FG Signs €10.2mn Deal With EU, France To Boost Local Medicine Production

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November 2, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Dr. Gabriel Suswam, a former two-term Governor of Benue State, has given notice of his intention to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

His decision, he said, reflects his readiness to work hand-in-hand with President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia to enable Benue State fully benefit fully from Federal programs and opportunities.

He described his defection as a shift from partisan rivalry to people-focused governance and noted that cooperation with the Federal Government is essential to tackling Benue’s key challenges which include insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure.

A statement by Suswan’s Personal Assistant, Emmanuel Hangeior, said his Principal’s decision to defect to the PDP, underscores his belief that “the time has come for Benue leaders to close ranks and put the people first.”

He said: “Senator Suswam’s move reflects a new spirit of collaboration one focused on unity, progress, and the prosperity of Benue State”, he noted.

Genocide Allegation: Fani-Kayode Accuses President Trump Of Tyranny

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November 2, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Stung by the threat of an attack on those killing Christians in Nigeria by President Donald Trump of the United States of America, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister, has, among other choice names, called him “a tyrant”

In a strongly-worded post on his X page on Sunday, Fani-Kayode, a former admirer of Trump, described him as “a deranged and sociopathic megalomaniac”.

He also accused the most powerful President in the world of hypocrisy and double standards in his approach to global conflicts.

Recall that Trump

on Friday, October 31, designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern, CPC.

President Trump cited what he saw as ongoing violence against Christians, worsened by the failure of the Federal Government to protect religious minorities.

He followed that up by saying the USA would launch a vicious war to take out those who are slaughtering innocent people because of their religious beliefs.

But the Nigerian Government, in a number of statements, including one personally signed by President Bola Tinubu, whose wife is not only a Christian, but an ordained Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, even though he is a Muslim, denied any persecution of any religious groups in Nigeria.

However, on Saturday, Trump doubled-over and threatened military action against Nigeria.

Stung by that, Fani-Kayode lashed out at Trump and alleged that the US President “ignored the atrocities committed by the Israeli Zionist Nazis and the “UAE-backed RSF butchers of Darfur” while falsely labelling Nigerians as “killers of Christians”. He accused Trump of attempting to brand the country with genocide claims.

He, also, used as an example, a message from a friend of his who condemned Trump’s remarks, and described them as “petulant and childish.” He called on African leaders to recognize that Western powers are “not our friends.”

Fani-Kayode

emphasised that any attempt by the US to invade Nigeria would be met with resistance and said the development should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to value courageous and patriotic leadership.

Fani-Kayode wrote: “Imagine a deranged & sociopathic meglomaniac & tyrant, a recalcitrant and unrepentant schoolyard and dockside bully and a cheap and shameless godless scumbag like @realDonaldTrump

threatening our country with violence, military action and invasion. What a nerve!

“Trump, a fascist & an associate of the globally recognized Hitler of the 21st century, @netanyahu, has refused to call the Israeli Zionist Nazis and the UAE-backed RSF butchers of Darfur, Sudan mass murderers and genocidal maniacs but he is calling our people the “killers of Christians” and is desperately trying to label our nation with the genocide tag and create a crisis in Nigeria.

“Our Government must refuse to allow themselves to be hoodwinked by the words of middle-ranking American Governnent officials who are not members of the MAGA inner circle & who do not truly represent the very hardline and extreeme views of the right-wing Christian fundamentalist & anti-Muslim forces that Trump holds dear.”

Kidnapping: Incensed NMA Gives Anambra 72 hours to Secure Release Of Member

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November 2, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The Anambra Government has been given a 72- hour ultimatum by the State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, to rescue its abducted member or face serious consequences.

Incensed by the brazen abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon on Thursday, 30 October, the NMA has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Security Agencies to secure his release immediately.

The call was made by the NMA on Saturday in a communiqué at the end of an Emergency General Meeting held on Saturday.

Dr Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, dislosed the NMA, was abducted in front of his hospital at Uruagu, Nnewi in the evening of October 30.

