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Democracy Day: Tinubu Cancels Nationwide Address

June 12, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

For the first time in 26 years, there will be no Nationwide Broadcast by the President to mark Democracy Day.

The Broadcast, usually, by 7.00am, was canceled by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the cancelation is due to the scheduled joint session of the National Assembly to be addressed by the President scheduled for 12 noon.

The President, the statement said, will deliver his address from the Chambers of the National Assembly by 12 noon.

The revised schedule indicates that the President will speak from NASS by 12 noon. Thereafter, there will be a public lecture scheduled for 4.00pm to be held at the State House Conference Centre. The theme of the lecture is “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.”

Coverage will be open to only accredited State House Correspondents.

Panic As Explosion Rocks Petrol Station In Lagos

Akinwale Kasali

June 11, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Pandemonium broke put in Iju Obawole Community in Ifako-Ijaiye axis of Lagos State following an explosion at a private petrol station, Optima.

The Petrol Station went up in flames, prompting motorists and residents of adjoining buildings to flee from their homes in the community.

It was gathered from sources and eyewitness

that the fire which spread across the fuel station, started minutes after residents heard a loud bang from the facility, attracting passers-by and residents to the facility sited along K Farms Estate in the Local Government.

It was alleged that the inferno started from the underground Fuel Tanks before spreading to other parts of the station, which prompted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to barricade the entrance to prevent human interference in the rescue operations.

Spokesperson for the agency, Shakiru Amodu, confirmed the development, saying that the incident which occurred on Wednesday, has been prevented from spreading to property beside the station.

As at the filing in of this report, the Fire Service Officials were still battling to put off an inferno around the Victoria Island axis of the State, from spreading to other areas in Victoria Island.

It was learnt that the fire engulfed a building opposite the Silverbird Galleria along the Ahmadu Bello way in the State.

On the fire disaster, Amodu narrated that the incident occurred at about 17:22pm and the emergency rescue team stormed the premises 22 minutes after, attributing the delay to traffic along the axis.

According to him, “We got the information that the building on 151 Amodu Bello Way, Victoria Island, opposite Silverbird Galleria, was on fire at about 17:22hrs.

The Fire Service Team from Oniru was immediately deployed to the location to prevent the spread to adjoining buildings.

“The situation is now under control, as rescue mission is ongoing”, Amodu stated.

Obi Says N39b ICC Renovations Misplaced Priority, Donates To Chibok Girls Sec. Schl

The Source

June 11, 2025

Peter Obi Donates To Chibok Girls Secondary school

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has condemned the misplacement of priorities by the government to favour the rich while the poor are dying in droves.

Obi, who spoke in Abuja while announcing the facilitation of three projects, to the tune of N6m plus some computers in Girls Secondary school, Chibok, Borno state, noted that anything done to promote education is not donation but investment.

He berated the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for spending N39 billion on the renovation of the International Conference Centre that was named after President Bola Tinubu in a place where people are dying of not having basic things like food, education and healthcare.

Obi described the renovation of the conference as a wasteful venture, urged the federal government to always invest in ventures like education that would be profitable to the youth in future.

The former Anambra State governor donated the sum of N6 million for the sinking of a borehole, provision of solar and a laboratory in the secondary school where school girls were kidnapped in 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

“FCTA could afford to claim that it renovated a structure that is in good shape with N39 billion”.

He described it as a waste and misplacement of government priority, whereas there are schools in the country where such funds should have been invested for the welfare and educational benefits of children.

According to Obi, ” the N39 billion used to renovate the international conference centre would have been better used to issues that would benefit the school children who are in dire need of such investment.

”M39 billion would have been used to procure thousands and thousands of computers that would have benefited the schools because the children who are leaders would have benefited from it. They are the leaders of tomorrow.

” As we talk, teachers in the Federal Capital Territory are on strike for three months, protesting months of non-payment of salaries.

”This was one of the things I did when I was the governor of Anambra State, I made it to the extent that students use the computers, ten students to one computer,” he said.

Obi said that the donations would have been done in the Chibok community, but was warned that it is security risky to do so because of the security situation in the area.

“If a section of the country is not safe to visit, the whole country is not safe.”

The facilitator of the donations, and an activist for the free Chibok girls, Mrs Alisha Yusufu, said that the Chibok community got in touch with her soliciting help to improve computer literacy in the school on May 31 this year, and she immediately got in touch with Obi, who quickly obliged.

The leader of the Chiboku community who received the ten computer laptops, two Laser printers, Dauda Iliya pledged to ensure that the items were put to use for the maximum benefit of the students.

No Resting Time For Akinwunmi As He Bags Another High Profile Job

Adesina Soyooye

June 11, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigerian-born outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, has bagged another high profile job.

