The All Progressives Congress, APC, has applauded Nigerians for their patience and for enduring what it called the transient difficulties they are facing.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja as the country marks the 2025 June 12 Democracy Day anniversary.

The APC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, expressing full support for President Bola Tinubu’s policies and programmes.

“Democratic governance remains the best solution to Nigeria’s challenges, and this administration is putting democracy to work for the economy, peace, well-being, and security of all our people.

“We commend Nigerians for their patient support of President Tinubu’s administration and for enduring the transient difficulties faced.

“As the President continues to tackle our national challenges at their roots, with evident signs of a steadily rebounding economy, we stand firmly with him and his administration’s valiant efforts to build a brighter future for all Nigerians,” Morka said.

The APC’s spokesman described Democracy Day as a worthy occasion of collective pride as the nation continues to consolidate democracy and entrench progress for current and future generations.

He said it affords citizens the finest opportunity to exercise their sovereign right to freely choose those who govern them.

According to him, democracy, in its fundamental elements, represents the most profound recognition and protection of the rule of law and fundamental liberties compared to other governance models.

Morka also expressed gratitude to compatriots for their vision, courage, and love of country, who sacrificed through struggles to end arbitrariness, oppressive military tyranny, and dictatorship for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He said as the nation marked Democracy Day, Nigeria was led by one of democracy’s finest, fearless, and resilient champions, President Tinubu, a visionary leader.

The APC’s scribe described Tinubu as a bold reformer, adding that under his watch, the country has risen to tackle deep-seated structural challenges hindering national growth and development.

According to him, Tinubu’s policies, designed to promote social and economic inclusion, have secured improved minimum wage, access to student loans, and better healthcare, among others.

He highlighted that the administration had achieved financial autonomy for Local Governments and increased federal allocations to states.

A political activist, Usman Bugaje, says President Bola Tinubu is detached from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians because he is surrounded by sycophants.

Bugaje made this statement on Thursday during Channels Television’s special Democracy Day programme titled ‘Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation on Building a Better Nation,’ commemorating 26 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria, blasting Tinubu’s leadership style.

He alleged that the President’s inner circle shields him from the harsh realities the citizens face.

“It looks like the President has been completely encircled by sycophants. They don’t allow him to see the realities, they don’t tell him the truth. But if he knew what was happening in society, he would be ashamed of himself. As far as I know him, I never thought he would allow this situation.

“He is now there, wallowing in the comfort of the Villa, talking in ways that show he doesn’t even know what is happening in this country. If he knew, he would not be doing the kind of things he’s doing now,” he said.

The former lawmaker also lamented what he called prosperity without production, adding that Nigerians were no longer swayed by polished speeches but were demanding tangible results.

He accused the current Nigerian democracy of failing to serve its core purpose, which is to uplift the people and ensure their welfare.

He also decried the helplessness of many citizens who have suffered in the hands of insecurity and economic hardship, pointing to the stories of kidnapped victims, unemployed youth, and struggling small business owners.

According to him, any government unable to ensure basic welfare and security has lost the moral right to call itself democratic.

While citing statistics to back his claim, Bugaje described the country’s current state as disgraceful.

The suspended governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike again.

DAILY POST reliably gathered that Fubara met with Wike at his residence in Abuja on Monday.

An insider, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed this to DAILY POST while dismissing a viral photograph of Fubara and Wike. 

The source said: “The photograph is an old image, but I can inform you that he (Fubara) came to see the Minister this week Monday.”

The meeting is believed to be part of Fubara’s effort to restore peace between him, Wike, and other relevant stakeholders in Rivers State.

Fubara ran into murky waters shortly after he was sworn in as Rivers State governor in 2023.

He developed a rift with Wike, who was his predecessor, over the control of the political resources in Rivers State.

The fight had spread to the State House of Assembly, leading to a factionalization of the legislative arm in the state.

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu had suspended Fubara for six months while declaring a state of emergency in Rivers to last for that period of time.

Tinubu had suspended Fubara and appointed a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as a measure to prevent the political crisis from snowballing into a full security issue, following threats by Niger Delta militants to attack oil installations in the state.

Amid his suspension, Fubara had met with President Tinubu in London and in Lagos State while also meeting with Wike to seek reconciliation.

In view of their meeting, Wike had extended an olive branch, saying Fubara was his son. He also admonished the embattled governor to meet other political stakeholders in Rivers State as part of efforts to fully resolve the crisis.

However, there have not been reports of Fubara meeting with other stakeholders in the state as his suspension enters the third month.

