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Senator Abaribe Was Never Expelled, Voluntarily Resigned, APGA Clarifies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, has vehemently rejected claims suggesting that the party expelled Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The Source reports that the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District at the National Assembly had predicated his defection to the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on his purported expulsion from the APGA.

About nine Senators, including Abaribe, had on Thursday March 12, 2025, formally notified the leadership of the red chamber of the National Assembly of their decision to resign from their original political parties to join forces with the ADC.

However , while the Senate accepted the letter from the other eight defecting Senators, that of Abaribe was serious interrogated, and rejected by the Senate leadership on the grounds that there is no manifest leadership or internal crises within the APGA to warrant Abaribe’s defection.

Citing relevant sections of the constitution to buttress their position, the leadership gave Senator Abaribe till the next sitting for the Senator to tender  the expulsion letter from APGA, as well as withdraw the notice of defection to avoid having his seat declared vacant.

“We will give you until our next sitting to reconsider, or the chamber will take a position” Senate President Godswill Akpabio had stated .

Earlier, Senator Abaribe had urged the Senate to accept his letter of defection as he had long seized to be a member of APGA by virtue of his suspension, and later expulsion.

But while speaking with the media on the issue, the Abia State Chairman of APGA, Sunday Onukwubiri, informed that the Abia South Senator voluntarily resigned his membership of the party towards the end of last year.

According to him, Senator Abaribe official submitted his letter of resignation from APGA on December 30, 2025, to the Chairman of the party in Abiaba Ward 5 in Obingwa Local Council of the state.

“Let it be known that Senator Abaribe was not expelled from the party. He resigned from the party on December 30, 2025, and submitted his resignation letter to the Abiaba Ward 5 chairman of the APGA in Obingwa Local Government Area.

“If Senator Abaribe was actually sacked as he is claiming in September 2025, why then did he submit a letter of resignation in December 2025?

“Ordinarily, anyone who has been expelled is no longer a member of the party. But after three months of the purported expulsion, he (Abaribe) submitted a letter of resignation”, Onukwubiri added.

The APGA Chairman, however, admitted that one of the longest serving Senators in the country, was in July 2025,  suspended over alleged gross anti-party activities.

But according to him, Senator Abaribe never bothered to respond to the queries served on him, and also did not make any efforts  to enquire about what led to his suspension.

Mothers’ Sacrifices Enormous – First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oluremi Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has observed that efforts of mothers often go beyond the visible sacrifices.

Mrs Tinubu celebrated mothers across the country as the Anglican Church, worldwide,  marked Mothering Sunday in honour of Mothers,  acknowledging their love, care and sacrifices in nurturing families and shaping the nation.

In her message, posted on X, the First Lady commended mothers for their unwavering commitment to raising children and supporting their families.

She emphasized that it is the small and quiet moments of care and dedication that truly reflect the depth of a mother’s love.

Mrs Tinubu described mothers as heroes whose nurturing roles continue to strengthen homes and contribute to national development.

She also urged mothers to remain committed to guiding and teaching their children, while passing down wisdom, values and strength that would benefit future generations.

The First Lady prayed that mothers would live long to enjoy the fruits of their labour through their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dasuki, Sokoto Lawmaker, Defect To ADC After Raising Alarm Over Tax Reforms Discrepancies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abdulsamad Dasuki
Abdulsamad Dasuki

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The law maker representing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency of Sokoto State at  the National Assembly, Hon Abdulsamad Dasuki ,has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic party PDP.

In resigning, he announced his subsequent defection to the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The Source reports that  Hon Dasuki had, on December, 17, 2025, hit the headlines following his flag-off of the controversial Nigeria tax reforms law over alleged alterations by the Executive arm.

He had alleged, during plenary of the House of Representatives, that the tax reforms bill passed by the National Assembly was significantly different from the one signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Consequently, he urged the House to investigate the matter as his legislative privilege had been breached by the discovery that the gazetted tax reforms law as signed by the president, contained several provisions that were in conflict with the bill originally passed by the National Assembly.

“I was here, I gave my vote, and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.

“The whole members should see what is in the gazetted copy and see what they passed on the floor so that we can make the relevant amendment.

“This is a breach of our laws, and this should not be taken by this Honourable House”, Dasuki stated.

In his letter of resignation dated March 15, 2026, and addressed to the PDP chairman of Dogon Daji/Salah Ward , in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Hon Dasuki informed about his decision to draw the curtain on his long standing association with the party.

He cited the festering leadership and internal crises rocking the PDP as a major reason for his action.

The decision, he added, was sequel to a wide ranging consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

“The persistent internal wrangling has weakened the party’s capacity to offer the credible and organized opposition required to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

“…The decision followed extensive consultations with political associates ,constituents and other stakeholders ,who share in his concern about the current state of both the party and the country”, the statement reads in part.

