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Gov Radda Says 80% Of Bandits Reside Within, 20 In The Bush

May 29, 2025

Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Ayodele Oni

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has joined his Borno state counterpart, Zulum who accused politicians and uniformed officers of being informants to bandits by saying that 80 per cent of the perpetrators of insecurity in the state are not in the forests, but rather embedded within local communities as informants.

Speaking on Thursday during a special prayer to mark his second anniversary in office, Radda emphasised the critical need for intentional and decisive measures from all citizens to expose these individuals, asserting that the fight against banditry cannot succeed without addressing this internal threat.

He said: “We’re not here to celebrate power but rather to thank Allah and remind ourselves that leadership is a trust, not a trophy.

“This job is not about prestige. The money we manage is not ours. It belongs to the people. We are just caretakers”.

Radda admitted that the perpetrators of insecurity are not only from the foreset, saying those in the forest constitute only a meagre number compared to those in communities.

He said, “It is no longer just about the forests. We cannot pretend, the insecurity problem is not in the forests anymore. A lot of it is right inside our communities. That is where your voices matter the most.

“I am still calling on religious leaders and everyone on the issue of insecurity bedevilling our State. We had a security meeting yesterday and in our analysis, we discovered that only 30 to 20 per cent of perpetrators of insecurity are found in the forest, while 70 to 80 per cent are found among us in our communities.

“Those in the forest are getting information from those in our communities and they are the ones who are buying drugs, fuel for the bandits to ride to perpetrate their heinous crime, providing them with medication, taking ransom to them in the forest.

“I must say if we didn’t deal with these informants living amongst us, we would not succeed in this fight against insecurity. We should all be responsible in this course by exposing them.

“Another thing that we may not make right in the banditry fight is the lack of parental upbringings. Parents are not taking responsibility for the upbringing of their children anymore.”

He said the lack of parental upbringing has brought in another menace of insecurity bedevilling the state.

He said: “Cases of one man with many children, while in the event he cannot take care of them, surely, they must become a nuisance.

“Religious leaders, you must rise up to create awareness on how we will curb the issues of lack of parents taking responsibility in the upbringing of their children, to let them also follow the law of the land and especially in exposing informants.

“As for us in the government, we will leave no stone unturned if anyone is found aiding bandits in whatever form.

“We have given so much attention to those in the forest, and now, we will shift our focus more on those informants in our communities, which we believe will curtail insecurity.”

Secretary to the state government, Abdullahi Faskari, earlier said about 75 per cent of the administration’s goals have already been achieved, saying: “This government works with purpose and discipline.”

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Nasir, said over 140 experts helped shape the governor’s development plan noting that the next phase of the administration will focus more on helping people, not just building projects.

“We have built the foundation. Now it is time for a continuation to empower people to stand on it”, he said.

Enugu Killer Native Doctor, Obieze Arrested While Trying To Flee Nigeria

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 29, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Levi Obieze, wanted Enugu State killer native doctor’s bid to escape the long arm of law, on Thursday, May 29 2025 hit the rock ,as he was apprehended by officials of the Nigerian Immigration Services, NIS, at Gbaji checkpoint ,along the Badagry/Seme expressway while trying to cross into the Benin Republic. He was on a motor-cycle popular as “Okada”.

Obieze, popular as Ezeani, had been on the run since Monday May 26, when some decomposing human bodies were discovered inside a soak away pit at his palatial home in Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu local council of Enugu State.

The soak away pit and other facilities within the compound of the billion native doctor were said to be filled with bodies of victims, allegedly buried alive for ritual purposes.

The bubble burst following the abduction of a 13-year old girl by men suspected to be working for Obieze, and the subsequent rescue of the victim in his expansive compound by youths of the community.

While his palatial residence and choice automobiles were reportedly set ablaze by the irate community members, Ezeani managed to escape, alongside his four wives.

But in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS informed that the arrest of the run-away native doctor was sequel to the receipt of credible intelligence by operatives of the Lagos Border Patrol Command of the Service.

