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2027: Makinde Will Revive Economy After Defeating Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde
President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, APM will defeat incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in next year’s presidential election, according to his party which said the governor possesses the leadership quality and national appeal to win the Nigerian Presidency.

According to The Punch, APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf made the remark, saying the party was convinced that Governor Makinde has what it takes to defeat the incumbent in the 2027 election.

The APM’s spokesperson  said the party had intensified grassroots mobilisation across the country and was recording a surge in membership following the entry of prominent politicians into the party.

He explained that some of the qualities of its presidential candidates which have endeared him to Nigerians include prudent management of public resources, responsible governance and inclusive leadership, saying he will bring these to bear when he becomes president.

He stressed that the party has the solutions to the country’s current economic challenges, saying Nigerians are frustrated with the ruing All Progressives Congress, APC and President Tinubu in the manner he has handled the affairs of the country, adding that Governor Makinde has stood out among best-performing governors, adding that this has earned him public recognition and reposed Nigerians’ confidence in him that he has solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the country.

“The APM presidential candidate has the leadership capacity, commitment and competence to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, revive the economy and deliver the dividends of good governance,” Yusuf said.

“Our candidate’s reputation for prudent management of public resources, responsible governance and inclusive leadership would shape an APM-led Federal Government. His blend of experience, youthful energy and ability to unite Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious lines gives us confidence that he has what it takes to win the 2027 presidential election.

“Across the country, citizens have expressed deep concerns about the rising cost of living, widespread insecurity, unemployment and declining economic opportunities. These are genuine concerns that require practical solutions and compassionate leadership, which only the APM can offer,” he said.

Presidency Accuses Obi Of “Desperation” Over Allegation That His Life Is In danger

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s adminsitration has accused Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the NDP of raising false alarm, to the effect that his life is in danger, saying his plan is to cause violence in the country.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communications made the allegation on Saturday in a post he shared on his verified X handle, noting that Obi’s life had never been in danger, rather, the NDC presidential candidate was just trying to steer up anger among Obidient, his political movement against the federal government.

Bwala’s remark comes on the back of a recent comment by the former governor of Anambra state that an attempt was made on his life during his recent planned visit to Benue state.

The presidential hopeful had also alleged that his life was put in danger, citing an alleged intimidation against him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

But the presidential spokesman dismissed Obi’s claim, describing them as unfounded, false and “desperate” saying the allegation is a new political strategy by Obi to whip up sentiment against the government.

Bwala: “The desperation of Peter Obi is palpable. He recently travelled to Europe and was quoted to have alleged that the Governor of Benue wanted to kill him. Imagine lies from someone who said he wants to govern a country like Nigeria.

“The other day he falsely accused airport officials of threatening his life when in fact he violated airport traffic rules.

“Lately his newfound allegation on life may appear to be his strategy to use his Obidient movement to threaten people’s lives like they have been doing on us.”

What Obi said

Recall that the NDC presidential hopeful had alleged that he may not be alive to contest next years election, citing alleged intimidation against him by some agents of state and federal government, which he said has left him frustrated.

He said, “The way they are going…, not even a candidate. I might not even be alive.

“I’m telling you. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything. So, there is even a possibility that, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive.

“It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustrated every day. Because you do things that you think would be normal, it is not normal anymore.

“They won’t come directly and say, ‘Oh, we’re doing this,’ but you can see their hand in virtually everything.”

Peter Obi, _CON at 65: Extolling A Visionary’s Enduring Influence

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi at 65

By ike Abonyi

 

Today marks not merely the passage of another year, but a commemoration of the profound and lasting impact of a leader whose political philosophy and personal conduct have fundamentally reshaped the definition of leadership in contemporary Nigeria. As His Excellency, *Peter Onwubuasi Gregory Obi, reaches his 65th birthday having been born on July 19, 1961, I pay tribute to a friend, an individual of exceptional intellect, strong character, and unwavering dedication to public service.

 

 The Nature of a Change Agent

Peter Obi’s political trajectory has consistently been characterised by a drive to challenge and improve upon the existing order, rather than merely adhere to it. From his impactful governorship of Anambra State to his significant role as a catalyst for national reawakening, he has repeatedly demonstrated that governance can and must be conducted with accountability, fiscal prudence, and a genuine focus on the populace. He elevated frugality to a governing principle, underscoring the belief that a nation’s resources rightfully belong to its citizens, not its elite.

 

 Inspiring a New Generation

Beyond policy initiatives and economic data, Peter Obi’s most significant legacy may be the inspiration he has instilled in countless young Nigerians. At 65, his vitality remains undimmed, his foresight sharp, and his message consistent: the possibility of a revitalised Nigeria. He has successfully steered the national discourse from one of entitlement to one of merit, from a focus on consumption to one on production, and from a state of despondency to one of constructive hope.

