Committee To Review Salary Scale Of Teachers In Kebbi

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June 2, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Government has assured that a committee will be constituted to review salary scale of primary school teachers across the state.

Governor Nasir Idris Gwandu gave the assurance during an interactive session with primary school teachers, Education Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, and other stakeholders in Birnin Kebbi.

The governor added that the committee would have 30 days to submit its report and assured the teachers that their complaints would be addressed and the minimum wage fully implemented.

He described teaching as part of his own constituency, adding that he would not allow anyone to cheat them.

“This government is for you because I am still one of you as a teacher. It is your votes and support that got me to this position.

“I advise you not to allow anyone to use you or divert your attention to derail the progress and achievements recorded so far,” he pleaded.

Idris also called on each Local Government Chairman to explain the status of primary school teachers’ salaries in their areas and state whether there had been an increment.

All the chairmen confirmed there had been an increment, but said it was not fully implemented.

The governor urged teachers to remain committed to their duties so that children can receive a sound education.

“I will also provide all primary school teachers with access to car, motorcycle and housing loans so that they can feel a sense of belonging,” he added.

The governor vowed not to disappoint them and assured them that he would continue to put smiles on their faces.

Obi Raises Alarm Over Worsening Insecurity

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The Source

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June 2, 2026

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The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, lamenting the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in separate incidents in Borno and Oyo States.

In a statement on Tuesday titled “Concerns About Deteriorating Security,” Obi decried what he described as the growing disconnect between the country’s worsening security challenges and the increasing focus of politicians on electoral calculations ahead of future elections.

The former Anambra State governor noted that two weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo States, the victims remain in captivity, while government efforts appear focused on publicizing the formation of a large rescue team.

“Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness,” he stated.

Obi cited a series of recent attacks across the country as evidence of the deteriorating security situation. He referenced the killing of at least seven people and the injury of ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an attack by terrorists on Sunday.

He also drew attention to an incident in Kogi State, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped more than 25 persons and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers, described as heavily armed, carried out the operation in a commando-style manner, leaving residents terrified.

In Anambra State, Obi mourned the killing of two police officers in a separate attack by armed bandits, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the nation.

The NDC presidential candidate further recalled the abduction of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

The affected schools were identified as Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

He also referenced the abduction of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly by Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.

The victims, Obi noted, included nursery, primary and secondary school students who have now spent two weeks in captivity.

Expressing frustration over the nation’s priorities, Obi criticized members of the political class for focusing more on political ambitions than on addressing the country’s urgent security challenges.

“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens,” he said.

He argued that the continued insecurity affecting schoolchildren in a country that is not officially at war represents a profound national crisis requiring urgent and decisive action.

According to Obi, the persistent attacks, kidnappings and loss of innocent lives across different parts of the country should compel leaders at all levels to place the protection of citizens above political considerations.

He called for renewed commitment to securing lives and property, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government.

Oyo kidnap: AYDM Says Governors, Amotekun Can’t Tackle Insecurity

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 2, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, a coalition of over 130 Self Determination Groups, has stated that South West Governors lack the capacity and the commitment to deal with rising waves of terrorism and Insecurity in the region.

It added what is facing Yorubaland is no longer crime of terror, but a declaration of war by non-state actors.

AYDM in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, said since 2010 when the Middle Belt areas were under attack, the six South West Governors saw all the signs of terrorist incursion to the region but failed to take any pro-active measure.

“They saw all the signals. They did nothing. Four prominent Yoruba Obas were killed, for instance Oba Kehinde Falodun, of the Agamo community in Akure North LGA, Ondo State who was murdered in his palace on February 18, 2026, after he resisted a kidnapping attempt, also, Oba Segun Aremu, the Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti LGA, Kwara State was shot and killed inside his palace on the night of February 1, 2024, in a failed abduction attempt.

“Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin and Oba Samuel Olatunji, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti were ambushed and murdered by armed Fulani militias on January 29, 2024, while returning from a security meeting in Ado-Ekiti.

“Same fate also befell Oba Adegoke Adeusi, the Olufon of Ifon who was shot and killed by bandits on November 26, 2020, along the Elegbeka axis of the Ifon-Benin highway while returning to his Palace, and the South West Governors failed to act”, the statement read.

The Group added that beside these deaths, Oba of Okoloke around Egbe- West Yagba LGA,Kogi State was kidnapped on May 15 2025, ditto, the Ojibara of Bayagan, kwara state in 2025 and Oba Salman Aweda were also murdered this year, yet they did nothing, not even condolence messages.

“None of the State Governors visited the families of the traditional rulers, none of them visited Kwara after the massacre of over 160 people including women and children just as they were not bothered when Yagba West was invaded and also part of Ogun.

