The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has urged Nigeria’s service chiefs to resign their appointments if they can’t solve the insecurity problems ravaging the country.

According to the cleric, Nigeria needs very active service chiefs if the country must overcome its security challenges.

Primate Ayodele warned President Bola Tinubu to be more proactive in the area of insecurity because they plan to use it to weaken his second term bid.

In a statement signed by his media office, Primate Ayodele charged the president to meet all relevant security stakeholders for his own good.

Lamenting over the recent killing of soldiers, the prophet said the incident has exposed the Chief of Army Staff as being inactive, hence he should resign.

Recall that some Boko Haram terrorists had killed some unspecified number of soldiers during an attack on a base of the Nigerian Army in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists attacked the Forward Operation Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion, around 3:00 am on Monday.

During the incident, soldiers were said to have been captured and dislodged.

Reacting, Primate Ayodele said the Chief of Defence Staff is not innocent of incapacity regarding insecurity in Nigeria.

Primate Ayodele warned of a state of emergency in some states due to insecurity, adding that insecurity can vacate some state governors.

He said: “If they begin to kill soldiers, it means the Chief of Army Staff isn’t active. He should go and relax and allow an active person to take over. Even the CDS, too, he isn’t active.

“Insecurity can vacate state governors from their positions, and I am seeing a state of emergency in some states already. In places like Benue, Abuja, Ondo, Adamawa, Kogi, Yobe, Plateau, Bauchi and some others, we need very active service chiefs to curb this crisis.

“With the way it’s going, we may get to a time when soldiers, police will be kidnapped and shamefully killed by these insurgents. If anyone isn’t capable, they should go and rest.

“Tinubu should know that they want to use this insecurity to weaken his second term, and there are people behind it. It’s a very serious thing that should be quickly worked on to avoid more issues.

“Tinubu should call his service chiefs, retired generals, spiritual leaders, politicians, and local hunters to assist in this fight against insecurity for Nigeria and his own good as the president.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that there will be no political party in Akwa Ibom State come the 2027 general election.

The Senate President claimed that all political parties have collapsed to vote for him for the Senate of Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District.

Akpabio, who stated this on Friday during his midterm empowerment briefing held at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) umbrella has been torn into shreds and can no longer protect the people.

Akpabio is representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the Senate.

“As I speak with you, there is nothing like a political party in 2027 in Akwa Ibom State again. For the Senate of Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District, all political parties have collapsed to vote for Senator Godswill Akpabio,” he said.

Akpabio further described the state governor, Umo Eno, as a man of peace and one who professes God in his heart, adding that there are people who profess God with their lips and not their hearts.

Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Tonye Cole, says Nigeria must reconsider its current presidential system of government.

Cole insisted that the system is not suitable for the country.

He made this statement on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, stating that most people in Africa are uncomfortable with the political systems practiced in their respective countries.

“This American system that we call the Presidential system in Nigeria, we need to go and readdress it. We cannot import the parliamentary system of the UK and it will work here, we cannot import a presidential system, it will not work here.

“Every African in their country, are they satisfied with the political system they have and the democracy they have, they will tell you no. Why? Because it is contrary to who we are, absolutely contrary,” he said.

According to him, every successful country has developed a system of government tailored to its unique context, citing Arab nations and China as examples of countries that rejected Western political models.

The former Rivers State APC gubernatorial flag bearer stressed that Nigeria’s system of government should be rooted in its own culture, noting that the country had an indigenous political structure before colonization and should consider returning to it.

“Let us build an African, Nigerian focused political system and we have had it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, we had a political system even when the slave trade was going on. So, what are we running away from? We know what to do,” he added.

He pointed out that part of the reasons the presidential system cannot work in Nigeria is because it can be exploited by a few people, adding that it has not built institutions that can hold people to account.

The politician further stated that Nigeria is building institutions that are modeled after the British system which he noted cannot be accommodated by the Nigerian culture

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has raised serious concerns over the state of Nigeria’s legal profession, warning that it is on the brink of collapse due to entrenched corruption, ethical violations, and resistance to change.

Speaking at the 2025 Law Week Plenary Session of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, held at the Nigerian Content Tower in Bayelsa State on Friday, Osinbajo lamented the damaging perception that both the Bar and Bench are deeply compromised.

His words: “The legal profession is crumbling under the weight of corruption, ethical violations, and poor standards.

“Stories of counsel acting as conduits for bribing judicial officers are rife. The perception that our system of justice is corrupt, and that both the Bar and Bench are culpable, is damaging enough.”