The cerebral Akinwumi who leaves office in August 2025 after a roaring successful tenure at the AfDB has just been appointed to the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.

His appointment was announced by its President, Mashal Husain, in a statement in New York.

Adesina, whose second term tenure – 10-years – was a 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.

Said Husain: “President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr Norman Borlaug – transforming bold ideas into tangible impact.

“His lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation, sustainability and economic development across Africa makes him an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors.

“We are honoured to welcome him back to the Foundation in this new role.”

The council of advisors, appointed by the foundation’s Board of Directors, include former Head’s of State and Government, Ministers, and leaders in food and agricultural science, education, research and policy.

“They provide the board and staffers with insights and advice on advancing the mission of the organisation and Dr Norman Borlaug’s vision for the World Food Prize Foundation.

Adesina, according to the statement, has expressed deep honour over his appointment to the Council.

Said Akinwumi: “I am deeply honoured to join the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.

“Dr Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor, but a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my own journey.

“As a Laureate, I carry his legacy with me, and I look forward to working with the Foundation to advance bold, science-driven solutions that uplift farmers, feed nations and transform our world.”

Adesina, Minister of Agriculture, under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, is an agriculture expert and a globally recognised Development Economist. He received the 2017 World Food Prize for his more than two decades of leadership and progress.

He worked with the Rockefeller Foundation as Vice President, Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

IHe was named the Forbes African Person of the Year in 2013.

Of Adesina, Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation said: “Dr Adesina has long been a trailblazer in global agriculture and economic development.

“His leadership has reshaped the landscape of African agriculture, from fighting corruption to empowering farmers and fueling sustainable growth.

“Sharing Dr. Borlaug’s conviction that food is a powerful tool for peace and progress, Dr. Adesina brings both deep expertise and a shared moral compass to the Council of Advisors.”

Adesina, from Ogun State, Nigeria, has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and will finish his second and final term as President of AfDB in September.

Air Peace Expresses Shock As Oshiomhole Disrupts Flight Operations

Adesina Soyooye

June 11, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator hit the roof and allegedly went physical when told he has missed his flight

Nigeria’s flagship Carrier, Air Peace, has expressed shock and disappointment over the conduct of a high profile Nigerian who disrupted their flight Operations on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Even though the Airline in its statement mentioned no name, a viral video of the incident on Social Media identified the high profile Nigerian as Senator Adams Oshiomhole. For the records, Oshiomhole, a serving Senator, was a former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a former two-term Governor of Edo State, and a former National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, whose son is the Commissioner for Health, Edo State.

Trouble started Wednesday morning when Oshiomhole, booked on a 6.30am flight to Abuja, arrived late for his flight. He, allegedly, arrived at about 6.30 am, by which time the check-in counter had closed and the flight ready for departure.

So, he was told he had missed the flight; that the aircraft was already set to depart; that there was no way the flight’s departure would be altered; that the departure of over 100 passengers could not be disrupted because of one man. But Oshiomhole, it was reported, hit the roof. He felt insulted. So, decided to disrupt operations at the gate.

Reports said Oshiomhole blocked the gate, wouldn’t allow services to continue, and all entreaties and appeals fell on deaf ear.

No Air Peace Staff could appease him, not even their Manager, and not even after an emergency meeting was allegedly held to resolve the issue – which is that he has missed the flight; that he ought to have been at the airport, at least, an hour to departure time. Buy he wouldn’t have it. And, according to the airline, went physical with the airline staff.

In the viral video, an enraged Oshiomhole could be seen screaming at the almost quivering Airline staff and shocked passengers.

In a statement issued by the Airline, the Management decried the “unruly conduct by a prominent Nigerian politician.”

The statement dated June 11, 2025, said that the high profile individual arrived late for Flight P47120 bound for Abuja from Lagos.

Seeing that he has missed the flight, he allegedly turned violent.

Said the Airline, this individual arrived at Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at approximately 6:10 am for a 6:30 am flight. But at that time, the boarding process has been completed and closed and the flight ready for departure.

In the statement, the airline said that the politician, when informed he had missed the flight, :physically assaulted staff members, forcefully barricaded the terminal entrance, and even sealed off the entry gate, obstructing other passengers from accessing the facility.”

This led to widespread disruption to airport operations and multiple flights were delayed.

According to Air Peace, to minimise more disruption of flights, said it was forced to activate an emergency operational plan to reroute affected passengers through an alternate terminal.

Airpeace: “We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel.

“Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers.

“No individual, no matter how influential, is above these values.”

It is not known if Oshiomhole eventually flew to Abuja on another scheduled Air Peace flight or another Airline. He has not issued any statement either to the troubling incident.

Democracy Day: Presidency Cancels Military Parade

Ayodele Oni

June 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The ceremonial Military Parade, usually one of the features on Democracy Day in Nigeria will not hold this year.