He was intercepted while trying to flee Nigeria on a motorcycle.

” Through credible intelligence ,Obi Levi Obieze was apprehended by vigilant men of the Nigeria Immigration Service ,Lagos state Border Patrol Command ,at Gbaji checkpoint ,along Badagry/Seme Road while attempting to flee the country on a motorcycle”, the NIS spokesman stated .

He further disclosed that the native doctor is presently in custody ,noting that his identity was authenticated through the National Management Commission slip found in his possession.

The Service stated that efforts are underway to hand him over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

Niger Flood Claims Several Lives, Submerges Houses

Ayodele Oni

May 29, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Disaster has again been reported in Niger State as unspecified number of people were swept away by flood. Many Houses too submerged.

The incident, happened on Wednesday evening in Mokwa town, headquarters of Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents reported that the road linking the northern and southern parts of Nigeria through Mokwa has also been cut off by the flood.

Although details remain sketchy, some residents estimated that as many as 50 people may have died.

Several houses and properties worth millions of naira were submerged. Others said the death toll could exceed 50, as many residents, including women and children, were still missing.

According to report, the flood was triggered by a torrential downpour that lasted for several hours submerging homes and sweeping away residents in their sleep.

A resident, Mohammed Usman, said several bodies had already been recovered from the water, but many others remain unaccounted for, especially in areas where houses were completely submerged.

The Director of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Dr. Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, confirmed the incident to Journalists.

He said the Agency was still gathering details about the extent of the disaster and would make his findings known in due course.

Gov Oborevwori Approves Monthly Allowance, Free Medicals For Widows In Delta

Ayodele Oni

May 29, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Delta State Government is set to empower widows in the State with the payment of monthly allowance.

Already, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the registration of 10,000 widows across the state’s 25 local government areas and 270 federal wards.

Each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000 and access to free medical care.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes and State Coordinator of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Isioma Okonta, disclosed this during a meeting with State, Senatorial, and Local Government Coordinators in Asaba.

Okonta described Governor Oborevwori’s initiative as a laudable effort aimed at supporting vulnerable and impoverished widows in the state.

According to him, the gesture will not only enhance the well-being of the beneficiaries, but also alleviate their financial burdens, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the social welfare of all Deltans.

He further noted that the registration and selection process is ongoing and strictly non-political, cutting across all religious affiliations, as Governor Oborevwori is a leader for all Deltans.

He stated that to ensure a transparent and hitch-free registration process, traditional rulers, president-generals, religious organizations, and community leaders will be actively involved.

During his State of the State address to the Delta State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced the approval of a monthly payment of ₦15,000 to 10,000 widows across the state.

This initiative is set to run throughout the duration of his tenure, reflecting his administration’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive governance.

The Aide pointed out that prioritizing the welfare of widows, many of whom face financial and emotional challenges, Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated a deep sense of empathy and leadership that places the needs of the most disadvantaged at the forefront of his administration’s agenda.

He was of the view that the programme wil significantly improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries and further strengthen public trust in the government’s commitment to social justice and equitable development.

Imo Diphtheria Outbreak: “Let’s Save The Children” – Ihedioha

The Source

May 29, 2025

A former Governor of Imo State, The Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has reacted to the outbreak of diphtheria in Aboh Local Government Area of Imo State.

Within the past week, the infectious disease has caused six fatalities, and forced the Chairman of the Local Government Area to close down all schools in the LGA – Primary and Secondary – till further notice.

On Children’s Day, May 27, no celebration was held in the area.

In a statement, Ihedioha condoled with the parents of the late children and appreciated all those, at various levels, who he identified as working tirelessly to contain the situation and raise awareness.

The full text of his statement titled ” Let’s Save The Children reads:

“Umunnem Ndi Imo

“I have followed actively the ongoing infectious disease outbreak in parts of our state. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their precious children to this disease outbreak. May the Almighty God console you all.

