A 16-year-old student in SS2 class of a private secondary school in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, faked her kidnap and demanded a ransom of N2 million for her release.

The teenage girl allegedly contacted a family member, claiming she had been kidnapped.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, disclosed to reporters on Monday that a family friend helped her plan the hoax.

Ukandu said the girl attends a privately owned school located on Watchman Street in Abakaliki.

She is a native of Izzi Local Government Area and was due to return to school for the third term on Saturday.

The girl told police she had gone to buy second-hand clothes, known locally as ‘Okirika’, when someone tapped her from behind.

She claimed to have lost consciousness and woke up the next day at Ishieke Junction in Ebonyi Local Government Area. 

She added that she often dreams of being kidnapped, and her mother regularly prays against it.

Upon regaining consciousness, she asked for directions back to Abakaliki town.

Instead of returning home, she went to the house of a family friend who had no idea she was missing.

Using the man’s phone, she messaged her brother, claiming she had been kidnapped and demanded ₦2 million ransom.

Her brother asked to speak with the kidnappers and requested their location, but she refused and blocked his number.

Later, she unblocked his number and sent an account number belonging to the family friend hosting her.

Unfortunately for her, the phone was tracked. Police raided the house and arrested everyone involved in the plot. 

The police spokesperson confirmed that the command has launched a full investigation into the incident.

The girl has since been reunited with her family, though the matter remains under police investigation due to her age.

No fewer than 50 lecturers across Nigerian public tertiary institutions have been indicted for sexual misconduct between April 2021 and April 2025, The PUNCH has found.

While some of the indicted academics, including professors, have been dismissed, others are currently facing disciplinary panels.

The cases span universities and polytechnics nationwide, highlighting the widespread nature of sexual harassment in Nigeria’s higher education system.

A 2018 survey by the World Bank Group’s Women, Business, and the Law project found that 70 percent of female graduates in Nigeria had experienced sexual harassment in school, most commonly from classmates and lecturers.

Despite the Senate passing a bill in 2021 prescribing a 21-year jail term for lecturers guilty of sexual exploitation, the legislation has yet to be signed into law.

Most recently, on April 24, 2025, the Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, dismissed a senior lecturer, Dr. Usman Aliyu, over allegations of sexually harassing a married postgraduate student, Mrs. Kamila Aliyu.

The university acted upon the findings of its Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which found the lecturer guilty of misconduct.

Mrs. Aliyu had petitioned the school in 2024, accusing Dr. Aliyu of coercion and threatening her academic progress.

Just 10 days earlier, on April 14, 2025, the Lagos State University of Science and Technology dismissed three lecturers, identified as Mr. Nurudeen Hassan (Mass Communication), Mr. Kareem Arigbabu, and Mr. Olayinka Uthman (both from the Department of Arts & Design), over sexual harassment.

According to a memo titled “Dismissal of Staff Members Due to Sexual Harassment Allegations,” the decision followed deliberations by the institution’s Governing Council under Section 5.5.2(v) of the University Senior Staff Conditions of Service.

Similarly, on November 14, 2024, the Federal University, Lokoja, announced the dismissal of four unnamed lecturers for sexual misconduct.

 Earlier, on August 2, 2024, Abia State University, Uturu, suspended Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe from the Department of Mass Communication for three months following allegations of harassing a female student.

In May 2024, FULokoja again suspended a lecturer over similar allegations. That same April, Enugu State Police arrested a suspended lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Mr. Mfonobong Udoudom, after a video emerged showing him allegedly harassing a female student in his office. The university had earlier announced his indefinite suspension.

Earlier incidents include the 2021 dismissal of three lecturers from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife—one each from the Departments of English, International Relations, and Accounting—for sexual harassment.

In June 2021, the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, suspended a lecturer in the Department of Media and Theatre Arts for misconduct, while the University of Lagos dismissed two lecturers the same month for similar offences.

In August 2021, the University of Port Harcourt dismissed a lecturer from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature. The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, in October that year, also dismissed two lecturers from the Departments of Nutrition/Dietetics and General Studies.

The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education dismissed a lecturer in 2021 for impregnating a female student, and in December, the Kwara State University, Malete, let go of a lecturer for harassing a student in the Department of Pure and Applied Sciences. Rivers State’s Elechi Amadi Polytechnic took similar action in January 2022.

Obafemi Awolowo University again came under scrutiny in April 2022, launching a probe into sexual harassment allegations against a professor in the Department of Linguistics and African Studies—bringing the total number of professors affected at the institution to two.

In June 2022, the then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Raheed Na’allah, confirmed the dismissal of two professors for sexual misconduct.

In 2023, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Dr. Balogun Olaniran of Tai Solarin University of Education, who allegedly demanded sexual favors in exchange for altering a student’s results.

In March 2023, Kogi State Polytechnic dismissed Abutu Thompson, a Computer Science lecturer, for harassing and victimizing a female student. In May, Ambrose Alli University, Edo State, also dismissed a lecturer following a disciplinary committee’s recommendation. The lecturer, despite admitting to making advances, went as far as visiting the student’s church to plead for forgiveness, according to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Asomwan Adagbonyin.