 

He has redefined the benchmarks for leadership in Nigeria, proving that integrity is not a political liability, but rather the ultimate source of strength.

 

 A Milestone of Composure and Fortitude

Reaching sixty-five years signifies a period of accumulated wisdom, thoughtful reflection, and renewed commitment. Amidst a political arena often dominated by clamour, Peter Obi stands as a stable, composed, and meticulously reasoned voice. His leadership is demonstrated through his actions; his approach is marked by humility, and he consistently encourages us all to hold both our leaders and ourselves to higher standards.

 

I extend our warmest 65th birthday wishes to this great friend, a distinguished statesman, a forward-thinking economic advocate, and a leader truly devoted to the people. May the coming years be filled with continued strength, robust health, and the realisation of a vision for a just and prosperous nation.

 

_ike Abonyi, Editor @Large

Nigeria’s Tems Becomes First African Female Musician To Clinch Diamond Single In US

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

 

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popular as Tems, has made history.

 

She became the first African female artist to earn a Recording Industry Association of America, RIAA, Diamond-certified single in the United States of America.

 

The Nigerian International act attained the milestone for the song “Wait For U”.

 

Tems acclaimed collaboration with American rapper Future featuring Canadian rapper, Drake, after the song surpassed 10 million certified units in the US.

 

The Global music monitoring platform Chart Data revealed on its X page that the song has sold over 11 million units in the U.S.

 

The platform wrote: “US Certifications (@RIAA): Future (@1future) Feat. @Drake & @temsbaby, WAIT FOR U 11x Platinum (11,000,000) ”.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tems now joins Wizkid as the only African artist to earn a Diamond single in the US.

 

Wizkid was the first African artist to receive a RIAA Diamond Certification through his collaboration with Drake on ‘One Dance’.

 

Tems’ achievement marks a major milestone in her international career and further underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian music.

 

The “Love is a Kingdom” crooner has continued to break new grounds on the global music scene since gaining international prominence with her distinctive vocals and songwriting.

 

The singer has won two Grammy Awards and received nominations for several international music honours, collaborating with some of the world’s biggest music stars.

 

This feat has made her fans take to social media to celebrate her latest achievement, describing it as another proud moment for Nigeria and the African music industry.

 

Her feat reflects the increasing global acceptance of Afrobeats and the growing influence of Nigerian artistes on the international stage.

Self-styled Prophet, Onye Eze Jesus Bags Six Years In Jail, Fined N20 Million

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Onye Jesus

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Anambra State authorities in continuation of  their avowed commitment towards ridding the State of the activities of fake and fraudulent spiritualists , traditionalists, and other  criminal elements, on Friday, secured the  conviction of a self-acclaimed prophet, Onyebuchi Okocha.

 

Okocha, popular as “Onyeze Jesus”, was on Friday handed down a six-year prison term, and a fine of N20 million by an Anambra High Court sitting in Awka, the State Capital over charges bordering on alleged violation of the provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security laws of 2026.

 

The law, which became operational in 2025, is primarily targeted at curbing the alleged unwholesome activities of fraudulent spiritualists, traditionalists, and enablers of other criminal activities such as armed robbery, internet fraud, and ritual practices for the purposes of wealth acquisition.

 

Delivering judgment on an application filed by the Anambra State Government, trial Judge, Honourable Justice Jude Obiora, held that individuals claiming to possess supernatural powers leading to economic and other fortunes, through some unlawful practices and who prepare charms outlawed by the Anambra Homeland Security law are liable to both imprisonment and financial penalties.

 

Consequently, the trial Judge  having found the defendant, Onye Eze Jesus guilty of contravening relevant Sections of the Anambra Homeland Security laws convicted and sentenced him to six years in jail, and a fine of N20 million.

 

The Source reports that since launching a state-wide crackdown on individuals and groups engaged in alleged ritual practices, fraudulent spiritual activities, and the use of charms for the facilitation of criminal activities such as kidnapping, and internet fraud in February 2025, the Anambra State Government have arrested and prosecuted a number of individuals.

 

The State Government, early June, arrested and arraigned no fewer than 10 alleged fake and fraudulent  Church pastors and prophets, including a former Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC Abia Central Senatorial District aspirant, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa whose Ministry is based in Onitsha.

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DHQ: Military Rescued 40 Persons, Arrested 20 Terrorists In Seven Days

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Soldiers on Duty

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has announced a landmark victory recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, as it reportedly rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and  arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements within seven days.

 

The Military achieved this feat during a coordinated operations across the country between July 10 and July 16.

 

Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja in a statement on military operations nationwide, stating that during the operations the troops also neutralised several terrorists and dismantled criminal networks.

 

He said that the successes were recorded by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and Udo Ka in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

 

Onoja added that troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Northeast, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists; the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators; as well as the rescue of 13 abductees.

