The Federal High Court (FHC) Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), on Monday, locked out judges, lawyers, staff and litigants from accessing the court following the indefinite strike declared by its national body.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the FHC headquarters located along Shehu Shagari Way in Abuja revealed that all the entrance gates into the high-rise building were under lock. 

Judges, staff, lawyers, litigants and members of the public were denied access as business activities in and around the court were paralysed.

NAN reports that JUSUN national body had, on May 30, in a circular by its acting national secretary, M.J. Akwashiki, asked all its chapters’ chairmen to, effective from midnight Sunday, June 1, direct all their members to stay at home.

It said that, “This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, who was conciliating on our matter.

“We believe that, as directed by the organs of the union, National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of our great union, the action will continue until further notice.

“Our demands are for the government to pay us 5 months wage awards, implement the 70.000% National Minimum Wage, and provide the 25/35 per cent salary increase. Solidarity forever.”

Efforts to have a chat with some of the executive members of the union were unsuccessful, as they were said to be in a meeting.

Although there were reports that some chapters of the union had backed out from the industrial action, as of 9:48am, the Federal High Court gates were still under lock and key. (NAN)

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has criticised the ratings of President Bola Tinubu’s performance in the last two years by some prominent members of the opposition parties.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), who stated this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said the ongoing move by the leaders of the opposition parties to join forces against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections will fail.

He said the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election Peter Obi, and the former governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai and others should not waste their resources on the already failed project but rather join Tinubu’s quest in the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda for the country.

“Over the last seventy years, the Nigerian political landscape has witnessed numerous attempts at coalition-building, often driven by a desire to consolidate power and challenge dominant parties.

“However, history has consistently shown that these coalitions rarely succeed. So, forming a successful alliance in Nigeria requires more than shared opposition.

“it demands unity, strategic compromise, and long-term cohesion. The motives must be altruistic, not parochial or selfish, and they must embrace the management of peace and conflict, which are paramount and essential.

“But critically looking at the ongoing coalition against the president, those involved are only interested in using the platform to revive their failing political careers”, he said.

A former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that the problem with Nigeria is not the elites but the masses.

Amaechi said this while commenting on the state of the economy during an event organised to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.

He lamented that there were no capitalists in the country and doubted Nigeria’s production capability.

The former minister said, “Nigerian elites are not the problems of Nigeria. The problems of Nigeria are the followership. There are no capitalists in Nigeria; capitalists are those with capital to invest for production. Do we produce here? I look at Nigeria and ask what are we doing here? Do we really want to be a country? What is important is how do we change this country?

“We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I’m. For us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him from this power.

“In Nigeria, there are no capitalist ideas among the politicians; it’s about sharing.”

Citing instances when he joined protests in the past, Amaechi said with the help of the opposition, Tinubu can be removed from office during the 2027 presidential election.

He said that Nigerians are the problems because they “do nothing” when government policies truncate the standard of living, referencing the time fuel prices went up despite citizens’ protests.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged the people of the South East to partner with President Bola Tinubu in the country’s development and to vote en bloc for him in the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that Ganduje made the call in Bende, Abia State, on Sunday during the inauguration of Renewed Hope Partners by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Ganduje, who was represented by the South East zonal chairman of APC, Emma Enukwu, appealed to the people of South East to give 99 per cent of their votes to Tinubu.

According to him, the zone stands to gain more projects and experience more economic advancement if President Tinubu is re-elected.

He said, “You can see that all the governors of South South are collapsing into APC. Come let us join hands to make sure that 99 per cent of the votes cast in the South East are for Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.” 

Also speaking at the inauguration, Kalu said Tinubu deserves the votes of the South East because of the projects he has given and the more he will do.

According to Kalu, the President has reintegrated the Igbos into the schemes of things in Nigeria by giving them control of waterways and the oil and gas sector through the appointment of an Igbo man as Chief of Naval Staff, among other measures, despite the poor votes he received in the zone in 2023.

Kalu promised that more projects would be executed in the South East if the zone gives its votes to President Tinubu in 2027.

Former manager of Nigerian singer, Asake, Stephen Nana, known as Stevenator, has stated that his love for his family contributed to his split from the music star.

Naija News reports that Stevenator was Asake’s manager between 2022 and 2024.

However, speaking in a viral interview on social media, Stevenator said he stepped down as the singer’s manager because Asake’s fame grew quickly, and he became too big for him to manage.

