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“We Will Not Be Quiet” - Mass Protests Erupt Across U.S. As Thousands Rally Against Trump’s Policies
AFOLABI
United States President, Donald Trump’s policies sparked widespread outrage, drawing tens of thousands of protesters to major U.S. cities in what became the most significant wave of demonstrations since his return to the White House.
Critics of the Republican leader’s administration gathered in cities such as Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Florida, and Denver, condemning issues ranging from government restructuring to trade disputes and civil rights concerns.
“I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes. A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great,” said Shaina Kesner, a 43-year-old artist from New York, as she marched alongside fellow protesters in Manhattan.
In the nation’s capital, thousands assembled on the National Mall, some having traveled from distant states to participate. Speakers took to the stage, addressing the crowd with passionate remarks.
“We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration (that) is causing us to lose our allies across the world, and causing devastation to people here at home,” said Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide.
“They’re gutting our government.”
Symbolic Protests and Global Solidarity
Demonstrations took on various forms, with some protestors using symbolic imagery to express their discontent. In Los Angeles, a woman dressed as a character from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ held a flag reading, “Get out of my uterus,” in reference to Trump’s stance on abortion rights.
Meanwhile, in Denver, a protester held a placard stating, “No king for USA,” as demonstrators rallied in opposition to what they viewed as Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.
The protests were not confined to American cities alone. Demonstrators in European capitals also voiced their disapproval, particularly over Trump’s trade policies.
“What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” said Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen at a London rally.
“It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.”
In Berlin, retiree Susanne Fest, 70, expressed her concerns about the US political climate. “The guy is a lunatic,” she said, accusing Trump of creating “a constitutional crisis.”
A Nationwide Movement
According to AFP, the protests were largely organized by left-leaning groups, including MoveOn and Women’s March, under the banner of “Hands Off” events, with demonstrations reportedly taking place in over 1,000 cities and every congressional district.
Trump’s administration has sparked widespread anger through moves perceived as an effort to shrink government, enforce conservative policies, and strain relations with allies through aggressive trade negotiations. The resulting uncertainty has caused volatility in financial markets.
“We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism,” said Dominic Santella, a protester in Boston. “We’re stopping a leader from… jailing his opponents, stopping him from jailing just random people, immigrants.”
With Democrats in the minority in both chambers of Congress, frustration has grown among those who feel their party has been unable to effectively counter Trump’s agenda.
At the Washington rally, Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who played a key role in Trump’s second impeachment trial, addressed the gathering.
“No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” he declared.
Veteran activist Graylan Hagler, 71, also spoke, rallying the crowd. “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen nothing yet,” he said.
“We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
A Peaceful Yet Powerful Display
The protests remained peaceful, with an energetic and determined atmosphere. Participants ranged from elderly citizens to young parents pushing infants in strollers.
The Women’s March of 2017, held shortly after Trump’s first election, saw an estimated half a million people gather in Washington. Organizers of Saturday’s event had initially predicted a crowd of 20,000 but later reported significantly higher numbers.
Despite mounting criticism, both domestically and internationally, Trump’s administration has dismissed the protests, maintaining that his policies remain steadfast.
The president, who still enjoys significant support among his base, remains resolute.
“My policies will never change,” Trump asserted on Friday.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Anambra gubernatorial election.
The results for the APC primary was declared by Governor Bassey Otu, Chairman of the Primary Election Committee.
Speaking after his victory, Ukachukwu said: “We shall deliver Anambra to the APC. One thing I want to say here, nobody has won the governorship of Anambra without my support; it has never happened before. I have been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father, no more godfather.”
The results are:
Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu – 1,455 votes
Mr. Valentine Ozigbo – 67 votes
Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo – 26 votes
Edozie Madu – 8 votes
The APC governorship primary election was marred by confusion and delay, with accreditation starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, despite efforts to bring order to the process.
The exercise, which was initially scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, faced multiple challenges throughout the day, leading to widespread frustration among party members and aspirants alike.
As the day progressed, three prominent aspirants – Paul Chukwuma, Obiora Okonkwo, Chief Chukwuma Umeoji – announced their withdrawal from the primary, citing concerns over the lack of transparency in the process.
