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Forum Of States Sports Directors Threaten Boycott Of Nat. Sports Festival

By
Ayodele Oni
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National Sports Festival
National Sports Festival

By Ayodele Oni 

The Forum of State Directors of Sports and General Managers has threatened to pull out of the 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City 2026.” 

 

The Forum criticized the National Sports Commission (NSC) for failing to honour an earlier agreement reached during a stakeholders’ meeting in Calabar, where it was resolved that State Directors of Sports would be actively involved in selecting sports for the festival.

 

It strongly rejected the proposed reduction in the number of sporting events for the 2026 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Enugu.

 

In a position statement issued after extensive deliberations, signed by the Forum’s Secretary, Tunde Ajibike, alongside the Interim Chairman and the Public Relations Officer, noted that the NSC excluded them from the decision-making process, a move they described as unacceptable and one they “strongly oppose in its entirety.”

 

The Directors insisted that all removed traditional sports, alongside certain Olympic sports and board games, must be reinstated.

 

 They warned that failure to address their concerns could result in a nationwide withdrawal of participation by states.

 

The statement emphasized that the NSC does not directly manage athletes and coaches at the state level, noting that it may not fully understand the extensive planning, funding, and training investments made by states throughout the year.

 

“It is therefore unacceptable that after such investments, certain sports are arbitrarily removed, with assurances of alternatives that are neither clear nor credible,” the Forum stated.

 

The group also raised concerns over claims that participation in Para Games would serve as a qualification criterion for the festival.

 

 They questioned the legal basis for such a requirement and whether adequate support had been provided to enable states to participate, given the bureaucratic processes involved in securing approvals from state governments.

 

Reaffirming its stance, the Forum aligned itself with an earlier communiqué already in circulation and vowed to maintain its position until the NSC addresses the issues raised.

 

The Directors further warned that if the host state lacks the capacity to accommodate all approved sports, the hosting rights for the festival should be reconsidered and awarded to a more prepared state, in line with past precedents.

 

Describing themselves as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports development, the Forum stressed that it would not support policies that undermine growth in the sector.

 

 It also accused the NSC of taking states for granted, a situation it said would no longer be tolerated.

Body Of Nigerian-American Accused Of Killing Three People Found In Jail Cell

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Olaolukitan Adon Abel
Olaolukitan Adon Abel

By Adesina Soyooye 

The body of Olaolukitan Adon Abel, 26, a Nigerian American, has been found in the cell of a jail where he was placed in custody.

He was accused of  killing  three people in a mindless and unprovoked shooting spree in a number of Atlanta suburbs. The fatalities included a security employee of the Department of Homeland Security. Jail officials has confirmed on Tuesday that he has died in custody.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said Abel was found unresponsive at about 6:48 p.m. ET in his jail cell. 

Staff members of the DeKalb County Jail immediately called-in medical personnel who began life-saving procedures, but it was no use. He was  pronounced dead at 7:17 p.m. ET.

Said the Sheriff’s report: “There is no indication of criminal activity or foul play.” 

According to reports, Mr Abel was originally from the United Kingdom but naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2022.

He was said to have, allegedly,  paid a homeless man to buy a gun for him. When he got the gun, he   shot and killed  three people at three different locations within the Atlanta area on April 13.

Those he was accused of shooting are Prianna Weathers, 31; Tony Matthews, 48; and Lauren Bullis, 40.

Here is a brief on those he killed. Weathers, is a mother to a preteen. He and worked for the DHS. The two died from the injuries they sustained from the shooting.

A father, Matthew was hospitalized for six days. He passed on April 19.

Weathers was at a Checkers restaurant when he was, on April 13, shot around 1 a.m. on April 13.

An hour later, police said Abel, according to Police, then drove to the northern Atlanta suburb of Brookhaven and shot Matthews. At the time he shot him, Matthews was sleeping on the ground outside a Kroger’s supermarket.

He was not yet through, as between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. ET, Abel proceeded to shoot and stab Bullis who was walking her dog.

