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Speculations over an alleged rift between Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, deepened on Thursday following the deputy governor’s absence at the 2025 Workers Day celebration in Minna.
Garba, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger State, has consistently attended Workers Day events since assuming office as deputy governor.
However, his conspicuous absence at this year’s event has further ignited rumours of a growing division between the two top officials.
Unlike previous celebrations, where Garba played an active role, he was missing at this year’s event held at the Trade Fair Complex in Minna. Governor Bago, however, was in attendance, alongside Senator Sani Musa, who represents Niger East senatorial district.
While some sources suggested that Garba was out of town on official duty, others claimed he may have deliberately stayed away to avoid further escalating the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
According to Leadership, Garba’s absence was particularly notable given his strong roots in the labour movement and his symbolic presence at such events.
Garba and Bago have been the subject of intense political speculation in recent weeks, with reports of strained ties over internal party matters and alleged marginalisation of the deputy governor in decision-making, especially concerning the upcoming November 2025 local government elections.
Despite denials from Garba, political observers believe Thursday’s absence adds weight to the ongoing speculation that all is not well within Niger State’s top leadership.
Meanwhile, Garba has denied reports that he is planning to resign from his position.
[NaijaNews]
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian workers of his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving their welfare, describing them as the driving force behind the country’s economic and social progress.
In a Workers’ Day message delivered on Thursday, President Tinubu hailed the resilience, dedication, and contributions of Nigerian workers across all sectors—both public and private—as central to the nation’s development.
“You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth,” the President said. “Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again.”
He acknowledged the efforts of every Nigerian—young and old, entrepreneur or employee, formal or informal—who contributes meaningfully to the well-being of homes, communities, and the nation at large.
The President used the occasion to reaffirm his promise to build a more inclusive, fair, and productive economy, one where the dignity of labour is respected and rewarded.
As the country marked May Day, President Tinubu concluded with a unifying message: “Happy Worker’s Day, Nigeria!”
[Leadership]
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Thursday, revealed that only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students in various tertiary institutions instead of N100 billion released to the schools.
The anti-graft agency specifically said its preliminary investigations have uncovered that not less than N71.2 billion have been diverted by the management of different universities who had taken custody of funds.
The spokesman of the commission, Demola Bakare, told journalists in Abuja that key stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been invited.
Bakare also disclosed that senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NELFUND were invited to provide documentation and explanations relevant to the case.
Daily Trust reports that the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, had two weeks raised the alarm that the universities were trying to sabotage the Tinubu-led government on the students’ loan scheme.
Issa-Onilu alleged that no fewer than 51 tertiary institutions were implicated in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the NELFUND scheme, while calling on the anti-graft agencies to unravel the fraud and halt it.
Similarly, reports from the media also alleged that these institutions were said to have made unauthorized deductions ranging from N3,500 to N30,000 from each student’s institutional fees received through the loan fund.
Giving an update on the issue, the ICPC spokesman explained that the commission had since swung into action following the alarm, adding that those found culpable would be brought to book.
Bakare said, “The Commission confirmed that its Chairman’s Special Task Force immediately swung into action upon receiving the report.
“Letters of investigation and invitations were dispatched to key stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant General of the Federation, and senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NELFUND were invited to provide documentation and explanations relevant to the case.
“Preliminary findings revealed a significant gap in the financial records of the disbursement process. While the Federal Government reportedly released N100 billion for the scheme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving an unaccounted sum of N71.2 billion.”
While giving the breakdown of the NELFUND’s records, Bakare said the ICPC’s strength of investigation revealed that the total money received by NELFUND as of March 19, 2024, was N203.8 billion.
“The breakdown showed that N10 Billion was an allocation from the Federation Allocation Account Committee, N50 billion was from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, N71.9B was from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, while another N71.9 billion was also from the same Tertiary Education Trust Fund,” the ICPC official told journalists.
According to him, responses received by the commission were critically analyzed, and interviews were conducted with the concerned individuals.
He noted that the ICPC, however, found that the total amount disbursed to institutions from inception to date is about N44,200,933,649.00, while a total of 299 institutions have benefited from the funds released.
“To date, the total amount disbursed to 299 beneficiary institutions stands at approximately N44.2 billion, with 293,178 students having benefited from the fund.
“The ICPC confirmed that a clear case of discrepancies has been established in the administration of the student loan scheme and announced that its investigation will now extend to beneficiary institutions and individual student recipients.”