No reason was given for the cancellation, but President Tinubu would, instead, participate in a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12. noon tomorrow.

The Federal Government announced the cancellation of the scheduled military parade to commemorate the 26th Democracy Day.

The details of activities marking the Democracy Day released on Wednesday by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Democracy Day celebration, indicate that President Bola Tinubu would deliver a nationwide address at 7.00 a.m on Thursday.

A statement to this effect was released by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in Abuja.

According to the statement, the traditional Democracy Day parade that usually held in previous years would not take place.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had earlier announced that the Military Parade would hold.

Akume, who was represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Inter-ministerial Committee for the 2025 Democracy Day celebration about two weeks ago.

The statement, however, explained that: “The Inter-Ministerial Committee wishes to announce the following developments on the 26th Democracy Day celebration:

“Presidential National Broadcast on June 12, 2025 at 7.a.m; No Democracy Day Parade.

“H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is to attend the National Assembly Joint Session at 12 noon.

“Public Lecture on Democracy Day Celebration at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Time: 4.p.m

Theme: ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms’.”

Nigeria’s Democracy Day was shifted from May 29, the day of the inauguration of Democracy in 1999 after a long spell of Military rule to June 12, the date Nigeria’s freest and fairest election was held in 1993. It was won by Chief Moshood Abiola but sadly annulled by the Military Government under the Leadership of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Abiola tragically died in while in custody battling to retake his mandate.

Cultism: Okpebholo To Demolish Property Belonging To Federal Lawmaker, Council Chairman, As PDP Kicks

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 11, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday June 11, 2025, accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of hiding under the guise of fighting cultism to engage in political molestation, oppression and intimidation of perceived foes.

The PDP’s allegations are coming against the backdrop of the marking, for demolition, the property of two of its chieftains, Hon Marcus Onobun and Hon Collins Aigbogun, member of the House of Representatives and Council Chairman respectively.

The Source reports that the Edo State Government which has, of recent, been waging war against suspected cultists in the State has reportedly marked properties belonging to the duo in their hometowns based on the suspicion that they are serving the interests of cultists.

But in a statement issued by Dr Tony Aziegbemi, its Chairman on Wednesday, the Edo State PDP described the action of the State Government as a clear case of political victimization.

“The Edo State Government under Senator Monday Okpebholo has continued its trend of oppression, tyranny and intimidation to suppress opposition, and coerce citizens into silence.

“This time, it is Hon Marcus Onobun ,the member representing Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Hon Collins Aigbogun, the Esan West Local Council Chairman who are jolted by the marking of their property in their home towns for arbitrary demolition.

“We condemn, in the strongest terms, this perpetual resort to political harassment, and witch-hunt in a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence, and cripple the opposition in Edo State.

“This brazen move by the State Government represents a disturbing abuse of power and misuse of legislation to target political opponents.

“The Anti-Cultism Law as passed clearly stipulates that property can only be subject to forfeiture or demolition after a valid conviction by a competent court of law.

“At present, there is no such conviction against Hon Ononbun and Hon Aigbogun,only baseless, unsubstantiated allegations.

“This is not law enforcement; it is a political witch-hunt ,and we wish to remind the Edo state Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat.

“The weaponization of laws to stifle opposition voices ,and intimidate perceived political rivals is not only a threat to democracy in Edo state ,but a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country”, part of the PDP statement reads.

The party, therefore condemned, and rejected the state Government’s action which it noted smacks of vindictiveness.

While urging the state authorities to immediately halt the planned demolition, the PDP threatened to hold all those that may want to go ahead with the exercise accountable.

“We also want to put on notice the policemen bulldozer drivers, as well as owners of the bulldozers that they will be held liable if for any reason they participate in the supervision, destruction, or demolition of any building or property without a valid court order.

“They should know that they do not enjoy the immunity that the Governor enjoys, and the law frowns at the execution of unlawful orders”, the PDP stated.

Zamfara: APC Threatens To Sue PDP Over Allegation Matawalle Involved In Kidnapping, Banditry

Akinwale Kasali

June 11, 2025

Bello Matawalle: Embroiled in Bandit romance allegation, to be replaced.

By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has threatened to take legal actions against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Zamfara State, for alleging that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle was involved in kidnapping and banditry in the State.

The accusation is coming in the wake of Matawalle’s lashing of Governor Dauda Lawal’s Administration.

Matawalle also alleged that Dauda is planning to sneak into the APC and dump the PDP.

Governor Lawal has, however, debunked the allegation, and distanced himself from the APC.

In a statement released on Wednesday by APC’s spokesperson, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the Party condemned recent claims made by Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Lawal. The party described the allegations as baseless, defamatory, and politically motivated.

