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Ondo Police Command Faults Afenifere Youth Leader Over Claims Four Traditional Rulers Aid Kidnapping

May 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has said that the claim by Afenifere Youth leader, Eniola Ojajuni, that four Traditional Rulers in the State are aiding kidnappings could not be substantiated.

Ojajuni had also expressed dissatisfaction over the police’s alleged failure to invite him for a debrief following his release from captivity.

Contrary to Ojajuni’s assertions, the police command explained that he was neither kidnapped nor released by any known abductor within Ondo State.

The command, in a statement by its spokesman, Ayanlade Olushola, claimed that Ojajuni’s allegations lacked credibility, citing inconsistencies in his statements that contradicted accounts provided by his wife and brothers.

The police command revealed that Ojajuni has persistently ignored multiple invitations for a formal debrief, which could have significantly aided ongoing investigations.

The command emphasized that the alleged abduction of Ojajuni remains shrouded in mystery, marked by conflicting narratives and actions inconsistent with the known modus operandi of kidnapping syndicates in the state.

The police pointed out that a video released by Ojajuni’s purported abductors during his alleged captivity is at odds with the behavior of kidnapping groups previously investigated or arrested.

It maintained that intelligence gathered from past kidnapping cases and confessions by arrested suspects indicate that many of these criminals do not even own smartphones, let alone record or disseminate footage of their victims.

The police command urged the public, especially individuals with credible evidence or knowledge of criminal activities, to come forward and assist the police in the pursuit of justice.

The command emphasized that law enforcement and criminal prosecution can not be conducted on social media and that proper investigation and due process remain the only paths to justice.

The police command appealed to residents of Ondo State to continue to support the police and other security agencies as they intensified their efforts to protect lives and property.

“The command remains resolute in its mission to maintain peace and security across the state, and residents are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear.”

PDP NEC Tasks President Tinubu On Insecurity, Economic Recession, Approves Date For Convention

Ayodele Oni

May 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rescind all anti-people policies and take practical steps to address insecurity and economic recession in the country.

This was contained in the resolutions of PDP NEC, which rose from its 99th meeting on Tuesday, in Abuja.

It expressed firm resistance to what it described as the sinister plot by the Tinubu-led APC to turn Nigeria into a one-Party totalitarian state, as evidenced in the desperate attempts to stifle and annihilate opposition parties through open siege, threats and intimidation of opposition figures and institutions of democracy in Nigeria.

The PDP NEC in a 10-point communique presented by its Acting National chairman, Iliya Damagum, noted that it is clear that the plot is borne out of APC’s mortal fear of inevitable defeat in 2027 due to its dismal failure in government.

The NEC meeting condemned the worsening insecurity; the wanton killings, banditry, kidnapping, marauding of communities and other acts of terrorism in various parts of our country.

It noted that the vices were emboldened by President Tinubu’s apparent negligence and abdication of his Constitutional duty to ensure the safety and security of the nation and her citizens.

“NEC expresses serious concern over the sorry and melancholic state of affairs of our Nation under the irredeemably exploitative insensitive and anti-people All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“NEC also laments the worsening economic hardship and extreme poverty in the country occasioned by the ill-advised and ill-implemented polices of the Tinubu administration; hike in fuel price, wanton increase in electricity tariff, multiple taxes and unexplained charges on services.”

These, it added have resulted in collapse of the productive sector, closure of millions of businesses, massive loss of jobs, rise in criminality and general sense of misery across the country.

“NEC condemns the policy inconsistency, wholesale corruption, massive treasury-looting, budget padding and diversion of public funds that pervade the Tinubu administration resulting in infrastructural retrogression and loss of investors’ confidence in our system.”

NEC, while addressing challenges facing PDP restated its belief in democracy, the Rule of Law and the Supremacy of the will of the people as expressed through their free and unhindered democratic participation in multi-party politics and governance.

It noted that the successful convening of the 99th NEC meeting clearly communicates the PDP’s unity and focus despite the challenges.

The NEC said that “pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution, it received and ratified the composition of the Committee on the National Convention and approved the conduct of the National Convention on Thursday 28th to Saturday 30th August 2025.”