He said the commission would from time-to-time provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
“Comprehensive investigations into the alleged discrepancies surrounding the disbursement of students’ loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commenced,” he stated.
[DailyTrust]
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the agency’s firm commitment to impartiality in the war against corruption, affirming that politicians across all party lines will be held accountable for financial crimes.
Appearing as a guest on Channels Television, Olukoyede emphasised that the EFCC remains fully within its statutory duty to investigate and prosecute individuals implicated in corrupt practices.
“If someone is found to have engaged in corruption or financial crimes, it is our duty to investigate. Where we establish sufficient grounds for prosecution, we proceed to trial. I have operated strictly within the bounds of this mandate, and I believe Nigerians can attest to that,” he stated, responding to perceptions of political bias in the Commission’s operations.
While acknowledging that EFCC actions may sometimes be seen through a political lens, Olukoyede maintained that the Commission is guided solely by evidence.
He noted that many of the Commission’s high-profile investigations have involved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting that political affiliation does not shield anyone from scrutiny.
“If Nigerians assess our work fairly, they will recognise that, based on the statistics of our investigations and prosecutions, particularly in high-profile cases, a notable number of individuals from the ruling party, the APC, are among those we have pursued. We must be judged fairly. It is not just members, but also prominent figures within the ruling party who have been investigated and charged,” he said.
Olukoyede also clarified that politicians under investigation cannot use party affiliation as a form of protection.
“It would be both unfair and unjust to turn a blind eye to individuals simply because they are not affiliated with the ruling party. Our responsibility is to ensure that justice is served, regardless of political leanings,” he added, urging Nigerians to evaluate the EFCC’s efforts objectively.
Reaffirming the agency’s position, Olukoyede stressed that no political group is exempt from investigation or prosecution.
“If we discover that you have stolen money, you must answer, regardless of whether you belong to the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, or SDP. If a member of the APC has stolen money, they must face the consequences. If a member of the PDP has committed theft, they too will be held accountable,” he warned.
[TheNation]
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is pushing for amendments to the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
At the commission’s retreat with the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives on electoral matters, Mohammad Kuna, special adviser to Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, highlighted necessary reforms to the nation’s electoral legal framework.
Kuna said the commission should be given the power to appoint state directors of elections (SDEs). The president currently appoints resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to oversee polls in the states.
The SDEs would have the same powers as the RECs.
Kuna added that the commission is proposing to amend section 14 (3) paragraph F of the third schedule to the 1999 constitution.
The amendment aims to confer upon the commission the authority to appoint and discipline heads of state and federal capital territory (FCT) offices who would serve as state directors of elections.
“Amend Section 14 (3) Paragraph F of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution to Confer the Power of Appointing and Disciplining Heads of State and FCT Offices,” the statement reads.
“Amend Section 6 (3) of EA 2022 to confer the power of appointing heads of State and FCT Offices on the Commission.
“Developments in recent past and especially during and in the aftermath of the 2023 general election suggests the need for the commission to have greater powers to make appointments to the heads of state and FCT offices.”
The commission said the proposed changes are part of a broader effort to streamline electoral processes and ensure greater integrity and efficiency in future elections.
[TheCable]
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has stated that he is not mobilising against the present administration, but simply concerned about prevailing security issues and the general condition of the country.
Speaking in a press conference in Kano, he asserted that he is standing up against any individual or action that poses a threat to Nigeria’s interests.
He argued that even if his father stands against the good of the nation he would take him out because Nigeria is important.
He said, “Yes. I am not mobilising against the present administration. This is not about the present administration or power.
“It is about Nigeria’s economic and social conditions. Are you happy with the current situation? If you are not, let’s work together to find solutions. But if you are happy, it is okay.
“Go ahead and do ‘Emi lo kan’ which means it’s my turn. Look, this very trivialisation is a very serious threat to the existence of Nigeria.
“It is not about one is against the government of Nigeria, I am against anybody if Nigeria’s interest is threatened. Even if that person is my father, I will take him out because Nigeria is more important than that relationship.
“I went to university and got educated. I can face anyone anywhere in the world with confidence because of what Nigeria did for me. I want that opportunity for every young Nigerian.
“It doesn’t exist now. This is what some of us are fighting for. If you say it is because of this or that, I can say thank you.”