Earlier in the day, there were reports of violence at the venue, with thugs allegedly hired by one of the aspirants attacking delegates in an attempt to hijack the process. This took place despite the presence of security operatives at the venue.
The Federal Government is allegedly vetting potential candidates to fill diplomatic roles in its 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 global consulates.
Since September 2023, President Bola Tinubu has operated his Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora (foreign policy) without ambassadors.
That month, he concluded a sector-wide reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which saw over 83 career and non-career ambassadors recalled from their stations.
Sources who spoke to Punch revealed that a former Minister of Aviation under the Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, Femi Fani-Kayode, and a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, are among those that have been nominated to fill diplomatic roles.
It was also gathered that the vetting is not conducted centrally, as nominees are being asked to report to the Department of State Service (DSS) offices nearest to them.
Presidency officials confirmed that several candidates have been contacted to provide personal education and work history.
“They’re already doing security checks with DSS. When they have cleared security checks, we will release the list.
“Only those who have been cleared are announced. The process is ongoing. I know that we should have a list before the end of this month (April),” one official revealed,
A second source said, “The vetting is not done centrally. It is based on the location of the nominees. Nominees have been reached to provide personal history and information such as where they attended school, what appointments they have held, and the like. So, it is by location.”
Senior Presidency and foreign service officers say although the complete list of nominees is highly classified, some prominent and controversial figures are being screened.
One official said, “They’re going to announce the appointments soon. They are being screened as we speak. The names of the nominees are highly classified for now because not every one of the names listed will eventually make it through.
“FFK [Femi Fani-Kayode] is on the list. These are some of the controversial names that have been put forward as well. Then there is Fola Adeola [founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc] and Femi Pedro too. They’re moving on with the process more quickly this time.”
Giving reasons for the slow process, another official explained that the vetting was necessary to avoid complications that might hurt the country’s standing on the global scene.
“The nominees are being vetted, and background checks are being conducted on them. It is usually done so that the nominees will not have any security issues and their deployment will not have a negative impact on the country,” the official said.
Following fiery protests across the country this weekend, former vice president Kamala Harris took to X to thank protestors for standing up to the Trump administration.
The Hands Off! demonstrations took place in more than 1,200 locations across all 50 states, and were organized by a coalition that included more than 150 organizations, including civil rights groups, LGBTQIA+ rights organizations, veterans, environmental groups, and labor unions. Protestors voiced their frustrations at countless acts Trump has carried out since assuming office, including deporting immigrants, firing thousands of federal employees, closing Social Security offices, cutting health funding, scaling back protections for transgender people, and ongoing American support for Israel in its war on Gaza.
Satellite protests were also planned around the world, in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Mexico, and American territories like Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
Late Saturday afternoon, Harris tweeted, “Today in every state across our nation, Americans are standing up to the administration as they implement Project 2025 at full speed.”
The tweet continued, “Thank you for using your voices and the power of protest to stand for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; for the Department of Education and programs like Head Start; for clean air and water; for the right to make decisions about your own body without government interference.”
She closed with, “The voices of working people will always be louder than the unelected billionaires.”
When asked about the protests, the White House responded, “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
Harris had maintained a relatively low public profile since Trump’s inauguration, making just a select few appearances at public events since January, including at the NAACP Awards, where she received the NAACP Chairman’s Award. She will also be heading to Australia next month to headline a real estate conference.
Despite keeping public appearances to a minimum, she has continued to post to social media, including words of encouragement for Senator Cory Booker following his record-breaking 25-hour-long speech on the senate floor earlier this week, thanking him for his leadership.
She also tweeted about Susan Crawford’s victory in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court election against her Musk-backed opponent, Brad Schimel, calling her win a “victory for working people in Wisconsin.”
[Yahoo News]
Nigeria’s public debt increased by 48.58 percent to N144.67 trillion as of December 2024 from N97.34 trillion recorded at the end of 2023.
Nigeria’s Debt Management Office disclosed this in its latest report on the country’s public debt profile.
Further analysis showed that Nigeria’s public debt surged by N47.32 trillion on a year-on-year basis.
The report also revealed a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65 percent from the N142.32 trillion recorded at the end of September 2024, which indicates that the country’s debt profile has been on a steady rise.