 

According to him, troops also foiled infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, neutralised terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.

 

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested terrorist- collaborators, neutralised three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states.

 

He said troops also recovered vehicles and other items from fleeing terrorists while successfully repelling attacks on several communities.

 

The Defence spokesman said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun during an operation in Kwara.

 

He added that Operation Enduring Peace troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after foiling attacks along major highways.

 

According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier conveying 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.

 

He said troops also rescued a school principal, a NECO official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in the Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.

 

Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained the fight against crude oil theft by discovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and refining equipment.

 

He added that troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abductees.

 

In the South-East, Onoja said Operation UDO KA troops arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered weapons and ammunition and rescued two abductees along the Aba–Port Harcourt Motorway.

 

He said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage and dedication across all theatres of operation.

 

According to him, the CDS also applauded the intelligence-led collaboration among security agencies that led to the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity without any concession to the abductors.

 

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and other security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace, security and stability were fully restored across the country.

Examination Fraud: UNICAL Dismisses Eight Staff Members, Demote Don

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
University of Calabar - UNICAL

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Management of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, has dismissed eight members of staff and sanctioned another with a two-year promotion delay, following disciplinary actions approved at the institution’s 174th Governing Council meeting.

 

Aside examination  fraud, the dismissed staff were also alleged to have diverted the Institution’s fund and vandalized School properties.

 

A memo signed by the University Registrar, Dr. Icha Chukwuka, who doubles as Secretary to Council, revealed that the sanctions followed a review of disciplinary cases presented before Council members.

 

Those dismissed include Prof. Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science, over alleged examination misconduct;  Ukachukwu Echezunachi Darlington of Chemical Pathology, Akinrinade Opayemi Ogunluyi of Microbiology, Dr Arum Priscilia Nchekwube of Internal Medicine, and Okoi Nyesam Eni of the Clinical Medical Hostel, all sacked over absence and abandonment of duty.

 

Others include Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department, dismissed over allegations of vandalizing and carting away armoured cables, and Eworo Valentine Ibor of Pure and Applied Chemistry, dismissed for allegedly falsifying and altering examination results.

 

In the same vein, Emmanuel Adariku of the Alumni Relations Office was dismissed over unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the Friends of Malabo/Alumni Trust Funds account, while Dr Mathias Agba of Nursing Science was handed a two-year promotion delay and forfeiture of 50 percent of his withheld salary over negligence linked to an examination misconduct case.

 

The Registrar’s memo stated that the University “continues to reiterate its zero tolerance to all forms of unethical practices,” noting that the administration of Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong “remains resolute in his determination to rebrand the institution on a foundation of integrity and excellence in service delivery.”

 

The disciplinary action is coming amid heightened scrutiny of ethical conduct among staff of tertiary institutions nationwide, with universities under pressure to clean up their systems following repeated public outcry over examination fraud, financial impropriety and abuse of office by both teaching and non-teaching staff.

 

The University’s Public Relations Unit which released the statement, said the affected staff were dismissed in line with due process, following Council’s deliberation on the disciplinary reports presented to it.

Again, Armed Men Seize Three Siblings, Mother’s Corpse In Benue State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Armed men have reportedly abducted three siblings conveying the remains of their mother in the  Ohinimini Local Council of Benue.

 

The victims were  taking the corpse of their mother who died in Abuja to their home community of Ikienyi  in Okpokwu Local Council of Benue state for burial when they were intercepted by suspected terrorist elements in the early hours of Saturday, July 18, 2026.

 

The siblings, alongside their mother’s body were kidnapped along the Ogobia/Otukpo Road, within the axis of Omutele and Ankpechi Villages.

 

Eyewitness accounts informed that the victims whose vehicle  developed some mechanical faults at about 2.00 am  were abducted a few minutes after fixing the vehicle, and resuming their journey.

 

According to the locals, the siblings were taking away between 3.00am and 4.00 am by the armed men after firing sporadically to scare residents.

 

The incident occurred almost at the same area where some suspected hoodlums had attacked and killed some people a couple days ago.

 

Some parts of the Ohinimini and Otukpo Local Councils  have been witnessing renewed and coordinated attacks and killings since July 1, when the Benue State Chapter Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN Ardo Risku Mohammad and his associate Yakubu Isah Mairiga were ambushed and killed along Otukpo area after attending a peace meeting held at the headquarters of the Council.

 

Confirming the unfortunate incident, Gabriel Adole, the Chairman of Ohinimini Council informed that he is still  trying to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the development.

 

As at the time of reporting, the State Police Authorities were yet to react to the situation.

 

It will be recalled that penultimate week, suspected armed terrorists had equally intercepted some mourners, including family members conveying the corpse of a deceased FRSC Deputy Commander to Otukpo. They later abandoned the corpse in a bush.

