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APC Issues 7-Day Ultimatum To VeryDarkman

April 28, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Martin Vincent Otse, popular in social media circles as VeryDarkman, has until the next sevendays to tender an unreserved apology to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, or face legal action, the All Progressive Congress, APC, has threatened.

The popular social media influencer and critic, was on Sunday, April 27, 2025, accused by the APC of slandering and disparaging the person and office of the Senate President in his three-minute viral video trending online.

In a statement issued by its South South Organizing Secretary, Blessing Agbomhere, the APC, while calling on VeryDarkman to draw a line of demarcation between activism and slander, also cautioned against any further attempt at impugning the image and office of the number three citizen of Nigeria.

The Source reports that the APC cautionary note and threat of a legal action are coming against the backdrop of a viral video in which VDM scathingly criticized Akpabio’s selection to lead the country’s delegation to the burial of late Pope Francis in the Vatican.

In the video, he insisted that the Senate President lacks the moral and religious authority to lead the country’s delegation to such a solemn gathering as the burial of a globally acknowledged moral compass-Pope Francis.

Apparently, referencing the festering Senator Natasha alleged sexual abuse scandal, the social media activist described the presence of Akpabio in Rome as the Head of Nigeria’s delegation as shameful.

According to him, the Senate President could have been more meaningfully engaged staying back in the country, and visiting several trouble spots such as Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Ogun, Enugu, and other States, rather than wasting tax payers money to go to the Vatican.

However, Agbomhere, on Sunday, expressed serious concern that VDM has gradually descended, of late, into the abyss of blackmail, slander, and character assassination under the guise of activism.

“VeryDarkman is becoming notorious for blackmail, slander, and character assassination, while pretending to be an advocate for the masses and a social crusader.

“This unwarranted verbal attack was on the number three citizen of Nigeria who did not send himself to Rome, but was duly nominated by the President to lead a delegation to represent Nigeria. What exactly is wrong with that?

“Being a devout Catholic and family man with unblemished character, President Tinubu saw in Akpabio a worthy Ambassador of Nigeria to such an event as the Pope’s funeral and wasted no time in thrusting that responsibility on him. Again, what is wrong with that?

“I am with this statement, issuing VeryDarkman a week’s ultimatum to immediately tender an unreserved apology to the Senate President for the slanderous comments, and to desist from further bringing the integrity of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration into disrepute in the eyes of the. global community” Agbomhere stated.

The South-south APC Organizing Secretary, therefore called on Nigerians to ignore the “the rantings of the social media influencer as mere blackmailing antics.”

Pro-Wike Rally: Church Not Aware Of Use Of Its Premises

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 28, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

State Govt. asks IGP to urgently investigate the resultant violence

The Bayelsa State Government has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun to urgently institute an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the shootings ,and security breaches that occurred during a controversial political rally organized by associates of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister on Saturday April 26, 2025 in Yenagoa the State capital.

This is just as the leadership of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Church of God Mission International, accused the organizers of the said rally of hoodwinking it into leasing out its premises for the said political gathering.

The Source reports that Governor Douye Diri had earlier refused to grant the George Turnah-led pro-Wike group access to the Yenagoa stadium or any of the State’s facilities for a proposed mega rally to drum support for the FCT minister .

The State Government had cited the need to preserve the fragile peace of Bayelsa State in the face of the volatile political situation in the neighbouring Rivers State as a major reason for banning all forms of rallies in the State.

However, despite the State’s subsisting ban on open rallies, Turnah, a well known ally of Wike, in conjunction with his New Associates Group,went ahead to hold the said rally on Saturday, using the premises of the Church of God Mission as venue.

But the rally was marred by sporadic gun shots from yet-to-be determined quarters, with two people believed to be dead and several others injured.

In a statement issued Saturday night by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Bayelsa State Government urged the Police to urgently track down those behind the reported shootings and the fracas at the rally ground l.

According to the state authorities ,the incident cannot be dismissed with the wave of the hand,noting that the organizers had earlier threatened that ” the good ,the bad and the ugly would be attending the rally ” .

The state Government expressed concern about how a supposedly peaceful rally could turn violent ,with many said to be seriously injured.

The Commissioner for Information called on the Police to commence a full scale investigation into the incident with a view to apprehending and prosecuting those found wanting.

The authorities emphasized the imperativeness of the probe, particularly in the face of the said rally violating extant rules and regulations guiding political activities.

The State Government maintained that the rally was against the provisions of the Electoral Act and political guidelines as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, more so when it was held on the Camp ground of a Religious body.