The rise in the debt profile of Africa’s most populous nation is mainly driven by external and domestic borrowing.
External debt rose by 83.89 percent to N70.29 trillion in December from 38.22 trillion in the same period in 2023.
Similarly, domestic debt rose by 25.77 percent to N74.38 trillion in December 2024 from 59.12 trillion at the end of December in 2023.
Accordingly, further breakdown of external debt shows that the federal government accounted for N62.92 trillion ($40.98 billion), while states and the FCT held N7.37 trillion ($4.80 billion).
In the domestic debt segment, the federal government held N70.41 trillion ($45.86 billion), with states and the FCT accounting for N3.97 trillion ($2.58 billion).
The increase in Nigeria’s debt profile has raised concerns among financial experts.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprises, Dr. Muda Yusuf, criticised the rising debt rise in Nigeria despite the huge infrastructural deficit.
[DailyPost]
Controversial reality TV star and influencer, Ijeoma Josephine Otabor aka Phyna has joined the newest pidgin radio station, Yanga FM.
At a formal launch of the radio station, Phyna explained why she joined the latest effort of the TVC Communication brand.
She said: “I normally like wahala. Then I realize that as I do my stuff of course for fun, there are some people who tend to take advantage of it to treat me as they like. There is something that is not adding up for me, then, when this call came to join Yanga FM, I realized that I can express myself better without hassles. I can now do my wahala without stress. So, if you say you have a problem with me now, there is no shaking because I have backings. Listeners will have a whole lot to talk about with my show. There will not be a dull moment with me.”
General Manager of Yanga FM, Marvin Arimi emphasised the need for innovation in the radio industry, leading to the establishment of Yanga.
He said: “Yanga is a new idea to make pidgin cool. Everybody comes in and follows a particular pattern but ours is different with a twist. Before now, the upper class frowned at their kids speaking pidgin but now since pidgin has now, they now want their children to speak pidgin because pidgin is cool.
We are here to change the game. We have everything for everyone. Our job is to make pidgin sound cool and fun, especially to connect with the younger people.Yanga FM aims to globalize pidgin, earning its status as Africa’s first urban pop culture radio station.” Arimi confidently asserted that Yanga FM is a lasting movement.
[TheNation]
Governors across the states of the federation are awaiting the federal government’s modalities for the establishment of state police before they can swing into action.
At the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) last December, the federal government and governors of the 36 states in the country agreed to finalise discussions on the creation of state police at their next meeting scheduled for January 31, 2025.
At the December parley, the council presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima received written positions on the matter from all the 36 states, with majority of them backing the state police.
However, the January meeting was not held as governors under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were unable to attend because they had an emergency meeting in Delta State.
When LEADERSHIP Sunday contacted some of the governors on the matter, they linked the apparent inertia to the federal government’s non-release of the modalities for creating state police after they had presented their documents to the NEC.
They also explained that before state policing can take off, there must be national and sub-national legislation to ensure hitch-free operations.
Pending when the national document on state policing will be released, the governors said they would strengthen the synergy between federal security agencies and their state-owned security outfits.
In the wake of worsening security challenges in the country, some governors set up security organisations and equipped them to complement the police and sister agencies to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other vices.
In Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya launched “Operation Hattara”, which comprises members of the state government vigilante group called GOSTEC, Kaduna State set up the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), Katsina State (Community Watch Corp (CWC) and Enugu State came up with the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
In Akwa Ibom State, the government launched Ibom Community Watch (ICW) for intelligence work without bearing arms; Borno State operates Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and in April 2024, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State unveiled the Metropolitan Quick Response security outfit to work in partnership with the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Abia State joined the train with “Operation Crush”, Kebbi State kicked off Vigilantes Group of Nigeria (VGN) while Cross River State recently launched “Operation Okwork” comprising mainly personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
Plateau State has “Operation Rainbow”, which is coordinated by a retired Brigadier-General of the Nigerian Army, Ebonyi State operates Neighbourhood Watch while the South West states of Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun have Amotekun Corps.
Responding to our correspondent’s enquiries on state police, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule said he welcomed the initiative because it has the potential to effectively combat the current security challenges in the state.