Till date, the NMA revealed, the hoodlums are yet to establish any form of communications with Mbanugo’s family, relatives, friends or colleagues.

Therefore, the NMA said,

“A 72- hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra State Government to secure the immediate release of our colleague Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo.

“If at the expiration of the above time line our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA, Anambra, will down tools until our member is released.”

In addition, the NMA stated that all relevant Government Agencies have been informed of the abduction of their colleague and the resolve of its members to stop work after 72 hours.

Alleged Genocide: Tinubu, Trump To Meet Soon – Presidency

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November 2, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In the wake of brickbats over bandits attacks of Christians claim by the United States (US), President Tinubu and President Donald Trump are expected to meet soon.

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, confirmed the planned meeting in a post on Saturday saying the discussion would focus on counterterrorism cooperation and correcting misconceptions about terrorist attacks in Nigeria.

“Both President have shared interests in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala wrote.

He noted that Trump had previously supported Nigeria’s fight against terrorism by approving the sale of arms, while Tinubu has made effective use of that support.

“As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or all faiths, those would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in the State House or White House.”

Bwala’s statement follows Trump’s recent remarks accusing the Nigerian government of ignoring attacks on Christians — a claim that has sparked widespread debate.

He also warned that the United States might cut off all aid and assistance to Nigeria.

The US President had earlier on Saturday said he had directed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action against Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

According to Reuters, Trump made the disclosure in a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The U.S. government reportedly announced the immediate suspension of all aid and assistance to Nigeria.

“We may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump was quoted as saying

Again, Train Derails, Passengers Safe

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November 2, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has calmed frayed nerves over reports of a train derailment Saturday.

The NRC confirmed on Sunday that all passengers involved in a train derailment incident on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) are safe and accounted for.

The incident occurred yesterday, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at approximately 19:30 hours, involving two of the seven coaches of the train at Kilometer 212+8m, Agbor.

According to a statement on Sunday signed by Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, preliminary investigations suggest that the derailment may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.

Despite the incident, the NRC assured the public that all passengers were safely evacuated to Agbor, with no casualties or injuries recorded.

“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” the statement read.

As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended on Sunday to enable a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.

The NRC expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and the general public, promising that normal operations will resume as soon as the corridor is verified safe.

This incident has reignited concerns about the safety and maintenance of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, with track vandalism emerging as a recurring challenge.

The corporation’s swift response and ongoing recovery efforts have been praised, though the temporary suspension of services may disrupt travel plans along the Warri-Itakpe route.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations into the cause of the derailment continue, with a focus on enhancing security measures to prevent future occurrences.

FG Moves To End Doctors’ Strike, To Release N11.9 Billion Within 72 Hours

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November 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In a swift move to end the ongoing strike by members of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, (NARD), the Federal Government is set to release ₦11.995 billion within 72 hours to clear outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowances owed to health workers.

It has also been confirmed that the full payment of ₦10.6 billion for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to resident doctors nationwide will commence immediately.

According to Dr. Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the payments reflect President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving doctors’ welfare and sustaining industrial harmony across the health sector.

Salako reaffirmed this during a meeting between the Ministry’s management and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), following recent agitation over welfare and professional concerns which has resulted into strike action.

Deputy Director and Head of Operations, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Alabama Balogun,in a statement on Saturday, stated that the Minister confirmed the commencement of the payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to all categories of health workers.

He revealed that ₦10 billion was paid in August 2025, while another ₦21.3 billion has been transferred to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) account for further disbursement.

According to him, the government also granted special waivers to enable massive recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions to address shortages caused by brain drain.

Over 20,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied professionals, were employed in 2024, with another 15,000 already approved for recruitment in 2025, Salako affirmed.

To strengthen dialogue and resolve welfare issues, he said the Ministry has engaged Prof. Dafe Otobo, an industrial relations expert, to mediate between government and the unions.

Prof. Otobo, he said, has held meetings with the unions individually and collectively, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, to fast-track consensus on allowances, salary relativity, and other contentious matters.