AYDM said Amotekun is largely populated by cronies of politicians adding that up till now, the civil corps has no insurance cover for operatives.

“Amotekun is poorly armed. They are poorly trained and lack the capacity to confront terrorists that were trained in field operations,combat, infantry and handling of explosives including mines.

“The State Governors have not even provided ordinary anti-bullet helmets, no bullet proof vests, no jungle boots and no night and day binoculars to sight enemies from afar”, AYDM said.

It noted further that these are simple gadgets needed for the protection of Amotekun members which the Governors have failed to provide while regional integration of the corps, information sharing, joint training, common security control rooms and data processing units are absent.

The coalition of over 130 Pan Yoruba groups said dealing with terrorism needs knowledge, courage, selflessness, commitment and deep understanding which the South West political leaders lack.

It noted that the latest attacks on Community School in Oriire in Oyo State further confirm the docile and nonchalant attitude of political actors in the region.

It said it took almost two weeks before the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde visited the family of those kidnapped while none of his counterparts sent emissaries to show solidarity with the affected communities.

“The event during the visit of Makinde where he was putting on ceremonial dress while the wife of the kidnapped school principal was in black, the cultural apron that shows a state of mourning in Yoruba culture and the gorgeous dresses, smiles, banters exchanges by the Federal Government delegation to Oyo after two weeks of pain and anguish were clear signals that the current political leadership have no conscience, no sense of purpose and are emotionally detached from the people they govern”, Popooola stated

AYDM said bad and corrupt leaders are notorious for their cold attitude to the plight of the people they govern which accounts for the merciless ways they manage public funds, oppress and dehumanise the people they govern.

The coalition said the declining number of votes in the South West despite the huge population further proven by the popular apathy of Yoruba people towards the All Progressive Congress, (APC) primary was a clear indication of vote of no confidence in the South West political leadership adding that for the first time, the South West dropped into number three on regional voters electoral strength.

It further added that when democracy turns to the rule of the few, by the few and for the few; the consequences are usually fatal for the operators of the system.

AYDM said the people of the South West are running out of patience adding that if the Government fails to secure the people, the people on their own will be compelled to defend themselves and even hold the elected leaders responsible in a very harsh and decisive way.

“If they have heeded our repeated calls to work with their counterparts in Kogi and Kwara States to tackle the menace of the rampaging Fulani militias the story would have been different today”, the statement reads.

Police Debunk Purported Kidnap Of Four Students From Govt Girls’ Secondary School Owerri

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 2, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed as false , unfounded ,and misleading reports claiming that four students were kidnapped in Owerri.

The Social media has been saturated with reports of the kidnap of four students of the Government Girls Secondary School , along Okigwe Road in Owerri, the state capital by suspected armed herdsmen.

But in a statement on Tuesday June 2, 2026, Henry Okoye,DSP, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, insisted that all students and staff of the College have been confirmed to be safe and completely accounted for.

According to him, the Principal of the school, Mrs Apollonia Amadi, informed Police investigation team that no students of the college were abducted.

Okoye emphasized that an investigation team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, and Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, Abdullahi Wase, on a visit to the school, established that there was no such incident of students’ abduction.

According to the statement, the team, after interfacing with the school management led by the Principal, confirmed that no abduction actually occurred, contrary to reports in the media

Okoye noted that the early closure of school and dismissal of students on the day was purely an administrative measure, and not necessarily a security alert as erroneously reported by the media.

The Police emphasized that the measure was actually necessitated by a meeting involving.teachers and school staff at the NUT Secretariat.

While calling for calm and vigilance, the Police cautioned against the spreading of false and misleading information capable of undermining the peace and stability of the State.

Amidst Legal Challenge, Chinda, APC Rivers Gov. Candidate, Resigns From PDP

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 2, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

About two weeks after securing the Rivers State gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for the 2027 polls Hon Kingsley Chinda, member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, on Tuesday, formally resigned his membership of the rival Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Hon Chinda, a known crony of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is facing a legal challenge over alleged improper resignation of his membership of the PDP, as well as his position as the House of Representatives Minority Leader.

Announcing the defection on Tuesday June 2, 2026, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, however read a letter of resignation from Chinda dated April 23, 2026.

Following the formal announcement of his defection, Chinda resigned his position as the House Minority Leader, a position he had occupied on the PDP platform.

Instructively, Hon Chinda, who is widely perceived as being projected by Wike, about two weeks ago secured the Governorship ticket of the APC, for Rivers state unopposed after the sudden withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, George Kelly, and Tonye Cole from the race.