“I appreciate our government officials, traditional rulers, Town Union Executives, religious leaders, indigenous Health Professionals and all leaders of thought at various levels who have worked tirelessly in raising awareness and making useful contacts towards containing this unfortunate disease outbreak. As we’ve been informed, the infectious disease outbreak was caused by diphtheria, a bacterial infection that mainly affects young children. It is completely preventable by administering the full doses of the vaccines to our newborns. This outbreak now clearly shows that there are some children in our homes who have never received the DTP vaccine or did not receive the complete three doses of it for full effectiveness, referred to as zero-dose children. Some parents, painfully, have been neglecting this important task of presenting their newborns for childhood immunization according to the NPI schedule. Let’s learn from this unfortunate incident and comply henceforth with all health advisories as they are scientifically proven. The disease is also said to be treatable when identified early and appropriate therapy is instituted. This means that we are not in a hopeless situation.

“I, therefore, urge all citizens not to panic but to cooperate with the health authorities as they work diligently to contain this outbreak. Please, do as the professionals instructs: Let’s follow science even as we pray to Almighty God for divine protection and healing. Let’s avoid unproven remedies that may cause further complications for those affected. We should, as a people, pay greater attention to personal and environmental hygiene, including proper aeration of homes to avoid overcrowding, as prevention is always cheaper, easier and better than a cure. We should also visit health facilities for proper medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.

“This one, too, shall surely pass. We shall overcome.

“Emeka Ihedioha CON, KSC,
Omenkeahuruanya”

PDP’s Ighodalo, Again, Fails To Upturn Gov Okpebholo’s Victory At The Appeal Court

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 29, 2025

Chief Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday May 29 ,2025 dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate in the September 2 , 2024, off-circle gubernatorial election in Edo State, Chief Asue Ighodalo, against the electoral victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The PDP candidate who, according to the result announced by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, lost the polls, had his earlier petition against the declaration of his APC rival quashed by the Justice Winifred Kpochi-led tribunal on April 2 ,2025 .

Dissatisfied ,Ighodalo approached the Appellate court ,seeking a reversal .

The three-member appeal panel had penultimate week reserved judgment after all the parties adopted their written addresses.

While the aggrieved PDP candidate urged the Court to upturn the verdict of the lower court, the APC, and INEC, prayed the court to uphold the victory of Governor Okpebholo as earlier declared by the electoral body and affirmed by the tribunal.

However, delivering its verdict, the Appeal Court held that Okpebholo was validly returned as the winner of the polls .

Justice Mohammed Danjuma, while delivering the unanimous judgment of the Appellate court dismissed the PDP Candidate’s appeal as lacking in merit .

The Court held that Ighodalo, and the PDP ,failed to establish their allegations of manipulation of election results ,and miscarriage of Justice

As at the time of reporting ,it was not yet clear if the PDP ,and its candidate ,will be approaching the highest court in the land or, if they would helplessly call it a waste of time.

Tax Reforms In your Best Interest, Tinubu’s Aide, FIRS Chair Tell Youths

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 29, 2025

The tax reforms driven by President Bola Tinubu are focused on empowering, supporting and building a better economic future for young Nigerians to thrive, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms Rinsola Abiola, has said.

This is just as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Zach Adedeji, urged youths to be more involved in tax matters in order to have a clear understanding of how it works and benefits they stand to derive from taxation.

The duo spoke at a Youth and Tax Town hall meeting jointly organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership (OSSAP-CL) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

In her welcome address, Ms. Abiola assured that Nigeria’s proposed tax reforms are not just about revenue collection but also about opportunity, empowerment, and national inclusion.

“A lot has been said about the proposed tax reforms,” she stated, adding, “and I wish to assure everyone present here today, and indeed all other young people across the country, that these reforms have been crafted with the best interests of young people at heart, whether as professionals and salary earners, or business owners.”

Abiola emphasised that young people are no longer the leaders of tomorrow but active participants in shaping economic policies today. She listed advocacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy engagement as key avenues through which youths can influence Nigeria’s tax landscape.
“By fostering entrepreneurship and job creation,” she said, “young people contribute to expanding the tax base and generating revenue for national development.”