Hon Dasuki expressed the optimism that his joining the ADC will afford him the opportunity to work together with political soulmates to address the country’s mounting socio-economic, security and political challenges.

He appreciated the PDP for offering him the opportunities to serve both state and county, with a call for his supporters to keep hope alive.

His defection is coming amdist his earlier decision not to seek reelection to the House in 2027.

The Source further reports that the Sokoto state-born politician had on October 27, 2025, informed that rather than seeking reelection, he will be engaging in a  “higher calling rooted in belief, hope and a future we all desire to see.

“After due consultations with my team,our leader, my family, and most importantly, my conscience, I have decided not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.

“The decision is not borne out of fatigue or disillusionment. It is a personal sacrifice, a deliberate response to the noble call sounded by the project I helped birth- the Future Is Now Project..” he noted.

According to him, his exit after  about 15 years on the scene will open doors for younger ones to offer their services.

Again, Hired Thugs Attack ADC Gathering In Bakassi, Cross River State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Thugs Attacks ADC Office in Bakassi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Suspected hired hoodlums on Saturday March 14, 2026,  targeted an African Democratic Congress, ADC, gathering in Bakassi Local Council of Cross River state, destroyed everything in sight, and forcibly dispersed party supporters.

This is as the Cross River State Police Command  assured that efforts are underway to unmask those behind the attack in order to ensure justice.

According to reports, supporters of the opposition Coalition platform who had trooped to the Party’s Secretariat for its official opening, suddenly came under heavy attack from suspected hired thugs who vandalized the party office, destroyed canopies, public address systems, chairs and other equipment put in place for the event.

A viral video in circulation shows the leader of the thugs dishing out  orders and supervising  both the vandalization of the ADC Secretariat, and the destruction of the property therein.

He was, also, heard swearing that the opposition Coalition platform,which has become the only viable alternative outside the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, will not be allowed to establish presence and operate in the area.

The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, in a statement issued on Sunday March,15, 2026, informed that a thorough investigation will be conducted to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the suspected hoodlums struck just as the ceremony was about to start, attacking and dispersing the gathering violently.

He expressed happiness that the situation has been brought under control, with operatives of the Command’s tactical unit deployed to enhance security and maintain peace.

“Officers and tactical team members are at the scene. The event couldn’t continue again in such a chaotic situation, and considering the volatile nature of the area, for now, no arrests have been made”, Eitokpah stated.

The Source reports that the ADC and its chieftains in recent times have come under  intense, and most times,  unprovoked attacks in different parts of the country.

Notably, the opposition Coalition platform and some of its leaders including Peter Obi ,and Chief John Oyegun, a former Governor of Edo State,  were  recently  attacked and their  activities disrupted in Benin by suspected hoodlums.

Only penultimate week, the party and one of its presidential hopefuls, Rotimi Amaechi, were subjected to a mindless attack in Ubima community, the home town of the former Rivers State Governor during the flag off of  the ADC’s e-membership registration exercise by yet-to-be-ascertained armed thugs.

Instructively, before the latest attack, the ADC and its supporters on Tuesday March, 10, 2026, came under serious attack in Calabar ,the Cross River state capital from some unknown hoodlums who were allegedly sent to disrupt the commencement  of the party’s e-registration exercise in the State.

NDLEA Nabs  Grandpa, 74, With Consignment Of Cocaine

By
Ayodele Oni
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74-Year Old Grandpa Arrested by NDLEA

By Ayodele Oni

A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has admitted owning a large consignment of items suspected to be cocaine found with him by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja.

He was arrested at the Abuja airport Saturday, on his way to the United Kingdom , (UK), after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage.

The septuagenarian who claimed he was travelling to London, United Kingdom for vacation, was arrested by NDLEA officers at the departure hall of the Abuja airport, while attempting to board a British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow London.

During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons.

In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Monday 9th March arrested a woman, Mrs. Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites, on Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island, while attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis.

She was found with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest.

She confessed the illicit drugs belong to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was later taken into custody same day while his wife was immediately set free.

Ibrahim confirmed ownership of the illicit drugs in his statement, while further investigation revealed that he had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment for a similar offence in 2015.

Ramadan Palliative: Usman A Psychiatric Patient, Not a Teacher – Kebbi Govt.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A school teacher, Abduljalal Usman,  suspended by the Kebbi State authorities over his viral criticism of the State Government’s Ramadan palliatives, has been dismissed as “a confirmed psychiatric case”.