In July 2023, UNIABUJA again announced the dismissal of two lecturers over sexual misconduct. The following month, the University of Calabar suspended its Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, after multiple allegations of harassment surfaced.

On September 7, 2023, the University of Lagos suspended lecturer Kadri Babalola, who was accused of raping a 21-year-old student.

Amid ongoing reports, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Kogi State Polytechnic, Mr. Onoja Baba, has advocated for a “Digital Anonymous Feedback System” to enable safer reporting of such incidents.

“The existing mechanisms are often bureaucratic, and students fear repercussions, especially when it involves faculty,” he said. “Without trusted and effective channels, victims feel isolated. It’s time to rethink how we address reporting and accountability in our institutions.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, will not stand a chance of winning the presidential election against President Bola Tinubu in 2027, if it does not change its zoning system.

The Minister made the statement during a live media parley on Monday, where he cited the non-adherence of the Party to its constitutional provisions, regarding the zoning of the Chairmanship and Presidential candidacy of the party.

This comes as former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, inducted former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and 38 others into the party’s Board of Trustees.

During the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, Wabara called on the new members to help steer the PDP towards renewed success and significance, asserting that the party remained very much alive. 

However, Wike said some members manipulated the provisions of the party for selfish interests during the 2023 general elections, which saw the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party, and chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, who were both from the northern zone, noting that if the PDP tried the same in 2027, it would backfire.

“If PDP does not take care, and I say it again, watch out for what will happen. You know, selfish interest can kill an organisation. You have not won an election; you are excluding people. Let us tell ourselves the simple truth; in 2023, we told the party, it is in our constitution, it is in our tradition, when these people take the chairman, these people will take the Presidential Candidate. Because of selfish interests, they manipulated the system.

 “They said no, we should not do zoning now.  Before we knew, some people had gone to buy forms. Now, a zone took the chairman of the party, a zone took the presidential candidate. Of course, arrogance came in, ‘Forget it; we have won the election.’ See where we are. And I’ve told them, where are you zoning your presidential candidate now? Where will it go? Why not, as a party, come out openly now and say our presidential candidate will also come from the south? You don’t want to do that. You want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire. The point here is that selfishness can kill a system,” he said.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been plagued by internal strife. Conflicts deepened after a clash between Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, along with leadership disputes in the South-South zone and the unresolved vacancy of the National Secretary since December 2024.

Despite interventions from the party’s top organs, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the Governors Forum efforts to heal the rift have only intensified internal divisions, further splintering state and zonal chapters.

Amid the growing unrest, dissatisfaction has led some members to defect to the All Progressives Congress. The most notable shift came on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key officials switched parties, dealing a major blow to the PDP’s image and weakening its outlook for the 2027 elections.

Addressing recent defections from the party, particularly by the Governor of Delta State, Sherriff Oborevwori, and other stakeholders of the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Wike defended the governor’s move, noting that his declaration of support for President Tinubu was not a crime.

 “When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor, and their team moving out of PDP to APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu, the President, is a crime? But the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the conscience of the party, adopted Alex Otti for a second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that? The Chairman of the BoT of the PDP adopted Alex Otti, the governor under the Labour Party, for a second tenure. Now, this man said look, I am not going to do this type of pretence. I will not be here and say I am supporting this person; it is better that I move and go and support him. Smart politician. I am surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State Governor also faulted what he described as impunity within the party, adding that the PDP, as an opposition party, was yet to organise itself to take over the helm of affairs.

 “In anything you are doing, if you do not have the right leadership, this is what you will suffer. For Christ’s sake, no opposition party worth its salt will act with impunity. It is only a ruling party, normally, because they are in power, that acts with impunity. Opposition does not do that, because opposition is going to organise itself to say I can take over the helm of affairs of government. How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed? Rather, you are after one man; every day, you are after Wike. You abandoned what you are supposed to do,” the Minister said.

Rivers crisis

Addressing developments in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Wike disclosed that the suspended Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, had visited him, in company of two other governors from the APC, to have peace talks, noting however that the governor continued to foil peace efforts.

“Yes, he came. He came with two governors and one other person. Unfortunately, the two governors are APC governors, so I will not pursue them. And he said he wants peace, fine. I want peace,” he said.

The minister also described the experiences of the embattled governor as “self-inflicted injury”, noting that he had previously invited the governor in the presence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, noting, however, that Fubara failed to heed their advice.

“Indeed, this is a self-inflicted injury. He does not need it. When this thing started, I called him, Seyi Makinde was there, Ortom was there, Ikpeazu was there, Ugwuanyi was there, we were scouting. We sat him down and said this thing is not good for you,” he stated. “This was a young man, I said look, go this way, go this way, you will not have problems. People came, do not mind him, assert yourself as the governor. You have asserted now, trouble has come. They have declared a state of emergency; who wears the show knows where it pinches him. Who will suffer? Assuming now, you don’t settle this problem, and the state of emergency is called off, has the problem ended? No.”

Wike also said he was doubtful of the capacity of the governor to make peace, noting that while he (Fubara) sued for peace, there were steps he was yet to take.

