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A former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that the problem with Nigeria is not the elites but the masses.
Amaechi said this while commenting on the state of the economy during an event organised to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.
He lamented that there were no capitalists in the country and doubted Nigeria’s production capability.
The former minister said, “Nigerian elites are not the problems of Nigeria. The problems of Nigeria are the followership. There are no capitalists in Nigeria; capitalists are those with capital to invest for production. Do we produce here? I look at Nigeria and ask what are we doing here? Do we really want to be a country? What is important is how do we change this country?
“We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I’m. For us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him from this power.
“In Nigeria, there are no capitalist ideas among the politicians; it’s about sharing.”
Citing instances when he joined protests in the past, Amaechi said with the help of the opposition, Tinubu can be removed from office during the 2027 presidential election.
He said that Nigerians are the problems because they “do nothing” when government policies truncate the standard of living, referencing the time fuel prices went up despite citizens’ protests.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged the people of the South East to partner with President Bola Tinubu in the country’s development and to vote en bloc for him in the 2027 election.
Naija News reports that Ganduje made the call in Bende, Abia State, on Sunday during the inauguration of Renewed Hope Partners by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Ganduje, who was represented by the South East zonal chairman of APC, Emma Enukwu, appealed to the people of South East to give 99 per cent of their votes to Tinubu.
According to him, the zone stands to gain more projects and experience more economic advancement if President Tinubu is re-elected.
He said, “You can see that all the governors of South South are collapsing into APC. Come let us join hands to make sure that 99 per cent of the votes cast in the South East are for Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”
Also speaking at the inauguration, Kalu said Tinubu deserves the votes of the South East because of the projects he has given and the more he will do.
According to Kalu, the President has reintegrated the Igbos into the schemes of things in Nigeria by giving them control of waterways and the oil and gas sector through the appointment of an Igbo man as Chief of Naval Staff, among other measures, despite the poor votes he received in the zone in 2023.
Kalu promised that more projects would be executed in the South East if the zone gives its votes to President Tinubu in 2027.
Former manager of Nigerian singer, Asake, Stephen Nana, known as Stevenator, has stated that his love for his family contributed to his split from the music star.
Naija News reports that Stevenator was Asake’s manager between 2022 and 2024.
However, speaking in a viral interview on social media, Stevenator said he stepped down as the singer’s manager because Asake’s fame grew quickly, and he became too big for him to manage.
He further appreciated Nigerian singer Olamide, the YBNL record label boss, for allowing him to manage Asake, adding he was unable to continue due to his family commitments.
He said: “Olamide called me one day and told me that he had an artiste he would want me to manage. And that was the first time I’m going into management. I don’t know anything about the job. I have been friends with Olamide for over 20 years.
“I never met Asake before. I don’t know anything about him and I have never heard his song before. And I cannot learn the job on the job. Asake blew up so quickly that there was no time to learn the job, so it was back to back.
“The challenge was my family. At a time I had two sons and I did not have time to spend with them. I’m a family guy, I have not been able to be there for my family but still then I still have to make money so they can live a better life.
“Sometimes we are on the road for four to five months. I’m always on my phone with my kids. So I asked them to come to London and my second son refused me to carry him because he doesn’t know me. For me to be able to balance my work and family, I have to step down. Asake became way too big that I have to be following him everywhere he goes. So, I’m now a family man, and I love my wife.”
SUSPECTED thugs hired by a parent of a student of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, in Ondo State, reportedly beat-up the Vice Principal of the school for preventing his son from cheating in the ongoing West Africa Examination Council, WAEC, exams.
The Vice Principal, Mr Rotifa, was said to have prevented the student from cheating during the exam.
A preliminary report of the state government’s investigation on the assault of the Vice Principal, carried out by the Director of Schools, Ondo State Ministry of Education, stated that an android phone was discovered from the SS 3 student during the examination.
The report reads: “The incident started on May 26, when an android phone was found with one SS 3 student which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school and Mr Rotifa, the Vice Principal of the school seized the phone from him.
“On Thursday, the mother of the student came to the school to fight with the school management so much that the proprietor of the school ordered that the phone be returned to her, which was done.
“The brother of the student, who happened to be an old student of the school, later came to the school to harass the Vice Principal and threatened to deal him.
