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Wike: “I Have Not Endorsed Anybody For The 2027 Polls Except Tinubu”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said he has not endorsed anybody for any political positions ahead of the 2027 polls, except President Bola Tinubu.

Wike’s reaction is coming against the backdrop of growing speculations suggesting that he has greenlighted some individuals for the 2027 race in Rivers state, including the Executive Director Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NNDC, Boma Iyaye.

Iyaye himself last weekend denied being endorsed by the FCT Minister or any other political leaders, insisting that he is yet to unveil his political ambition as regards  the 2027 polls.

While debunking reports of alleged endorsement of aspirants, Wike said such a decision will be taken by relevant party leaders in Rivers State.

The FCT Minister who spoke at the occasion of the joint meeting of All Progressive Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders from Rivers State held at his Abuja residence on Monday night, March 30, 2026, however warned against aspirants jumping the gun, or being in a hurry.

He emphasized the need for members and supporters to maintain unity, and avoid any divisive rhetorics and actions, noting that the strength of the rainbow coalition is anchored on cohesion and commitment , rather than financial prowess.

“If we were not working together; if we were not united, it would be difficult. People are not happy that we are working together. So they must find anything to make sure we are divided.

“So It is important we remain united and work as a group, instead of pursuing different agendas”, Wike admonished.

This was as he lampooned some people whom he accused of castigating the coalition after being given appointments.

He described such tendency as a classical case of “failure of character, warning that they will never succeed in the evil machinations of blackmailing and undermining the system.”

“Woe be unto the person that we have given an appointment who goes back to castigate us after using us to get appointment”, Wike stated .

Further speaking, the FCT Minister affirmed that besides President Tinubu, he has neither privately and or officially endorsed anybody for any position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the Coalition at the state level will take the decision of endorsing aspirants when the time is auspicious.

Why I Will Upgrade Ondo Polytechnic To University – Gov. Aiyedatiwa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Upgrade Of Ondo Polytechnic To University

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has gone a step further in its resolve to upgrade the State-owned Polytechnic in Owo to a University..

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the proposed elevation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a university as a strategic measure to place Ondo State at the forefront of national development in agriculture, science and technology.

The Governor made the remark while receiving the report on the proposed polytechnic upgrade to the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo (UNASTO), from the committee in Akure.

The governor commended the thoroughness and depth of the submissions, which included a campus master plan, academic brief, five-year income and sustainability framework, take-off grant summary, and pictorial master plan.

“This work reflects a clear vision and meticulous planning. The calibre of experts involved and the research conducted leave no doubt that this university can become one of the best in Nigeria.”

He stressed the national relevance of the project, noting its alignment with federal priorities in agriculture, rural development, electrification, and water provision.

“Artificial intelligence and technology will drive higher agricultural yields and sustainable rural livelihoods. Science and technology must underpin everything we do, including food production and wealth creation.”

The governor further urged careful planning for the transitional phase to safeguard current polytechnic students’ academic progress.

“We must manage the shift carefully while preparing for a university capable of competing nationally,” he added, urging swift implementation to set a benchmark in higher education.

Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, explained that the administration recognises the strategic importance of the upgrade in meeting the aspirations of a growing youth population seeking university degrees beyond polytechnic diplomas.

He described the proposed university as a distinctive institution aimed at equipping students with technical expertise and a strong academic grounding for a competitive global environment.

“The objective is aptly reflected in the proposed name, University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, underscoring our commitment to innovation, applied knowledge, and technological advancement,” Prof. Ajibefun said.

The commissioner noted that the committee, comprising distinguished academics and serving and retired public servants, had reviewed existing Rufus Giwa Polytechnic documents and examined data from universities within Nigeria and abroad to ensure strategic alignment with priority sectors for national and global development.

“The proposed university will have faculties in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Allied Health Sciences, Basic and Applied Sciences, Communication and Media Sciences, Computing and Digital Technology, Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, and Social and Management Sciences.