[NaijaNews]
Siminalayi Fubara, suspended Rivers State governor, recently visited Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, at his Abuja residence in a bid to reconcile following months of political tension that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
The visit followed a separate meeting between Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in London, where the deepening crisis between the governor and his predecessor, Wike, was discussed. The fallout from their feud prompted the federal government to suspend the governor and other elected officials for an initial six-month period.
Sources revealed that Fubara was accompanied to Wike’s residence on April 18 by Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State and former Governor Olusegun Osoba.
“Fubara was brought to the minister’s house on Friday, 18 April. He prostrated for Wike while holding his legs and calling him, ‘My Oga’,” Premium Times quoted a source familiar with the development.
Although the details of the discussion remain undisclosed, insiders suggest that Fubara was urged to return to Rivers and directly address his supporters and party elders regarding the rift with Wike.
While Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting, he declined to provide further information.
The rift between Fubara and Wike erupted just months after the former assumed office. It fractured the state legislature into two opposing camps, one aligned with Wike, the other with Fubara. The governor’s recognition of the smaller faction, made up of lawmakers who remained in the Peoples Democratic Party, escalated the dispute, as he declared the others had lost their seats after defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
In February 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers, affirming them as the legitimate state assembly, halting federal allocations to the state, and invalidating local council elections previously held by Fubara’s administration.
By March, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a misconduct notice against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, marking the beginning of formal impeachment proceedings. Lawmakers accused them of financial mismanagement, bypassing legislative approvals for appointments, obstructing the assembly’s duties, and withholding legislative funds.
The impeachment efforts coincided with the dismissal of elected local government chairpersons by the Fubara administration, following the Supreme Court’s judgment. Despite the political upheaval, Fubara pledged to implement the court’s decisions.
The federal government’s intervention, which included suspending the governor and the imposition of emergency rule, has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria, with many citizens and legal experts questioning the constitutionality of the move and its implications for democracy in the country.
[Business Day]
The director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has issued a warning to Nigerians about firms that claim their registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and possession of a SCUML certificate from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) authorise them to operate investment schemes in Nigeria.
Agama shared this message during a recent interview with journalists at a sensitization tour in Abuja aimed at raising awareness against Ponzi schemes.
He expressed disappointment that some Nigerians and foreign companies have specialized in defrauding individuals through fraudulent investment schemes, saying SEC intends to take action against the increasing loss of billions of naira by the public in these scams.
“The public must recognise the risks of investing their hard-earned money in ventures that are not registered or regulated by the SEC,” Agama stated.
He noted, “we have witnessed numerous Ponzi schemes in the past. The Investments and Securities Act, signed into law by the President, enforces a fine of N20 million and a 10-year prison sentence for those found guilty of operating Ponzi schemes.”
Agama emphasized the importance of their outreach efforts to inform the public, saying “we are here to assist them in confirming legitimate investment schemes, and we understand their concerns. It is crucial to educate them to prevent being deceived. CAC registration and an EFCC certificate alone do not guarantee that a company is registered with the SEC; these are warning signs.”
He cautioned that training programmes organised by these fraudulent entities to attract investors are also illegal. The assistant director of the Enforcement Department at SEC, Tope Onwionoko reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting financial literacy, particularly regarding the rise of Ponzi schemes in society.
[Leadership]
When Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Ikenna Omeje, stepped into the operating theatre on April 16, 2025, it wasn’t just another high-risk procedure — it was a powerful continuation of a remarkable medical journey he helped begin.
Seven years earlier, Dr. Omeje was part of the pioneering team at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust that delivered Vanellope Hope Wilkins, a baby born with ectopia cordis — a rare and typically fatal condition where the heart develops outside the chest.
At the time, Vanellope was given less than a 10% chance of survival. But she beat the odds according to the BBC.
Now, Omeje was once again at the centre of her story, leading a groundbreaking chest reconstruction surgery aimed at finally giving her heart the permanent protection it never had
“This was always going to be one of the most delicate surgeries we’ve ever done,” Omeje said. “We’ve been waiting years for the right moment to protect her heart properly—and it finally came.”
The operation, which lasted over nine hours, took place at the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre. Vanellope, who had lived for seven years without a breastbone, relied on a thin layer of skin and an external brace to shield her exposed heart. The goal of this groundbreaking surgery was to use her own ribs to form a permanent, protective cage inside her chest—a method never before attempted in the UK.
Before the procedure, Vanellope was placed on a heart-lung bypass machine, allowing her heart to deflate and be carefully detached from the skin it had adhered to. Surgeons then performed a bilateral rib osteotomy, carefully breaking and repositioning her ribs to enclose the heart within the chest wall.