He further appreciated Nigerian singer Olamide, the YBNL record label boss, for allowing him to manage Asake, adding he was unable to continue due to his family commitments.

He said: “Olamide called me one day and told me that he had an artiste he would want me to manage. And that was the first time I’m going into management. I don’t know anything about the job. I have been friends with Olamide for over 20 years.

“I never met Asake before. I don’t know anything about him and I have never heard his song before. And I cannot learn the job on the job. Asake blew up so quickly that there was no time to learn the job, so it was back to back.

“The challenge was my family. At a time I had two sons and I did not have time to spend with them. I’m a family guy, I have not been able to be there for my family but still then I still have to make money so they can live a better life.

“Sometimes we are on the road for four to five months. I’m always on my phone with my kids. So I asked them to come to London and my second son refused me to carry him because he doesn’t know me. For me to be able to balance my work and family, I have to step down. Asake became way too big that I have to be following him everywhere he goes. So, I’m now a family man, and I love my wife.”

SUSPECTED thugs hired by a parent of a student of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, in Ondo State, reportedly beat-up the Vice Principal of the school for preventing his son from cheating in the ongoing West Africa Examination Council, WAEC, exams.

The Vice Principal, Mr Rotifa, was said to have prevented the student from cheating during the exam.

A preliminary report of the state government’s investigation on the assault of the Vice Principal, carried out by the Director of Schools, Ondo State Ministry of Education, stated that an android phone was discovered from the SS 3 student during the examination.

The report reads: “The incident started on May 26, when an android phone was found with one SS 3 student which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school and Mr Rotifa, the Vice Principal of the school seized the phone from him.

“On Thursday, the mother of the student came to the school to fight with the school management so much that the proprietor of the school ordered that the phone be returned to her, which was done.

“The brother of the student, who happened to be an old student of the school, later came to the school to harass the Vice Principal and threatened to deal him.

“After school hours, the boys were seen loitering in the street and the proprietor was informed who told Mr Rotifa to go to the police station to lodge a complaint.

“He went and two policemen took him in their van to look for the boys probably for arrest.

“They couldn’t get them. On their way back to the station, the boys waylaid the Police van, stopped it, brought out Mr Rotifa and beat him up. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

“According to the principal of the school, he has been discharged from the hospital but did not go back to his house for the fear of the boys coming back for him. Further investigations and efforts to get the culprit are in progress.

“Arrangements for the safety of the staff and students of the school for period of the remaining papers in WASSCE are ongoing.”

School keeps mum

Efforts to speak with the Principal of the school proved abortive.

In a sweeping policy shift geared towards managing inbound labour during peak pilgrimage periods, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuance of the blockwork visa quota to Nigerians and nationals from six other African countries.

Other affected include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Morocco.

The suspension, which affected 14 countries in all, impacted other nations such as Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Blockwork visa are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers.

Once approved, the quota allows businesses to apply for work visas for specific candidates.

The decision announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, affects new and pending temporary work visa applications.

The measure formed part of broader efforts by the Kingdom to tighten regulatory oversight across immigration and employment, and would remain in place until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.

While no official reason has been given, the freeze coincides with increased Saudization efforts, which mandate higher employment of Saudi nationals in sectors such as tourism, with quotas set to rise between 2026 and 2028.

According to the ministry, under the restrictions, no new block visa quota would be issued by employers targeting the affected African countries, while delays are expected in processing previously approved quotas.

Also, applicants with pending work visas may face denials or indefinite delays, while intending travellers holding valid work visas that have not entered Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.

Meanwhile, a 2022 report on Gulf Labour Markets, Migration and Population programme by Gulf Reserach Centre, showed that Saudi Arabia hosts a significant number of African migrant workers, particularly in the domestic and low-wage sectors.

Data on employment by country of citizenship showed that 10,657 Nigerians were employed by Saudi employers during the period.

Others are: Sudan with 354,988; Morocco (18,023); Ethiopia (16,719); Tunisia (12,311) and Algeria with only 2,001 migrant workers employed.

African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia often face significant challenges. Reports have highlighted issues such as exploitation, abuse, and lack of legal protections.

The country’s Kafala sponsorship system has been criticized for enabling employers to exert excessive control over workers, leading to situations where workers are vulnerable to mistreatment

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikweche, has lamented that the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have deepened hunger and insecurity across the country.

Ikweche, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, however, acknowledged that infrastructural development under the Tinubu administration has outperformed that of previous administrations.