“A consultant town planner was engaged to develop the master plan, including perimeter surveys, land-use maps, location plans, pictorial views, Google imagery overlays, and detailed plans covering educational, residential, recreational, public/semi-public, and commercial uses, consistent with National Universities Commission requirements.”

Prof. Ajibefun also outlined a five-year strategic development plan designed to ensure financial stability, uninterrupted academic activities, and operational sustainability, recommending credible revenue streams alongside government subventions and a tuition structure balancing affordability with operational realities.

He further disclosed that a draft enabling law had been prepared, requiring minor amendments for formal NUC recognition.

Jos Killings: One Suspect Arrested, Governor Bans Motorcycle Operators In Area

By
Ayodele Oni
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Jos Killing On Suinday

By Ayodele Oni

A suspect has been arrested in connection with Sunday shootings in Anguwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang in a state wide broadcast to the people.

Recall that unidentified gunmen, riding on a motorcycle, shot and killed an unspecified number of youths in the area.

A resident, narrated: “The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions.

“The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions.”

Police put casualties at 17 while community leaders claimed they were over 30.

The State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has assured that decisive steps are being taken to restore calm and ensure lasting peace, following the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba.

Addressing the public during a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Mutfwang described the incident as a “senseless attack” on law-abiding citizens.

He emphasized that Plateau State will not succumb to fear or intimidation, and vowed that the government would remain steadfast in its commitment to peace.

The Governor extended condolences to the families affected and disclosed that security agencies have been mobilized, while a 48-hour curfew has been imposed in Jos North to facilitate thorough security operations.

He visited the scene of the attack alongside security chiefs to assess the situation, stating that the visit offered critical insights to strengthen preventive measures.

Governor Mutfwang also visited victims at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, expressing optimism about their recovery and assuring that the government would cover all medical expenses.

He revealed that a suspect has already been arrested in connection with the attack and pledged that justice would be swiftly served.

In addition, the Governor directed the strict enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations within the Jos Greater Master Plan as part of broader security measures.

He called for the cooperation of residents while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties.

“This tragic incident is a solemn reminder of the need for unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility,” Governor Mutfwang said, promising continued collaboration with security agencies to prevent any reoccurrence.

CDHR Condemns Jos Killings, Says Chief of Defence Staff Is Failing in His Duties

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bandits in the North

By Akinwale Kasali

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has strongly condemned the Palm Sunday killings in Jos, Plateau State, carried out, allegedly, by suspected herdsmen.

CDHR said the tragic incident has once again plunged communities in Jos and its environs into grief, fear, and uncertainty.

It expressed outrage over the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of homes, and the displacement of residents who continue to bear the brunt of recurring violence.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Debo Adeniran, President, and Secretary, Board of Trustees and Comrade Jeremiah Onyibe, National Publicity Secretary, CDHR said the situation in Jos is particularly alarming given its history of communal unrest, making the failure to prevent such attacks even more troubling.

CDHR stated that despite repeated warnings and previous incidents in Plateau State, there appears to be a disturbing lack of effective and proactive intervention by security forces.

The statement further stated that CDHR is especially concerned about the apparent inaction and insufficient response from the Chief of Defence Staff, whose responsibility includes ensuring the protection of civilians and maintaining national security.

“The continued attacks in Jos highlight serious gaps in intelligence gathering, rapid response mechanisms, and overall security coordination.

“The inability to decisively confront and neutralize these threats has emboldened perpetrators and left communities vulnerable.”

CDHR reiterated that the protection of lives and property is the foremost duty of the government, adding that the ongoing failure to secure communities in Jos is unacceptable and represents a grave dereliction of duty by relevant authorities.