The surgical team included Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Nitin Patwardhan, visiting Cardiothoracic Surgeon Nagarajan Muthialu from Great Ormond Street Hospital, and around 20 support staff including anaesthetists and perfusionists. But for Omeje, this was personal.
The operation’s success marks a milestone not only in Vanellope’s life, but in medical history. It’s the first time such a reconstruction has been carried out in the UK on a child with ectopia cordis.
Omeje, humbled by the outcome, said: “The best satisfaction is when you get a message from the family saying ‘thank you.’ That’s when you know your work has really made a difference.”
[DailyTrust]
Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has accused the National Judicial Council, NJC, of being “deeply complicit in judicial corruption” in the country.
According to him, NJC is handing out irresponsible slaps on the wrist of corrupt judges with utter disregard for their effect on judicial integrity.
Odinkalu claimed that the NJC as currently constituted is part of the problem not part of the solution.
The statement comes after the NJC slammed one year suspension without pay on three Judges of the High Court in the country for various acts of judicial misconduct.
DAILY POST reported that the affected judges include Hon. Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, Hon. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division and Hon. Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division.
However, Odinkalu, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, expressed displeasure about the sanctions meted out by NJC against the affected judges.
He specifically stated that what the NJC has done in those cases is just not good enough, arguing that its dispositions are evidence of the deep malaise that currently afflicts the country’s judiciary.
Odinkalu’s words: “Jane Inyang became Justice of @CourtOfAppealNG in Sept 2023, less than 2 yrs ago. Yesterday, @njcNig suspended her for just 1 yr for egregious acts of judicial corruption while she sat in @FederalHigh. How can she still be a judge?!
“This was part of the last minute elevations masterminded by the baleful Olukakayode Ariwoola was he made his way out of office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, #CJN, in Aug 2024.
“The only miracle in the case of Inyang Ekwo is how he has remained on the bench until now. He’s bn one of the more predictable judges in @FederalHigh. For the past year, he has bn under caution by @njcNig. Now, he has bn suspended for delivering judgment without hearing parties!
“Many will see these dispositions by @njcNig as progress; May be. But, these dispositions are evidence of the deep malaise that currently afflicts the #NigerianJudiciary. 1st, if a person is as crooked as Jane Inyang or as Inyang Ekwo, how can that person be a judge to begin with?
“2nd, if a judge can behave with such manifest impunity & disregard for the basic rules of judicial comportment as these 2 & still remain a judge – that’s what suspension for 1 year means – what wld it take for a judge to be relieved of their position? May be commit murder….?
“3rd, how did Jane Inyang manage to make it to @CourtOfAppealNG while the complaint about her conduct was still pending? @njcNig says it has suspended her from elevation for 5 yrs. U know what that means? She can still get to @SupremeCourtNg. U see the mess we are in?
“In plain language, the @njcNig is now deeply complicit in judicial corruption. It is handing out these irresponsible slaps on the wrist with utter disregard for their effect on judicial integrity or the damage that these entrench in the judiciary. This rot is deeply criminal.
“The conclusion is inescapable that @njcNig as currently constituted is part of the problem not part of the solution.
What it has done in these cases is just not good enough. If it is not willing to root out judicial crookedness, then it should be rooted out.”
[DailyPost]
More...
• Justices Inyang, Ekwo, Aliyu on one year suspension
• 27 other judges under investigation
The hammer fell of three judges yesterday.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has placed three judges on a one-year suspension without pay.
They are Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division.
The Council also set up nine committees to investigate allegations of misconduct raised in petitions against 27 other judges.
The is headed by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The NJC spokesperson, Mrs. Kemi Babalola, said the decision was taken at its 108th meeting held in Abuja between April 29 and 30.
Part of the statement reads: “The council suspends Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang, Court of Appeal, Uyo division, for one year without pay, as the Investigation Committee found
His Lordship to have breached Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“Hon. Justice Inyang was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate ex-parte orders for the sale of Hon. Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at interlocutory stage of the case.
“The act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, at the Federal High Court, Uyo judicial division, before his elevation to Court of Appeal.
“Furthermore, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja division, has been placed on suspension for one year without pay. His Lordship was also placed on a watch-list for five years and barred from elevation for five years.
“The complaints against Hon. Justice Ekwo arose from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, wherein His Lordship delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties.
“His Lordship ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the court conducted in the absence of the parties.
“Subsequently, His Lordship proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the defendants.
“Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Council also suspended Hon. Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division for a period of one year without pay for judicial misconduct in breach of Rule 3 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“It also placed His Lordship on the watch-list for three years, within which period he is barred from elevation.
“Hon. Justice Baffa was found liable for act of judicial misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, the Government of Zamfara State vs EFCC, wherein His Lordship granted an order restraining security agencies from carrying out their statutory duties, and disregarded the doctrine of stare decisis in adjudication of the case.
“The Council also issued a letter of caution to Hon. Justice A. O. Awogboro of Federal High Court, Lagos division in a petition filed by one Kasali Azeez Olagoke and S. Hamza in Suit No. FHC/CS/2021 between Chief Adesanya Musediku against the Assistant General of Police, Onikan, Zone 2.
“The petition against Hon. Justice Othman A. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was put in abeyance pending the outcome of the decision of the Court of Appeal arising from Suit No. FCT/HS/BW/2274/15.
“The petition against Hon. Justice C. N. Mbonu Nwenyi of the High Court of Anambra State by one Prof. Paul C. Obianaso was discountenanced after investigation revealed that there was no misconduct on the part of His Lordship.
“Another petition against Hon. Justice I. E. Ekwo in suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015 was put in abeyance pending the outcome of appeal before the Court of Appeal.
“Council discountenanced a petition by Mrs Adaku Amadi against Hon. Justice R. B. Haastrup of the National Industrial Court, as the petitioner withdrew her complaints.
“Council equally considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which contained a total number of 43 petitions.
“Nine committees were empanelled for further investigation of 11petitions, while 29 petitions were dismissed for lacking in merit.
“Three petitions against Hon. Justice Abubakar Babashani of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Hon. Justice Isaac Essien of the National Industrial Court; and Hon. Justice A. O. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory by Henry Chinweike Okoro; Ikemefuna Stephen Nwoye, Esq.; and Lassborn Chichebem Orjiugo, respectively, were put in abeyance pending the decisions of the Court of Appeal.
“Council also considered a petition by one Mahmud Aliyu against the appointment of three Judges to the High Court of Zamfara State.
“The petitioner complained that the exercise conducted in 2022 by the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission, which led to the emergence of shortlisted candidates, was not transparent and was characterized by nepotism, high-handedness and non-compliance with Rules 4, 5 and 6 of the NJC guidelines for the appointment of Judicial Officers 2014.
“That the nominees were unilaterally picked by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in disregard of the NJC guidelines on merit-based assessment.”
“Council, however, deliberated on its committee’s findings on the petition and resolved that the petitioner was an interested party who had indicated interest but was not selected as a candidate.”
“Council noted that the petitioner’s allegations were unsubstantiated and substantially based on falsehood.
It, therefore, resolved that the “petitioner who was a candidate for judicial appointment and intentionally peddled falsehoods against another aspiring judicial officer will be barred from participation in any future exercise.
“In a petition to probe the recruitment exercise for the appointment of six Federal High Court Judges in 2021 by one Abdullahi Liman, the Council noted that the petition violated Section 11 (1) of the Judicial Discipline Regulations which stipulated that a complaint must be filed within six months of the occurrence of the event or matter complained of, whereas the petitioner filed his complaints on the 22nd day of January, 2025.
“It also resolved that a petition on the unconstitutional composition of Oyo State Judicial Service Commission written by Monday Adjeh has been overtaken by events.
“The Council also accepted the voluntary retirement of Hon. Justice Babatunde Ahmed Ademola Bakre and approved the notification of change of name of Hon. Justice I. A. Osayande to Hon. Justice I. A. Dika of the Edo State High Court.
“Council at the meeting, finally resolved that henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to superior courts of records will be published for information and comments by the public.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to solicit comments from the public where there is objection to the integrity, reputation and/or competence of the candidates by opening the process to public participation and scrutiny.”
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the resilience and dedication of the state’s workforce, calling for greater protection of workers’ rights and improved working conditions across sectors.
Fubara gave the charge in a solidarity message to mark the 2025 Workers’ Day, stressing that workers remain the backbone of the state’s progress and a beacon of hope amid current political challenges.
He said this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
Fubara described the workers’ commitment as the backbone of the state’s development and a beacon of hope for a better future.
He said that this year’s theme, “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,” underscores the urgent need to protect workers amid escalating environmental threats and socio-political uncertainties and stressed the importance of prioritising occupational safety and well-being as essential pillars for sustainable growth.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, in advancing labour reforms and promoting climate-conscious policies that support a healthier, safer working environment nationwide.