Instructively, the leadership of the host Church, in a statement from its State Coordinator, Rev Dr Alexander Inegbese, noted that the said permission granted to one Dr Pabara Newton Igwele for the use of its ground by the organizers of the rally was strange to the Church authorities.

According to him, the Church as a matter of policy, does not get involved in political matters, emphasising its neutrality and commitment towards maintaining an environment devoid of political influence and endorsement.

The Church’s position comes against the backdrop of the Bayelsa State Government announcement of its commitment towards investigating how the Church granted the rally organizers its premises.

State Of The Nation: Expect Noting Good From Tinubu – Lukman

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 27, 2025

A former Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman says Nigerians who are still hopeful that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can transform the country are doing so at their own peril.

The former APC chieftain made the remark on Sunday while featuring in Inside Source, a programme anchored by Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesman.

Lukman, a staunch critic of the president said he has completely lost hopes in the Tinubu administration, citing for instance, that he no longer believe in Tinubu’s progressives credentials.

He said he had expected Tinubu to transform the country like he did in Lagos while he was governor in the state, saying he has been left disappointed, noting that it took him a long time to realise that Tinubu has nothing to offer the country.

He added that he has now joined the coalition of opposition parties in the country planning to wrest power from President Tinubu in the next election.

Tinubu was Governor of Lagos state between 1999 and 2007, and has been credited with the milestone transformations of the state. Though his critics insist that much transformation in the state were experienced under his predecessors.

According to Lukman, “For you to even expect something very wonderful to happen before May 2027, I will say you are a dreamer, I will wish you luck in your dream, but if it happens, it will be a pleasant surprise.

“For me, I have reached the conclusion that I don’t think anything good is going to come out and which is why we have to start organising. I have said so, this country can be fixed in our lifetime, and I pray to God to give us the strength and courage to engage our leaders.”

Tinubu Can’t Be Blamed For Gov Oborevwori, OKowa Defection; Its Their Right- Presidency

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 27, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied complicity in the spate of defections that have hit some opposition parties in the country, saying he’s not to blame for it, noting that it’s not his job to meddle in the affairs of the opposing parties.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special adviser to the President on Publicity and Strategy made this known in a statement on Sunday amidst the gale of recent defections among key opposition parties in the country.

The most recent defections affected the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta state where the governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, the 2023 PDP Vice Presidential Candidate and other key party leaders defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Not a few including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar however insisted that some of the defectors were forced to do so, for instance, some critics of the administration claimed that former Governor Okowa, who is current battling a multi-billion corruption case with the anti-graft agency, EFCC did so to get a soft landing from the administration.

This is not true, according to Onanuga who said people are free to move from one party to the other, as they are permitted by the law to express their freedom of “association”.

The presidential spokesman noted that opposition parties are blaming their predicament on President Tinubu instead of settling their internal crisis. Tinubu can only be responsible for the APC that he belongs, what happened in other parties is not his business.

He said, “The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs. It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.

“We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria’s so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism.

“While the latter-day defenders of democracy raised no anxious voice against the disgruntled politicians cobbling an anti-Tinubu, anti-APC coalition along dangerous regional lines, even before INEC blows the whistle for party politicking, they are quick to ascribe the political shifts in some states to “bribery, blackmail, and coercion” without any shred of evidence.

“Without any equivocation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy. When politicians and citizens cannot freely join any association or political party of their choice or cannot openly express their views, democracy is imperilled.”

He said the opposition is only unhappy that despite all their attack on Tinubu his administration has continued to thrive, adding that democracy is really at work in the country.

He explained that as an astute democrat, President Tinubu will continue to defend the country’s democracy based on his oath of office.

Onanuga: “Those opposed to the Tinubu administration should understand that they can issue diatribes, without fear, against the government because we practice a thriving democracy.

“It is hypocrisy writ large when opposition politicians and their collaborators in the ‘human rights’ movement desire that the party of the President should implode so they can gain electoral advantage and cry wolf when their wish does not materialise.

“We want to state that democracy is not threatened or undermined simply because politicians exercise their rights to freedom of association.

“His administration remains resolutely committed to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our Fourth Republic has stood since 1999. Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria.

“In more advanced democracies, there are ready examples of notable politicians, statesmen and women who changed their parties.

“President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy. His political activism and democratic credentials in galvanising and strengthening opposition platforms as a force that defeated a sitting President and the then ruling party attest to his credibility as a tested defender of multiparty democracy.”

Depositors To Receive N46bn From Defunct Heritage Bank

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 27, 2025

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, says it has commenced the process of paying ₦46.6 billion in liquidation dividends to depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank.