“After school hours, the boys were seen loitering in the street and the proprietor was informed who told Mr Rotifa to go to the police station to lodge a complaint.
“He went and two policemen took him in their van to look for the boys probably for arrest.
“They couldn’t get them. On their way back to the station, the boys waylaid the Police van, stopped it, brought out Mr Rotifa and beat him up. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
“According to the principal of the school, he has been discharged from the hospital but did not go back to his house for the fear of the boys coming back for him. Further investigations and efforts to get the culprit are in progress.
“Arrangements for the safety of the staff and students of the school for period of the remaining papers in WASSCE are ongoing.”
School keeps mum
Efforts to speak with the Principal of the school proved abortive.
In a sweeping policy shift geared towards managing inbound labour during peak pilgrimage periods, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuance of the blockwork visa quota to Nigerians and nationals from six other African countries.
Other affected include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Morocco.
The suspension, which affected 14 countries in all, impacted other nations such as Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Blockwork visa are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers.
Once approved, the quota allows businesses to apply for work visas for specific candidates.
The decision announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, affects new and pending temporary work visa applications.
The measure formed part of broader efforts by the Kingdom to tighten regulatory oversight across immigration and employment, and would remain in place until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
While no official reason has been given, the freeze coincides with increased Saudization efforts, which mandate higher employment of Saudi nationals in sectors such as tourism, with quotas set to rise between 2026 and 2028.
According to the ministry, under the restrictions, no new block visa quota would be issued by employers targeting the affected African countries, while delays are expected in processing previously approved quotas.
Also, applicants with pending work visas may face denials or indefinite delays, while intending travellers holding valid work visas that have not entered Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.
Meanwhile, a 2022 report on Gulf Labour Markets, Migration and Population programme by Gulf Reserach Centre, showed that Saudi Arabia hosts a significant number of African migrant workers, particularly in the domestic and low-wage sectors.
Data on employment by country of citizenship showed that 10,657 Nigerians were employed by Saudi employers during the period.
Others are: Sudan with 354,988; Morocco (18,023); Ethiopia (16,719); Tunisia (12,311) and Algeria with only 2,001 migrant workers employed.
African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia often face significant challenges. Reports have highlighted issues such as exploitation, abuse, and lack of legal protections.
The country’s Kafala sponsorship system has been criticized for enabling employers to exert excessive control over workers, leading to situations where workers are vulnerable to mistreatment
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikweche, has lamented that the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have deepened hunger and insecurity across the country.
Ikweche, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, however, acknowledged that infrastructural development under the Tinubu administration has outperformed that of previous administrations.
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Speaking in an interview, Hon. Ikweche delivered a balanced assessment of the APC-led government’s two years in power.
He applauded key ministers like Barr. Nyesom Wike (FCT) and Dave Umahi (Works) for their visible strides in infrastructure but was critical of the overall economic direction and security situation in the country.
Ikweche did not mince words in criticizing the consequences of Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.
“When this government took over, the dollar was at around N700. Today it is at N1,620. We all know what fuel sold for before and what it is now.
“I appreciate the subsidy removal, but there should have been measures to cushion the effect. There’s hunger in the land. People are suffering. Families are struggling to eat,” he said.
Despite his concerns about economic hardship, Ikweche acknowledged infrastructure improvements, especially in Abuja. He lauded FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for bringing visible change to the capital city.
“Wike has brought value to this government. Abuja is rapidly developing. Some say he’s overbearing, but he’s working. And when you’re working, people will see it—you don’t need to blow your trumpet,” he said.
He also noted that Works Minister Dave Umahi has been a standout performer in delivering infrastructure.
The lawmaker criticized the federal government’s spending patterns, decrying the imbalance between recurrent and capital expenditure.
His words: “Most ministries and agencies have high recurrent expenditure and low capital investment. That’s a problem.
“We keep spending on fuel, salaries, estacodes, and overseas trips while the country remains in a derelict state. We should be investing in infrastructure, power, education, and security.”
Ikweche expressed alarm at the resurgence of insecurity, particularly in Borno State, where insurgents have retaken local government areas.
“It’s painful. After all the lives lost to reclaim those areas, it’s disturbing that insurgents are now back. Our security structure, forgive my bluntness, has been complicit. It’s failing,” he said.
