Author: Damilola

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for attending the Argungu Fishing Festival, describing the visit as poorly timed amid rising insecurity across parts of the country. In a statement issued Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that terrorists are steadily gaining ground in sections of Kwara State. Tinubu had travelled to Kebbi State on Saturday for a one-day working visit during which he commissioned projects and participated in the Argungu Fishing Festival. Reacting to the trip, the ADC said it was troubled that the President attended a celebratory event while security…

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, requesting clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) procured about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate. In a letter dated January 30 and addressed to Ribadu, El-Rufai said information available to opposition figures indicated that the substance was sourced from a supplier in Poland. “I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National…

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the south-east geopolitical zone will deliver 90 percent of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Umahi made the declaration on Saturday during an inspection of the Alaoji section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. He argued that the region must adopt a strategic political approach, adding that it is not yet the turn of the south-east to produce Nigeria’s president. Praising Tinubu’s infrastructure drive in the region, Umahi said the president had addressed longstanding complaints of marginalisation. “All the marginalisation we complain about has been addressed by the…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will back only candidates aligned with President Bola Tinubu in the February 21 area council elections. Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja at the 60th birthday celebration of Sandy Onor, a former senator who represented Cross River Central. Addressing guests at the event, the minister said his decision would not be guided by party loyalty but by support for the president’s administration. “We have the FCT area council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to present Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sani Zaria, before it on February 18 in connection with allegations linking him to a purported coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The ruling follows confirmation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in January that 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of the month over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Friday while hearing a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the cleric, who has reportedly been in custody…

The 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing Festival kicked off on Saturday at Mata Fada in Argungu, Kebbi State, with a massive 59-kilogram fish emerging as the biggest catch of the day. Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosed the milestone in a statement on Saturday afternoon, underscoring the scale of this year’s event. “61st Argungu fishing festival, biggest fish caught 59Kg,” Dare said. The annual spectacle attracted thousands of fishermen, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Anticipation reached fever pitch as a large crowd of the estimated 40,000 participants plunged into…

Governor Douye Diri on Saturday commemorated six years in office with a thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Bayelsa State. The anniversary was observed in a sombre mood in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who recently passed away. Diri reflected on their shared political journey, noting that Ewhrudjakpo joined him at the outset of the administration in 2020. During the service, the governor read the only Bible lesson of the day from Psalm 23:1–6 and expressed appreciation to the people of Bayelsa and other arms of government for their cooperation and support, which…

Vice President Kashim Shettima was among dozens of African and international leaders gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday as President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi assumed the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) for 2026. President Ndayishimiye took over from President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at the opening ceremony of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU. The high-level meeting attracted 49 African leaders, alongside global partners such as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior…

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with member states of the African Union (AU) to advance health security and sovereignty across the continent. Speaking on the sidelines of the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the vice-president said Africa must reduce its dependence on fragile global supply chains and shifting international priorities in safeguarding public health. According to a statement by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima stressed that Nigeria is prepared to collaborate broadly within the Union to turn health sovereignty into measurable outcomes. “Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with every member state of our Union…

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he deliberately chooses to appear “weak” in order to preserve peace and stability amid the protracted political crisis in the state. Fubara made the remarks on Friday in Lagos while receiving the 2025 Man of the Year award from New Telegraph. In a speech reflecting on the burdens of leadership and the toll of political conflict, the governor dedicated the award to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. “I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it. I also dedicate this award to somebody…