After Initial Portal Failure Is Restored, NBA Election Voting Begins

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
NBA

By Ayodele Oni

 

After initial hitches occasioned by portal failure, thousands of lawyers began voting electronically on Saturday in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections, with three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) contesting the association’s presidency amid legal disputes, allegations of interference, and concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

 

The election will produce a successor to the outgoing NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), with Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) vying for the office.

 

The presidency has been zoned to the Southwest, following the decision of the Midwest Bar to opt out after producing two recent NBA presidents — Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and Olumide Akpata.

 

Akinboro, a Life Bencher, previously served as NBA General Secretary and later as Secretary and Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch.

 

Akangbe is a former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, former Chairman of the NBA Finance Committee and a member of the Body of Benchers.

 

Badejo-Okusanya previously served as General Counsel in the Lagos State Governor’s Office during the Babatunde Fashola administration and chaired the Planning Committee for the NBA’s 2024 Annual General Conference.

 

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) has published the final voters’ register containing more than 30,000 eligible lawyers after months of verifying members’ eligibility.

 

Only lawyers who paid their practising fees and branch dues within the stipulated period are eligible to vote.

 

Despite concerns raised after the Managing Director of the election service provider was arrested, the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) on Friday confirmed his release and insisted that the election would proceed as scheduled.

 

Following an emergency virtual meeting, the NEC unanimously resolved that the 2026 NBA National Officers and General Council of the Bar elections would be held as planned.

 

The NBA, the ECNBA assured members that all logistical and operational arrangements had been completed and that there was no justification for postponing the exercise.

 

The council also condemned the arrest and detention of the election service provider’s Managing Director, describing it as disturbing, while urging all authorities to respect the independence of the association and refrain from interfering in its electoral process.

 

The election has, however, been overshadowed by legal challenges and calls for postponement.

 

Egbe Amofin Oodua had earlier secured a court order seeking to stop the other presidential candidates after endorsing Akinboro as its sole candidate. However, the Court of Appeal later set aside the order

 

On Friday, the group renewed its opposition to the election, calling for its suspension to allow reforms to the electronic voting process.

 

Chairman of its Governing Council, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), accused the NBA leadership of abandoning an earlier agreement with stakeholders to postpone the poll.

 

He also questioned the integrity of the current electronic voting system, alleging that email-based verification remains vulnerable to manipulation through compromised email accounts, altered voter profiles and intercepted one-time passwords.

 

The group proposed that future NBA elections should adopt verification linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) and registered telephone numbers to improve transparency.

 

Olagunju warned that proceeding without implementing the proposed reforms could undermine confidence in the association’s electoral process.

 

Also on Friday, the Atiku Media Office alleged attempts by unnamed individuals to influence the outcome of the NBA election through the use of security agencies and the courts to favour a preferred candidate.

 

The media office claimed the alleged interference formed part of a broader effort to weaken democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for respect for the constitutional independence of the ECNBA.

 

The NBA leadership also dismissed documents circulating on social media claiming that the Attorney-General of the Federation had directed the suspension of the election, describing the reports as false.

 

To strengthen confidence in the process, the NBA invited local and international election observers, including Yiaga Africa, the European Union, the United States and United Kingdom missions, and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), to observe the electronic voting exercise.

 

Voting will be conducted entirely online through the ECNBA platform. Only lawyers whose names appear on the final voters’ register will be allowed to vote using unique credentials issued by the electoral committee.

 

The ECNBA said each eligible lawyer would vote once, while complaints relating to technical issues would be handled through its helpdesk.

 

Campaign activities have also been prohibited during the voting period, with the electoral committee expressing confidence that technological safeguards put in place will ensure a credible, transparent and secure election.

 

Results are expected after the close of voting, following collation and verification by the electoral committee

2027: Gombe Gov Targets One Million Votes For Tinubu

By
James Orji
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0
Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called on the aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the state to close ranks, saying this will enable the party deliver the state for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2027 election.

The state helmsman said the party’s targeting 0ne million votes for Tinubu, and this will only be possible if the members of the party are able to forge a united front ahead next year’s general election in the country.

According to the governor, who spoke while inaugurating the APC Reconciliation Committee in the state,  saddled with the responsibility to resolve grievances arising from the party’s congresses and primary elections, the aggrieved members should leave the past behind them, forge a united front with other stakeholders, in the overall interest of the party head the election.

If this is done, the governor said, the party will emerge victory in the state, by wining all the seats in the state House of Assembly, National Assembly, including the presidency for Tinubu, saying the party’s target is to secure “one million” to  return Tinubu to Aso Rock.

“I am confident that if we remain united, the APC will deliver one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Gombe State. We will also retain all 24 seats in the State House of Assembly and win the state’s three Senate seats as well as all six seats in the House of Representatives,” Governor Yahaya said.

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