“We further call for:

  1. Immediate and reinforced deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities in Jos and surrounding areas.
  2. A thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the recent killings, with swift prosecution of those responsible.
  3. The establishment of a robust early warning and rapid response system to prevent further attacks.
  4. Greater collaboration between security agencies and local community leaders to enhance intelligence and trust.
  5. Clear accountability from the Chief of Defence Staff on concrete steps being taken to halt the violence in Plateau State.

The Group said it stands in solidarity with the people of Jos and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as it remains committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

It urged the Federal Government to act with urgency and resolve to end the cycle of violence in Jos and across the country.

“Nigerians deserve to live without fear, and anything less is unacceptable”, the statement reads.

Former FCT Minister, Akinjide, Dumps PDP After 24 Years

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Jumoke Akinjide
Jumoke Akinjide

By Adesina Soyooye

Jumoke Akinjide, a former Minister for State, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has resigned her membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.  Her resignation came after 24 years of membership.

Her father, the late Richard Akinjide, SAN, was Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice under the late President Shagari Administration.

Akinjide made her resignation public in a  letter dated Monday, March 30, 2026. It takes immediate effect, she stated.

Akinjide who joined the PDP in 2001, disclosed that her decision to resign followed a long period of personal reflection.

She wrote: “I hereby formally give you notice of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.

“This decision was not taken lightly, given the fact that I have been a member of the party since 2001.

“I came to this difficult decision after a long period of personal reflection.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a member of the party and the experiences and relationships built during my time as a member of the party.

“I appreciate the platform provided for political office and engagement, and I wish the party success in the future. Thank you.”

Jumoke was the FCT Minister of State under the Government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

She is yet to say if she is quitting politics, or defecting to another political party.

Plateau Killings: Kwankwaso Condemns ‘Senseless Bloodshed’, Says Govt Has Failed

By
James Orji
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Kwankwaso

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the recent attacks by suspected gunmen on communities in Plateau State, describing the killings as “senseless bloodshed” and a clear failure of government.
The attacks occurred on Sunday in Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area, leaving dozens dead and several others seriously injured.
The incidents have drawn widespread condemnation, with security agencies reportedly launching a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Reacting in a statement shared on his verified X  handle, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and ex-Minister of Defence, said the attacks highlight the government’s inability to curb persistent insecurity across the country.
He argued that the continued violence suggests a lack of political will to end the culture of impunity, stressing that there is little evidence to show any meaningful improvement in the nation’s security situation.
According to him, the recurring violence in Plateau State and other troubled regions should no longer be tolerated, urging the government to handle the problem of insecurity as a national emergency.
“The recurring violence in Plateau State, and indeed across several parts of Nigeria, can no longer be treated as business as usual. It demands to be treated as the national emergency that it has been declared to be by the Federal and State Governments,” he said.
Kwankwaso further stressed that all Nigerians deserve to live in peace, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or social differences.
“Our people deserve the right to live in peace, security, and dignity, regardless of their ethnicity or faith,” he said.

Zenith Bank, Ford Foundation Honour Unsung ‘Sheroes’ With Inaugural Woman Of Power Award

By
James Orji
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Zenith Bank 141

Zenith Bank has held the climax of its month-long activities to commemorate March as women’s month. The event which held at The Civic Centre, was the second of such activity at the Centre, having held the International Women Day Seminar on the 9th of March, 2026. The event was to honour and give awards to exceptional women who have shown resilience in their communities with heir vocation impacting lives sustainably.

Speakers after speakers eulogized Zenith Bank for its people-centred activities and appreciated the Ford Foundation for identifying the Bank as a worthy partner in its push to support women in their peculiar cultural and economic conditions across the world.

Themed “Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity” the award recognised 19 women who were selected from the six geo-political zones in trade, petty manufacturing, education, and agriculture. These women demonstrated extraordinary strength, leadership, and impact despite the significant challenges posed by the difficult economic situation in the country.

According to the organisers, the initiative provided a platform to showcase unsung “Sheroes” — everyday women who are making meaningful contributions in their communities and fields. These include market women, small-scale business owners, community leaders, educators, healthcare workers, and many others whose vital roles often go unnoticed.