The statement followed an emergency meeting of the APC State Working Committee (SWC), chaired by Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, which reviewed the “provocative” remarks attributed to Kaura.

“The lies being peddled by the Zamfara State Government, especially against Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, are not only misleading but must be investigated,” the statement read.

The APC described Kaura’s comments —particularly those made in a recent online video interview — as “character assassination” and “open insults” targeted at party chieftains including Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, now Senator representing Zamfara West.

According to the statement, Kaura falsely claimed that the December 11, 2020 abduction of over 300 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in neighboring Katsina State, was the result of a conspiracy involving Matawalle.

Kaura also alleged that Matawalle collected ₦300 million from then-Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina to facilitate the students’ release, but only handed ₦30 million to the kidnappers.

“The APC, which vigorously tackled banditry during Matawalle’s administration, takes strong exception to these falsehoods and has directed its legal team to file a lawsuit,” the party said. “Kaura must provide evidence to support these serious allegations, particularly regarding the 2020 Kankara abduction and other alleged ‘pre-arranged’ kidnappings.”

The Party, also, challenged Kaura to provide proof relating to other high-profile abductions, including:

“The abduction of over 270 female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe (February 26, 2021) victims from the College of Agriculture and Animal Science in Bakura, Zamfara State.

“The Party noted that under Matawalle’s tenure, many of these victims were rescued swiftly and support was consistently provided to affected communities. It listed towns such as Gwaram, Kanoma, Kaya, Faru, Janbako, Lilo, and Anka among others as evidence of his administration’s proactive approach to security challenges.

“The party will also consider legal action against the media platform, Maibiredi TV, which aired the interview, given the seemingly coordinated effort between interviewer and interviewee using a prepared script to push a narrative,” the statement added.

The APC further accused the PDP-led Government of attempting to deflect from its failures by resorting to smear campaigns and inciting public tension for political gain.

“This reckless outburst against Matawalle and Yari is a reflection of the PDP’s fear of the growing popularity and acceptance of our leaders.

“But no amount of propaganda can deter us from our mission to serve the people of Zamfara.”

It, however, concluded by urging APC members to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the truth would prevail and justice would be served.

Natasha Floors Akpabio As Court Dismisses Motion, Fines Senate President N100,000

Akinwale Kasali

June 11, 2025

Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio — Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured victory against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has struck out two motions filed by Akpabio against the Kogi State born Senator. The Court also awarded costs of ₦100,000 against Akpabio.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, struck out the motions on May 21, 2025, following the request for withdrawal of the Appeal.

The motions, dated March 3, 2025, and March 25, 2025, and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, listed Akpabio as the appellant.

The respondents were Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuem.

In the appeal, Akpabio sought the following reliefs: “An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal.

“An order of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3. Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice | Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025, on Grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.

Renovation Work In Phases At NYSC Camp – Ekiti Govt

Ayodele Oni

June 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As National Youth Corps members are preparing to resume for another round of orientation, Ekiti state government has given an update about the state of facilities at the orientation camp in Emure Ekiti.

Some Youth Corps members sustained injuries in 2024 when buildings at the camp caved in during orientation programme.

The State government had assured of immediate renovation of the facilities at the orientation camp, while political office holders provided immediate succour for the occupants.

A recent viral video on the situation at the camp however revealed that not much has been done on the renovation work as some buildings still remain dilapidated.

Reacting to the state of facilities at the camp, Ekiti state commissioner for Youth Development, Ademola Gold Adedayo, in a statement on Wednesday, stated that renovation work at the NYSC camp has since commenced and is being carried out in well-planned phases to ensure sustainability and quality delivery.

The government statement reads “The attention of Ekiti State Government has been drawn to a video currently circulating online regarding the state of infrastructure at the Ise-Emure National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in the state.

“I wish to assure the public, especially prospective corps members and their families, that the state government is aware of the situation and is addressing it.

“Renovation work at the NYSC camp has since commenced and is being carried out in well-planned phases to ensure sustainability and quality delivery.

“The first phase of the renovation focused on critical infrastructure, including electrification of the camp and construction of modern toilet facilities. These have since been completed and are already in use.

“It is important to clarify that the building shown in the viral video is one of the facilities scheduled for renovation in the subsequent phases.

“Due to its current condition and pending rehabilitation, it has not been allocated to any corps member or official for accommodation or use.

“As at the time of the video, no corps members has been allocated accommodation and none will be allowed to stay in the building.

“The State Government remains committed to supporting the NYSC in providing a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment for all corps members serving in the state.

“The welfare and safety of our young graduates remain a top priority, and we will continue to work closely with the NYSC authorities to ensure the successful upgrade of the camp facilities.

“We appreciate the concerns of members of the public and urge everyone to remain calm and trust the process, as tangible efforts are already underway.”

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