He also highlighted the dire state of security in the Southeast, noting that the persistent Monday sit-at-home order continues to cripple business and education.
“In Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo, movement is restricted. Children don’t go to school, businesses shut down, and banks don’t operate on Mondays. That’s not normal,” he said.
Ikweche urged President Tinubu to reevaluate those within his inner circle, stressing that a leader is only as effective as the quality of his advisers.
“The king must be able to identify those among his council who are not representing his vision and remove them. You cannot succeed with mediocrity surrounding you,” he stated
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday in honour of 22 athletes and officials who lost their lives in a fatal road crash.
The victims were returning to Kano from the National Sports Festival when the accident occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway.
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In a statement issued by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, his spokesperson, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home,” the statement read.
The delegation included athletes, coaches, and officials who represented Kano in various events at the just concluded National Sports Festival.
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief,” the governor said.
Yusuf described the incident as a dark moment for Kano and urged residents to remain calm and united in grief.
He said the government would provide all necessary support to the victims and their families.
While currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj operations, the governor directed that Monday be set aside as a public holiday to allow citizens to pray and show solidarity with the affected families.
The government also urged imams and Muslims within and outside Kano to offer prayers for the souls of the deceased and strength for their families.
Elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has declared that the party will present a presidential candidate from the southern region in the 2027 general elections.
George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees and former military governor of Ondo State, made this known in an interview.
George disclosed that following the party’s review of its internal crisis over zoning and the fallout of the 2023 presidential election, the PDP had reached a firm decision to rotate the presidency to the South in 2027.
“The communique after our post-election review meeting was written by Prof Jerry Gana. It was agreed and signed that though mistakes were made in 2023, we will not repeat them. The presidency will return to the South in 2027,” George said.
He reiterated the party’s constitutional commitment to zoning and rotation of elective and party offices as enshrined in Section 7(3) of the PDP constitution.
Reacting to concerns about Nigeria’s slide toward a one-party system, George dismissed the idea as laughable and unsustainable.
“One-party state is a huge joke. It can never happen. What is democracy if not the management of national resources for the people’s benefit? Has APC delivered succour to the people?” he asked.
He also expressed deep concern over the country’s flawed electoral process, describing it as one where “the will of the people cannot be respected because manipulators are everywhere.”
Commenting on the trend of PDP governors and politicians defecting to the APC, George attributed it to political immaturity.
“Most of them are new in politics. Let them learn. But when the people decide to revolt against injustice, no one should stand in their way,” he warned.
George also addressed the influence of former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in PDP affairs. He accused Wike of exploiting a loophole created by the party’s internal disorganization.
“He found himself in an opportunistic environment. But there is a higher being watching. The constitution of our party was ignored, especially regarding zoning elective offices,” George said.
Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has said that he sponsored 31 bills, moved 20 motions and attracted 51 constituency projects to his senatorial district since joining the Senate in 2023.
Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and Chairman, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday.
Nwoko said that his two years in the Senate had been that of strategic leadership, national influence and people-centred representation.
He also said that his approach to governance was premised on a deeper philosophy: that public office must serve and that the leadership must listen.
The senator said that it was in view of this that, through his legislative responsibilities, he committed to sponsoring bills and motions that would protect the citizens, advance national development and respond to emerging realities.
“In the last two years as a senator representing the Delta North senatorial district, I have sponsored over 30 bills and 25 motions addressing critical national issues and cutting across sectors and also attracted 51 projects to my senatorial district.
He listed the bills to include: the Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Grant Programme (Establishment) Bill, the Waste Management and Malaria Eradication Agency (Establishment) Bill, the One-Month Rent Limitation and Landlord Registry Act and the Electoral Courts Establishment and Jurisdiction Act.
Others were the Compulsory Professional Indemnity Act, Cashless Asset Acquisition Act, Self-Defence and Firearm Ownership Regulation Act, Coroners System Repeal and Re-Enactment Bill, ECOWAS Parliament Elections Law Bill, Diaspora Voting Bill and Parliamentary Governance System (Establishment) Act.
The bills, he said, also included the Nigerian Defence Academy (Amendment) Bill, the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Upgrade to the Federal University of Technology Act, the Private Security Licensing and Regulation Bill, the First Aid, CPR, AED and Good Samaritan Law Constitutional Alteration Bill and the National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency (Establishment) Bill.