An Abuja-based advocacy group – Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting ,and Advocacy Practitioners, had, in a motion on notice filed on May 12, 2026 at a Federal High Court, challenged the eligibility of Chinda in participating in the APC primaries in Rivers State.

The group, in the suit filed by its counsel J B Lamay, argued that Hon Chinda’s defection from the PDP did not follow due process, noting that it violated certain provisions of both the 2026 Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

Consequently, the group prayed the court for an order restraining Chinda from participating in the APC Rivers state primaries.

Similarly,it asked the court for an order directing the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare Chinda’s seat vacant, as well as remove him as the Minority Leader for allegedly running foul of the defection processes.

In the motion on notice in which APC ,INEC ,the Attorney General of the Federation AGF ,the House of Representatives Speaker were listed as respondents ,the plaintiff also prayed the court for an order compelling the electoral umpire to conduct a by-election to fill vacant seat of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency.

Atiku Says APC Architect Of Banditry In Nigeria

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Ayodele Oni

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June 2, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Contrary views are being expressed on genesis of banditry in Nigeria with the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, saying President Bola Tinubu should stop blaming insecurity in Nigeria on the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

Atiku stated that Tinubu inherited insecurity from the All Progressives Congress, (APC), government led by his predecessor, late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Vice President who spoke through his media aide, Paul Ibe, was reacting to a remark by the National Security Adviser, (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on the kidnapping of school children and teachers in Oyo State.

Terrorists had abducted primary school pupils and teachers from LA School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele.

Following the incident, Tinubu had dispatched a high level delegation which included his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabilamila, Ribadu, and others to the affected areas.

Speaking on the incident, Ribadu had remarked that Tinubu inherited insecurity, while blaming the PDP.

Dismissing Ribadu’s stance, Ibe posted on X: “This is revisionism à la APC. It is disingenuous of NSA Nuhu Ribadu to blame

the inability of the

Tinubu-led APC administration to safely rescue the Oyo abducted

school children on the PDP government that the APC

replaced 11 years ago.

“By the way, it took the President two weeks to send a delegation to visit the families of the abducted school children and teachers in Oriire.

“Tinubu inherited security challenges from his APC predecessor. Keep on blaming everyone except yourself, while the children continue to languish in the custody of their abductors in Oyo, Borno and elsewhere.”

Terrorism: Adeboye Urges Tinubu To Sack Service Chiefs

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James Orji

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June 2, 2026

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Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack all the security chiefs in the country if they fail to end terrorism and banditry within 90 days.

The respected cleric also said the order should include the elimination of those sponsoring terrorism in the country.

Adeboye shared his thought in a video shared on X on Tuesday amid the surge in banditry across the country in recent time.

As a result, not a few Nigerians are mounting pressure on Christian religions leaders to speak up on the issue, saying their silence has become too worrisome, particularly as many Christians have been victims of banditry and terrorism in the country.

Two weeks ago, some Christians in the country, under the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN staged a protest to register their anger on the problem, calling on the federal government to act against terrorists killing Nigerians.

The protest comes on the heels of the abduction of over 40 students and teachers, from three schools in Ogbomosho by suspected Fulani terrorists.

In his reaction, Pastor Adeboye said the federal government must give security chiefs in the country an altimatum to end the killings, failure which they should be sacked.

The terrorists and their sponsors must be eliminated for the country to experience peace, the clergy man said.

Adeboye: “If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, ‘Move fast and tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign.

“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be.”

Supreme Court Dissolves Unity Bank Board

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James Orji

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June 2, 2026

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The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal challenging the merger between Providus Bank Limited and Unity Bank Plc, effectively bringing an end to the prolonged legal dispute over the transaction.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Tijani Abubakar, the apex court upheld the merger and dismissed the appeal for lacking merit. The court also awarded N10 million in costs against the appellants in favour of each respondent.
The appeal, filed under Appeal No. SC/CV/132/2026, arose from earlier proceedings at the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, where efforts were made to halt the consolidation of the two financial institutions.
Invoking its powers under Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act, the court went beyond dismissing the appeal by formally sanctioning the merger scheme. It ordered the transfer of all assets, liabilities, undertakings and real properties of Unity Bank Plc to Providus Bank Limited in line with the approved merger arrangement.
The apex court directed that the transfer process be completed within 10 days.
As part of the merger terms, the court approved a consideration of N3.18 per share for Unity Bank shareholders or an exchange ratio of 18 Providus Bank shares of 50 kobo each for every 17 Unity Bank shares held.
The court further ordered the dissolution of the Unity Bank board without winding up the institution and approved the adoption of a new corporate identity, ProvidusUnity Bank Limited, for the merged entity.
Suleiman Abubakar and Mohammed Goni Modu, customers and shareholders of the affected banks, had sought through a series of legal actions to stop the merger. Their challenge moved from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Unity Bank, Chief D.D. Dodo, SAN, and R.O. Atabo, SAN, described the ruling as a historic decision that finally settles all disputes relating to the merger.
According to Dodo, the judgment removes every legal impediment to the consolidation of the two banks.
“What the Supreme Court has done by this judgment is to bring closure to the merger between Providus Bank and Unity Bank. Some persons went to the Federal High Court and attempted to truncate the merger, and the matter progressed through the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court. Today, that chapter has been conclusively closed,” he said.