“I told him, I don’t think you can really make this peace, because it’s not easy. Why? If you are making peace, and your people are demonstrating every day; if you are making peace and your people are busy on television insulting people, how do you feel in that case? You must take steps. There are leaders you should meet. Have you met the assembly people? It’s not to say I want peace, you must show by conduct and by action, that indeed (you want peace).”

Wabara inaugurates BoT

Meanwhile, the members inaugurated into the BoT to serve for three years include former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau; former National Vice Chairman of the party in the South West, Eddy Olafeso; former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu.

Other members installed are former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; former Minister of National Planning, Mohammed Daggash and former Ogun State governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu, among others.

The ceremony comes in the wake of The PUNCH report on February 9, which disclosed that 85 of the 127 PDP BoT members had not been participating in party activities.

The inauguration is intended to revitalise the board as it faces growing internal issues.

Section 31(5) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) defines the BoT as the party’s moral compass, tasked with upholding ethical standards and the party’s reputation, offering guidance on policy matters, resolving conflicts, and protecting party property.

The PDP BoT chairman stated that the event marks not just a celebration of fresh starts, but also a reaffirmation of our united dedication to the values and principles that define our party.

Wabara stated, “Today (Monday), we are welcoming a distinguished group of individuals whose dedication, experience, and unwavering loyalty to the PDP have earned them a place on this prestigious Board. Your appointment to the Board of Trustees is a call to serve, a call to uphold the integrity, unity, and vision of our party as we continue to strive for a more prosperous and democratic Nigeria.

“As custodians of the party’s conscience, the BoT plays a critical role in providing wise counsel, fostering stability, and ensuring that our decisions align with the core objectives of the PDP. Your role as members of the Board is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party but also to act as a stabilising force in times of challenges and uncertainties.

“Today’s inauguration is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore the PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria. The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.”

Wabara reminded PDP BoT members that their role is not only an honor but also a responsibility, urging them to serve with integrity, transparency, and dedication to the party and nation’s welfare.

“PDP is not dead so, let us continue to work together, to uphold the vision of our founding fathers, and to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more progressive party. Together, we shall lead our party to new heights of success and relevance in the Nigerian political landscape, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated BoT members, former National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, said the inauguration marked a fresh start for the PDP.

He stated, “This marks a new beginning for our party, a regeneration of its glorious past, and a commitment to ensuring that, from this moment on, the PDP can effectively serve as a strong opposition party across the country. We are bringing in new ideas, new people, and a new orientation.

“With the quality of leadership and the heritage of our past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today. We are all excited to go back to work, and that’s exactly what we will do.

“Many of us have stood firm for the PDP for over 20 years, and we won’t stray from that path. We aim to restore the party’s glorious past, where people can send their children to school, where insecurity is a thing of the past, and where the economy and employment issues start to improve.”

In his earlier remarks, PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, congratulated the newly inaugurated BoT members and urged them to assist the National Working Committee in steering the party’s affairs.

Damagum, who was represented by the acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, stated, “The Board of Trustees is the conscience of the party, and the Constitution entrusts it with the great responsibility of guiding the PDP; not just as Nigeria’s leading party but as a beacon for Africa.

“We in the NWC are here as your chief servants, ready to rely on your advice and guidance. We assure you of our full support in ensuring the smooth running of the party.”

Reconciliation committee

Also, the PDP Governors Forum, along with former governors, named ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki as the head of a seven-member reconciliation committee.

Announcing this to journalists after a key meeting on Monday in Abuja, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the committee’s mandate was to engage party members and foster unity ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee meeting on May 27 and its National Elective Convention scheduled for August.

The committee also includes the Governors of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; and Enugu State, Peter Mbah, as well as former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Mohammed confirmed that the gathering of current and former governors was convened to address and find solutions to some of these ongoing issues.

He stated, “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party some existential issues, of course that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month. By August, we will have an early convention.

“Many issues and reports have emerged, and this meeting is an opportunity to close ranks and ensure that, at the very least, there are no ill feelings, no qualms, and no misgivings among the leaders of the party. The governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have served before and who have more in-depth experience.

“Whatever suggestions or opinions they may offer will go a long way in adding momentum to the success of our NEC and the convention scheduled to take place on specific dates. It will also help reassure our teeming supporters that the PDP is working and remains united.

“There are some gaps here and there. We have set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki to ensure that reconciliation efforts and outreach are conducted swiftly. This will help us achieve a very peaceful and harmonious NEC and convention.”

The United Kingdom Government has unveiled a sweeping set of immigration reforms aimed at reducing net migration by around “100,000 people each year.”

The new Immigration White Paper released on Monday outlined changes across work visas, international study, asylum policy, enforcement, and long-term settlement.

One of the most significant changes is that “Legislation will be brought in to make clear that the Government and Parliament – not courts – determine who should stay, tackling misuse of Article 8 (right to family life) to block deportations.”

In a move to limit work-related migration, skilled workers will now need university-level qualifications, and the salary thresholds required for visas will increase.

“The Immigration Skills Charge – paid by sponsors – will rise by 32 percent for the first time since 2017, in line with inflation,” it added.