On the dismissal of five doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the Minister clarified that three, who did not appear before a properly constituted disciplinary panel have been offered reabsorption into service, adding that the remaining two cases have been referred to Prof. Otobo for review.

He added that delays in promotions and payment processing are largely due to technical issues within IPPIS, but discussions are ongoing with relevant agencies to address them.

“Our health workforce is the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy and investment under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative is anchored on their well-being and motivation.”

PDP Crisis Deepens As Anyanwu’s Group Suspends Damagum, Appoints Acting Chairman

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November 1, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The Peoples Democratic Party is on its final stretch to Golgotha.

The crisis which has left the Party ineffective since 2023, worsened on Saturday with suspension and counter-suspension.

24 hours after a Federal High Court dumped its scheduled November National Convention into the dustbin, the Party suspended, for one month, four of its National Working Committee officers, including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the National Legal Adviser.

Those suspended are members of the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

But in a counter move, the Wike group announced the suspension of the National Chairman, Ambassador Ilya Umar Damagum, and five other members of the National Working Committee.

At a press conference in Abuja, Saturday, on behalf of the factional NWC, Senator Anyanwu, announced that the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, has been appointed the Acting National Chairman. According to Anyanwu, he replaces Ambassador Damagum who he accused of incompetence, disobedience to Court orders and financial misconduct.

Anyanwu: “Unfortunately, some people may say that the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary who has the responsibility of monitoring everything and the National Legal Adviser, who is responsible for all legal issues, were purportedly suspended.

“On this note, we decided to suspend the National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, for incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for Court judgment.

“He has been suspended for one month and should face the Disciplinary Committee.

“Secondly, we also suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for issuing statements without the party’s approval, and the Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has also been suspended.

“The National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, who has been involved in alleged financial misconduct, has also been suspended.

“The National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, have also been suspended for 30 days.

“All of them will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled.

“Therefore, we are announcing the National Vice Chairman (North Central) to serve as the Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman.”

Insecurity In Nigeria Not Based On Religion – Shehu Sani Reacts To Trump

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November 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has said the United States (U.S), President Donald Trump designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged persecution of Christians, is “baseless and misleading,” and apparently emanated from misinformation.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, Sani maintained that the U.S. President’s stance was the outcome of “outright falsehoods” that were deliberately provided to him by groups he referred to as “anarchists, lackeys, and apprentices of neocolonialism” whose intent is to create “division and discord in Nigeria.”

President Trump had made the designation public on Friday via his Truth Social platform, where he alleged that Christianity in the country was facing an “existential threat.”

In his post, Trump wrote: “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” and further declared that the U.S. was prepared to “save Christians” in Nigeria and other affected nations.

In his response, Sani dismissed the claim as simple “misinformation and propaganda,” firmly arguing that the root of insecurity in Nigeria is not based on religion.

He insisted: “The designation of Nigeria is founded on outright falsehoods and wholesale misinformation. Terrorists and bandits in Nigeria kill and kidnap their victims irrespective of their religious beliefs. The records are self-evident in the last 15 years.”

The former lawmaker further argued that Nigeria’s religious demographics make systematic persecution virtually impossible.

He added, “Looking at the Muslim-Christian ratio in Nigeria, it’s technically impossible for one faith to persecute another. Nigeria is a Lion and Tiger situation, not a Lion and Zebra configuration.”

Sani accused those influencing Trump’s position of seeking personal advantage by exploiting the nation’s complex social structure.

He stressed that “Trump was misinformed by anarchists, lackeys, and apprentices of neocolonialism who aim to benefit from the seeds of division and discontent,” and issued a strong caution that “this particular weapon raised against this country shall never prosper.”

The senator concluded by urging the international community to provide genuine help to Nigeria in its struggle against terrorism instead of promoting false narratives.

He simply stated,“Nigeria, like all nations battling terrorism, needs support and assistance to tackle its security challenges.”

Ado-Odo/Ota LG Lifts Suspension On Chairman, As Ogun State Deputy Governor Intervenes

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 1, 2025