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Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has responded to widespread online ridicule over his spoken English with a fiery comeback, emphasising legacy over language.
In a now-viral video clip from a recent public gathering, the Lagos transport union boss addressed critics who mocked a slip he made while speaking English, particularly his mispronunciation of “kudos” as “Kundus.”
Rather than apologise or shrink from the criticism, MC Oluomo doubled down, asserting that while English may not be his strength, his life achievements far outweigh any grammatical errors.
“I stayed there and worked hard, but I wasn’t educated. See, they said I said Kundus, is Kundus not my son/ You are educated; what have you done? They should go and compete with my children. I raised my children in wealth. My children are citizens of America, citizens of the UK. I worked hard to get to that level. Kundus, kudos, what’s the difference? What do you want to hear? English is not my mother tongue, Yoruba is,” he said.
MC Oluomo, who rose from being a bus conductor in Lagos to becoming the chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee, used the moment to highlight his journey of resilience.
He credited his success to sheer determination and strategic effort, stating that his lack of formal education did not prevent him from making an impact or securing a better future for his family.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants vying for the different seats in the July 12 local government election in Lagos State.
The fees are contained in the party’s election guidelines, jointly signed by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Dr Adeola Jokomba, the APC chairman and secretary, respectively.
The party, in the guidelines released on Tuesday , said chairmanship aspirants are to pay N5 million as a nomination fee and an additional N500,000 as an administrative fee.
According to the party, female chairmanship aspirants are to pay N2.5 million as a nomination fee and the same N500,000 as an administrative fee.
APC noted that aspirants below the age of 40 years would have a 50 per cent discount on their nomination fee but will pay the same administrative fee of N500,000.
The party, however, waived the nomination fee for aspirants with disabilities while charging an administration fee of N250,000.
“For the councillorship position, male aspirants will pay N1 million for the nomination form and N100,000 as an administrative fee, while female aspirants will pay N250,000 for the nomination form and N100,000 as administrative fee.
“Youths aspiring for councillorship positions will have a 50 per cent discount for the nomination form fee, while the administrative fee remains the same.
“Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) will collect the nomination forms free for councillorship seats, while the administrative fee is N50,000.
“There shall not be a separate fee for Vice Chairman. These fees shall be paid by way of bank draft in favour of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State, State”,the party added.
Giving more details, the party said the nomination form for chairmanship position shall be supported by five registered members, who are registered voters in all the aspirants’ wards , local government or LCDA.
It noted that for the councillorship seats, the nomination form shall be supported by 20 registered members, who are registered voters in the aspirants’ wards.
The party said all aspirants must be Nigerian citizens in addition to possessing other qualifications and meeting other conditions for the election.
“An aspirant must be educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent, and a higher qualification will be an added advantage.
“For council and LCDA chairmanship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 30 years, while for councillorship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 25 years.
“All aspirants are to submit evidence of membership of the party. Aspirants are to submit demonstrable evidence of active party support.
“Aspirants must provide a portfolio of loyalty to the party. All aspirants must sign the party’s Code of Conduct.
“Only aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee shall be eligible to stand for election at the party’s primaries,” the party said.
According to the party, any party officeholder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of election or party primary.
It said that all aspirants “shall comply with constitutional provisions and requirements applicable to the public office they seek to contest for.” (NAN).
AMID the public outcry, the Presidency has defended the Federal Executive Council’s approval of N10 billion solar energy project for the State House.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, following media reports questioning the necessity of the project, especially in light of Nigeria’s current economic realities.
Onanuga contended that transitioning the State House to solar power aligns with global best practices, noting that the White House in Washington, D.C., also uses solar energy as part of its power supply.
“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” he wrote, implying that the adoption of renewable energy for high-level government facilities is not unprecedented and reflects a commitment to sustainability.
The presidential spokesman backed up his point with video of a similar project executed for the American number residence, which explains the reasons the US Presidency opted for the solar alternative.
The proposed solar system, it was gathered, would provide stable electricity for the President’s residence, administrative offices, and other essential buildings within the State House complex, enhancing energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
While some Nigerians have applauded the environmental benefits of the initiative, others have raised concerns about its price tag and whether such expenditure is prudent at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano and Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Illiyasu Musa Kwankwaso, has stated that former Political Adviser to Vice President Kashim Shettima,
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and staunch opposition figure, Buba Galadima, have lost their political relevance.
According to him, it is impossible for the duo to stop the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking via a statement released on Tuesday, the APC stalwart said that Baba-Ahmed and Galadima “lack moral courage” to comment on the President’s governance, describing them as having “nothing to offer.”
“The two personalities lack moral courage to talk about the Tinubu administration because they lack the moral rectitude to do so,” Kwankwaso said.