Addressing the sub-theme, “The Legal Profession: A Vision for a New Era,” Osinbajo stressed the urgency of reform in a rapidly changing world, shaped by technological advancements and global transformation. He warned that the legal field is at a critical crossroads.

He said: “Our profession needs a new vision, a new set of tools in a new era. We are in a vastly different time than when many of our legal tools and traditions were designed.

“Technology is now doing things faster, more accurately, and without fatigu, unlike human lawyers.”

He noted that artificial intelligence and legal tech are fast replacing basic legal tasks like research, analysis, and opinion writing.

“The systems don’t get tired, don’t ask for leave or extra pay. A big part of our cake has already been eaten by technology, and more will be bitten off very quickly,” he added.

According to Osinbajo, the legal profession is no longer the gatekeeper of legal reasoning or knowledge.

He said: “Machines can already find the law and summarize it better. Lawyers must now focus on what AI cannot do—ethical judgment, client advocacy, and interpreting what ought to be done.”

He called for an urgent revamp of legal education in Nigeria, advocating a curriculum that integrates AI literacy, data science, and cross-disciplinary training.

He stressed the importance of understanding algorithm bias, data privacy, and legal tech design.

“AI systems will increasingly take over legal tasks. The value of human lawyers must shift to higher-order thinking, ethical decision-making, and interpreting the law in the client’s best interest,” he said.

Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that the policy reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu are already yielding results for Nigerians.

Adeniran, popularly known as Jandor, said it is important for every citizen to ensure that Tinubu is re-elected in 2027.

He said the president’s re-election will help him continue with the reforms already implemented.

Noting that the re-election of Tinubu is not debatable, Jandor said his primary assignment is to work towards the president’s return in 2027.

According to Jandor, the president has remained firm in challenging the norms in different sectors of the economy.

Citing the removal of the subsidy, Jandor said Tinubu took the bull by the horns by taking such action rather than waiting for his second tenure.

“The President is poised to do what is best for the country, and the reforms are yielding results for the country now.

“Our priority is to ensure that we see to how this man will return in 2027 to further reposition the country,“ Jandor stated.

The Abia State Government has explained why Governor Alex Otti has not moved into the new Government House since assuming office.

Speaking during a live radio programme Open Parliament on Family Love FM in Umuahia, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said that the people of Abia are more interested in good governance than in the governor’s physical location.

Ukoha also revealed that there were long-standing rumours that strange rituals may have been carried out in the new Government House during the previous administration.

“Before now, there were rumours that cows, vultures and tortoises were buried inside the Government House and other incantations with the intention of eliminating the Governor when he was newly elected. That is the rumour that we heard,” he said.

He added that while the Otti-led administration does not believe in such claims, the growing pressure from the opposition for Governor Otti to move into the building is raising suspicions.

“I hope it is not what I am thinking. Why is this coming from the same people? Move to the Government House, move to the Government House,” Ukoha questioned.

He stressed that the rumours were not treated as facts but noted that the insistence from certain quarters made the government take a cautious approach.

Ukoha also noted that Governor Otti is currently working from the old Government House, which is undergoing major renovation, including upgrades to the Secretary to the State Government’s office and the Government House clinic

Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa state, has warned against cult-related activities at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw LGA.

The governor’s directive came during the institution’s 7th combined convocation ceremony on Friday, following recent reports of violent cult clashes during the school’s examination period.

The clashes allegedly claimed the lives of three students.

Diri ordered Allen Agih, the institution’s vice chancellor, to take decisive action against cultism, including expelling any student found culpable.

The governor also emphasised that the university is a place for learning and character development, not for cultism.

Diri had previously directed security agencies to prosecute anyone arrested for cult-related offenses.

“Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university. May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw,” he said.

“There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government, I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, do not hesitate to apply the sanctions.”

The governor also assured the institution’s management of his commitment to shape NDU for the next 25 years.

On his part, Agih announced that 6,536 graduates participated in the convocation ceremony. This included 5,726 bachelor’s degree recipients, with 69 earning first-class honours.

He added that 810 higher degree graduates were recognised, comprising 16 professional diplomas, 191 postgraduate diplomas, and 458 master’s degrees.

Abdullahi Bello, chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has asked Nigerians to report public servants living above their means.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Bello said the bureau will soon launch a platform for Nigerians to submit such complaints.