The NEC also announced that it received and ratified the composition of the Committee on the Zoning of National Offices ahead of the National Convention with Governor Douye Diri as Chairman, Governors Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary.

Similarly, the PDP NEC constituted members of the National Convention Committee which include; Governors Ahmadu Fintiri – Chairman, Ademola Adeleke – Vice Chairman and Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Secretary.

The NEC also received the Resolution of the South East Zonal Executive with regard to the issue of the position of National Secretary and resolved to consider the Resolution of the South East Zonal Executive at the next NEC meeting scheduled to hold on Monday, 30th June, 2025.

The PDP NEC reassured Nigerians that the Party remains strong, resilient, united and determined now, more than ever before in leading the charge to rescue the Nation from the vicious grip of the APC.

Afenifere Appoints Oba Falae Chairman NEC, Appraises Tinubu’s Mid-Term Performance

Ayodele Oni

May 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Pan Yoruba Socio-political Group, Afenifere, has appointed Oba Olu Falae as the Chairman of its National Executive Committee, (NEC) to pilot its daily operations.

Oba Falae, the Olu of Ilu Abo, in Akure North local government areas of Ondo state will be operating along with ageing Reuben Fasoranti in the running of the group.

The Decision was taken at the monthly general meeting of the group held at Akure residence of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, which was attended by many key chieftains.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Jare Ajayi said Pa Fasoranti had approved the appointment and mandated Oba Olu Falae to carry out some reforms that would make Afenifere more united to protect the interest of the yoruba race.

On the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Afenifere called on the President to address the rising cases of kidnapping and killings in some parts of the country.

The yoruba foremost group also advised President Tinubu to make his economic policies to impact positively on the populace while the government should urgently reconstruct Ibadan-Ilesa road which has become a death trap.

“As we congratulate the present administration for clocking two years in office, we urge it to make restructuring a major policy focus in its third year,” he said.

It also voiced concern over the worsening security situation, citing recent kidnappings and killings, including that of Oba James Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Kogi State, and Nelson Adegboyigi, who was abducted and killed in Ondo State despite ransom payment.

Violent attacks on communities in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and other northern states were also highlighted.

Afenifere reiterated its long-standing demand for the immediate establishment of state police, warning that insecurity is becoming endemic partly due to complicity at political, military, and community levels.

While congratulating President Tinubu on his two years in office, the group expressed hope that his administration would use the remaining tenure to more effectively address Nigerians’ pressing concerns.

The organisation also noted recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports on inflation, emphasizing that food inflation and transport costs remain burdensome, urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to alleviate these hardships.

Reacting to his new responsible as the Afenifere Chairman, Oba Falae, promised to bring all interests together to defend the yoruba race.

Sheikh Gumi Faults FG’s Failure To Protect Citizens, NAHCON Reacts To His Deportation from Saudi

Akinwale Kasali

May 27, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Following his deportation from Saudi Arabia by the Government of the Arab Nation, effectively stopping him from performing the 2025 Hajj, controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Gumi has accused the Federal Government of failing to protect the rights of Nigerians living and travelling abroad.

He urged the FG to prioritize the protection of its citizens.

Gumi stated that following his deportation from Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of State Services contacted him after the incident to address the situation.

The cleric called on the government to always stand firm in defending Nigerians’ rights, especially when citizens face unfair treatment in other countries.

He stated that Nigerians should be free to express their opinions peacefully without fear of punishment or discrimination.

“Nigeria should stand by her principles as a free nation. Every Nigerian has the freedom of speech as long as you do not call for violence, discrimination, and ethnic cleansing. Your expressed views should not be used against somebody intending to go for worship.

“Nigeria has to assert her own rights as a free nation; we are not slaves to anybody. This is a lesson we should teach all authoritarian governments — that ‘Look, you don’t play with the rights of Nigeria.”

Gumi was part of a group of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria who arrived in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air.

Upon arrival at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, he was deported back to Nigeria.

A defiant Gumi have declared his intention to return to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, declaring that the holy land is a place of worship where Muslims should not face restrictions.

“Yes, I will go on pilgrimage. It is a place of worship, and there should not be restrictions for adherents,“he said.