He accused Baba-Ahmed of being among those who “allegedly cheated the North through their long service in government,” but have nothing to show for their time in office.
“Baba-Ahmed is among those who allegedly cheated the North by their long service in governments but have nothing to show as their contributions to the region they are today so called defending,” he said.
On Galadima, Kwankwaso described him as “the worst northern politician who cannot even show the location of his ballot box in Yobe State.”
He accused Galadima of being a “parasite” who had leached off various political figures without contributing anything substantial.
“All his years with General Buhari, what did he contribute? Instead, he was so parasitic that Buhari only won elections when Galadima deserted him. He did the same to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and now he is with Kwankwaso. Therefore, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso should be wary of him if he wants to make it in life,” he said.
The police in Rivers State said they have recovered the corpse of a popular Port Harcourt-based fashion designer, Hope Georgewill, who was abducted by suspected pirates along the Cotton Channel, Bakana River in December local government area of the state.
Recall that Georgewill was kidnapped alongside two other boat passengers on March 26, 2025.
The kidnappers killed Georgewill despite payment of N2m as ransom.
The state Police command, however, said four of the suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Georgewill who is the Chief Executive of HMG Attitude Ltd were killed during a shootout with its operatives.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko disclosed this in a statement sent to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has made significant progress in an earlier report regarding the unfortunate kidnap and subsequent murder of one Hope Georgewill, the Chief Executive Officer of HMG Attitude Ltd, who was abducted alongside two others on March 26, 2025, along the Cotton Channel, Bakana River, by a gang of notorious sea pirates led by one Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“Despite a ransom payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) made to the kidnappers, the body of the deceased was later recovered and deposited at the morgue.”
The command said following credible intelligence on April 3, 2025 men of the Anti-Cultism Unit in Emohua, in collaboration with intelligence gathered from two earlier arrested suspects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, launched a tactical operation on the kidnappers’ hideout located in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.
It stated, “Relentless investigative efforts and intelligence-led policing, on April 3, 2025, at about 0730hrs, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emohua, in collaboration with intelligence gathered from two earlier arrested suspects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, launched a tactical operation on the kidnappers’ hideout located in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.
“Upon arrival at the hideout, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from the hoodlums.”
It continued, “The team responded with decisive force, and in the ensuing exchange, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.
“The two initial suspects who led the team to the location attempted to escape during the melee but were later apprehended with gunshot wounds.”
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police said while operatives were combing the creek, they recovered several arms and ammunition as well as one operational speed boat.
Other exhibits recovered, she said, were one 80-horsepower and one 70-horsepower outboard engine, respectively; one live cartridge, food supplies used by the kidnappers.
The statement added that the late Georgewill’s mobile phone was recovered but that the miscreants had removed the SIM card.
It added, “All four wounded suspects were immediately transported to the Police Clinic for emergency treatment.
“However, upon arrival, the attending medical officer confirmed them dead. Their remains have since been deposited for autopsy.”
Speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju commended his men for their efforts, describing the felling of the suspected pirates as a ‘significant breakthrough.’
Adepoju vowed that the command will make the state uncomfortable for criminals to operate, saying they will rid the waterways and communities of criminals.
According to the state Police image maker, “Further investigations are ongoing, and the public will be updated with any new developments.”
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Segun Sowunmi, has called on former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return to the PDP to boost his chances in the next presidential race.
Sowunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, made the call during an appearance on Seun Okinbaloye’s ‘Mic on podcast’, on Saturday.
He said, “Looking ahead to 2027, the PDP of Nigeria will open its processes, announce when the forms are available, and anyone who feels confident enough to contest should step forward and do so.
“If I were Peter Obi, I would return to the PDP and make a strong case for the presidential ticket. I believe he should come back to the party. This party was originally conceived in the bedroom of (the late) Alex Ekwueme; so, I don’t understand why the Igbo, along with southern leaders and other influential figures within the PDP, can’t come together and say, ‘Alright, we recognise this – here’s the ticket.’”
Sowunmi argued that Obi, who garnered over six million votes in the 2023 presidential election without the backing of governors or significant party machinery, could significantly amplify his impact if backed by a major political structure.
“We’ve covered every region, but we have not gone to the South-East yet. Still, Obi is free to make his own decisions. If his numbers and the animated energy that is following him were to follow him into the PDP and he is the presidential candidate, I can guarantee you he would take the South East, South-South, the Christian North and North Central,” he added.
Sowunmi, however, clarified that his suggestions were hypothetical and not indicative of any ongoing negotiations between Obi and the PDP.