Court Revokes Bail It Granted El-Rufai’s CoS, Again Remands Him In Custody

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Bashir Saidu
Bashir Saidu

By Adesina Soyooye 

It is not yet quite known why, but a Court in Kaduna has revoked the bail It granted Bashir Saidu,  former Chief of Staff to detained former Governor of Kaduna State,  Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

 

The Court  ordered that he be remanded in a Kaduna prison facility after he appeared on Wednesday for the continued hearing of his case. He will be in custody until sometime in May when the case will be heard again.

 

Saidu had earlier been remanded in custody for 50 days, and granted bail since a couple of months ago. It is that bail that has now been revoked.

 

He is a known associate of El-Rufai, and is facing charges which include financial recklessness.

 

Since after he was released  on bail, he has, allegedly, been engaged in politics, and has a strong sympathy 

for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the State.

 

When he was initially detained, El-Rufai visited him in custody, and attributed what he saw as Saidu’s ordeal to political  persecution. Now, both men are in custody. It is not known if their cases are interwoven.

“I Resign, In Good Conscience I Can’t Continue To Be Member Of APC” – Senator Lamido

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Senator Ibrahim Lamido
Senator Ibrahim Lamido

By Adesina Soyooye

In what political watchers  describe as tough on the All Progressives Congress, APC, one of its serving Senators, Ibrahim Lamido, Sokoto East Senatorial District, has resigned from the Party.

“In all good conscience, I cannot continue to be a member of the Party”, he noted in his resignation letter.

The Senator’s resignation letter  was dated Wednesday, April 22, and addressed to the Ward Chairman, Isa South, Isa Local Government Area of  Sokoto

While admitting that his resignation from the APC was a difficult decision to take, he neverthless explained that it is a product of “the ongoing internal party crisis, suspicion and unfair party leadership style within the party in Sokoto State which has made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership in good conscience.”

He noted the lack of cohesion, the division, and issues that remain unresolved and hinder the progress of the APC in Sokoto State.

Insecurity: Uzodimma Pledges Swift Rehabilitation Of Okigwe Communities

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has assured of prompt implementation of the recommendations of the Committee set up by him to identify the damages caused by insecurity in Okigwe zone in the past four years.

He said attention is to be paid to the restoration of infrastructure that will guarantee urgent value as regards the needs of the people in the area in question, and in a phased exercise that will be comprehensive.

Uzodimma spoke as the Imo State Government’s ‘Fact-Finding and Implementation Committee on communities affected by insecurity in Okigwe zone submitted its report to him, detailing the scale of destruction and loss of life following attacks in that part of the State over the past four years.

The Committee, inaugurated few months ago, was mandated to assess and recommend measures for the rehabilitation of communities in Okigwe, Onuimo, Ihitte Uboma and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas.

The members presented their findings at the Government House in Owerri weekend.

The Chairman of the Committee and Methodist Church Bishop Emeritus, Samuel Uche, said the report contains graphic accounts of what he described as “avoidable loss of lives, widespread destruction of property and human suffering estimated to cost billions of naira.”

He disclosed that no fewer than 273 lives were lost in the affected areas, describing the violence as “unreasonable madness.”

According to him, the Committee also provided a detailed tabular breakdown of damage to public infrastructure and private property.

Uche emphasised that the report reflects the true experiences of residents, noting that the findings are both authentic and reliable.

He added that communities expressed appreciation to the State government for setting up the Committee, describing the move as responsive and compassionate.

The Committee also commended Local Government Chairmen in the affected areas for their cooperation in gathering first-hand information and urged the State government to implement its recommendations without delay.

Responding, Governor Uzodimma praised the Committee for its dedication, noting that the assignment required courage and commitment.

He assured that the government would act on the report through a series of quick-impact projects aimed at restoring normalcy in the affected communities.

The Governor said plans are underway to rebuild critical infrastructure, including police stations, hospitals, health centres and primary schools. He also disclosed that Local Government administrative offices would be reconstructed with support from the State.