The statement partly read, “Governor Fubara expressed deep gratitude to Rivers workers who, despite political turbulence and governance disruptions, continue to demonstrate patriotism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to duty, emphasising that their sacrifices form the cornerstone of the state’s stability and advancement.”
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, the governor called on all employers —public and private — to respect labour laws and uphold the rights and dignity of every worker.
He advocated for continuous improvements in working conditions to reflect both legal standards and moral responsibility.
Fubara offered prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for all leaders, pledging that his administration will remain steadfast in creating a work environment that nurtures dignity, opportunity, and prosperity for all.
He encouraged the people of Rivers State to stay hopeful and united, assuring them that the “forces of justice, peace, and progress will prevail in the end.”
[Punch]
…Hints at push for salary review beyond minimum wage age
Today, Nigerian workers join their counterparts worldwide to mark May Day, also known as Workers’ Day.
However, rather than celebrating, workers in Nigeria find little cause for joy. Like many other citizens, the worsening socio-economic situation has further deteriorated their living conditions, leaving many impoverished.
Summing up the plight of Nigerian workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, lamented that since the current administration took office, workers have been under severe strain.
According to NLC: “It has been one anti-worker policy after another. From last May Day to today, it has been excruciating and painful.”
Speaking on the situation, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated: “It is unfortunate, but the reality is that within the capitalist system, we are constantly compelled to live in a society divided into two classes: the oppressed and the oppressors; the bosses and the workers; the haves and the have-nots. That situation has only worsened since the last May Day celebration. We have been impoverished and dehumanized.
“The struggles we face as workers and as citizens of Nigeria are immense—from neoliberal economic policies that impoverish workers to relentless attacks on labour rights.
The ruling elite have ganged up against the workers and the masses. They belong to virtually one party and speak with one voice—one that promotes impoverishment, exploitation, and slavish wages.
“Today, the Nigerian worker stands at a crossroads—not just in a national crisis but amidst a global assault on labour. Capitalism, in its insatiable hunger, devours jobs, strips dignity from work, and widens the chasm of inequality. The state, which should be the guardian of justice, seems to have become the enforcer of exploitative and oppressive policies dictated by Bretton Woods institutions.
“Amidst all this, however, our movement remains the strongest and most vibrant on the African continent. We have remained united despite numerous attempts to sow division among us. We worked together to negotiate the National Minimum Wage and have remained steadfast in our engagements with the state.
“Even in this darkness, we find our purpose. The trade union movement was not born from comfort—it was forged in resistance. Our power does not come from the benevolence of the elite but from the unity of the exploited. We must not forget the struggle to compel the state to agree to a N70,000 National Minimum Wage, which is being implemented in breach by many state governments and even the federal government.
“The fight for the full implementation of the National Minimum Wage is ongoing across many states. We must brace ourselves to ensure that all states and the private sector comply with the law, even as we begin to push for a wage review beyond the minimum to address the widespread hardship.
“To those who still doubt: the time for hesitation is over. Every worker must awaken to the truth that our liberation will not be gifted—it must be won. We must act not only for ourselves but for future generations. The ruling class fears only one thing: our collective refusal to remain in servitude. Let us build a movement that does not merely negotiate for crumbs, but demands a fair share of the bread we have baked.”
[Vanguard]
A heartwarming video capturing a surprise encounter between Afrobeats superstar Davido and gospel singer Moses Bliss at the airport has stirred reactions across social media.
The unexpected meeting took place as Moses Bliss along with his mother were on their way to London to visit his wife and newborn.
The trip also fulfilled a long-standing promise he had made to his mother years ago — to take her on a visit to London.
While heading to board their flight, Davido, a Grammy-nominated artist, spotted Bliss and walked over excitedly to greet him.
The moment was full of warmth as the two musicians hugged and exchanged pleasantries.
Davido then expressed deep admiration for Moses Bliss’ music, calling his songs “healing.”
The compliment visibly touched the gospel artiste, who later shared the video clip on his social media page.
Fans were pleasantly surprised to see Davido not only recognize but also praise a gospel singer — revealing a different, more spiritual side to the Afrobeats star.
The video has since gone viral, spreading joy among fans who flooded the comment section with praise and admiration for both artists.
Many expressed how beautiful it was to witness such genuine appreciation across musical genres.
[Opinion Nigeria]