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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of RCCG, says God told him the church’s governing council will “one day hold a meeting on the moon”.

Speaking at the April edition of the Holy Ghost Congress convention, the cleric said God’s promises may seem unbelievable, but he believes they will come to pass.

Adeboye, 83, also recalled how God told him that he would own a city despite living in a one-room apartment in Mushin, Lagos.

“I am not doubting God, I know with him all things are possible. But he told me, and I told some of my people, He told me that a day is coming when the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Governing Council wants to hold their meeting, they would hold the meeting on the moon. I know that does not make sense, but then, that is God,” he said.

“Just like he said to me not to ask for a house, I have decided to build a city. He was talking to somebody living in a room in Mushin. When I shared with those people who were with me then they all laughed. They are still laughing because they can see what God is doing.

“When God says we will one day be holding our meetings on the moon, you do not have to believe it, but he has spoken. It is going to come to pass.”

IS THE MOON HABITABLE? 

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), “the many missions that have explored the moon have found no evidence to suggest it has its own living things. However, the moon could be the site of future colonization by humans”.

Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra state, has been officially nominated as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the upcoming governorship election.

Soludo, who was returned unopposed, secured over 3,000 votes in the primary held on Saturday at the Ekwueme square, Awka.

Voting took place across the 21 local government areas of the state, where delegates were asked to cast a simple “yes” or “no” vote.

“Total delegates for this election is 3,260; 3,175 were accredited; 3,172 total votes cast, with four invalid votes,” Uche Nwegbo, chairman of the electoral panel, said.

“The governor received 3,168 yes-votes and no no-votes. By the powers conferred on me, I hereby declare Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as the candidate of our party.”

Soludo accepted the nomination and assured party members of continued development in the state.

“I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to raise the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly,” he said.

“Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.

“I appreciate the members of our party and the INEC observers. I do not think that we have ever had this kind of peaceful election where everything was orderly and in one hour everyone was able to cast their votes.

“In 2021, Anambra interviewed all the candidates and employed me, and all through the journey, three years down the line, you have been able to give us support. That is why we have been able to do what we do, which people say is magical. We are doing this without borrowing one Naira, and I know we will continue to do even more, and we continue to ask for your prayers.

“We are only at the introductory stage; Anambra has not seen anything yet. I appreciate the citizens and captains of industries who have been supporting us, and we will keep growing higher and higher.

“I appreciate the support groups, especially all that endorsed us for a second term. They are still coming up with more donations to the campaigns, and I thank those market women who are still eager to donate to our campaign. Many political parties have declared support for us, and never in Anambra State have we ever had a consensus like what we have today.

“When I took oath of office, I promised not to let Anambra down, not to let my supporters down, not to let my family down, and not to let APGA down. We are working 247 to ensure that. Many people have said we do not have any opposition, but I say that we will not only win all 21 local governments but also the 326 wards. Someone said we should even aim for all the polling units in the state. We want to make a statement.”

Soludo said he would retain Onyeka Ibezim, the deputy governor, as his running mate for the November 8 election.

“In 2017, I gave a lecture which I titled ‘If it is not broken, why mend it’, and it became popular. Today, I want to say that I am renominating Dr Onyeka Ibezim as my deputy governorship candidate for the election. If it is not broken, why mend it? I want to say that the battle has only begun,” he added