The Commission has also assured the shareholders and creditors of the collapsed bank that they will also be paid, after all legitimate depositors have been fully settled.

The commercial bank seized to operate last year after the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN withdrew its bank’s license, laving many frustrated depositors getting their money trapped.

Hawwau Gambo, the Acting Head of Communication and Public Affairs of the Commission who made this known said the funds realised from selling the assets and funds recovered from those who owed the defunct bank will be used to pay depositors.

According to her, “A liquidaion dividend is paid to depositors of a closed bank, beyond the maximum insured limit, using proceeds from asset sales and debt recovery.

Recall that following the revocation of the defunct bank license by the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, in June last year, the apex bank paid up to N5 million as insured deposit to depositors.

NANS Urges JAMB To Reschedule Time For UTME Examination

Ayodele Oni

April 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) has pleaded with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) to look into rescheduling time for ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, (UTME), in view of insecurity in the country.

A statement on Sunday signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja and PRO,

Samson Ajasa Adeyemi condemned the insensitive scheduling of the UTME examination to as early as 6 a.m.

“This decision, given the prevailing security challenges in the country, is both inconsiderate and dangerous.

“It is deeply troubling that students are expected to commute to examination centres in the early hours of the morning, often navigating unsafe routes and facing transportation difficulties.

“Reports indicate that some candidates have had to travel long distances, exposing them to unnecessary risks.

“The current security climate in Nigeria demands that authorities prioritise the safety and well-being of students rather than subjecting them to undue hardship.

“NANS calls on JAMB to immediately review and adjust the examination schedule to ensure that no student is required to sit for an exam before 9 a.m.

“We urge the Honourable Minister for Education, Tunji Alausa, to intervene and ensure that students are not placed in harm’s way due to poor planning.

“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to JAMB to revise the UTME schedule and adopt a more student-friendly approach.

“Failure to comply will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilise students nationwide for peaceful protests to demand immediate action. The welfare and security of Nigerian students must never be compromised.

“NANS remains committed to advocating for policies that protect students and ensure their academic pursuits are not hindered by avoidable challenges.”

80 Communities Taken Over By Terrorists In Benue, Plateau – Group

Ayodele Oni

April 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Christian Rights Agenda, (CRA), has raised an alarm that over 80 communities have been taken over by the Fulani terrorists, as attacks ravage three states of Benue, and Plateau.

The Christian body said on Sunday, that it is watching events in Benue, Plateau and other troubled spots in Nigeria in the renewed terror attacks where the lives of Christians and other innocent Nigerians have become endangered with keen interest.

“There has been renewed attacks in Benue and Plateau in the last three weeks which has claimed several lives, properties, and rendered several people homeless.”

These attacks, according to CRA, appear to be well coordinated and has the trappings of a terrorism by insurgents who are bent on fostering a regime of violence, religious intolerance and total anarchy. This is unacceptable.

In a statement, Rev Kallamu Musa Dikwa, Secretary-General of CRA disclosed that, already officials of the organization have been sent on field operations to Benue, Plateau and Borno states to gather first-hand information on the extent of devastation suffered by Christians in the affected areas.

“Preliminary report from the field indicates that over 80 communities have been taken over by the Fulani terrorists.”

The statement added that CRA is in the process of collating information to have an up-to-date data of the persecution Nigerian Christians are facing, especially in Northern Nigeria.

While commending the new matching order given to security operatives by President Bola Tinubu to step up their game, CRA cautioned that such orders should go beyond its optics and ensure that they are followed and defaulters are sanctioned as deterrent to other saboteurs.

The statement also cautioned state governors not to politicize the renewed killings, but should be honourable enough to call a spade by its real name.

Ekiti: Rainstorm Destroys Fmr Gov Fayemi’s House, Several Properties Ravaged

Ayodele Oni

April 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Monisade Afuye, on Sunday led a delegation comprising officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other government functionaries to inspect, assess, and sympathize with victims of Saturday’s heavy rainstorm in Ado-Ekiti.

Among properties damaged is the residence of immediate past governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi along Ilawe road, on whose house fell a long tower.

The delegation is moving from affected areas to directly engage residents, evaluate the level of damage, and fast-track necessary government interventions.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji sympathized with the people of the state over the havoc wreaked by the rainstorm in some parts of the state.

The storm affected many private and public buildings, as well as facilities across the state. However, no life was lost.

Moved by the development, the Governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately commence an assessment of properties that were affected with a view to assisting the victims.