Through his special assistant on public affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, the governor said his administration can effectively handle the operations of a state police if put in place.
He said state police would benefit both the state government and the people as the officers would know the state and its terrain better.
Ahemba said, “Some of the issues triggering security challenges are local, state police personnel will better respond swiftly to such issues since the personnel will know the terrain better.
“The state government awaits enabling legislation from both the national and state assemblies to enable the state take the necessary steps in this direction,” he stated.
The Osun State government has also expressed its commitment to the take-off of state police once the federal government spells out the formalities.
The spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, told LEADERSHIP Sunday in Osogbo that the state government is concerned about the security of the people and would be ready to key into the take-off of state police.
Meanwhile, the commandant of the regional security outfit Amotekun Corps in the state, Dr Adekunle Omoyele, has said the state government was committed to effective operations of the outfit with the provision of the required logistics.
Omoyele, who spoke on the reforms introduced into the operation of Amotekun in Osun, stated that additional 1,150 personnel were recruited, trained and inaugurated on Friday, March 28, 2025.
In Zamfara State, the government said it is yet to implement state police as the federal government has not released the blueprint for the proposed policing system.
In its absence, the state government said it would continue with its security outfit Community Protection Guards (CPG).
The director-general on media and communications, Nuhu Salihu Anka, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the state was aware of the federal government’s plan to allow state police, adding that the state is waiting for Abuja to finalise the template.
According to him, the state government is currently focusing on the security outfit Community Protection Guards (CPG) recently launched to curtail security challenges in the state.
The commissioner for internal security, Dr. Mua’zu Danmusa, did not respond to messages sent to his mobile phone.
Similarly, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said the state remains one of the promoters of the state in the country and has not changed.
Aiyedatiwa who said the state already had a template with Amotekun, noted that the state was ready for the implementation of state police whenever the federal government gives its nod.
His chief press secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, told our correspondent that the governor had promised to continue to strengthen Amotekun and ensure partnership with other security agencies to secure the state until the federal government approves state police.
His words, “Ondo is one of the promoters of state police and that still remains. We already have the template with Amotekun and the state is ready for implementation whenever the federal government gives the nod.
“In the meantime, we will continue to strengthen our Amotekun and ensure partnership with other security agencies to secure the life and property of our people,” he said.
Also, the Commander of the State Security Network Agency( Amotekun) Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the operatives of the corps have continued to work relentlessly to ensure the safety of life and property of the residents of the state .
Adeleye, who said the breaches at the borders of the state had reduced as a result of the activities of the Amotekun Rangers, noted that his men were able to arrest 32 suspects for kidnapping in the last one week in the state.
Apart from the arrest, the Amotekun boss hinted that the corps were able to intervene in about 15 kidnap issues and that the timely intervention foiled the kidnapping.
According to him, “In recent times, we have an upsurge of criminal activities including kidnapping inclusive in the state. The officers and men of the Ondo State security network mobilized additional support from the neighbouring local government and entered into the forest reserves and areas noted for these nefarious activities. We were able to flush them out and arrested over 32 suspects.”
Adetunji, however, urged the residents of the state to always give the security agencies timely and actionable information once any suspicious movement is noticed.
The Anambra State government says it still believes that the creation of state police will help to tackle the security challenges in Nigeria.
The commissioner for information, Dr. Law Mefor, however, said the state government’s ad-hoc security arrangement “Operation Udo Ga Achi” and “Agunechemba” operatives had been helpful in the fight against insecurity in the state.
Mefor said, “The state government certainly favours the creation of state police in line with the position of most states in Nigeria.
“The Solution Government believes state police will go a long way in dealing with insecurity in Nigeria because security is local.
“The new Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2024, which created Agunechemba and led to the launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” strike force, has provided a robust legal framework for a new security intervention in the state.
“Both ‘Agunechemba’ and ‘Operation Udo Ga-Achi’ are doing fantastically well and this is evident in the fact that Anambra is calming down.
“Insecurity is Anambra is drastically deescalating and fake and evil native doctors who have made our people to believe that wealth without work is possible are now on the run and many have been apprehended and are being investigated for trial in court,” Mefor said.