Uzodimma further explained that the government would adopt a phased approach in executing the projects, prioritising those that can be immediately funded.

He expressed confidence that the recommendations would be implemented promptly, with the ultimate goal of restoring stability and reconnecting affected communities.

Parties In Attendance At The Opposition Ibadan Summit

By
Ayodele Oni
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1
Opposition Parties Meeting in Ibadan

By Ayodele Oni

Fourteen opposition political parties participated in the summit which was held in Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday.

The opposition parties included the PDP, ADC, PRP, NNPP, NDC, LP, APP, Accord, APM, AA, DLA, YP, ADP, and ZLP.

The summit  appreciated the host, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, whose state served as the backdrop for what many delegates described as an epochal event in the journey toward the 2027 polls.

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, invoked the violent political history of “Operation Wetie” to caution against moves towards one-party domination in Nigeria.

“Operation Wetie” was a campaign of intense political violence that rocked Nigeria’s western region, with its epicentre in Ibadan, in the mid-1960s.

The term, derived from the Yoruba phrase meaning “wet him” or “soak it,” described the practice of dousing political opponents, their homes and vehicles with petrol before setting them ablaze.

It erupted after the highly disputed 1965 western region elections, which were widely alleged to have been rigged in favour of the ruling faction, effectively sidelining the opposition.

Speaking at the national summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders in Ibadan, Makinde raised concerns over growing efforts to consolidate legislative control under one party while opposition parties grapple with internal crises and legal battles.

“For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow. They should remember that “operation wetie” started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West.

“Back in 1950, this city hosted a conversation that helped shape Nigeria’s constitutional future. Those discussions were not perfect but necessary.

“They were driven by a recognition that the structure of the nation was a deliberately built, protected and well necessary debated. In many ways, this gathering carries the same responsibility.

“There are open efforts to consolidate legislative control under one party. At the same time, opposition parties are increasingly entangled in internal crises and legal battles that raise serious questions about their ability to function effectively.”

He cautioned that such developments should not be treated lightly, adding that it’s not the time for opposition leaders to be disengaged from politics.

“This is not something that we should treat lightly. I don’t want to think saboteurs are here. Because democracy is not destroyed overnight, it is weakened step by step until people begin to feel it no longer works for them.

“When opposition becomes ineffective, democracy itself loses meaning. Democracy is not defined by the success of one party, it is defined by the existence of real alternatives. By the ability of citizens to choose.”

Makinde pointed out that the summit was not motivated by personal ambitions or vendettas.

“This meeting is not a gang up against one man. And it’s not about individual ambition to be president; it is about the collective ambition of the Nigerian people to have a democracy that is properly defined.

“No matter how strong a party becomes or how popular any government may appear, the presence of credible opposition is not a threat to democracy.”

Kaduna Gov. Sani Heads Ekiti Gov. Election Campaign Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of June 20 governorship election in Ekiti state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially appointed Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, as Chairman of the State Governorship Election Campaign Council.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is expected to flag off his second term campaign on Monday, with the local council handling the affairs putting everything in place to ensure smooth rally.

Director General of the campaign organization, Senator Cyril Fasuyi announced in Ado Ekiti that the full campaign will kick off on April 27.

According to him, “campaign has commenced at the grassroots level where our canvases move from door to door, street to street canvassing votes for our candidate. However, the campaign will be officially flagged off on April 27, 2026.

“Our campaign team is formidable. It draws membership from every senatorial district, every local government, every ward. We are ready for a clean, peaceful, and vigorous engagement with Ekiti people.

“Why April 27, you may want to ask? We are in order and not running late at all. We have been working. The last four years were the real campaign.

“Every commissioned road, every paid salary, every equipped hospital was campaigning for us. April 27 is just the formal flag-off under the INEC timetable. But BAO has been on the ballot of performance since Day One.

“Our instruction to party members is clear. Every APC member is an equal canvasser. No one is a spectator. This campaign is intra local government, intra ward, and intra unit. It must run without rancour. We will market our record and our plan, not abuse opponents.