The presidential aide highlighted the Tinubu administration’s efforts to support youth, including funding for startups, digital skills training, and reforms aimed at easing the cost of doing business. “The Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth and is actively working to empower them,” she noted. “President Tinubu is a leader who listens and cares genuinely about the youth.”

On his part, FIRS Chairman, in a keynote address, noted that building a culture of voluntary tax compliance lies in engaging Nigeria’s young majority who make up more than 60% of the population.

“Taxation is both a fiscal tool and a social contract,” Adedeji, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Research and Statistics, Associate Prof. Aisha Mahmoud Haman, said.

“It is the foundation of public trust and the most sustainable means by which governments meet their obligations to the people.”

He acknowledged the longstanding public perception of taxation as a burden, but said the FIRS is actively working to rebuild that relationship. “Our role at the Federal Inland Revenue Service is not simply to collect taxes but to build a culture of voluntary compliance, transparency, accountability, and most crucially, inclusion.”

“If we harness this energy productively, Nigeria can become one of the most competitive economies in the world. But if we ignore it, we risk deepening economic exclusion, unemployment, and social tension.”

He unveiled several youth-focused initiatives, including the Young Tax Champions Programme, designed to recruit students and young graduates as ambassadors of tax education across the country. “This is about turning every youth into a tax expert, and about cultivating a generation that values civic responsibility and economic participation,” he said.

“The goal is not to burden young entrepreneurs with taxes they cannot afford, but to bring them into a system that supports their growth,” he explained. “This means providing incentives, simplifying tax processes, and linking compliance with access to credit, business support, and government services.
“Tax education must begin early—in our primary and secondary schools, our universities, and even in our vocational institutions,” he said. “Our young people must understand how tax works, why it matters, and how it affects their daily lives.”

“You are the present and future of tax administration in Nigeria,” Adedeji told the young audience. “We must build together a society where every citizen contributes fairly, benefits equitably, and feels a shared sense of ownership in the destiny of our great nation.”

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, the Director, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Mr Soji Enyiade, Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) represented by Deputy Director Yinka Fisher, and the DG of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu represented by the Deputy Director, Youth Engagement and Inclusion.

Taraba: School Building Collapses On Students Writing WASCE

Ayodele Oni

May 29, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Classroom of a secondary school in Taraba state in which students were writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) caved in, leaving several persons injured.

The incident happened at Government Secondary School, Namne, Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The classrooms collapsed on them during a heavy rainfall which was accompanied by wind storm.

The students and their invigilators were trapped in the collapsed classrooms for hours before some residents rescued them.

A resident, Alhaji DanAzumi Lauris, that it was the second set of the students that the classrooms collapsed on, as the first set had finished their exams and left the school premises.

He said the incident occurred at about 6pm on Wednesday.

DanAzumi, stated that injured students, teachers were moved to Primary Healthcare Centre located few meters away from the school where they are now receiving treatment.

He said apart from the school, the storm destroyed many houses in the community.

DanAzumi stated that the injured students, teachers and Corps members were moved to Primary Healthcare centre located a few meters away from the school where they are now receiving treatment.

He explained that apart from the school ravaged by the storm, several houses within the community were also affected.

Report added that in Jalingo town, many students went back home after 1.00 am as a result of heavy rainfall, which started when the examinations commenced and lasted hours which prevented many of them from going back home till after 1am.

Fubara To Rivers People On Second Anniversary: “Your Support Has Emboldened Me To Press On”

Adesina Soyooye

May 29, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

If the message he released on May 29, 2025, the day that could have marked his second anniversary in office but for his suspension in office is anything to go by, then, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is not tired of the office from which he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that a couple of weeks ago, Fubara had, to the anger of his supporters, while speaking at one of the events which marked the funeral of late Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, given the impression that he was no longer interested in going back to office as Governor; that his spirit already left Government House.

However, from the message he sent to Rivers people on May 29, his spirit is still very much embedded in Government House Rivers. He still wants to go back. In fact in his address, he sounded as if he was still in office. He spoke about the turbulent two years. He spoke about the gradual but solid achievements made. He told the people that their support and belief in him push him to press on. Meaning: He is pushing to get back to office because of the people. “Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first”, he said.