In the same vein, an official of Kaduna State government has said Governor Uba Sani is still an advocate of the establishment of state police.
In a chat with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Kaduna, the official who pleaded anonymity, said the governor believes that the state police will fill the gap of inadequate security manpower to tackle security challenges.
Last year, Governor Sani strongly advocated for the creation of state police to combat bandits terrorising his state and the North West zone.
When contacted, the commander of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), Brig. Gen. Umar Muhammad Ibrahim (rtd), said he would not speak on telephone on how his men were assisting conventional security to tackle criminals in the state.
[Leadership]
There are growing indications that Nigerians may soon pay less for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, following a significant drop in the global price of Brent crude oil.
Naija News understands that the price of Brent, which is used globally to benchmark crude prices, has fallen to $65 per barrel from $69.90 per barrel in recent days.
This price reduction is partly driven by the announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump of sweeping new tariffs, which have influenced market trends.
Additionally, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies have decided to increase oil output by 410,000 barrels per day starting in May 2025, which is substantially higher than the previously planned increase of 135,000 barrels per day.
These decisions are contributing to a significant shift in the global oil market, ultimately affecting petroleum product prices.
Depot Prices on the Decline
As a result of the drop in crude oil prices, the depot prices for major suppliers have also seen a decrease. Depot prices for Mainland, A.Y.M, and Ever have dropped to ₦918 per litre, down from N920 per litre. Similarly, Prudent, Eterna, and Soroman have lowered their prices to ₦912, ₦897, and ₦915 per litre, respectively, from previous prices of ₦913, ₦900, and ₦916 per litre.
According to petroleumprice.ng, oil marketers are expected to adjust their pump prices downwards as they receive new supplies this week, assuming the current market conditions persist.
This could lead to a reduction in the retail price of petrol, benefiting consumers across the country.
In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, Billy Gillis-Harry, the President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the price reduction.
He stated that if the favorable market conditions continue, the decrease in fuel prices could lead to lower costs for fares, goods, and services, benefiting the Nigerian economy as a whole.
Meanwhile, in a report, OPEC stated, “The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 3 April 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook.
“In view of the continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024, subsequently reaffirmed on 3 March 2025, to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1 April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411 thousand barrels per day, equivalent to three monthly increments, in May 2025.
“This comprises the increment originally planned for May in addition to two monthly increments. The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability. The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.
“The eight countries reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary production adjustments agreed at the 53rd Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, JMMC meeting on 3 April 2024. They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate any overproduced volume since January 2024 and to submit updated front-loaded compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by 15 April 2025.”
Despite efforts to bring sanity into the governorship primary of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Awka, there is still confusion in the party as accreditation was still going on as at 7 pm.
Already, three aspirants have withdrawn from the exercise over what their supporters described as lack of transparency. Those that have withdrawn are Sir Paul Chukwuma, who also resigned his membership of APC, Professor Obiora Okonkwo and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji.
Those said to be still in the contest are Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon Edozie Madu. Incidentally, all the four are from Anambra South senatorial zone as the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
Several APC members who claimed to be delegates have been kept in several hotels in Awka, even as the authentic list is still unclear.
At the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre where the exercise is taking place, a large crowd is still there as the exercise which was billed to begin at 9am, was yet to commence as at 6:30pm.
According to a member of the party, delegates were said to be undergoing accreditation at undisclosed hotels in the Awka capital city.
Earlier in the day, thugs allegedly hired by one of the aspirants inflicted inflicting injuries on several delegates as they attempted to highjack the process, even in the presence of security operatives.
While Chukwuma cited the existence of some unprogressive elements within the party as reason for his withdrawal and resignation from the party, Okonkwo cited violence which may endanger his supporters if he continues, as the reason for his withdrawal.
In a letter withdrawing from the primaries, Professor Okonkwo said: “After a careful evaluation, and reflection, on the current state of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket.
“This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters among other reasons.”
support has meant a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many committed and passionate Anambra people.”
‘I Will Not Ruin Everything Your Husband Built On Empty Stomach’ – Lizzy Anjorin Blasts Tope Alabi
AFOLABI
Controversial Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin, has tackled Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi, over failure to perform at her surprise birthday party.