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Speaking in an interview, Hon. Ikweche delivered a balanced assessment of the APC-led government’s two years in power.

He applauded key ministers like Barr. Nyesom Wike (FCT) and Dave Umahi (Works) for their visible strides in infrastructure but was critical of the overall economic direction and security situation in the country.

Ikweche did not mince words in criticizing the consequences of Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.

“When this government took over, the dollar was at around N700. Today it is at N1,620. We all know what fuel sold for before and what it is now.

“I appreciate the subsidy removal, but there should have been measures to cushion the effect. There’s hunger in the land. People are suffering. Families are struggling to eat,” he said.

Despite his concerns about economic hardship, Ikweche acknowledged infrastructure improvements, especially in Abuja. He lauded FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for bringing visible change to the capital city.

“Wike has brought value to this government. Abuja is rapidly developing. Some say he’s overbearing, but he’s working. And when you’re working, people will see it—you don’t need to blow your trumpet,” he said.

He also noted that Works Minister Dave Umahi has been a standout performer in delivering infrastructure.

The lawmaker criticized the federal government’s spending patterns, decrying the imbalance between recurrent and capital expenditure.

His words: “Most ministries and agencies have high recurrent expenditure and low capital investment. That’s a problem.

“We keep spending on fuel, salaries, estacodes, and overseas trips while the country remains in a derelict state. We should be investing in infrastructure, power, education, and security.”

Ikweche expressed alarm at the resurgence of insecurity, particularly in Borno State, where insurgents have retaken local government areas.

“It’s painful. After all the lives lost to reclaim those areas, it’s disturbing that insurgents are now back. Our security structure, forgive my bluntness, has been complicit. It’s failing,” he said.

He also highlighted the dire state of security in the Southeast, noting that the persistent Monday sit-at-home order continues to cripple business and education.

“In Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo, movement is restricted. Children don’t go to school, businesses shut down, and banks don’t operate on Mondays. That’s not normal,” he said.

Ikweche urged President Tinubu to reevaluate those within his inner circle, stressing that a leader is only as effective as the quality of his advisers.

“The king must be able to identify those among his council who are not representing his vision and remove them. You cannot succeed with mediocrity surrounding you,” he stated

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday in honour of 22 athletes and officials who lost their lives in a fatal road crash.

The victims were returning to Kano from the National Sports Festival when the accident occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway.

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In a statement issued by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, his spokesperson, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home,” the statement read.

The delegation included athletes, coaches, and officials who represented Kano in various events at the just concluded National Sports Festival.

“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief,” the governor said.

Yusuf described the incident as a dark moment for Kano and urged residents to remain calm and united in grief.

He said the government would provide all necessary support to the victims and their families.

While currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj operations, the governor directed that Monday be set aside as a public holiday to allow citizens to pray and show solidarity with the affected families.

The government also urged imams and Muslims within and outside Kano to offer prayers for the souls of the deceased and strength for their families.

Elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has declared that the party will present a presidential candidate from the southern region in the 2027 general elections.

George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees and former military governor of Ondo State, made this known in an interview.

George disclosed that following the party’s review of its internal crisis over zoning and the fallout of the 2023 presidential election, the PDP had reached a firm decision to rotate the presidency to the South in 2027.

“The communique after our post-election review meeting was written by Prof Jerry Gana. It was agreed and signed that though mistakes were made in 2023, we will not repeat them. The presidency will return to the South in 2027,” George said.

He reiterated the party’s constitutional commitment to zoning and rotation of elective and party offices as enshrined in Section 7(3) of the PDP constitution.

Reacting to concerns about Nigeria’s slide toward a one-party system, George dismissed the idea as laughable and unsustainable.

“One-party state is a huge joke. It can never happen. What is democracy if not the management of national resources for the people’s benefit? Has APC delivered succour to the people?” he asked.

He also expressed deep concern over the country’s flawed electoral process, describing it as one where “the will of the people cannot be respected because manipulators are everywhere.”

Commenting on the trend of PDP governors and politicians defecting to the APC, George attributed it to political immaturity.

“Most of them are new in politics. Let them learn. But when the people decide to revolt against injustice, no one should stand in their way,” he warned.

George also addressed the influence of former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in PDP affairs. He accused Wike of exploiting a loophole created by the party’s internal disorganization.

“He found himself in an opportunistic environment. But there is a higher being watching. The constitution of our party was ignored, especially regarding zoning elective offices,” George said.