Mallam Salisu, aide to Gumi disclosed that the cleric was barred from performing Hajj due to his outspoken criticism of the Saudi Arabian ruling family, particularly regarding their handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

He said, “The highly respected cleric was not deported, contrary to some reports. What actually occurred was that he arrived in Madinah on Saturday. During immigration clearance at the airport, his thumbprint failed to retrieve his biodata. As a result, he was asked to step aside.

“The following day, Saudi authorities informed him that he was barred from participating in the Hajj rites due to his outspoken criticism of the ruling family, particularly regarding their handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

“Therefore, I can confirm that he (Sheikh Gumi) has called to let me know that he was back to the country.”

Reacting to this development, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, explained that Gumi had “since been banned from entry into the Kingdom” and was fully aware of the restriction placed on him.

NAHCON clarified that the issuance of a visa by Saudi authorities does not guarantee entry into the Kingdom, particularly for individuals who have been flagged by security or immigration systems.

“He has since been banned from entry into the Kingdom. They normally will issue a visa, and then upon arrival, they will not allow you to leave immigration and will deport you. He is not the only person deported this year”.

When pressed further if Gumi was aware of the entry restriction placed on him, the official responded that, “Yes, he is aware.”

Children’s Day: Dissuade Your Children From Joining Cult Groups – Okpebholo Tells Parents

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 27, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their wards.

This is just as he urged them to dissuade their children from joining cult gangs or any other destructive shadowy organizations.

The Source reports that Edo State has, of recent, been plagued by a spectre of cult-related violence, deaths and wanton destruction of both public and private properties.

The unsavoury situation has compelled the State Government to go tough with identified cult gangs ,their members and associates in a bid to restore sanity.

In his Children’s Day message on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the urgent need for parents and guardians to play active roles in the upbringing of their children and wards.

According to him, stakeholders, including teachers, should not shy away from the onerous task of mentoring children, instilling in them acceptable societal norms and values, as well as encouraging them into toeing the right path in the pursuit of their aspirations.

A statement from his Media Aide, Fred Itua, quoted the Governor as insisting that children will grow to become useful to themselves and assets to the society only when parents,guardians,teachers, and all other relevant stakeholders play their God- assigned roles in the process of children upbringing.

Governor Okpebholo pledged the commitment of his administration towards creating the enabling environment for the promotion of the wellbeing of children,and the realization of their full potentials.

“Our children are our most precious assets .Their dreams are the blueprint for a brighter future for Edo state.

“As an administration, we are fully dedicated to investing in their development, protecting their rights and nurturing their talents.

“We believe that every child deserves a fair chance at success ,irrespective of his/her background.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to provide them with the necessary tools and support to excel in their academic,develop their skills ,and contribute meaningfully to society” the Governor assured .

He noted that his administration has made a huge and intentional investment in education and protection of child rights, and other sectors with a view to supporting children in fulfilling their dreams.

Reschedule Exams Against Friday, MURIC Tells Tertiary Institutions

Ayodele Oni

May 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reminded tertiary institutions that this year’s Sallah may likely come up between Friday and Saturday next week; hence they should reschedule examinations fixed for the period.

The Muslim group criticised a situation whereby some tertiary institutions are in the habit of ignoring public holidays and scheduling examinations to coincide with Muslim festivals.

The Islamic human rights group, therefore advised authorities of educational institutions all over the country to avoid slating their examinations for the Salah period.

Executive Director of MURIC, Prof Ishaq Akintola, in a statement alleged that some tertiary institutions are in the habit of ignoring public holidays and scheduling examinations during Muslim festivals.

MURIC described such practice as insensitive, repressive and provocative.

The statement : “It has come to our knowledge that some tertiary institutions are in the habit of ignoring public holidays and scheduling examinations to coincide with Muslim festivals.

“This is aimed at causing Muslim staff and students as much discomfort as possible. This, without doubt, is insensitive, repressive and provocative.

“Such developments are capable of igniting tension in tertiary institutions at a time when the country needs peace for its various development programs.

“For instance, reports reaching MURIC says that in the last two weeks, the management of some Federal tertiary institutions caused uproar when they fixed their examinations on Salah day or a day before. Fortunately some of them have reviewed their timetables by postponing examinations till after the Salah. This is commendable.