A major change affects the social care sector, with overseas visas being closed to new applicants.

The paper noted, “Social care visas will close to new overseas applicants; people already in the UK with work rights can extend or switch visas until 2028, subject to review.”

The Government will also establish a new Labour Market Evidence Group to guide immigration decisions based on stronger data. Sectors heavily reliant on overseas labour will be required to submit workforce strategies showing how they plan to hire and train more British workers.

Under the new system, “Key sectors that rely heavily on overseas recruitment will face new requirements to produce workforce strategies

“A Temporary Shortage List will be introduced to give time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system for roles below RQF level 6

“Only jobs facing long-term shortages and backed by the Migration Advisory Committee will qualify for the above – if there’s also a workforce plan and employers commit to hiring more UK workers.”

The White Paper includes provisions to allow skilled refugees and displaced people recognised by the UN to apply for work visas. Additionally, the UK will open more routes for highly skilled workers and top global talent to enter the country.

Changes to student immigration include reducing the post-study work visa from two years to 18 months. Universities could also face a levy on the income they receive from international students, with the money redirected to fund domestic skills training.

“Graduates will be able to stay in the UK for only 18 months after their studies, compared to current period of two years.

“A levy on income from international students is being considered, with the money potentially going towards domestic skills training

“Sponsoring institutions will face tougher requirements to be allowed to recruit international students

“The pass mark for compliance metrics will rise by 5 percent, meaning sponsors must now have at least a 95 percent course enrolment rate and 90 percent completion rate,” the paper stated.

In response to concerns about illegal immigration and criminality, foreign nationals convicted of crimes even if not imprisoned could now be deported under new thresholds. There will also be tougher enforcement against those who claim asylum without credible evidence of risk in their home country.

The Government will introduce digital IDs known as eVisas to replace physical biometric residence permits, making it easier to monitor migrants’ legal status. More resources will be devoted to cracking down on illegal work, especially in gig economy sectors.

Further measures to improve integration and community cohesion include raising the required level of English proficiency for most visa applicants. The settlement period for most migrants will be extended from five to ten years, although faster routes will remain for those who contribute significantly to the UK economy or society.

The White Paper confirmed that family members of British citizens can still settle in five years and protections remain in place for victims of domestic abuse. The Government also plans to support young people who have grown up in the UK without legal status, especially those in care.

“Those making strong contributions to the UK economy or society could qualify for faster settlement and citizenship. Family members of British citizens can still settle in the UK after five years, and protections remain for domestic abuse victims

“Parents of British or settled children who die will be allowed to stay in the UK permanently right away

“The Life in the UK test (which people must pass to become British citizens or settle permanently) will be reviewed and improved, and costs of applying for British citizenship could be reduced for young people who’ve lived in the UK for most of their lives

“Young people who’ve grown up in the UK without legal status will be helped to stay permanently, with extra support for those in care or leaving care,” it concluded.

When the latest wave of defections began in March 2025, marked by the high profile exit of Mallam Nasir El Rufai from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, of which he is a founding member, and his open association with “like minds” such as Waziri Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party who together promoted the idea of a coalition of the opposition to get President Tinubu and the APC out of power, there had been speculations about whether or not coalition politics would work in Nigeria at this time. 

I had reflected on the development in two pieces: “Nasir El-Rufai’s Defections: PDP, CPC, APC, SDP” (ThisDay, March 11) and “The Emerging Coalition Against Tinubu/APC” (ThisDay, March 18). Reactions to El-Rufai’s exit and the idea of a coalition were varied and robust. Shehu Sani, spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) which El Rufai had announced he was joining dismissed El-Rufai as a liability to the APC and his latest political choice as being of “no consequence”. El-Rufai’s old colleagues in the Kaduna State Chapter of the APC dismissed his defection as a “non-event” which no one should be disturbed about.  Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a television interview had warned that the former Governor was sulking because he was not a Minister in President Tinubu’s cabinet, but “he should stop behaving like a child as if someone stole his bread and learn to move on”. El-Rufai was not ready to move on. Instead, the coalition leaders who wanted to sack Tinubu from office held public meetings. They even visited the former President, Muhammadu Buhari who tactically, and promptly dissociated himself from any attempt to sabotage the same party through which he served as President for eight years. Mr. Onanuga dismissed the coalition politicians as “disgruntled… sore losers, an amalgam of Tinubu haters” and that the President who is “focused on governance to build a prosperous country would not be distracted.”