“One of the first things I did upon assumption of duty was to establish a forensic accounting and financial investigation unit within the bureau,” he said.

“I previously worked with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and I understand the importance of technical analysis.

“What this unit does is to examine public officers’ asset declarations, comparing their entries at the start and end of a given period.

“If there is a significant increase in net worth that cannot be justified by their income, they are invited to explain.

“Several public officers have already been invited, including some high-profile individuals. This process is ongoing, and very soon, the public will begin to see the results.

“We want the media to follow our cases closely and report them to the public. Transparency is critical.

“We need the media to help us spotlight these developments so Nigerians understand that the bureau is actively working. If you hear of such cases, please report them. It helps keep everyone accountable.

“But we welcome support from civil society and the media. If you suspect someone is living above their means, you don’t need their declaration. Report the person, and we will investigate. The responsibility to fight corruption is shared.”

Bello said asset declaration is mandatory, no matter how infinitesimal the asset may be considered.

“That is why false or omitted declarations are serious offences,” he said.

The CCB chairman said Nigerians can report persons anonymously.

“Although the whistleblower protection law has not yet been enacted, we advise people to report anonymously if they fear for their safety. You don’t have to mention your name,” he added.

“Yes, people want to benefit from reporting corruption, and that is legitimate, but if your motive is to help your community, you can report without revealing your identity. If you report anonymously, there is no fear of retaliation.”

Bello added that the bureau is working on a bill to protect individuals who want to reveal their identities while whistleblowing.

Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters reportedly killed at least 23 farmers and fishermen in Malam Karanti, a remote village near Baga, in Kukawa LGA of Borno state.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning.

The victims, predominantly beans farmers from Gwoza, had allegedly secured an agreement with a rival Boko Haram faction to farm and fish in insurgent-controlled territories, in exchange for regular payment of levies.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the ISWAP insurgents stormed Malam Karanti around 9am on the day, gathered the farmers and fishermen, and executed them on suspicion of collaborating with the rival Boko Haram group.

“The terrorists spared an elderly man, who later returned to the community and raised the alarm,” Makama quoted a source as saying.

“They accused the victims of working with Boko Haram and defying ISWAP’s control. Most of them were beans farmers from Gwoza who paid Boko Haram to use the land.”

The publication said efforts to retrieve the bodies were halted when the insurgents returned and opened fire on the search party, forcing them to retreat.

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno state, has repeatedly cautioned communities against entering into secret arrangements with terrorists for access to land or fishing waters.

“Such alliances not only fuel terrorism but also expose civilians to betrayal, inter-factional rivalry, and deadly reprisals,” he had warned.

A local official who spoke to journalists said some community members still trust terrorists.

“Unfortunately, some locals continue to trust the terrorists, believing that paying levies or cooperating will protect them,” the official said.

“But history has shown that these groups turn against them at the slightest suspicion or territorial dispute.”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set up an emergency counselling service for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates.

In a post via X on Friday, the examination body announced that the emergency channel will complement its ticketing platform.

JAMB urged candidates to register their complaints through the provided helpline – 07002200016.

The board also unveiled the names of six persons who would be stationed at the backend of the calls.

“In addition to our usual and preferred ticketing platform for Candidates Support, JAMB has now opened a Candidate Counselling Emergency Support Centre (CCESC),” the post reads.

“Members of the public, particularly candidates with genuine concerns, can reach out to any of these officials: a. Gbenga, b. Yusuf, c. Dubem, d. Tony, e. Ogbonna and, f. Emma on 07002200016.”

The board noted that its ticketing channel will remain its “primary and most effective” communication channel.

JAMB has been at the receiving end of public criticism since it released the results for its 2025 UTME on May 9.

An analysis revealed that more than 78 per cent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the 400 maximum obtainable points.

The metrics, believed to have signalled mass failure, spurred protests from candidates who challenged the integrity of the exam.

On May 14, JAMB admitted that a technical error in Lagos and south-east states compromised UTME results across 157 centres.

A teary-eyed Ishaq Oloyede apologised to the affected candidates and Nigerians in a televised conference.

The JAMB registrar said the error, caused by one of its service providers, affected nearly 380,000 candidates.

He added that these candidates will now be required to resit the examination between May 16 and May 19, 2025.

But before then, Faith Opesusi, one of the Lagos candidates, who scored 146, had committed suicide.

Oluwafemi Opesusi, Faith’s father, said his distraught daughter took a liquid substance that led to her death after checking her result.