“Internationally recognized festivals for which the Federal Government always declares holidays should be respected at all times. Anything to the contrary is not only insensitive, repressive and provocative, it is also illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional.

“As Salah is expected to fall on Friday 7th or Saturday 8th June, 2025, tertiary institutions are implored to avoid clashes between their examinations and the Salah period. We advise a gap of at least two or three days between Salah and examinations in tertiary institutions.

“MURIC appeals to the authorities of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria for cooperation in the interest of peace and harmony, not only on the campuses, but in the country as a whole.

“Anything to the contrary will be deemed confrontational and it is not in the best interest of the institution. Dialogue, consultation and inclusiveness are an integral part of academic culture.

“Any examination fixed against Salah day will be seen as a calculated attempt to oppress Muslim students and staff on campus. By the way, can such institutions slate their semester examinations for 24th, 25th and 26th December when Christmas bells are ringing and its carols rent the air?

“Any likely clash between examinations and Salah period can be easily detected and adjusted if global best practice is followed. Examination timetables are usually tabled before the Committee of Deans and the University Senate for consideration.

“Apart from these two respected academic bodies, the various unions on campus may be consulted before decisions are taken on sensitive issues like this in order to satisfy all righteousness.

“In future, we will have no option than to report the authorities of any tertiary institution, whether federal or state, that refused to respect public holidays, particularly those declared for Islamic festivals to the relevant ministry of education and the National Universities Commission (NUC). To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

Tinubu Writes NASS, Seeks Fresh External Borrowing, Domestic Bond

Ayodele Oni

May 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has read a letter from President Bola Tinubu seeking the National Assembly’s approval to implement three types of borrowing.

This is to facilitate finance of government projects, in view of dwindling financial constraints.

These are capital grazing funds, the FGN 2025-2026 external borrowing plan and a request for approval for issuance of domestic bond to fund retirees pensions through the Contributory Pension scheme.

In three separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas, the President is a seeking the approval of the House to borrow two billion dollars for capital grazing funds, 21,543,647,912 dollars, 2,193,856,324.50 as well as 15 billion yen and a grant of 65 million Euro and ₦757, 983,246,571.

One of the letters reads: “The House of Representatives is invited to note that the 2025-2026 borrowing plan covers all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth, security, and employment generation, as well as financial and monetary reforms, among others.

“The total facility of the programme under the borrowing plan is USD 21,543,647,912, and also EUR 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million Euro, respectively.

“In the light of the removal of the fuel subsidy and its impact on the national economy, approval is called for the borrowing plan, which amounts to USD 21,543,647,912, and EUR 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million, respectively.

“This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerian.

“Majority of these projects and programmes will be implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the power of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall.

“These funds will primarily be directed towards critical infrastructural projects, including railways, healthcare among others.

“Given the market nature of these needs and the importance of stabilizing the economy, it is crucial to seek the consideration and approval of the House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 External Borrowing Plan.

“This will enable the government to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people through timely disbursement and effective project implementation.”

Naze – Nekede – Ihiagwa Road: Uzodimma Orders Immediate Resumption Of Construction

The Source

May 27, 2025

Imo State Government has assured that the reconstruction of the 35km Owerri- Elele Highway will be completed within the next 15 months.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri.

He said although the said highway is a Federal Road, Governor Hope Uzodimma approved its reconstruction to ease movement for all Nigerians who ply through that axis on their way to and fro Rivers State.

Emelumba further disclosed that the governor has also approved the dualization of the road, while Craneburg construction limited has already commenced work on it.

“As I speak with you , work has started. The contractor has assured us that the road will be delivered in the next 15 months. This will be like the Owerri-Orlu dual carriageway delivered by the same contractor ,” the Commissioner assured.

He said the reconstruction of the road was part of the broader road revolution strategy embarked upon by the governor which has resulted in the construction and reconstruction of more than 120 roads since the inception of the administration five years ago.

According to Emelumba, road infrastructure continues to be a priority to Uzodimma because of its critical role in the economic growth of the state.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner has announced that Uzodimma has approved the immediate reconstruction of the 7.4km Assumpta- Umuguma Road as well the Hospital Road and Chosen-Dreamland Road totalling 6km.