We welcome criticism,but you crossed the line — senate replies Tunde Bakare over emergency rule, ‘rubber-stamp’ comment
AFOLABI
The senate leadership says Pastor Tunde Bakare’s recent remarks on the national assembly’s role in the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state and suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central senator, are misleading.
On Sunday, Bakare, the serving overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, condemned the senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu, and subsequent ratification by the national assembly.
“It is clear that our so-called leaders are determined to turn Nigeria into a mafia state,” Bakare had said.
“The two main contenders in the ongoing institutional immorality Olympics are the executive and the legislature.”
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Yemi Adaramodu, chairman of the senate committee on media and public affairs, said the red chamber was compelled to respond to Bakare’s comments, describing the remarks as “crossing the line”.
“The attention of the senate of the 10th national assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to recent public remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, which included sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary aimed at the institution of the national assembly,” the statement reads.
“While the senate respects the right of every citizen — regardless of station — to express views on the state of the nation, we are constrained to respond when such commentary crosses the line into unwarranted invective and misleading assertions that risk eroding public trust in democratic institutions.”
Describing Bakare as a cleric and political voice, Adaramodu said the senate acknowledged the cleric’s past contributions to national conversations but noted that his latest statements were laced with “contempt and unsubstantiated claims”.
“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have spurred reflection and debate,” the senate spokesperson said.
“However, his most recent statements veer away from constructive criticism into rhetoric, unfortunately laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.
“We view his corrosive criticisms of the national assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily.”
While acknowledging his stature as a cleric, Adaramodu said Bakare’s political and legal background must be taken into account when assessing the implications of his remarks.
“While he remains a respected cleric, his role as a prominent political figure cannot be discounted when assessing the lens through which his comments are made,” he said.
“His position as a political leader influences the context of his statements, which are not only reflections of personal views but also carry significant political implications.”
He added that the senate expected Bakare, as a trained lawyer, to know the constitutional limits of public commentary, especially on issues that are sub judice.
“Pastor Bakare is not only a cleric and political figure but also one with a legal background,” he said.
“He is, therefore, well aware of the constitutional boundaries that guide public commentary — particularly on matters that are sub judice.”
He maintained that the senate would not engage in matters already before a court, out of respect for the rule of law and judicial independence.
He also addressed suggestions that the national assembly should engage in open hostility with the executive arm, calling such displays performative.
“While some may attempt to portray an unnecessary adversarial dynamic between the national assembly and the executive arm of government as a marker of virility in checks and balances, we must clarify that such tension, though it may entertain some, does not necessarily equate to effective legislative oversight,” he added.
“The true test of institutional maturity lies not in performative hostility but in principled engagements and results-driven processes.”
He dismissed Bakare’s reference to the “infamous third-term agenda” as a flawed benchmark, stating that the 10th national assembly has never been approached with any unconstitutional request by the executive.
“To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustrations, ideological differences, or as positioning ahead of possible future political alignments is not only unfair but also counterproductive to our collective democratic journey,” he said.
Adaramodu noted that Bakare had also been critical of previous assemblies, which he now praises.
“We are confident that, in time, with a nuanced review of the performance of the 10th national assembly — within the context of the exigencies of this time and season — Pastor Bakare may, at some point in the future, commend us for acting in the best interest of the people of Nigeria, in line with our constitutional mandate,” he added.
Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, has expressed her frustration over Nigeria’s electricity tariff band system.
Naija News reports that the movie star, in a post via ? on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, described the current tariff band category as a huge fraud, pointing out the disparity between the high electricity tariffs and the actual supply received by consumers.
She lamented that, despite being in band A, which should guarantee over 20 hours of power daily, she is lucky to get just two hours a day.
The award-winning actress questioned the logic behind the billing system, stating that consumers are being forced to pay exorbitant rates for electricity that is barely available.
The thespian further compared the electricity billing system to the recently collapsed Ponzi scheme ‘CBEX’, stating, Is that not CBex-ing of the people?
She said, “This banding of electricity is a huge FRAUD! I said it before, and I repeat it again..
“”Band A” is supposed to get 20 hours of electricity at an exorbitant tariff, but if you get 2 hours, to God be the glory. A huge FRAUD…. KMT. See?!!! That estimated billing na daylight robbery with bazooka guns!!! I said what I said!!!
“When they know they can’t generate enough energy to supply the people, you raise tarriff and still drop the supply! Is that not CBex-ing of the people??”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, deployed a special squad to arrest the rising violence across the country.
He ordered all Police Mobile Force squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby, effective immediately.
He gave the directive during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, as bandits struck in Kwara, Benue and Sokoto States, killing 21 persons.
In the past weeks, the attacks on hapless citizens have escalated with increased attacks reported in Plateau, Benue, Enugu and other parts of the country.