Nollywood Comic Actor, Janmole, Dies

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 2, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a week after the demise of veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Okoye, the Nigeria Movie Industry has again lost one of its comic actors, Okiki Adeshina Oshin, popular as JActor.

The news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief among colleagues, fans, and admirers, many of whom have taken to social media to express shock and sadness over the loss.

The circumstances surrounding his demise still remain uncertain, but tribute circulating online described the late actor as a hardworking and determined individual who dedicated his life to pursuing success and making people laugh through his craft.

An emotional tribute from a fan, @Oribamise reads, “My darling brother, Okiki Adeshina Oshin, you are a hustler. You laboured day and night to achieve greatness, but as you drew close to greatness, your sun set at noon. All efforts now seem a waste. This is too unbearable, Janmole,” it reads.

The message further lamented the painful reality of his death, describing it as difficult to come to terms with.

Known for his unique comic roles and energetic performances in Yoruba movies, Janmole carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian film industry and earned the admiration of many viewers.

Friends, colleagues, and fans prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for his family during this difficult period.

His passing marks another sad moment for the Yoruba movie industry, which has lost several notable talents in recent years.

Atiku Tackles Babachir: “You Can’t Reject ADC Presidential Primary, Endorse Your Cousin’s Guber Victory With Same Process”

By

Adesina Soyooye

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June 2, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has literally dismiss former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, as a hypocrite.

Atiku accused Lawal, who quit the ADC over Atiku’s victory at the Presidential Primary which was won by him, of “selective outrage”. for rejecting the party’s

Lawal had rejected the result of the presidential primary but embraced the same process which produced his cousin as the party’s Adamawa governorship candidate.

In a response b Phrank Shaibu, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Atiku, dismussed Lawal’s criticism of the ADC primaries as a “lengthy and emotionally charged outburst” with no evidence.

Atiku’s response, issued on Monday, reads in part:

“Mr. Lawal has failed to explain how the very same primary process he now dismisses as fraudulent somehow produced a result he appears perfectly willing to accept in Adamawa State, where his cousin, Omar Suleiman, emerged as the ADC governorship candidate.

“Intellectual honesty would require him to reject every outcome arising from that exercise, including the emergence of his cousin. Instead, he has chosen the path of selective outrage—embracing results that suit his interests while condemning those that do not.”

It is “ironic” the statement further stated, that Lawal who was removed from his high profile office as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation over “grass cutting contract scandal”, would present himself as a champion of transparency.

“That one of the most recognizable faces from that era now seeks to occupy the moral high ground is not merely ironic; it is political satire writing itself.

“Before accusing others of operating a ‘rigging machine,’ Mr. Lawal should first explain why Nigerians should suddenly erase from their memory one of the most embarrassing chapters in the history of public accountability.”

Atiku, also, noted what he called Lawal’s contradiction in condemning alleged electoral manipulation in the ADC presidential primary while “openly admiring” President Bola Tinubu’s “superior rigging machine.

“One cannot denounce electoral malpractice while simultaneously praising its supposed efficiency elsewhere.”

The statement accused Lawal of offering “no documents, no verifiable facts, no credible witnesses, and no proof whatsoever.

“What Mr. Lawal has offered Nigerians is a familiar cocktail of disappointment, bitterness, conspiracy theories, and personal attacks against a political leader whose national appeal continues to transcend the narrow confines of factional politics.”

Atiku accused Lawal of resorting to “ethnic and religious prejudice” because he failed to secure support for his preferred candidate. Such rhetoric, Atiku said, “creates no jobs, lowers no food prices, secures no communities, and offers no pathway out of the national crisis.

Atiku, in the statement, wished Lawal a good farming season.

He said: “Given his enduring association with the grass-cutting scandal that defined his exit from public office, the farm may indeed be a fitting destination.

“There, surrounded by fields in need of trimming, he may finally find the grass-cutting assignment that has become inseparable from his political legacy.”