Similarly, the governor has directed the contractor handling the construction and rehabilitation of Naze- Nekede-Ihiagwa road with span bridge to resume construction work immediately.

Ogun 2027: Akinlade Dumps PDP

Akinwale Kasali

May 27, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The lingering crisis rocking opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, persists.

Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP at the 2023 elections in Ogun State, has announced his resignation from the Party with immediate effect.

The former Governorship Candidate in the State under the Allied Peoples Mandate, APM, in the 2019 Election explained that the decision became necessary after wide consultations and engagement with Party members, Political associates, leaders, stakeholders, family, and friends.

The former PDP Stalwart in Ogun State was running mate to the defeated Governorship Candidate of the PDP in 2023, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Son to business Magnate, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu.

The registration letter dated May 26, 2025, through Ward 3, Agosasa in Ipokia local government of Ogun State for onward transmission to the National Secretariat of the Party reads; “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

“This decision became necessary after wide consultations and engagement with party members, political associates, leaders, stakeholders, family, and friends.

“I thank you for the support and opportunity accorded me as a member and wish you the very best.

“After a period of deep introspection and wide-ranging consultations with party members, political associates, respected leaders, stakeholders, and my family, I formally announce my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect”, he emphasised.

The letter further reads; “This decision was not taken lightly, it follows persistent and unresolved internal crises within the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, which have regrettably undermined our collective aspirations for a more inclusive, democratic, and forward-looking party”.

“Despite our genuine commitment to party-building and efforts to provide credible leadership, we were met with deliberate obstructions, institutional disregard, and repeated acts of bad faith from both zonal and national leadership of the party. Akinlade stated.

“Rather than serve as a stabilizing force and neutral arbiter, the National Working Committee (NWC) chose to align with a particular faction of the party in Ogun State, effectively abandoning its constitutional responsibility to promote unity and fairness

“This partisan posture culminated in the recognition of a parallel register during the 2024 Local Government and State Congresses, in clear violation of the PDP’s constitution and guidelines”, he argued.

“Our group had complied with all procedural requirements during the registration exercise, submitting duly compiled and authenticated membership registers containing over 49,000 names. These registers were accepted and formed the basis for the Ward Congresses of August 2024.

“However, the sudden substitution of our validated register with that of another group, and the imposition of unauthorized congress outcomes, rendered the process not only unjust but unsustainable.

“These infractions triggered parallel congresses across the 236 Wards, 20 Local Governments, and at the state level, leading to prolonged legal disputes now before the Court of Appeal.

“Yet again, during the recently concluded PDP South West Zonal Congress, the party leadership missed another opportunity for reconciliation by excluding our bloc from meaningful participation and ceding total control to one faction. ’

“The current turmoil within the national structure of the PDP, coupled with growing defections across the federation, raises valid concerns about the future and direction of the party.

“As a leader with a duty to my constituents, political family, and supporters, I cannot continue to associate with a party whose internal processes are defined by selective justice and institutional bias, ’ he declared

“Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the coming days, after due consultation and alignment, I will announce our next political direction, he stressed.

“To the members of the Triple A Political Family, our loyal supporters across Ogun State and beyond, I express my profound gratitude for your unwavering support, courage, and faith in our shared vision for a more prosperous and equitable Ogun State and Nigeria”, he wrote.

Edo Loses Pilgrim In Makkah, Saudi Arabi

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 27, 2025

Mrs Adizatu Danzum from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Edo State has lost one of its pilgrims at the ongoing Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Seventy five year old Mrs Adizatu Danzumi, from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state reportedly passed on Monday at the King Fahad General Hospital Makkah after a brief illness.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday May 27 ,mby Malam Musah Uduimoh, Chairman, Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, the deceased took ill shortly after observing the Tawaaf( the circumambulation around the Kaaba on Sunday

“Dazumi, who was immediately admitted to the hospital , however, succumbed to sickness the following day.

“In line with Islamic tradition, she was buried in Makkah on the same day she passed on and her family in Jattu Uzairue has been duly informed of the development”, the Pilgrims board boss stated .

This is just as he extended sincere condolences to the deceased family ,while reaffirming the commitment of the board towards prioritizing the health and wellbeing of pilgrims during the Hajj operation.

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