While assuring the people of the state that they would not be left alone at this critical period, Governor Oyebanji urged the people to remain calm and go about their daily activities without any fear, while Government takes inventory of the damaged properties and facilities with a view to responding appropriately.

“We are in it together”, the Governor assured the people in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday.

“The Biodun Oyebanji administration is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the state and will not leave any stone unturned in providing timely succor to the victims of the rainstorm.”

Gov Zulum Alerts Military Of Regrouping Of Boko Haram Terrorists

Ayodele Oni

April 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has informed visiting Chief of Defence Staff, Badaru Abubakar, that there is the resurgence of Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad’s Tumbus region and the Mandara Hills within the Sambisa Forest, urging for continuous and reinforced military operations in these areas.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Friday during a visit by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, alongside Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and other top-ranking military officials, Governor Zulum commended the military’s past efforts but warned that gains made are being reversed due to lapses in sustained presence.

“We conduct military operations and disengage. Once we withdraw, Boko Haram and ISWAP elements return to reclaim those territories.”

He highlighted the persistent threat posed by insurgents breeding freely in the Tumbus waters of Lake Chad, a zone he described as an ungoverned space that continues to serve as a hub for terrorist funding and survival.

“There has never been a comprehensive military operation along the Tumbus shoreline in Lake Chad since the beginning of the insurgency. This area remains a fertile breeding ground for terrorists due to access to livelihoods and mobility.”

He called for strategic intervention to ensure permanent military presence and control of the region, warning that without securing the Sahel corridor and Lake Chad basin, Nigeria’s broader security will remain fragile.

The governor identified manpower shortage as a critical barrier in securing border regions and high-risk zones like the Timbuktu Triangle, Mandara Hills, and Tumbus urging the Defence Ministry to consider deploying more trained personnel and sophisticated military assets to the region.

He also requested the deployment of modern military equipment, including MRAPs, tracked tanks, attack helicopters, and advanced drones, stressing the importance of air support and surveillance in confronting evolving threats.

Zulum disclosed that the latest ISWAP attack in Wulgo involved armed drones targeting the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), calling for the immediate acquisition of anti-drone technology to counter such advanced threats.

He also stressed the importance of non-kinetic approaches, revealing that over 300,000 repentant Boko Haram members had surrendered in the last three years—many of whom are civilians rather than fighters.

“We need a balanced strategy—force where necessary, and rehabilitation where possible. That’s how we’ll sustainably end this crisis,” Zulum said, expressing optimism about ongoing efforts and pledging continued support to the military.

In response, Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering military capacity in the region.

“We are here to assess the situation and identify what the Armed Forces require—both in personnel and equipment—to address the resurgence of insecurity in Borno and the North-east.

“Our presence here is to listen, collaborate, and act. We believe your insights will help sharpen our strategies to tackle this emerging threat decisively.”

Death Of Pregnant Woman: Wike Orders Crackdown On Quack Personnel, Hospitals

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 27, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday April 26, 2025, directed the arrest and prosecution of persons operating or working with unregistered medical facilities in the FCT

The directive was sequel to the death of a pregnant woman at a private facility – Afolmi Hospital in Durumi area Abuja during a caesarean session

In a statement issued by Lere Olayinka ,his media aide ,the FCT Minister expressed serious concern over the inability of some pregnant women to avail themselves of services of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, FHIS.

He lamented that most pregnant women, despite being registered under the health insurance scheme still prefer to patronize medical quacks and unregistered medical facilities.

According to him, this development has resulted in some avoidable deaths and other health hazards among pregnant women.

“In the FCT, vulnerable persons, including pregnant women enjoy free enrollment into the FHIS, which allows them free access through the Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs, to all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services BMPHS.

“Also, in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda ,and demonstration of the Wike-led FCTA zero tolerance for maternal mortality ,several hospitals in the FCT ,including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji and Kuje General Hospitals have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics, and Neonatal Care Centres CEONC. These facilities also offer cesarean sections free of charge.

“Our pregnant women are again urged to take advantage of this free health insurance scheme and stop visiting quack medical personnel and unregistered healthcare facilities”, Wike stated.

The Source reports that one Chekwube Chinagorom, died while undergoing a caesarean section at Afolmi Hospital, Durumi area Abuja.

She was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the Asokoro District Hospital where she was taken to for emergency treatment after suffering some complications.

It is, however, alleged that the said Afolmi Hospital is not a duly registered and recognized medical facility a development which has sparked outrage and concern.

The hospital and its officials at the time of reporting had come under intense scrutiny by both security agents and industry regulators.

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