The sponsors of the event noted that each awardee exhibited excellence in several key areas, including leadership and initiative, community impact, innovativeness and resourcefulness, perseverance, integrity, community trust, and philanthropy.

Among those honoured were:

  • Mrs Regina Amankulor, a retired nurse empowering young people in Umuode-Nsulu community, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State;
  • Mary Matanmi, Coordinator of the Nigeria Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists, Lagos State chapter;
  • Ifeanyi P. Ugwueze, a Guidance Counsellor and Life Coach who continues to thrive despite blindness and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree.

Others include:

  • Amina Musa, a trade educator based in Karonmajiji, AMAC, Abuja;
  • Adenike A. Lambo, the Iyaloja of Ilorin;
  • Sadiya Abubakar, an educator in Jibi (Deidei), Bwari Area Council, FCT;
  • Erikan Idem Andrew, a market woman with significant community impact in Port Harcourt;
  • Ngozi B. Nwankpa, an Aba-based fashion designer;
  • Hadiza Umar, a Development Specialist based in Kaduna, Kaduna State;
  • Joy C. Ezenwa(aka Mama Amala), a trader at Sabon Gari Market, Kano;
  • Shola Esther Babalola(Mama Sho), promoter of natural honey and founder of the Mama Sho Honey brand in Lagos;
  • Josephine Ugwu, a staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), honoured for her honesty in recovering and returning millions of naira mistakenly dropped by passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
  • And many others.

In her keynote address, the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, who was represented by Executive Director, Adobi Nwapa, praised the awardees and reaffirmed the bank’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment. She noted that “Zenith Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion is not a rhetoric but one of the ethos that the bank holds very dearly”. In her words, she also said, “Zenith Bank has a 50-50 gender ratio with women occupying strategic positions in the bank’s management and Board up to the current Group Managing Director being the very first female to hold that position.

The Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu, described the Woman of Power Award as an eye-opener, noting that her team’s journey across the country revealed the vast and often overlooked facets of human potential among Nigerian women.

Both the Ford Foundation and Zenith Bank Plc have pledged to sustain and grow the initiative in the coming years.

Zenith Bank used the forum to notify the women of their various women-targeted products and initiatives, including the Z-Woman initiative, and the Bank’s 19-year sole sponsorship of the NBBF Women’s Basketball League; thus, further highlighting its position at the forefront of women empowerment and economic inclusion across the country.

Minor Beats Security Barrier In A Daring Stowaway Attempt, Sparks Airport Scare

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

 

Panic gripped Airport Officilas at the ever busy Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, when a 14-year-old boy was intercepted in a daring stowaway attempt that raised fresh concerns over aviation security.

 

The teenager, identified as Eke Miracle, was apprehended by operatives of the Airport Police Command after he gained access to a highly restricted section of the facility.

 

It was gathered from the Airport Police Command that the minor was found at the tarmac, allegedly attempting to conceal himself beneath an aircraft in what officials described as a grave security breach.

 

The incident, which occurred within one of the most sensitive zones of the airport triggered immediate intervention by security personnel on routine patrol.

 

Police sources said preliminary investigations revealed that the boy had unlawfully accessed the restricted area without clearance in violation of established aviation safety regulations.

 

The act, officials noted, contravenes provisions of the bylaws of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which strictly prohibit unauthorized entry into secured operational zones.

 

Following his interception, the minor was taken into protective custody, with authorities emphasising adherence to due process and child protection standards.

 

His parents were promptly contacted while the interview process was conducted in their presence to ensure compliance with established juvenile procedures.

 

Officials further confirmed that the boy was treated with care and provided necessary welfare support throughout the period of custody.

 

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for breaches within the aviation space.

 

She described the airport as a critical national asset, stressing that strict compliance with security protocols remains non-negotiable.

