Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider granting a strategic presidential pardon to the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in the interest of national security. The appeal was made in a statement released on Friday by the IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Duru Hezekiah, and made available to journalists in Abuja. The commission emphasised that its call should not be misconstrued as an attempt to interfere with the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari, who is currently facing trial over cocaine trafficking and criminal conspiracy. “Our position is not to…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for taking a bold step towards youth inclusion by appointing several young Nigerians to key positions within its National Working Committee (NWC). In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Atiku praised the party for not just speaking about youth involvement but actively demonstrating it through meaningful appointments. The ADC recently appointed Bilyaminu Duhu as Assistant National Youth Leader (North East), Jackie Wayas as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hassana Dada as Assistant National Youth Leader (North Central), David Itokpa as Deputy National Welfare…

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to serve as agents of positive change in their host communities, urging them to leave behind enduring legacies of service and meaningful impact. The governor delivered this charge on Friday during the swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the 2025 Batch B Stream I Orientation Programme, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede. Represented by the State Commissioner for Cooperative and Empowerment, Adebayo Femi Ogungbangbe, Governor Adeleke encouraged the corps members to approach their service year with honour, purpose, and integrity.…

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) has firmly denied reports suggesting it has suspended its ongoing seven-day warning strike, which commenced on Wednesday. In a statement made to our correspondent on Friday, the National Public Relations Officer of NANNM-FHI, Omomo Tibiebi, clarified that despite a meeting held earlier in the day with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, the strike remains in full effect. “The strike has not been suspended,” Tibiebi stated. “Earlier today, the NANNM executives met with the minister, and it was the minister who…

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide strike, which began on 29 July, following successful negotiations with the Federal Government. The Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, confirmed the suspension while addressing journalists on Friday afternoon after a closed-door meeting held in Abuja. Professor Pate stated that the decision to suspend the industrial action came after agreements were reached between the government and the leadership of the nursing union. Although details of the agreement were not disclosed, he expressed optimism that the resolution would pave the way for long-term improvements in the health sector.…

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed concern over the deplorable condition of federal roads across the state, stating that residents are dissatisfied with the Federal Government’s neglect. Fayemi made the remarks during a meeting with his political associates and loyalists in Ekiti, a gathering many political observers believe was aimed at gauging his influence ahead of the 2027 general election. The former governor is thought to be engaging with key figures in the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a bloc seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Speaking at the meeting,…

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has given his support to the introduction of compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The endorsement followed a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja with Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The discussion focused on strategies to tackle substance abuse among students nationwide. In a statement released by the NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the minister also approved a review of the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education, alongside plans to establish an inter-ministerial working group…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) and the other two refineries it operates, while officially ruling out any plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery. This announcement, made by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, during a company-wide town hall meeting at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, ends weeks of speculation about the future of the country’s most prominent state-owned refining asset. “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has officially ruled out the sale of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, reaffirming its…

Indications have emerged suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, may be considering a political return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking concerns over the stability of the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Political analysts and observers warn that Obi’s potential defection to the PDP could fragment the opposition bloc, which has recently been gaining momentum through the ADC-led alliance aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The speculation gathered traction on Monday when former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, claimed that “credible intelligence” pointed…

The Presidency has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is entitled to seek a second term in office, just as his predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari, did. This assertion was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, during an interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday. Mr Onanuga called on political leaders from Northern Nigeria to exercise patience and allow the South to complete its turn in power under the country’s unwritten zoning agreement. He argued that the South had endured eight years under Buhari’s presidency and, as such, deserves the same…