He equally listed the Public Service Retirement Age Alteration Bill, Central Bank Act Amendment – Prohibition of Foreign Currency for Remuneration, National Social Security Agency (NSSA) Establishment Bill and National Centre for Substance Abuse Management (NCSAM) Bill as part of the bills he sponsored in the Upper Chamber in the last two years.
Nwoko, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, said that all the bills were at various stages of the legislative process.
He said that while some had passed the first and second readings, others were either undergoing committee scrutiny or awaiting harmonisation.
“Each of the bills reflects my commitment to shaping responsive, inclusive and future-forward laws that directly address national and constituency needs,” he said.
On the constituency projects, Nwoko said that the projects attracted were borne out of a clear demonstration of commitment to the development and well-being of his constituents.
“From rural electrification to school renovations and healthcare upgrades to water supply schemes, each intervention is tailored to address specific needs across communities in Anioma, ensuring no local government is left behind,” he said.
The lawmaker said that some of the projects included: the provision of all-in-one solar streetlights in selected communities across his senatorial district
“I also attracted training and empowerment of market women in the Delta North senatorial district, a medical outreach programme in selected communities in the district, as well as renovation and equipping of Idumuje-Ugboko Medical Centre in Delta.
“There was also the training and empowerment of youths, procurement and installation of transformers across communities, and construction of ICT centres in selected communities in the district,” he said.
Nwoko further told NAN that within the period under review, tractors and equipment were procured for farmers across the senatorial district.
“Construction of a one-kilometre access road in Idumuje Ugboko, construction and renovation of classroom blocks in schools across selected communities, establishment of fish farms, procurement of fertilisers and construction of markets (open and locked-up stores) across the Delta North senatorial district were also carried out,” he added.
The senator said that training of youths on livestock farming, as well as training and empowerment of youths and women on cassava farming, provision of solar-powered street lights in Aniocha North, provision of computers and laptops for students in the district and training and empowerment of women on production of Akwa-Ocha, were also part of the projects.
He said that some of his motions within two years in office included the need to demand reparations for historical injustices and mitigation of neocolonialism in Nigeria, the need for redress, healing and reconciliation for the grievous 1967 Asaba massacre and the need to investigate the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil thefts in the Niger Delta and its actors.
“I also moved motions on the need for the establishment of social media platform offices in Nigeria for economic advancement and efficient dispute resolution, and the urgent action needed to fortify security and tackle the surge of kidnappings in FCT, following the tragic abduction of 19 individuals in Galadimawa, among others,” he added.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has condemned age falsification among civil servants, saying the practice denies younger people opportunities to join the service.
He disclosed this during a Thanksgiving service in honour of the Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, at the Church of God Mission in Asaba on Sunday.
Oborevwori warned that altering birth records to extend years of service was not only dishonest but also damaging to the growth of the civil service.
“We must give room for younger and energetic people,” the governor said, expressing full support for the civil service commission’s ongoing screening and age verification exercise.
He also announced that his administration would soon appoint new permanent secretaries, stressing that the process would be thorough and guided by due process.
Oborevwori praised Oseji’s career path, describing it as a testimony of divine favour rather than human effort.
Oseji, in her remarks, said she never imagined becoming Head of Service when she began her career as a young medical officer. She thanked the governor and congratulated him on his second anniversary in office.
Bishop Nathaniel Mordi, who delivered the sermon at the service, urged Christians to remain focused on Christ and live with discipline and obedience.
The event was attended by the governor’s wife, Tobore; Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and his wife, Ezinne; along with other senior officials.
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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping and murder of a female bank manager in Onitsha.
The suspects, Monday Egbe, 32, and Kenneth Nnoga, 28, were tracked and arrested on May 28 in a neighbouring state.
Anambra police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said on Sunday that the arrests followed a “diligent investigation” by command operatives.
The victim, Ifeoma Onyekwelu, was abducted in December 2024, and her lifeless body was subsequently found on January 13, along Nnobi Road of the state, with her eyes tied.
The kidnappers allegedly collected a ransom of N14m from her family before killing her.
Ikenga said the suspects are now in custody and undergoing interrogation.
“They are giving useful information to help the investigation and lead to the possible arrest of other gang members,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to justice, noting that the command would follow up on all cases to a logical conclusion.