It would be naïve for anyone to think that a political leader, not even one that is well versed in the art of conspiratorial politics, would wave off an attempt to unseat him from office. Politicians love to defeat their opponents. In the rough and tumble jungle of Nigerian politics, it is the person with the smartest strategy that wins. It is a fitting illustration of the political dexterity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that in less than two months, he and his strategists have switched the cards, and turned the tables. The voice of the coalition leaders has been muted out, drowned out, and when occasionally they speak up, they tend to sound like the meow-ing of a compound cat. The new reality in town is that the same opposition figures that were called upon by Atiku and co to join hands together to remove Tinubu are all now forming a pro-Tinubu coalition, kissing his ring, singing his praise.  It didn’t take too long, less than a month for Mr. Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the SDP, for example, who had earlier welcomed Nasir El-Rufai and other persons into the party, to start singing a different tune. At the 50^th birthday celebration of his wife in Abuja, Adebayo told everyone within earshot in April that El-Rufai and Atiku will not be allowed to hijack the SDP for their personal battles against Tinubu, and that the SDP “will not be a getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery.” He even referred to the possibility of the coalition being “just a crime centre for disappointed Tinubu followers.” Mr. Adebayo has done a much better job than Tinubu’s appointed spokespersons. Within the same week that he made a volte-face as it were, Governors of the PDP, the main opposition party, along with the party’s leaders and the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Ambassador Umar Damagum met in Ibadan to distance themselves and the party from any coalition or merger talks. The PDP Governors literally threw their 2023 Presidential candidate under the bus, even when there was an attempt to sugar-coat the Ibadan meeting as an attempt to reposition the PDP as the go-to party for other Nigerian politicians.  

The cloud cleared not long after when the PDP Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the former Governor, Senator Patrcik Okowa, all members of the Delta State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and other party members decided to declare en masse for the APC.  The main justification offered by both the former Governor and the incumbent is that Delta State cannot afford to be on the periphery of national politics.  Senator Okowa put it as follows: “... It was not about me. It was not about the Governor, but about the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja. That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor – there was a need to connect to it.” It is odd that most Nigerian politicians believe that they have to connect with the party at the centre. Nigeria is a diverse, heterogenous nation. It must be the worst form of retrogressive politics to wilfully encourage the quasi-unitary system that Nigeria’s democracy appears to be. The collapse of the PDP structure in Delta State is most unfortunate. Since 1999, this had been a PDP state, but now Senator Okowa says he and the Governor and others have acted in the people’s interest. Which people? We need to be told what the people of Delta State have gained and where a referendum was organized to know the people’s mind. The political elite in the state are interested in themselves and the fight has now started over the control of the APC in Delta State, a three-way fight between the Governor, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, hitherto the APC leader in Delta, and Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Governor Oborevwori has since gone to the Presidential Villa to pay obeisance to the President. 

In Akwa Ibom state, Governor Umo Eno openly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term. He boasted that the people of the state “will stand by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for eight years”. He even quoted the Bible to justify his anti-party vituperations. Like Delta, Akwa Ibom has been a traditional PDP state having produced four PDP Governors since the return to civilian rule in 1999. In the North, Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP, Kano South) has also since led members of the New Nigeria People’s Party and the Kwankwasiya movement to the APC. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the party is stunned! In Osun, Hon Wole Oke (representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency) has also moved to the APC. Oke has been a lawmaker on the platform of the PDP for about 20 years. Like Governor Oborevwori of Delta state, he says his movement to the APC is strategic. The other big revelation is the endorsement last week of President Tinubu by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The President was on a state visit to Anambra where there would be a Gubernatorial election on November 8. Professor Soludo heaped so much praise on the President, who is of a rival party extraction, that a section of the crowd, APGA supporters, started singing: “Na our Papa be dis oh, we no get another one”. The reception for the visiting President was so joyous that the Governor at some point broke into a sprint and he and his guest had a short dance together. Tinubu left Anambra with a chieftaincy title conferred on him by 179 traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council: “Dike si mba Anambra.” Confidently, the Chairman of the APC has boasted that “2027 is a done deal”.  

Those who have argued vehemently with him on this score may be doing so in vain. No week passes without a new or old group pledging allegiance to President Tinubu, and it looks like there will be more. Over the weekend, PDP Governors met in Abuja, again, after the Ibadan meeting. The main news was that the meeting was attended by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a known PDP chieftain, and Governor, who designed the rebellion within the party in 2023. He has been very aggressive in reminding everyone of his unshakeable support for President Tinubu. He is said to be behind the crisis in Rivers State, and the mass movement of other politicians into the APC.  He does not deny his loyalty to President Tinubu. The meeting of the PDP Governor’s Forum in Abuja ended without any major disclosures. It is not impossible that the PDP leaders ended their meeting, singing: “On your Mandate we shall stand, Tinubu, on your mandate we shall stand” as they did in Ibadan. We live in such interesting times that by the following day, the Nigerian media was awash with news of the declaration of support for President Tinubu’s second term in office by former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. She declared that Mrs. Remi Tinubu is her friend and she would not join anybody to remove her friend’s husband from office.  Where are the coalition politicians? They seem to have lost out. The owner of the game has upstaged them. 

However, there is now across the land, the fear of an emerging one-party state, namely that before the 2027 general elections, the only party that would be standing would probably be the APC. Or better still, the only Presidential candidate that will be standing on very firm grounds would be President Tinubu. With the growing politics of personality cult and the stomach, it would be much easier for the APC to win the election than at any other time since 2015. A one-party state is the very opposite of multi-party democracy which our country recognizes. The Nigerian Constitution recognizes the diversity, the pluralism of the country, and on that basis alone it would be difficult for anyone to impose one individual or one political party on Nigeria. Any attempt to change the Constitution along those lines could be stoutly resisted and it would be such a discredit to President Tinubu’s democratic credentials. He should not contemplate it. 