Lizzy’s fan club had collaborated with her husband to surprise her with a performance by Tope Alabi, whom they said she loved dearly.
However, the gospel singer and her husband, Soji Alabi, arrived at Lizzy’s clothing store in Lagos but declined to perform after realising they were to perform for the movie star.
Reacting, Lizzy Anjorin, in a video via her social media page, berated Tope for refusing to perform after she was paid ₦4 million, stressing she would not ruin the singer’s brand, which her husband built on an empty stomach.
The thespian recalled Tope Alabi’s issue with Prophet Ajanaku and how the world rejected her, but she supported her.
Lizzy added that she is a Muslim and did not expect her fans to invite a gospel singer to her birthday.
She said, “Aunty Tope, my fans paid you N4million, and I have the evidence with me. Even if you were paid 500k, were you not an actress? In acting, we were taught that if you are to kiss your enemy on a movie set, you must do it. You are a brand that your husband built with an empty stomach, but I will not ruin everything because of what you did to me yesterday. When you had issues with Prophet Ajanaku and the world rejected you, I stood by you. I play your music at times, not because I need it but because I want to support you. No matter how terrible you think I am, I am not as bad as Prophet Ajanaku.
“I am happy you also saw the goodness of God in my life when you were outside my place yesterday. You called me your sister, no matter how much they paid you. You should not have reacted that way. You are not as pure as me. I have impacted and empowered people more than you. I have added more value to society than you. If you judge me, you are not God.
“I am a Muslim, and I didn’t expect my fans to invite a gospel singer to my birthday. They should have invited an Islamic singer who is my fan. I can never use my money to call Aunty Tope Alabi to sing for me. The best of her songs is in her album, and I can easily play it in my house. The millions my fans sent to her could have been given to beggars on the street or people who need their hospital bills to be paid. A pregnant woman died recently because she couldn’t afford 500k for hospital bills. I don’t do copy copy like other people. I already warned my fans to stop wasting money. I thank God I am alive and healthy for my birthday. I don’t know why she refused to come down from the car, but the reason is best known to her. I hope my fans have learnt their lessons from this. AUNTY TOPE, I LOVE YOU, BUT I DON’T NEED YOU.
More...
Tensions are escalating in the Niger Delta region as ex-militant leaders and their loyalists continue to clash over the multimillion-naira pipeline protection contracts awarded to Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The contracts, which cover key areas in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, have sparked heated debates among former agitators and local leaders.
An ex-militant leader, who spoke to Punch on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the contracts awarded to Tompolo and the Olu of Warri have generated widespread controversy in the region.
The source revealed that prominent figures in the Niger Delta, including Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, and Victor Ebikabowei (Boyloaf), have expressed opposition to Tompolo’s dominance over the pipeline surveillance contracts.
“The Olu of Warri’s contract extends to parts of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. It is a multi-billion naira contract, and some people are protesting because they believe the contract should have been awarded to an indigene of Rivers State,” the source said.
Amid these tensions, allegations have surfaced accusing workers from Tantita Security Services, Tompolo’s company, of attacking surveillance workers. However, organizations like the Niger Delta Renaissance Network and the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition have stepped in to defend Tompolo and his team.
“These orchestrated character assassinations are not merely unfounded; they threaten to derail the critical efforts of Tompolo and his team,” said Abalagha Adawari, the spokesman for the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC).
Tantita Security Services has also vehemently denied any involvement in attacks on surveillance personnel. Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, the Head of the Press Unit at Tantita, clarified that the company is not involved in any criminal activity.
Bebenimibo said, “Tantita cannot attack any surveillance workers, and we are not involved in any criminal activities. Also, there is no conflict between Tompolo and the Olu of Warri.”
An anonymous official who spoke with Punch from Tantita further explained, “The contract was renewed last year, and I don’t think it makes any sense for anybody to be raising an eyebrow now. In any case, whoever has issues with the contract should take the matter up with the NNPCL. The video you’re referring to is old.”
Regarding the recent killings of Tantita’s security personnel, the official said, “The killing of our security personnel is part of the hazard of the job. I don’t think it has anything to do with any crisis or division.”