As part of its effort to address diverse needs within Nigeria’s housing sector, the Federal Government has announced plans to build bamboo houses for low and medium income earners nationwide.

Esuabana Asanye, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, disclosed the plan this in Abuja on Wednesday during a Capacity Building Workshop on Relevance of Bamboo for Climate-Smart Housing Construction.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by Benadette Oguche, the Director of Environmental Science Technology, EST, stated that using bamboo as “the construction materials won’t only promote environmental sustainability in Nigeria but also ensure that the process is aligned with principles of adoptability, comfort and affordability for low and medium income earners across Nigeria”.

“Bamboo, a versatile plant which is used for a wide range of purposes including paper production, traditional medicine, as well as sustainable resource in long history of the use in building materials.”

Asanye also commended the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NBRRI, for researching and producing sustainable solutions to mitigate challenges of climate change in the country.

The Federal Government has ordered a thorough investigation into Wednesday’s altercation between Air Peace and Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, at the Lagos airport.

In a statement issued on Friday through his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said he has been in direct contact with both parties since the incident and appealed to them to halt their public accusations and counter-accusations.

He directed the relevant aviation agencies to gather all available evidence and submit a report to his office to help guide future conduct in similar cases.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the incident followed Air Peace’s accusation that Oshiomhole disrupted its operations after missing a scheduled flight.

Videos circulated on X showed the Senator addressing an official at the airport and sitting in front of a gate at Zulu Hall in Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1.

In response, Oshiomhole denied causing any disruption, insisting he was standing against what he called extortion of passengers and arbitrary policy changes by the airline.

He alleged that Air Peace demanded additional payments from online checked-in passengers boarding their flight, a claim the airline dismissed as “deliberate falsehood.”

Keyamo appealed to both parties to exercise restraint in their exchanges and allow due process to take its course.

“In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving Air Peace and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning,” the minister said.

“Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence, and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in a way that guides future conduct in similar situations.”

Keyamo also stressed the importance of fairness and impartial inquiry, noting that the longstanding legal principle of listening to all parties must be upheld.

Ademola Lookman is in the running for Atalanta’s Goal of the Season award, DAILY POST reports.

Lookman had two goals nominated for the individual accolade.

The Nigeria international’s superb strike in Atalanta’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid was the first on the list.

The 27-year-old also earned nomination for his sublime finish in La Dea’s 5-0 trouncing of Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium.

Lookman will be looking to add another individual award to his collections after scooping Atalanta’s Player of the Season prize for the last two campaigns.

He scored 22 times and recorded five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions for the Bergamo club last season.

Veteran Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has shed light on the staggering financial costs of contesting political positions in Nigeria, stating that politics in the country has become a capital-intensive venture fueled by corruption.

Speaking during an interview on the Outside the Box podcast, Ali Baba, who is well-connected with many Nigerian politicians, revealed the estimated amounts aspirants are expected to spend to secure different political offices.

According to him, contesting for a Senate seat requires a budget of about N1.2 billion, while securing a seat in the House of Representatives may cost approximately N1 billion. For State House of Assembly, aspirants reportedly need at least N500 million.

He further broke down the estimated costs of governorship races, stating that candidates in Delta State may need to spend as much as N20 billion, while in Rivers State the cost could rise to N25 billion. For certain states in Northern Nigeria, Ali Baba estimated campaign expenses between N4 billion to N6 billion.

“It’s a capital-intensive project, which is what is driving the corruption in our country right now,” he said. “Anytime somebody is in office, the person is not thinking of education, except if whatever he wants to do in education will provide some money that they can leverage on when the time for election comes.”

Nigerian actress and activist, Kate Henshaw, has voiced her sorrow over the current condition of the country.

Henshaw said there was nothing to show for Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, stating that the country’s democratic experience means nothing to majority of the people in the country.

The actress made her feelings known on Channels Television’s special Democracy Day programme.

The actress was of the view that there was nothing to celebrate in terms of the longevity of democratic rule if it continues to fall short of addressing citizens’ needs.

The actress wondered of what use is Nigeria’s democracy if it is so detached from the people and makes no impact on their lives.

“There is no middle class and we cannot tell any more lies to ourselves,” she said,” adding that every sector of the economy has been in shambles.

“Everything around us is crumbling and Nigerians are barely holding on by the skin of their teeth,” she stated.

She, however, called on Nigerians not to give up, insisting that governments at all levels must be held accountable.

“We cannot keep quiet,” she said.

“There must be justice, equity, and security for the people — for their lives and property.

“But I still hold on to hope that we will have a country to live in, for our children — something they can build on.”