The civil society in Nigeria today is in a relative wait and see mode; it is important that the APC government does not do anything to trigger its sleeping energy. One-party states are often based on a defined ideology such as communism in China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Vietnam or fascism in Nazi Germany and Musolini’s Italy. In next-door Republic of Benin, Mathieu Kerekou after seizing power in 1972, imposed a left wing, one -party state on the country. Benin later transformed to a multi-party democracy in 1990. The country is yet to fully recover from the damages imposed by that political experience. A one- party state is an authoritarian state. Professor Adele Jinadu, a political scientist, scholar and theorist has warned against the dangers of authoritarianism. Citizens in a one-party state are robbed of their fundamental freedoms, competition is not allowed, dissent is punished, power is centralized, the same centre that members of the Delta PDP are struggling to identify with. A one-party state reality will roll back whatever Nigerians have achieved with the return to civilian rule in 1999. 

In states where people subscribe to a one-party system, the ideological illusion is that such states are organized for the benefit of the people and that the politicians are strictly guided by the common good. In Nigeria, all the defecting politicians mention the people’s name only in vain. What is it that motivates them to join the pro-Tinubu bandwagon? Persuasion, inducement, coercion, or the fear that they could be punished for crimes committed, or corruption? It is the fashion in Nigeria that once you identify with the centre or the man of power, you are rewarded with the forgiveness of your sins or a place in the corridors of power.  The same Nigerian politicians who are disappearing into the APC today would run into another party the day the APC leaves power. They won’t even think about the amorality of their action. The name of the people will still be invoked: the same poor, impoverished people whose misery the leaders have failed to reverse. There is also the legal challenge. When the whole of Delta State PDP moved to the APC, the acting Chairman of the PDP threatened that the defection will be challenged in court, but can anyone trust that this approach will work? In Rivers with a similar situation, it was even the courts that further complicated the process. Whereas lawmakers can be challenged within the purview of Sections 68 (1)(g), and 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, the law is silent on the fate of defecting Governors. The last time Nigeria saw a defecting Governor who demonstrated honour, integrity and pride was with Mallam Abubakar Rimi of Kano State ((1979 – 1983). When Rimi fell out with Mallam Aminu Kano, the leader of his party, the Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP), and defected to the Nigerian Peoples’ Party (NPP), he resigned as Governor and handed over to his Deputy. It is a terrible sign of the times that men of such integrity are today in short supply. There is an urgent need for a Constitutional review to make it compulsory for anyone at all who leaves the party on whose platform he/she wins election to automatically vacate the position. 

A Nigerian man has been apprehended while waiting for a minor he had allegedly solicited sex from online.

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The video making rounds on social media shows the moment security agents accosted him while waiting for the minor.

He allegedly met the minor online and in their course of discussion, solicited sex from her.

According to reports, his act was monitored by some security agents who apprehended him at the place he had asked to meet the minor.

“My darling” the terrified suspect said to the security agents immediately they accosted him.

The suspect, who worked with the Elderly, said he resides in the country legally. He said he has been speaking with minors for three months.

He is facing 10 years in prison to life imprisonment if found guilty.

The name of the suspect was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said he doesn’t wish to return to office following his suspension, if not for the pressure among Rivers people for him to come back to further his passion for leaving a lasting legacy for the common good.

The governor, at the Sunday Night of Tribute, put together by Rivers Elders and Leaders in honour of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and held at the Royal House of Grace in Port Harcourt, said he has felt more peace and is looking better outside the pressurised atmosphere of the office of the governor, as a lot of persons are unaware of what the situation is.

He told the audience at the tribute, “This is the first time I’m speaking publicly after the event of March 18. A lot of people don’t know what the situation is. It’s not about the force of activism. It gets to a time when activism won’t solve problems. For that reason, I am a bit careful.

Gov. Fubara observed that the evening should strictly remain within the purpose of paying tribute to Pa Clark and not be about the political situation in the state, as he particularly cautioned those who spoke about the President and Minister of FCT to restrain themselves, saying, “When they leave here, it may not be presented the way it is said. They will say Fubara gathered his supporters to speak against the president and the FCT minister.”

He queried, “Even some of you, have you asked yourselves if I am interested in going back? Don’t you see how much better I look? Do you think I am interested in it?

If I have my way, I don’t wish to go back there.

“My spirit left that place long ago. So, I want everybody to focus on the tribute. There are some fights you don’t engage in, because you need to ask the person if he want it. I have peace. If you have known me and seen me, you can see that I look better.”

According to him, “Much as we have some things we need to do for our state and the fact that people have made sacrifices for us in one way or the other, we have to stand by them; it doesn’t mean we should be fighting without any target. We need to be focused.”

Harping on the imperative for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Rivers people over the lingering political situation that pushed the state into emergency rule, Governor Fubara called for caution and urged his supporters not to be confrontational but to follow his peaceful path.

He said, “I always tell those of you who want to listen not to do things because you want to do them, but do the things that I want. I am the one wearing the shoes; I know the solutions to my problem and know how to walk through the problems.