This is as the State Government insisted that Usman’s outburst is part of a grand and orchestrated smear campaign being engineered by the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Source reports that teacher Usman was earlier in the week slammed with a three-month suspension without pay over his scathing criticism of the miserable nature of the  Ramadan palliatives distributed to the people by  the authorities.

In a viral video in circulation, Usman was shown clutching  two nylon bags containing what he said was just  one mudu (a local measurement plate) of rice and millet given to him as Ramadan palliative as a teacher.

While deriding the gesture as too small and of no value to the people, Usman also expressed regret that the so-called Ramadan palliative may have cost the state a fortune going by the authorities’ penchant to inflate  costs.

Speaking in Hausa language, Usman mocked the Government for giving him only one bowl of rice and millet, in the name of Ramadan palliative.

“As a school teacher, this is what His Excellency has given me in the name of Ramadan palliative”,he stated.

However, barely 48 hours after the first video, teacher Usman posted  a second video claiming that the state Government has decided to suspend him for a period of three months without pay over his action.

The suspension letter, he stated, was issued by the Education Authority  of Dandi Local Government of Kebbi State, which accused him of  “negligence and defaulting on duty”

His alleged suspension expectedly has been eliciting widespread indignation and condemnation from across the country, including the Amnesty international.

But in a statement on Sunday March 15, 2026, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, informed that Usman is not only a psychiatric patient, but also not in the employ of the local council as a teacher.

According to Zuru, the self-acclaimed teacher has been confirmed to be  a long standing lunatic, who was only manipulated by desperate political actors to score cheap political points.

The Governor’s spokesperson emphasized that as at the time Usman made  his claims, Dandi Local Government Area’s consignment of the Ramadan palliative had not been received by the Council.

Similarly, the Government noted that contrary to teacher Usman’s claim, the procured grains for distribution did not include maize, but only rice and millet.

Malam Zuru described Usman’s action as part of the emerging but disturbing pattern of opposition resort to campaigns of calumny against Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris.

“It all started with a stage-managed armed attack on some desperate politicians in Birnin Kebbi, a pre-emptive and senseless exaggeration of armed banditry attacks in Tadurga Village, and the consistent use of drug-addicted youths and prostitutes to foolishly discredit, through social media, the visibly and qualitatively executed socio-economic development projects in the state”, the Governor spokesperson emphasized.

He, however, vowed that no amount of orchestrated smear campaign and theatrics will distract the Governor from the task of delivering on the people’s mandate.

New Electoral Act Stipulates Stiffer Penalties For Offences

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures  to guarantee the credibility of 2027 general elections, the new Electoral Act, has introduced tougher sanctions for electoral malpractice.

The act was signed into law by Bola Tinubu in February this year, replacing the earlier Electoral Act 2022.

An analysis of the new law, particularly Part VII (Sections 118–133), by The Insight Lens Project, significantly increases fines and penalties for offences ranging from ballot papers possession to voter card abuse.

Under the updated provisions, electoral offences such as the forgery of a voter’s registration card now attract a ₦5 million fine, 12 months imprisonment, or both,

while the forgery of nomination papers or election result forms carries a two-year jail term.

The Act also imposes some of its toughest sanctions on unauthorized possession of sensitive election materials.

Anyone found illegally possessing a ballot paper or result form outside the voting process before the completion of an election faces a ₦75 million fine, up to 10 years imprisonment, or both.

The legislation also addresses the misuse of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Offences such as buying, selling, possessing multiple voter cards, or transferring them to another person are punishable by a ₦5 million fine or 12 months imprisonment.

Similarly, impersonation or voting when not qualified carries a ₦2 million fine or up to one year in prison.

The Act stipulates that anyone offering or receiving inducements to influence voting may face a ₦2 million fine or 12 months imprisonment, while voters who accept bribes risk a ₦500,000 fine or a one-year jail term.

The law also criminalises threats or undue influence against voters, prescribing penalties of up to three years imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine.

Other offences addressed include wrongful voting, false statements about candidates, and voting by unregistered persons, each punishable by a ₦200,000 fine or six months imprisonment.

Disorderly conduct at polling units or political meetings now attracts a ₦2 million fine or a one-year jail term, while canvassing or soliciting for votes on election day may result in a ₦500,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment.

Ondo: Suspected Cultists’ Leader In Police Net

By
Ayodele Oni
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Akinwale Tomiwa - Ondo Cultis

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected leader of a cult group linked with series of killings at Owo and other cult related activities.

The Command said the suspect has been on the watch list for various murder cases and other violent activities.

Spokesman of the command, Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Sunday, stated that “Operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella.

“The suspect is alleged to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating within the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo and its environs.

“The arrest followed actionable intelligence received by the Squad indicating that the suspect was sighted around NEPA Junction in Akure.

