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Death Toll Rises In Lagos Collapsed Two Storey Building

May 28, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

No fewer than three persons have been confirmed dead including additional construction worker whose body have been recovered under the rubbles of a two-storey building undetcergoing construction in Otta-Ona axis of Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The three workers were confirmed dead by the Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA, team, with their bodies identified by their colleagues to have been on the ground floor of the ill-fated structure when it caved in on them during construction in the state.

LASEMA confirmed the bodies of deceaseds as two male adults and a teenage girl.

As gathered, one of the victims’ body was recovered a few hours after the building collapsed while the others were said to have been brought out under the rubbles during the early hours on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the two additional other bodies were recovered by the emergency team hours after the building caved in yesterday at about 2pm with a loud bang that attracted residents to the scene.

Confirming the death toll to newsmen, the Permanent Secretary for LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said that the bodies have been handed over to the officers from the Igbogbo Police Station to aid their investigation on the ill-fated building.

Afenifere Youth Leader, Ojajuni Faults Police Claim On Abduction

Ayodele Oni

May 28, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Afenifere Youth leader, Eniola Ojajuni, has insisted that the Ondo State Police Command never invited him after his release from the kidnappers den in February.

Ojajuni challenged the Command to make public letters regarding his invitation, insisting that “the claim is a blatant lie and holds no truth whatsoever.”

Reacting to the Command’s claim on the circumstances surrounding his purported abduction and allegation against four traditional rulers, accused of being agents of kidnappers, he stated that his release was made possible by some forests guards after days in captivity.

Ojajuni’s statement reads “My attention has been drawn to a reckless and completely false statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigerian Police, Ondo State Command, alleging that I was invited by the police after my release from kidnappers. I wish to categorically state that this claim is a blatant lie and holds no truth whatsoever.

“For the record, at no time did the Nigerian Police, Ondo State Command, extend any form of invitation to me neither written, verbal, nor through any emissary.

“If the Police authorities insist otherwise, I challenge them to make public any such invitation letter and my acknowledgment of receipt, as due process demands. Until this moment, no such communication has ever reached me in any form.you

“To set the records straight, I was rescued from captivity by the gallant Ondo State Forest Guards in the presence of my wife and my brother.

“I was released alongside another victim a man from Jos whose ransom was paid into my wife’s account for onward delivery to the kidnappers.

“The matter was duly and promptly reported at Ijede Police Station in Lagos by my wife. Furthermore, Pastor Omoleyin and Mr. Dele took the matter up with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ondo State Police Command, and it was also formally reported to the Department of State Services (DSS), Ondo State Command.

“It is therefore not only irresponsible but deeply alarming that a security institution like the Nigerian Police would seek to distort facts and mislead the public on such a sensitive issue.

“This attempt to rewrite the truth is unacceptable, and I urge the Inspector-General of Police to call the Ondo State Command to order and ensure proper accountability within its ranks.

“Security agencies owe it a duty to act with integrity, transparency, and respect for facts especially on matters as grave as kidnapping and citizens’ safety.

“I remain committed to advocating for the safety and security of our people and for ensuring that justice prevails in our land.”

“Wike Has Been Exposed, Soon Tinubu Will Do Away With Him” – Sule Lamido

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 27, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The former Governor of Jigawa State, and a prominent founding member of the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vowed to avoid all party meetings, as long as Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, Samuel Orthom, former Benue state Governor and others remain unsanctioned.

This is even as he described Wike as unreliable, a man without pedigree and tradition.

Speaking with the Media on the heels of the sealing and unsealing of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja by Wike and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, respectively, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed disgust and utter shock over the tendency by Wike to place his personal interests above that of everything, including that of the country.

Particularly referencing the sealing of the PDP Headquarters, Lamido a former National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party SDP, described the former Rivers state Governor as an ingrate who is all out to destroy the platform that made him what ever he is today.

“Here is someone who was honoured by the PDP, brought into relevance by the PDP, and now turning around to fight the very party that made him.

“Wike is, to say the least, a disaster. What he has done is un-African, and un-Nigerian.

“I don’t understand how someone, simply because of his own ambition, can take things so personal, and act so destructively.

“There used to be a party culture that prioritized collective good, something altruistic. But that seems lost now.

“To seal the PDP Secretariat, a party that produced you, no matter your grievances, no matter your bitterness, is like destroying your own home.

“He claims that he financed, and still financing the PDP, But I ask: is it wrong for a son to take care of his mother? Does it now mean the mother must submit to the son and take orders from him simply because he is providing her clothing?

“Wike is thinking in a very warped way. He lacks the values and tradition that define our political culture.

“However, l am glad that President Tinubu intervened. The office was reopened by his directive. The very man Wike is trying to please by destroying his own political family is the one saying : ‘no, you can’t do that.’

“So in a way ,Tinubu has exposed him, showing that Wike is unreliable, without tradition, without pedigree. And now, Tinubu too may likely abandon him very soon” Lamido stated .

Further speaking ,Lamido, berated the leadership of the party for not rising up to the occasion to “sanction Wike and his allies for their open treachery, betrayal and sabotage of the party.”

Until the FCT Minister and all those who have unashamedly dragged and openly undermined the PDP are disciplined, the former Jigawa state Governor insisted he will never attend any of the party’s meeting .

” I can’t see myself attending the same BoT meetings with Ortom to discuss the future of PDP. What kind of meeting will I be attending with Samuel Anyanwu who has been rejected by his people, the South East, but is being forced on the party by elements from another Zone?

“Today, people openly working against the PDP. are still being tolerated. Someone like Wike who claims to love PDP, but is clearly undermining it, should be expelled by the National Working Committee NWC.

“Why has that not happened? Look at the Board of Trustees ,of which I am a member, people like Ortom who declared support for Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections are still members of the PDP.

“Look, that is why I have said it, that I will not attend any PDP meeting unless Wike is expelled and people like Ortom are removed from the BoT.

“I remain a PDP member. But I will not participate in any of the party’s activities and meetings while those sabotaging the party remain at the helms”, Lamido noted .

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

Ayodele Oni

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.”

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