Gov Fubara insisted that before people go ahead to do anything in his interest, they should seek his consent as according to him, “I have a wife and kids to bring up. They need me now more than ever. So when I finish that work and the work of humanity, the aircraft can land and I will board gallantly.”

Reflecting on the legacy of Chief Clark and how he has impacted him, the governor noted, “This event is something I honestly cannot avoid. Pa Clark was a very special person to everyone of us, especially to me. I feel indebted to him. I might have supported the burial programme, but my presence here is the most important thing.

“We are here talking about a man who led a sacrificial life. We are here talking about a man who spent his personal money to go to court for me.

“What is special about Pa Clark? Maybe when he started his life as a young man, he might have made his own mistakes like everyone of us, but at a certain time in his life, he decided to dedicate it to fighting for the common good of others, and he did it well.

“I am a beneficiary of that. I have never met him one day. I spoke to him a few times on the phone, and he stood by me. Until his death, the first time I stepped foot into his house was when I went for a condolence. He supported what he believed in, fighting injustice. And that is the man we are celebrating this evening.

“It is a celebration because he got to the age of 97 before his transition and lived for others. So I want us this evening, as we have gathered here to celebrate him, to learn from him and let us dedicate our lives to things that are good.”

In a brief homily, the General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace, Apostle Dr Zilly Aggrey, emphasised the temporary nature of life and admonished everyone to live life bearing in mind that there will be a day to return to the maker.

He noted that people need to live together in peace rather than in strife, as no man is certain about what happens in the future except God.

Other speakers at the night of tribute included Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Alabo Gabriel Toby, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Senator John Azuta Mbata, Prof. Roseline Konya, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe and Bishop Elkanah Hanson

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that his administration is committed to rule of law and the independence of the country’s judiciary.

The President, at a book launch in Abuja, in honour of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, said legislative efforts are being made to support structural reforms and expedite access to justice for all Nigerians.

The book, co-authored by Dr Charles Mekwunye (SAN) and the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR), Ayo Olanrewaju, provides a comprehensive exploration of Justice Ariwoola’s years of service in Nigeria’s appellate courts and highlights his significant contributions to the development of the nation’s jurisprudence.

Representing the President, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, applauded the Chief Justice’s unwavering dedication to nation buiding stating that Justice Ariwoola (rted.) viewed his role not just as an appointment but as a call to national service.

He noted that many of the jurist’s judgments continue to resonate across the legal landscape, particularly in high-profile constitutional and contract disputes. Fagbemi then highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to judicial independence.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, former President of Nigeria Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, reflected on the importance of leadership, accountability, and preserving a lasting legacy.

He emphasised that the book documents Justice Ariwoola’s legal contributions and serves as an essential symbol of institutional memory, offering insight into decisions that have shaped Nigeria’s constitutional, electoral, and administrative law.

The book, reviewed by Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye SAN, was praised for its richness and depth. “One can say with the benefit of hindsight and the supporting evidence and testimony contained in this book that within this sobering reflection,” he stated.

Speaking during the launch, the Co-author, Mekwunye, explained that the book critically examines Justice Ariwoola’s judgments, shedding light on his judicial philosophy and impact, this shedding lights on who Justice Ariwoola is through his judicial activities.

He emphasized that Justice Ariwoola, known for his adherence to legal precedent, never delivered a dissenting judgment throughout his career yet advanced legal principles through his consensus opinions.

Adding his voice to the call for reform, Dr. Mekuenye stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to address the plight of detainees languishing in correctional facilities for years without trial.

He decried the disturbing reality of individuals remaining incarcerated for up to nine years without being formally charged or granted bail, describing it as a breach of fundamental human rights and a stain on the justice system.

The senior lawyer emphasised that true judicial reform must include timely and equitable access to justice for all, especially the most vulnerable.

“The government must look into the unjust and prolonged detention of prisoners who have not been brought before a court for a fair hearing,” he said.“

The former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his belief in the judiciary’s sanctity as the common man’s last hope.

In his brief remarks, he underscored the critical role of judicial officers in upholding the rule of law. He reminded young legal practitioners to remain steadfast in integrity, discipline, and service.

He said that justice should not only be done but must be seen to be done in every courtroom across the nation.

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned to May 26 a suit challenging the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu.

The suit was filed by a former federal lawmaker and People’s Democratic Party Rivers State governorship aspirant in the 2023 general election, Dr Farah Dagogo.

It is also challenging the president’s decision to suspend the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

President Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns. He further announced the suspension of the state’s elected leadership and announced Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the administrator of the state.

In the suit marked FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, filed on April 9, Dagogo argued that the president’s actions were ultra vires and lacked any constitutional backing.

President Tinubu, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Rivers State Administrator, were marked as 1st to 5th respondents.

At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Cosmas Enweluzo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed the court that all defendants had been duly served and expressed readiness to proceed with the case.

However, only the fifth defendant, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd), appeared through his counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju.

Ogunwumiju requested an adjournment to respond to the originating summons.

After listening to both counsels, the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Mohammed, granted the request but cautioned that the matter would proceed on the next adjourned date regardless of further delays.