“Acting swiftly on the information, operatives mobilized to the location and successfully apprehended the suspect without incident.

“Preliminary investigation has linked the suspect to the killing of one Ojo Peter, which occurred on 12th December, 2025 in Owo. The incident had earlier raised concerns within the community and was suspected to be connected to cult-related rivalry.

“Further intelligence also revealed that the suspect was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform known as Naija Confra for allegedly participating in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, along Fasawe Street in Owo.

“The attack was reportedly part of an ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups within the area.

“During the arrest, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult activities.”

Suspected Terrorists Kill 20 Security Operatives In Latest Attack On Plateau Communities

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

No fewer than 20 security operatives, including personnel of local vigilante groups have been killed by suspected terrorists in the Garga area of Kanam Local Council of Plateau state on Friday evening.

The security operatives came under heavy attack after being ambushed by the heavily armed terrorist elements while on a routine patrol along  Garga ,Kyaram ,Gyambau ,and neighbouring communities.

A statement on Saturday March 14, 2026 jointly issued by  Garba Aliyu and Shehu Kanam, chairman and Secretary of Kanam Development Association KADA informed that the attack which occurred at about 4 pm, claimed the lives of 12 security operatives including the military as well as eight members of the local vigilante groups who were part of the patrol team.

According to the KADA officials,  even though some of the terrorists were equally eliminated, they later regrouped and invaded Kyaram Community where they reportedly looted millions of Naira worth of goods and property as well as rustling of several cattle.

“While some terrorists were reportedly neutralized during the exchange of gunfire with security operatives, they later stor1⁶med Kyaram community , looting property worth millions of naira ,and rustling a large number of cattle belonging to innocent residents..

KADA noted that the latest attack highlights heightened insecurity that has bedeviled some border communities between Plateau state and its neighbours , particularly Taraba and Bauchi States in the last three years.

The Association’ while condemning what it described as unprovoked , dastardly and gruesome attacks on innocent residents , expressed deep shock and sorrow over the monumental loss of both human and material resources .

It therefore called on  the Federal Government of Nigeria ,the Plateau state Government ,and all other relevant authorities to enhance security situation in the area , especially in the border communities.

” We call for urgent intervention from the Local Government , plateau state Government and the Federal Government .

” There is a need for the immediate deployment of additional military and security forces to Garga , Kyaram , Gyambau,Wanka and surrounding areas ,as well as the establishment of permanent security outposts in these border communities” KADA added.

Ondo Varsity Workers Demand Removal Of Chairman Governing Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Akinbo Adesomoju

By Ayodele Oni

Staff unions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa,  Ondo state, under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to effect immediate removal of Prof Akinbo Adesomoju as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council.

According to the workers, Adesomoju  continued stay in the office as illegal.

The unions comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) said the alleged third term occupancy of the office by Prof Adesomoju violates the provisions of the Official Gazette establishing the university.

Addressing the issue in a notification letter to the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, the unions stated that congress had resolved to embark on a seven day peaceful protest to demand adherence to the law governing the institution.

According to the letter dated March 12, 2026, the protest began on March 10 and will continue until March 18 within the university premises.

It added that any Governing Council meeting presided over by the embattled Pro Chancellor lacks legal legitimacy.

“Congress therefore maintained that any Governing Council meeting presided over by him lacks the necessary legal backing and cannot be considered valid under the provisions of the law establishing the University,” the unions declared.

The unions further called on other members of the Governing Council to intervene by prevailing on Prof Adesomoju to step aside in the interest of the institution.

“JAC has advised other members of the Governing Council to prevail on Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju to step down from the position of Chairman so that other Council members may continue with the governance of the University in accordance with the law,” the letter noted.

In addition, the unions revealed that they had received information about a Governing Council meeting allegedly scheduled to take place in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on March 16 and 17 under the leadership of Prof Adesomoju.

They described the proposed meeting as illegal and warned that staff unions would not recognise its outcome.

“We have reliably gathered that an alleged Governing Council meeting under the leadership of Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju has been slated to hold in Akure on the 16th and 17th of March 2026,” the unions said.

“Consequently, Congress resolved that part of the ongoing seven day peaceful protest be shifted to Akure on the said dates in order to peacefully register the position of staff unions against the planned meeting which Congress considers illegal.

“We wish to notify and request the permission of your office and kindly request that the Command provide the necessary security oversight and protection to ensure law and order during the protest both in Okitipupa and Akure,” the letter added.

The notification was jointly signed by Comrade Bambola Bobola Davies, Chairman of NAAT; Comrade Olanrewaju Orisamika, Chairman of SSANU; and Comrade Kunle Akinwonmi, Chairman of NASU.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security.

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