He also told them, like an expectant mother: “We are at a point in our journey where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.”

Not a few people have interpreted the difficult decisions he referred to here to mean a decampment to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in order to get his office back. He was elected Governor under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The full text of Fubara’s address to Rivers State people, titled Our Journey: But Progressive And Impactful reads:

“My dear good people of Rivers State,

“Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected Governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections. Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved State.

“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first. I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you e n joy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.

“While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.

“These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State. For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.

“As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our State. Though our momentum may have been affected by political circumstances, our focus remains clear, and we are determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more result-oriented.

“Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconcil i ation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.

“We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.

“As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a State we can all be proud of: a RIVERS STATE that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.

“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.

“Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.

“God bless Rivers State.

“Signed: His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor Rivers State
Thursday, May 29, 2025”

Recall that due to the political crisis triggered in the State by the bitter struggle for power between Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a State of Emergency on the State for an initial period of six months. In doing that, he suspended the Governor, his Deputy and the Members of the State House of Assembly from office, and appointed a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the State.

Quite a number of people expected that the President could lift the suspension May 29 to mark his second year in office, but the expectation was in vain.

Akpabio Meets Women Advocacy Leaders On Special Seats Bill

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 29, 2025

Senate President Godswill Akpabio received leaders of women’s advocacy groups in his office at the National Assembly on Thursday to discuss ways to increase opportunities for women in leadership positions in Nigeria.

Attendees included Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters; Barr. Ebere Ifendu, President of Women in Politics Forum; Ms. Ene Obi, a leading gender advocate and former Country Director of Action Aid; and Chief Osasu Igbinedion, Founder of TOS Network and a prominent gender rights advocate.

This visit was part of a series of advocacy efforts aimed at pushing for the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which is currently awaiting public hearing at the National Assembly. The bill seeks to increase women’s representation in politics by amending the 1999 Constitution to create dedicated seats for women at all legislative levels.

Specifically, it proposes one additional seat for women in both the Senate and House of Representatives from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, as well as three special seats for women in every State House of Assembly. If passed, the provisions would take effect after the current National Assembly’s term and be reviewed after 16 years. Civil society groups have been mounting pressure for the bill’s passage, highlighting the need for greater female representation in elective positions.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has emphasized the importance of women’s representation and their crucial role in the development of the nation, stating that a lack of female participation in politics is a missed opportunity for progress.

The Senate President also acknowledged the crucial role women play in leadership and governance, describing them as “better managers” and strong decision-makers.

He lamented the challenges women face in political spaces, pointing out that women themselves often do not vote for female candidates, a barrier that needs to be addressed for greater female participation in political representation.

“We all came from women. Personally I am blessed with four beautiful daughters. The success of this bill will open the doors of greater political participation for our female children,” he said, while advising the advocates to do more to win more converts for the bill to scale through.

In her speech, Mrs Igbinedion said, “We are here today to speak on behalf of millions of Nigerian women — farmers, entrepreneurs, market traders, doctors, teachers, and mothers — whose voices have for too long been underrepresented in the highest chambers of our democracy.

“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill offers us a rare opportunity to correct that historic imbalance to finally give women a seat at the table where national decisions are made.

“Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s representation in parliament, with women occupying less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This is not just a gender issue — it is a governance issue, a democracy issue, and a development issue.

“The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, we see stronger communities, more inclusive legislation, and better outcomes in health, education, and peace-building. Representation matters — not just symbolically, but substantively.

“This bill is not asking for charity; it is calling for justice. It is not about reducing the space for men; it is about expanding the possibilities for Nigeria. By creating reserved seats for women, we are not limiting merit — we are correcting systemic exclusion.

“Mr. President, your endorsement of this bill will be a turning point. It will send a powerful message across Nigeria — that this Senate is ready to lead with integrity, to legislate with empathy, and to act with boldness in pursuit of equality,” she said.”

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