APC, in a letter dated 24th April, 2026, signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the party described the appointment as a recognition of Governor Sani’s “distinguished leadership, political experience, and commitment to the success of our party in this critical election.”

The letter, addressed to Governor Sani at the Kaduna State Government House, also extends a formal invitation to the official flag-off campaign rally for the Ekiti State governorship election.

2026: Opposition Parties To Field One Presidential Candidate To Face APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Opposition Parties Meeting in Ibadan

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition political parties in the country have resolved to field only one candidate for the Presidency during the 2026 general elections.

This was one of the resolutions at the end of its deliberations in Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday.

According to them, “Participating Opposition Parties in Nigeria, after an extensive deliberation on the collective threats that we face and the existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC) and given the need for urgent, collective action to rescue our nation and the destiny of over 200 million compatriots, hereby resolve as follows:

“That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.

“That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.

“That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections as Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

“His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering wide spread crisis in our nation.

“That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.

“That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offfences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.

“That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties.

“We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.

“The Summit commends Nigerians for their resilience and readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.

“The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event.”

The resolution was signed by Chairmen of Participating Opposition Parties.

Hoodlums Rob, Cut Off  Fingers, Ear Of Bauchi Female University Student

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Saadu Zungur University SAZU
Sa'adu Zungur University SAZU

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced that  coordinated operations are underway to track down suspected miscreants who cut off two fingers and a part of the ear of a  200-level female  student of the state-owned University, Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU, after dispossessing her of her phone.

According to local witness accounts, the victim, Maryam Yakeem, was reportedly attacked and robbed by four  hoodlums  on the outskirts of the University’s campus, with one of the hoodlums severing her two fingers and parts of her ears with a knife.

The University authorities have vehemently rejected claims suggesting that the unfortunate incident occurred on the institution’s campus.

A statement from Malam Auwal Hassan, the spokesperson, for SAZU, insisted that the incident took place outside the University campus.

“The unfortunate incident occurred outside the University’s environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating in certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the University’s premises.

“The University Management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation”, Hassan stated.

A statement from Nafiu Habib, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command said that the victim sustained injuries during the said attack.

The Command has vowed that it will explore all available pathways towards locating and apprehending the perpetrators of the crime.

The victim, reports say, is responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Azare where she was refered to after an initial medical attention at a facility in Gadau.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Fatima Tahir, has extended heartfelt sympathy to the victim, assuring of the Management’s commitment towards adequately protecting students and staff of the institution.

Anambra APC Asks Gov. Soludo To Join Party If Truly He’s Working For President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Ayodele Oni

The Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), has accused Governor Charles Soludo of non inclusion of members in his administration, despite the Governor’s claims of a political alignment with President Bola Tinubu.

The APC pointed out that Governor Soludo is misrepresenting his political alignment with President Bola Tinubu, alleging that his public claims of cooperation with the President do not reflect his actions within the state.

The APC, through its state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, made the allegation during a press briefing, following the inauguration of newly elected state executives of the party.

He argued that while Soludo, who is the national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has repeatedly suggested that “progressives are working together” in support of President Tinubu, his administration has not extended any meaningful political inclusion to the APC in Anambra State.

Anosike further alleged that the governor’s posture was aimed at maintaining favourable relations with the federal government, while allegedly sidelining the APC at the state level.

He maintained that the APC had not been given any sense of participation or collaboration under Soludo’s administration, despite his public assertions of political harmony with the ruling party at the centre.

Reaffirming the APC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, the state chairman urged party members to prepare for a more competitive political engagement, promising full support for their electoral ambitions.

He also stated that genuine political collaboration should be reflected in party alignment, insisting that if there was truly cooperation with President Tinubu, key political actors would align formally with the APC.

According to him, “If we are working together, you must work for Mr. President… If you feel that progressives are working together, then APGA members should join APC, contest under APC, and win.”

Anosike further challenged Soludo to formally defect to the APC if his claims of alignment with President Tinubu were genuine, stressing that the party would no longer tolerate what he described as political contradictions.

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