has ordered the management of federal higher institutions to publish their financial data and academic capacity before May 31, 2025.
Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, said all vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts must provide their annual budgetary allocation, including “their personnel costs, overhead costs, and capital expenditure”.
The minister communicated this directive in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry’s spokesperson.
Alausa mandated school managements to also disclose data around their research grants “from foreign institutions, multilateral organisations, and development partners”.
The statement added that institutions must include the findings received from TETFund.
“The directive further mandates that institutions publish the total value of their endowment fund as recorded at the end of the previous year,” the statement reads in part.
“This figure, which reflects funds donated or invested for the institution’s long-term financial health, must be updated quarterly to ensure currency and transparency.
Alausa asked the institutions to reveal the current population of their undergraduate and postgraduate students to “determine their enrolment and institutional capacity”.
The ministry stated that the information must be presented in a clear, accessible, and user-friendly format before May 31.
“Websites should be structured in a way that allows the public, including parents, students, and stakeholders, to easily locate and understand these data points,” it added.
“All federal institutions are expected to comply fully with this directive and ensure that their websites are completely updated.
Alausa said the ministry will conduct periodic reviews of institutional websites and punish non-compliant institutions.
“This policy is part of a broader reform initiative aimed at strengthening public trust in the nation’s tertiary institutions, enhancing performance-based funding, and improving Nigeria’s global education indices,” he added.
[TheCable]
Socialite and entrepreneur, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly called Obi Cubana, has said Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State would be re-elected for his second tenure.
Naija News reports that the Chairman of Cubana Group said Governor Soludo was touching every part of the state and giving it a new look.
Speaking on Sunday, in Awka, Obi Cubana stated that Governor Soludo has the hunger to position the state as the pride of Nigeria, West Africa and Africa.
He added that the Governor faces no opposition as it concerns his re-election bid.
His words: “I think for the first time in Anambra State there may not be contest, this is a walkover because the Governor is doing what he promised us in new Anambra State.
“When we were with him earlier he said that he’s not talking about what has been done but what has not been done, that means he’s hungry to do more from the Amabra State. He’s hungry to position this state to be in pride of Nigeria as a matter of fact West Africa and Africa.
“So we start the journey of a thousand masters from step. He is touching everything. The one that actually touched me is creating a fun city, thinking about the kids, thinking about the family. Right now you can take a trip to Anambra State with your entire family because there is place for the kids to play. I saw waterfalls, I saw rides, I saw those things unprecedented, unimaginable. This is Anambra for you. The new Anambra is possible under Chukwuma Soludo.”
We Are Not In The Senate To Fight Executive Arm Of Govt – Lawmakers Dismisses Rubber Stamp Claims
AFOLABI
The Spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed claims that the National Assembly is a rubber stamp to the executive.
He argued that it is not the job of lawmakers to constantly oppose the executive, adding that the country’s legislators are partners in progress with the executive.
Adaramodu insisted that the National assembly will not oppose the executive needlessly simply because it does not want to be seen as rubber stamp.
The lawmaker, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District at the National Assembly stated this when he was responding to questions from newsmen at the weekend in his home town, Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
He said, “What is the meaning of rubber stamp? Does it mean that if the executive brings appropriation bill which is budget because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we should oppose it and throw it away? Does it mean that if the federal government wants to tar road, because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we should throw it away? Does it mean that if the federal government is increasing allocation to the judiciary because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we should throw it away? Does it mean that if the federal government is giving minimum wage because we don’t want to be called rubber stamp we then throw it away?. So, what is the meaning of rubber stamping?
“Now, one thing is this, we are not in the Senate with gloves in our hands to go and be knocking, and be beating and be fighting the executive or other arms of government. That is not our calling. Our calling is that we are partners in progress and while we are partners in progress we make laws, to execute is in the hands of the executive, to interprete is in the hands of the judiciary. We will not be making laws at the same time be interpreting it and be executing it. So, once we make our laws, what are the laws that we have made that have shown the Senate or the House of Representatives as an entity that is not focused? I have never seen any. We have established schools, higher institutions for that matter, we have done appropriation, we have done tax bills even the tax bills thing many people who were criticising initially are those people saying the same thing anymore? Because people did not even see the tax bills before they started criticising and we know that even biblically when we say tax everybody will just raise high brows.”
The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn an earlier invitation extended to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in connection with the violent incident that marred Sallah celebrations in Kano State on March 30, 2025.
Sanusi was initially summoned to Abuja to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order following the controversial horse-riding procession he led after Eid Prayers—an act the police say contravened prior security arrangements.
In a letter addressed to Emir, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, he was asked to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, to answer some questions regarding the incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within his domain.
However, in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the withdrawal of the summons on Sanusi.
Adejobi said the decision to withdraw the invitation followed consultations with respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s commitment to ensuring policing activities are not politicised or misinterpreted.
Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department have been dispatched to Kano to obtain Sanusi’s statement discreetly.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
“The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”
Adejobi said the IG had earlier deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North-West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage the two rival Kano Emirs—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—as well as the Kano State Government, in a bid to prevent parallel Durbar festivals and potential clashes.
He said, “Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, were planning to hold separate Durbar festivals.
“The Durbar festival is a long-held tradition, which involves a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in the company of his people.
“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North-West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in Kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs would ride on horse on Sallah Day.”
Adejobi said despite this agreement, Sanusi, who had arrived at Eid grounds by car, mounted a horse after prayers and proceeded in a procession accompanied by local vigilantes.
He said, “This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured, a situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero.”
Adejobi said the police condemned the breach of agreement and vowed to continue their investigation with professionalism and impartiality.
He added that arrests had already been made in connection with the incident.