Commenting on the ongoing conflict, retired police officer August Onyewadume urged ex-militant leaders to stop resorting to violence, particularly pipeline destruction, as it only harms the nation.
He said, “The Niger Delta has been suffering from environmental degradation and pollution, and all the oil firms there are not doing enough to address the issue.
“Tompolo is an Ijaw man. Let the contract go round. The government should have a roundtable discussion with them (ex-militant leaders) and identify those who can handle the pipeline job so there will be no problem, because others feel they are not being carried along.”
The Lagos state government has launched an investigation into the death of Kemi, a pregnant woman who was allegedly denied treatment over failure to pay N500,000 at a private health facility.
Her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, made the allegation in a viral video, accusing a clinic of refusing to give medical treatment to his pregnant wife due to his inability to make the upfront payment.
In a statement on Saturday, Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner of health, expressed deep sadness over the death of the pregnant woman.
He said the Lagos state government is conducting a thorough investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has formed a panel to uncover the details and identify any breaches in medical care standards,” the statement reads.
“Initial investigations suggest that multiple parties, including a traditional birth attendant and the private hospital, were involved and are currently being interviewed.”
He said the investigation focuses on verification of the registration status of the individuals and facilities with HEFAMAA, compliance with approved scopes of practice, adherence to emergency medical protocols, and identification of any negligence that contributed to the incident.
He said the report from the panel will soon be released, and those found responsible will face legal consequences.
“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections,” the commissioner said.
“The government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics.
“We also wish to reiterate that no healthcare facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties.
“We are also using this opportunity to reiterate the government’s position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.
“The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasizing the importance of using government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards.”
‘Unacceptable’ — Tinubu asks security agencies to hunt down perpetrators of Plateau killings
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau state, describing the attacks as “unacceptable” and vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
On Wednesday, several people were killed during attacks on the Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos LGA, as well as the Manguna and Dafo villages in Plateau.
The assaults, reportedly carried out by gunmen, left behind a trail of destruction, with homes razed and many lives lost.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu extended his condolences to the grieving families and the Plateau state government.
He assured Caleb Mutfwang, the state governor, of the federal government’s full support in restoring peace and stability across the troubled region.
“The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended.”
He said the attacks “should have no place in our country” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting all Nigerian citizens, regardless of location or background.
“This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen,” he added.
“Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.”
He urged residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing vital information to help track down the assailants.
The president also called on citizens to resist the urge to retaliate, appealing for unity and peaceful coexistence.
“No community should have to endure such tragedy,” Tinubu said.
“We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens — regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations — to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace, and reject retaliation.”
The president noted that he has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate with state authorities in delivering relief materials and medical assistance to victims.
The agency, he said, will also assist the affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
This latest incident adds to a string of violent episodes in Plateau state, which has seen periodic flare-ups of ethno-religious and communal violence over the years.
Sandra Umar, a constituent of Kogi central, says the process for the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will continue when requirements are met.
In March, some members of the Kogi central constituency submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, following her six-month suspension from the senate.
They argued that they could not afford not to have a representative in the senate for the suspension period.
INEC had held that the petition seeking to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to meet the constitutional requirements.
The electoral umpire said the petition was signed by 208,132 out of 474,554 registered voters in the constituency. This represents 43.86% against the constitutional requirement of at least 50%+1 persons registered to vote in the constituency.
The electoral body added that the constitution does not limit the number of times a lawmaker can be recalled.
Speaking when she featured on Television Continental (TVC) on Friday, Umar, who is one of the petitioners, said the process was not halted.
“What I know very well is that INEC said it was inadequate doesn’t mean that the process had been put on a halt. We’re believing that once we’re able to meet up with the level of compliance that they need for it to be adequate, the process will definitely take its course,” Umar said.
Umar further said Akpoti-Uduaghan could have avoided getting suspended had she listened to her colleagues in the chamber and apologised.
The petitioner also said the sexual harassment claim by the senator is “a personal thing until verifiable evidence is available”.
“So what we know is that she has been given a suspension for six months, and that is tentative for one year. And that means that we’re going to be out of the dividends of democracy for that period of time,” she said.