 

The Police Chief also called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant, warning against the dangers associated with unsupervised movements of minors around high-risk locations.

 

While assuring that the matter would be handled with sensitivity, she noted that due legal procedures would be followed in line with juvenile justice provisions.

 

Authorities confirmed that the case would be taken before the appropriate juvenile court as investigations continue.

 

The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, insisting that security and the protection of lives remain paramount across all airport operations.

Nigerian Authorities Planning To Arrest My Elder Brother To Force Me Into A Truce With Them – El-Rufai

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Embattled former  Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that plans are underway by the Federal Government-backed agencies to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, in a veiled move to force him into political negotiations.

 

The Source reports that El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences.

 

The former Governor whose bail application, following his arraignment at a Federal High Court Kaduna by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over alleged money laundering and inflation of severance package to the tune of over N579 billion, was to come up for ruling on Tuesday March 31, 2026, was however, granted bail on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother last week. 

 

But according to him, his elder brother, who is currently outside the country, could not be part of the funeral ceremony of their mother Hajia Umma El-Rufai, owing to credible intelligence indicating that he has been penciled down for arrest by relevant Federal Government bodies.

 

In a video message online, El-Rufai alleged that such a sinister move is part of a well scripted plot to compel him into negotiations.

 

“My eldest brother,Bashir El-Rufai, couldn’t come for our mother’s funeral because we heard that they (Nigerian authorities) had planned to have him arrested when he steps foot in the country. So we asked him to stay in Cairo.

 

“They believe that if they arrest him, it will force me to negotiate”, El-Rufai stated.

 

It would be recalled that  El-Rufai had a couple of weeks ago, while in custod, alleged that the ICPC had made his renounciation of active partisan politics as a necessary pre-condition for his freedom.

 

According to him, following his refusal to make any statements in detention, insisting instead to defend himself in court, the anti-graft Commission had made it clear that unless he reached an agreement to halt participation in political activities ahead of the 2027 polls, he will not regain his freedom.

 

The Source further reports that former Minister of Youths and Sports Development Solomon Dalung, had earlier stated that  President Bola Tinubu’s administration is so scared of the former Kaduna state Governor that it can go to any length to keep him out of circulation .

 

According to him, it was a great error of judgment on El-Rufai’s part to have walked himself into the hands of security agencies the way he did on Monday February 16 2026 when he voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

“El-Rufai made a great mistake by turning himself in to security agencies .

 

“The Government is really afraid of El-Rufai which is why they decided to arrest him at the airport immediately after arriving in the country from Egypt.

 

“But they (Government) equally knew that trying to arrest him could lead to some unintended consequences.

 

“So, for El-Rufai to voluntarily submit himself was a great mistake for a Comrade and a fighter to make” Dalung noted .

PDP Crisis: Turaki Faction Labels Wike-Backed Convention ‘Jamboree’

By
James Orji
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Ini Ememobong

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Tanimu Turaki has rejected the National Convention conducted by a rival group within the party.
The opposing faction, led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, held the elective convention in Abuja on Sunday, where members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected.
The convention has reportedly been certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki faction, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the exercise as a “jamboree,” alleging it was orchestrated by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Ememobong argued that the convention violated a directive of the Court of Appeal, which had urged both factions to seek an amicable resolution to the leadership crisis within the party. He further noted that it was improper for the Muhammed faction to proceed with the convention while the matter remains before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He warned that the action could deepen divisions within the already crisis-ridden party.
“We reassure that we have taken this matter to the Supreme Court for determination of all issues relating to the leadership of our party, particularly as it concerns what constitutes an internal affair,” he said.
“The validity of that gathering is now before the court, and we will diligently pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.”

Meanwhile Nigeria’s electoral umpire has formally recognised the Muhammed NWC  backed by Wike, the FCT Minister.

INEC made its position known on its official website on Monday, where it published the updated leadership of the opposition party.

Those listed include Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members of the party’s national leadership.

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