Speaking to journalists after the court sitting, Enweluzo reiterated that President Tinubu acted outside the Constitution.

He stated, “The case challenges the President’s unilateral appointment of an administrator for Rivers State and the suspension of duly elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members.

“The president cannot act as a ‘tin god’. He does not have the constitutional authority to suspend elected representatives or govern over four million citizens by fiat. It is a constitutional aberration and must not be allowed.”

Enweluzo questioned the justification provided by the president for declaring a state of emergency, citing serious cases of insecurity in some parts of the North without any such action taken.

“The insecurity narrative is unfounded. In Benue, Plateau, and Borno States, serious security challenges persist, people are being killed, and some local governments remain under Boko Haram control.

“Yet no state of emergency was declared there. Rivers State has remained relatively peaceful,” he explained.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria commended Dr Dagogo for taking legal action in defence of the Constitution.

Enweluzo noted, “We are grateful for principled leaders like Dr Farah Dagogo who are willing to defend the Nigerian Constitution. Citizens have a right to be governed by officials they have elected and represented by legislators of their constituencies in Degema, Bonny, and others.”

Explaining the reason for the adjournment, Enweluzo said, “Counsel for the fifth defendant informed the court that their staff were at the Registry filing processes in response to our originating summons.

“They requested an adjournment to complete their filings. In fairness, and since it was their first request, we agreed. The court, therefore, adjourned to May 26, 2025. If delays persist beyond that, the court will be entitled to proceed with the case.”

He added that while all other defendants have been duly served, none have filed a memorandum of appearance, conditional appearance, or any legal response to the suit.

… Says Finance, ICT Sectors Not Generating Enough Jobs Despite Massive GDP Contribution

… Seeks Massive Investments In Infrastructure, Electricity, Transportation

The World Bank on Monday said that the current structure of Nigeria’s economy cannot support the aspiration of the federal government to grow the size of the economy to $1tn by 2030.

It said that while Nigeria’s macroeconomic situation is improving as a result of sustained reforms, more work needs to be done in improving the infrastructure, particularly in the areas of electricity and transportation, among others.

The Bank said this in the latest edition of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report released on Monday.

The NDU further highlights that for the economy to meet the government’s aspiration of achieving a $1tn economy by 2030 and deliver poverty reduction and shared prosperity, the pace of growth needs to accelerate further and its composition rebalanced towards those economic sectors and firms that are most productive, generate positive spillovers, and create jobs and opportunities at scale, especially for the poor and economically insecure.

At present, the World Bank stated that the best-performing sectors of the economy, like finance and ICT, are important drivers of growth but are not sources of mass employment, as many Nigerians do not yet have the skills and opportunities to participate in them.

A private sector-led, public sector-facilitated growth strategy, the bank added, can boost inclusive growth.

The report, titled “Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth”, showed that economic growth in the last quarter of 2024 increased to 4.6 per cent (year-on-year), pushing growth for the full year 2024 to 3.4 per cent, the highest since 2014 (excluding the 2021-2022 COVID-19 rebound).

It said recent reforms have also helped to strengthen the foreign exchange (FX) market and Nigeria’s external position, while the consolidated fiscal position improved in 2024, driven by surging revenues.

The fiscal deficit also shrank from 5.4 per cent of GDP in 2023 to three per cent of GDP in 2024, a major improvement which was driven by a sharp increase in revenues of the entire Federation, which rose from N16.8tn in 2023 (7.2 per cent of GDP) to an estimated N31.9tn in 2024 (11.5 per cent of GDP).

But the report further added that inflation has remained high and sticky, which is expected to fall to an annual average of 22.1 per cent in 2025, as a sustained tight stance firmly establishes monetary policy credibility and dampens inflationary expectations.

The World Bank said the challenge is to consolidate macroeconomic stability and ignite inclusive growth through deeper, wider structural reforms.

It added that there is a need for the economy to generate more and better jobs at scale and reduce poverty.

“Nigeria has made impressive strides to restore macroeconomic stability. With the improvement in the fiscal situation, Nigeria now has a historic opportunity to improve the quantity and quality of development spending, investing more in human capital, social protection, and infrastructure.

“The allocation of public resources can begin to shift away from the past unsustainable pattern and rather towards meeting Nigeria’s large development needs, including the government playing its essential role of providing basic public services and serving as an enabler of private sector–led growth,” said Taimur Samad, Acting World Bank Country Director for Nigeria.

The World Bank urged the government to quickly address major infrastructure gaps, such as in electricity and transportation.

It also advocated fostering healthy competition, market openness, and improving the business environment to spur business dynamism.

The Bank also called on the government to improve access to finance for new and existing firms to grow and improve productivity and improve policies in key sectors to help unleash the potential of these sectors.

“International experience suggests that the public sector cannot sustainably generate growth and jobs by itself. Nigeria is no exception, particularly since public resources remain constrained.

“ A useful strategy is to position the public sector to play a dual role as a provider of essential public services, especially to build human capital and infrastructure, and as an enabler for the private sector to invest, innovate, and grow the economy,” said Alex Sienaert, World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria