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Reps Minority Caucus Insists On Ugochinyere As  Leader, Calls For  Signature Verification

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The  Minority Caucus under the aegis of the  “G-60 members” has urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to respect the expressed wishes of the overwhelming majority by avoiding the initiation of a fresh selection process for the vacant position of the Minority Leader.

 

The Source reports that a document in circulation on Wednesday night June 3,2026 had indicated that Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo state had been endorsed  by 61 members out of the 81 opposition members to replace Hon Kingsley Chinda who resigned from the  position following his defection from the Peoples Democratic party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC.

 

However, the official ratification of the exercise at plenary on Thursday June 4, ran into troubled waters following objections and claims by the House deputy spokesperson, Hon Philip Agbese, to the effect that his signature was forged by the promoters of the Ugochinyere project.

 

While raising a matter of privilege, Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State denied endorsing the nomination of Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader.

 

According to him,he only became aware of the document claiming the endorsement of Ugochinyere when it surfaced online, and on the social media space.

 

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, in an attempt to douse tension, called for a closed-door meeting with all minority members for the purpose of resolving any gray areas.

 

But in a statement on Saturday jointly issued by Hon Mukhtar Umar and Hon Seyi Sowunmi, the G-60 Minority Caucus, while insisting on the validity of the earlier nomination of Ugochinyere, expressed its opposition to any attempt to initiate a fresh selection process.

 

The Caucus emphasized its commitment  to a transparent verification exercise to establish the authenticity or otherwise of the earlier nomination process.

 

According to the group, what should pre-occupy the attention of the House leadership is not a fresh selection process ,but a verification exercise to address concerns raised over the signatures already collected.

 

The opposition Lawmakers reaffirmed that 61 members out of the 81 opposition members of the House had earlier  endorsed Ugochinyere as their choice for the vacant position of the Minority Leader, and insisted that the decision must be respected.

 

The Caucus further noted that the nomination and endorsement of Ugochinyere were carried out by an overwhelming majority of the minority members of the House.

 

The Lawmakers, therefore, urged the leadership of the House to respect and uphold what they described as the democratic decision of the majority of the minority members.

 

“We are not calling for a new election or fresh nomination process. Rather, we are requesting a transparent verification of the signatures, and nomination already submitted by members of the Minority Caucus.

 

“The nomination of Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere was duly endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Minority members, and any concerns regarding individual endorsements can be resolved through a straightforward verification exercise”,the Minority Caucus stated.

Air Force Says It Is Committed To Rescuing Abducted Oyo School Children, Teachers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Air Marshal Sunday Aneke
Air Marshal Sunday Aneke

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Chief of the Air Staff,  Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to the safe rescue of the School victims.

 

Aneke gave this assurance on Saturday in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, second quarter 2026 route march exercise.

 

The Chief of Staff represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, said that the NAF remained committed to supporting ongoing security operations across the country.

 

He said the service would continue to work in synergy with other security agencies to protect lives and property, as well as advance national security objectives.

 

Aneke added that the route march underscored the NAF’s commitment to the health, wellness and fitness of its personnel as critical components of operational effectiveness and mission success.

 

He added that healthy and physically fit workforce is better positioned to meet the demands of modern military operations and contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.

 

He said the exercise also promoted teamwork, camaraderie, esprit de corps and overall wellness among personnel, while strengthening the bond necessary for effective service delivery.

 

Aneke, however, urged personnel to embrace healthy lifestyles and regular physical activities as part of their daily routines to sustain their physical and mental well-being.

 

He said all personnel had been directed to participate actively in weekly Wednesday sporting activities across NAF bases to encourage fitness and social cohesion.

 

According to him, the initiative will also provide opportunities for talent discovery for the Armed Forces of Nigeria games and discourage activities that distract personnel from their responsibilities.

 

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards the development and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.

 

He also commended senior officers, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff for their dedication and participation in the exercise.

 

The CAS further praised the commander, 053 Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Camp, and his team for successfully hosting the exercise.

Lagos 2027: Obanikoro  Leads Hamzat’s Campaign As DG

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Musiliu Obanikoro and Obafemi Hamzat

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate for the 2027 Election in Lagos State has appointed former Senator and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director-General of his campaign ahead of the election in the State.

 

Obanikoro’s appointment was announced at an expanded meeting of the campaign Council.

 

The appointment is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the APC’s preparations for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race to succeed incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu when his tenure ends in 2027.

 

It was gathered that the decision to place Obanikoro at the helm of the campaign structure received broad support from key stakeholders within the Lagos APC.

 

It was disclosed by the Party Stakeholders that the appointment was endorsed during consultations involving influential figures in the party, reflecting confidence in Obanikoro’s political experience and organisational capacity.

 

Obanikoro is expected to bring his wealth of experience into play, having served in several strategic positions, including Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture in Lagos State, Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Minister of State for Defence, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

 

No doubt, Obanikoro’s experience in the  political space cannot be overemphasized, particularly in Lagos.

 

He remains a notable force in the state’s political landscape despite his movement across different political platforms over the years.

 

His appointment is expected to bolster grassroots mobilisation efforts and enhance the campaign’s outreach strategy across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

 

Though political observers believe Hamzat’s choice of Obanikoro reflects a determination to leverage the former Minister’s extensive political network and electoral experience as the APC begins to consolidate support ahead of the election cycle.

I Only Sympathized With Senators Who Lost APC Primary Election, No Promise Of Ticket – Akpabio

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President

By Ayodele Oni

 

Senate President, Godswill  Akpabio has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for Senators who lost at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

 

He explained that he only empathized with Senators that were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.

 

Akpabio’s clarification was made public on Saturday in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Eseme Sunday Eyiboh

 

The clarification occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

 

The statement read partly “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

 

“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate.

 

“For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

 

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

 

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

 

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

 

“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.

 

“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

 

“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.

 

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

 

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.

 

“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”, he said

 

Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

CD Seeks Inclusion Of Volunteers In Oyo Abduction Rescue Effort

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sunday Igboho

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has advised the Federal and Oyo state governments to allow Volunteers like the Yoruba Activist, Sunday Igboho to join in rescue effort of the school children and teachers abducted in Ogbomosho.

 

The pro-democracy group expressed rage and grief over the continued captivity of Nigerian children in kidnappers’ enclaves, hidden deep within the forests of Oyo State and beyond.

 

“This is not mere insecurity. It is state-abetted terrorism against defenseless citizens.”

 

CD spoke through a statement in Akure, Ondo state, signed by the chairman, Rev. Ifeanyi Odili.

 

CD stated that “We therefore issue this statement to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Federal Government of Nigeria:

 

“Immediately rescind every policy, order, or conspiracy that prevents Nigerians from penetrating these forests.

 

“Throw open every forest, every hideout, every den where our children are being tortured, raped, and sold like cattle. The blood of the innocent cries louder than any press releases.

 

“For months, Mr. Sunday Igboho, a son of the soil who has repeatedly volunteered his life, resources, and men, has demanded access to these forests to smoke out the kidnappers.

 

“The response of the Oyo State Government has been obstruction, intimidation, and deliberate sabotage.

This is not governance. This is complicity.

 

“The reckless refusal of the Oyo State Government validates the explosive allegation by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, that Governor Makinde’s administration is neck-deep in the criminal enterprise fueling insecurity in the state.

 

“When a government blocks citizens from rescuing their own children, that government has questions to answer before God and history.

 

“Let the facts be restated without apology: Our children are rotting in kidnappers’ dens as we speak, a man has volunteered to rescue them at his own risk, the government has chosen to protect the kidnappers instead.

 

“On what constitutional, moral, or human grounds is this wickedness premised? What secret pact exists between the corridors of power and the forests of death?

 

“The kidnapping epidemic in Oyo has lasted months, not hours. The conclusion is unavoidable unless Governor Makinde proves us wrong — by action, not grammar.

 

“CD therefore calls on all political gladiators, traditional rulers, and security chiefs to stop trading with Nigerian blood.

 

“No election, no zoning, no political calculation is worth the life of one child. Life is sacred. Life is non-negotiable to every right-thinking Nigerian.

 

“Hear this final warning: If this government-sponsored reign of terror continues, if our children are not freed and these forests are not sanitized within days, CD will lead Nigerians into a mass campaign for an alternative political order.

 

“We will not beg forever while bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists operate like a parallel government with the tacit support of compromised Nigerian politicians.

 

“The patience of the people is exhausted. The excuses are expired. The time for cosmetic committees and empty condolences is over.”

No Abducted Oyo School Child Died In Captivity – Police Clarifies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims suggesting that one of the school children kidnapped from Ahoro/Esiele schools ,in Oriire Local Council has died in the abductors’ den.

 

The Source reports that the social media space has been inundated with reports of the death of one of the little pupils –teenage girl who reportedly could endure the harsh conditions in captivity no more.

 

But in a statement on Friday, Ayanlade Olayinka, the spokesperson for the Oyo police authorities described the reported death as false, misleading, mischievous and totally baseless.

 

The police maintained that no security agencies and other outfits involved in the ongoing rescue efforts has recorded or confirmed such a development.

 

The statement described the reports as a deliberate and orchestrated fabrication, intended to incite the publicas well as undermine the ongoing efforts at rescuing the victims.

 

“The publication is a fabrication carefully crafted by individuals whose objective is to arouse unnecessary public sentiment, create panic , spread fear, and undermine ongoing security operations”, the police stated.

 

This was as it reaffirmed the unflinching commitment of security agencies towards ensuring the safe release of the abducted school children..

 

Olayinka emphasized that the joint security agencies are maintaining active, highly confidential and professional operations to ensure a successful rescue of the victims.

Nigeria, China Deepen Cooperation In Electricity, Industrial Development

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe with HE Yu Dunhai

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Nigerian government has moved further the quest to improve power generation and boost infrastructure and industrial development, with high level talks with China

 

Nigeria is being led at the high-level talks by its Director-General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) Dr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe while the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunhai is standing for his country.

 

The talks centered on deepening bilateral cooperation across critical sectors including electricity, infrastructure and industrial development.

 

A media statement in Abuja revealed that the discussions, holding in Abuja, primarily centred on advancing the strategic partnership between both countries and identifying concrete opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas considered vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and modernisation agenda.

 

At the talks, Ambassador Yu formally congratulated Tegbe on his appointment as Minister of Power, acknowledging his pivotal role in strengthening ties between Nigeria and China under the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

 

The ambassador reaffirmed Beijing’s firm commitment to working with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and all bilateral agreements concluded by the leaders of both nations.

 

Ambassador Yu underscored the strategic importance of sustained cooperation in energy, power infrastructure and development projects, framing closer engagement in these sectors as essential to elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level and generating measurable benefits for citizens of both countries.

 

Responding, Tegbe reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to deepening its relationship with China, describing the Asian giant as an indispensable development partner.

 

He expressed appreciation for China’s consistent support of Nigeria’s socio-economic development and pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and relevant institutions to advance practical initiatives across priority sectors, including power infrastructure, manufacturing and modern agricultural development.

 

The minister affirmed that enhanced Nigeria-China cooperation would not only accelerate the achievement of Nigeria’s development objectives, but also contribute to broader continental efforts aimed at promoting modernisation and sustainable development across Africa.

Replicate Forests Guards In All States – NDC Presidential Candidate, Obi, Advises FG

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

 

Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has advised that all the 36 states should benefit from forests guards, a Federal Government initiative to curtail banditry.

 

Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu’s reported plan to recruit 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, calling it a “reactive” fix that ignores Nigeria’s wider security crisis.

 

In an X post  titled “What Our Pervasive Insecurity Requires: A Holistic, Not Reactive Approach,” Obi said the move shows “inadequate leadership and a reactive strategy” to a problem affecting nearly all 36 states.

 

He compared it to the abrupt fuel subsidy removal and Naira devaluation, which he said caused “significant and lasting harm” to citizens and the economy.

 

“While increasing security personnel is important, such measures must follow a structured, well-thought-out process,” Obi stated through his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar.

 

The former Anambra governor questioned whether the Oyo model would be replicated nationwide. “If Oyo gets 1,000 guards, will this be extended uniformly to all states — totalling 37,000 guards for the 36 states and Abuja?

 

“Or are such decisions arbitrary and dependent on the President’s disposition?” he asked.

 

Obi flagged Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto as states with “particularly alarming” insecurity.

 

He also warned about overlap with existing regional outfits like Amotekun Corps in the South-West, which he said are already working to secure the region.

Obi Calls for a Holistic Approach to the Insecurity Challenges

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has once again criticised the government’s passive and uncoordinated response to the nation’s severe insecurity problems.

 

In a recent post on his X account, titled “What Our Pervasive Insecurity Requires: A Holistic, Not Reactive Approach,” the former governor of Anambra State expressed his deep concern over the ongoing security crisis. He pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s reported approval to recruit approximately 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as a clear indication of inadequate leadership and a reactive strategy for addressing critical governance and security issues.

 

Obi drew a parallel between this approach and the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the Naira, which he argued have inflicted significant and lasting harm on ordinary citizens and the national economy. While acknowledging the importance of increasing security personnel nationwide, he stressed that such measures should be implemented through a more structured and carefully considered process.

 

He highlighted that insecurity is a widespread problem affecting nearly all 36 states, with Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto experiencing particularly alarming situations. Obi questioned whether approval for forest guard recruitment in Oyo would be extended uniformly to all states, totalling 37,000 guards across the 36 states and Abuja, or whether such decisions are arbitrary and dependent on the President’s disposition.

 

Furthermore, he raised concerns about the potential impact on existing security outfits, such as the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, which are actively working to secure the region. Obi asserted that the pervasive insecurity is a direct consequence of systemic failures, particularly in leadership. He attributed the deaths of over 10,000 innocent Nigerians since 2023 and Nigeria’s ranking among the world’s most terror-affected countries to this leadership deficit.

 

According to Obi, effectively tackling insecurity necessitates a comprehensive, or ‘ecosystem,’ approach.

 

He concluded by stating that leadership failures lead to a breakdown in national unity, industrial development, the effective utilisation of the nation’s vast resources in agriculture, minerals, tourism, water, sports, and even oil and gas for revenue generation, economic growth, and crucially, job creation for the burgeoning youth population. Obi expressed optimism that a new, prosperous Nigeria is achievable.

Tension As Soludo Arraigns Eight Suspected Fake Pastors, Prophets

By
The Source
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Bishop Emeka Nwankpa

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Outrage greets, especially, the arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa who is, also, the Senatorial Candidate of the NDC for Abia Central

 

The Christian Community in Anambra State has been thrown into  deep shock  over what it described as Governor  Chukwuma Soludo’s orchestrated plot to clampdown on freedom of worship in the State.

 

The Anambra State Government which has been waging war against what it perceives as the unwholesome activities of fake native doctors, herbalists,and spiritualists, on Monday June 4, 2026, upped the ante with the arraignment of the General Overseer of the popular Onitsha-based Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International Bishop Emeka Nwankpa and seven Ministers of God, over alleged fake pastoring activities.

 

The Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, leads the prosecution of Bishop Nwankpa ,and others ,in what has been perceived as part of Soludo’s administration crackdown on fake Pastors, Native Doctors and spiritualists who are alleged to be exploiting the public, as well as enabling criminal syndicates across the State.

 

The accused who were arraigned before the state High Court in Awka, the State capital, are alleged  by the authorities to have run foul of the provisions of the  Anambra State Home Security Law, 2025, targeting fake native doctors, traditionalist, and others engaged in money ritual related activities.

 

But the arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa, the  Accord Party Governorship candidate for Abia State during the 2023 general elections and, presently, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senatorial candidate for Abia Central District, has sparked widespread indignation and, condemnations across the State, with not a few impugning political motives into the development.

Charles Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo

A statement on Friday, from Dr Stanley Nduaguibe, the Head of  his media team, while expressing shock and disbelief over the arrest and  prosecution of Bishop Nwankpa, described the development as a clear case of political persecution.

 

According to the team, the arrest and arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa over alleged fake activities, appear to suggest a politically motivated move to silence a minister of God who have been in the pastoring job for over two decades.

 

“Bishop Nwankpa is the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International ,a church with its headquarters in Onitsha, and branches in various parts of Nigeria.

 

“For over twenty-five years, he has been actively engaged in Christian Ministry, preaching the Gospel, mentoring believers, conducting charitable activities, and providing spiritual leadership to thousands of worshipers.

 

“The Church headquarters at 3-3 Junction, Onitsha, has become a well-known centre of worship with congregation numbering over one thousand members.

 

“Throughout the years, the ministry has remained visible and accessible to the public, carrying out its religious activities openly and consistently.

 

“Against this  background, many observers have expressed surprise at the decision to arrest and arraign Bishop Nwankpa on allegations that appear inconsistent with his long and publicly established record of pastoring service.

 

“Ouestions naturally arise as to how a minister who has openly led a recognised Church for more than two decades could suddenly be described as a “fake pastor” without clear and compelling evidence being presented to the public.

 

“While every citizen is subject to the law, and no one should be placed above legitimate investigation, it is equally important that allegations are handled with fairness, objectivity, and due regard for the rights and reputation of those involved.

 

“The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of justice, and must be respected until competent court reaches a final determination”, Nduaguibe stated

 

The media team further noted that the circumstances surrounding Bishop Nwankpa’s arrest have led many to wonder whether factors beyond the stated allegations may have influenced the action taken by the Anambra state Government.

 

Dr Nduaguibe emphasized that such public concerns underscore the need for transparency and adherence to due process in order to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice.

 

“We, therefore, call on relevant authorities to ensure that this matter is handled professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

 

“Any investigation should be guided strictly by facts, evidence, and the rule of law rather than speculation, sentiment or external influence”, the media team added.

 

This was as they appealed to the public, members of the Church, as well as well-wishers to remain peaceful, law-abiding and prayerful.

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