“Our duty remains the protection of lives and property across Anambra State,” the police said, assuring the public of relevant updates on the case.
At least 23 persons have been killed at Aondona, Orbiam and Ahume in Gwer West local government area of Benue state by armed herdsmen.
Aondona is a community located on the Naka Taraku road and is home to Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Wilfred Anagbe, and Mrs. Eunice Ortom, wife to the former governor of Benue state.
Confirming the incident which took place on Sunday, the chairman of Gwer West local government area, Victor Orban Torsar, expressed outrage over the killing of over 20 persons, including a child of two years in 3 communities of his local government area.
He said while 12 persons were killed at Aondona on Sunday around 5pm, 5 others were killed at Orbiam community and 6 others, including a police man at Ahume community on Saturday.
The chairman condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as “heinous and unacceptable.”
Addressing residents during a visit to the area, the chairman vowed to resign from his position if the government fails to take concrete actions to address the security situation in the local government area.
He emphasised that the people of Gwer West deserve to live in peace and safety, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their protection.
The chairman called on the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to the area to prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also urged the people of Aondona, other affected areas and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to tackle the insecurity in the area.
The killings in Aondona have sparked widespread fear and anger among residents, who are demanding increased security presence in the area.
The chairman’s vow to resign if nothing is done about the situation has added weight to the growing calls for action from the government.
The security situation in Benue state has been a concern in recent times, with various communities experiencing attacks and violence.
The state government has been working to improve security, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the violence and ensure the safety of citizens.
The chairman’s statement is seen as a significant development in the ongoing armed herders attacks on Benue, and many are watching to see if the government, particularly the federal government will take concrete actions to address the situation
The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to securing the IPOB leader’s release
Aguocha, who was present at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when Kanu appeared for trial, said he has been engaging in both political and diplomatic resolution of the case. “There’s no going back,” the legislator declared.
“I will continue to pursue all viable channels, political, legal, and diplomatic, to ensure that my brother and constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, regains his freedom.”
The House Committee Chairman on Monitoring and Evaluation disclosed that he has held a series of high-level consultations, including meetings with former President Muhammadu Buhari, key figures in the National Assembly, and members of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Among those he engaged were the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the President’s Chief of Staff.
According to Hon. Aguocha, these engagements were aimed at brokering a political solution to what he described as a “sensitive and emotionally charged issue” that has deeply affected the South-East region and Nigeria at large.
“I have made it clear at every forum that the time has come for healing, dialogue, and national reconciliation.
This is not just about Kanu but about peace and justice in Nigeria,” he added.
Hon. Aguocha’s renewed push for Kanu’s release is likely to galvanise support among Kanu’s sympathisers while putting additional pressure on the Federal Government to consider non-litigious pathways toward resolving the matter.
Mr Babatunde Ogala, the Senior Legal Counsel to President Bola Tinubu and Grand Patron of Renewed Hope Global, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has “weaponised poverty” in Nigeria.
Ogala made the remarks on Saturday during a dinner in Abuja organised by Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the mid-term of the Tinubu-led government.
The event’s theme was “Two Years of Impact: Honoring Mr President and the Voices of Renewed Hope.”
He stated that contrary to opposition narratives, the Tinubu administration had delivered landmark achievements reflecting a deliberate and strategic commitment to national transformation.
“The achievements in education, health, economy, and infrastructure are visible to all Nigerians,” Ogala said.
Ogala also commended Nigerians, including diaspora members, for their continued faith in the APC and the administration in spite of limited political appointments.
“We appreciate the Renewed Hope Diaspora for promoting the government, the party, and the country internationally,” he added.
Assuring that the administration remained on track with its policies and reforms, Ogala reaffirmed the government’s dedication to setting Nigeria on a path of sustainable progress.
Mr Ade Omole, chief host of the dinner and former Director of the APC Diaspora Campaign Council, emphasised that the event was about truth-telling, not mere praise.
“The Tinubu administration is not just counting years but weighing its impact. Progress has not only emerged but endured under this leadership,” Omole said.
The dinner brought together APC leaders, support group members, government appointees, and state government representatives.
Dr Aliyu Modibo, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on General Duties representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded Tinubu’s unparalleled commitment to ensuring a Nigeria where all interests were protected.