Addressing his squadron commanders during the meeting, the IG stressed that the standby units must be prepared to provide rapid support to state commands in times of crisis, high-risk operations, or emergency interventions.
Egbetokun said, “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready. Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.
“These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter.
“These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.”
He also said squadrons will undergo size reviews and reorganisation to boost efficiency and agility.
Egbetokun further noted, ‘’Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel.
“You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.”
Restating the withdrawal of mobile policemen from escort duties, the IG noted with concern that this has drained the PMF’s tactical effectiveness.
“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.
“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence,’’ he stated.
The police boss declared that indiscipline among the mobile police officers will no longer be tolerated.
“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined.
“As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage,’’ added.
Meanwhile, the serenity of Ilesha Baruba in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State was shattered on Tuesday by gunmen who launched a deadly attack on a relaxation spot in a motor park, leaving six persons dead.
Also, a vigilante was gunned down in Kemanji, Kaiama LGA, while on a patrol along the fringes of Kainji National Park.
Speaking on the unprovoked attacks in the state, the Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement, disclosed that the command was investigating the two incidents.
The statement said operatives have arrested an informant linked to a bandit network, adding that tactical efforts had been intensified across the affected communities.
It read, “At about 21:30hours, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.
“As a result, six persons – identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others – lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries. The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.”
The police command disclosed that full security measures had been activated to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Three of the suspected bandits suffered gunshot wounds during the gun duel, while a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba, succumbed to gunshot injuries.
“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation,” the police said.
The command assured the residents of both communities that full security architecture has been activated, including tactical teams, intensified surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace and order.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has led the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu; Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brig. Gen. E.B. Barkins; the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo and the Director, Department of State Services, Mr Michael Aganwu and Alh Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior Special Adviser on security matters to the governor, on a security assessment of Kaiama LGA.
The Monday visit focused on the security architecture within Kemenji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis.
The delegation held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Omar, and other critical stakeholders and inspected an oil mill facility before returning to Ilorin.
In the Afia community in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, a suspected bandit identified as ‘Government’ reportedly killed 11 people.
This happened some days after some armed herders invaded some communities in the Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, killing no fewer than 72 people.
Eyewitnesses claimed the suspect was mentally ill.
“He is popularly known as ‘Government’ and was mentally ill about two months ago, but was treated. He woke up Tuesday morning and shot indiscriminately, killing about 11 people,” a source told our correspondent.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, who confirmed the incident, however, insisted the man was a bandit.
Abo said, “I’m not aware that the man has any illness but what I gathered is that a bandit with the nickname ‘Government’ on Tuesday morning picked up a gun and shot many people to death.”
The commissioner could not confirm the casualty figure.
The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene, said she was not aware of the incident.
Speaking during a visit to Makurdi on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, commiserated with the government and people of Benue State over the loss of lives in the state.
The NSA, in an interview with journalists, stated that the Bola Tinubu administration inherited ‘’a bastardised situation’’ which is being confronted frontally.
According to him, the insecurity started about 15 years ago but was devoid of politics, religion and ethnicity.
He said, “The insecurity in Nigeria has been there since 2011, and we have several lives lost, and it’s not about politics, religion or ethnicity but pure criminality. It’s been ongoing for too long, it’s not only Nigeria that is a victim of this (insecurity), many countries have lost the fight against the bandits.
“Sudan has no government, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso are all under military government and they faced the same problem.”
The NSA, who referred to the situation in Afghanistan where he once worked, said the country also had similar problems.
He sought the understanding of Nigerians, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the insecurity in the country.
“The way the Federal Government is responding to insecurity today is different from the ways the past governments addressed it. The present government is a listening one, identifying the cause and tackling the issue.
“We will continue to do better, we have improved greatly from the time we came in, it’s a process, it’s a journey, it took 15 years to find ourselves where we are today and the present administration has done very well compared to what was happening in the past,” Ribadu said.
Addressing the people earlier, Ribadu said he was in the state on behalf of the President to commiserate with them and assured them of the Federal Government’s determination to combat insecurity in the state.
In the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, members of the Lakurawa terror group on Sunday unleashed a deadly overnight raid on Adarawa and Huymar Dutsi villages.
The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles and moving on motorcycles and foot, stormed Adarawa village in the Kalanjeni Ward around 11pm, firing sporadically.
Sources said one Jamilu Hassan was shot and killed during the onslaught, while provision shops were looted, with the assailants carting away drinks and other items.
“The gunmen later advanced to Huymar Dutsi, where they opened fire again, killing two residents, Auwalu Namadi Nagande and Maidamma Sanda.
An eyewitness stated, “ In a brazen show of terror, they went house to house, rustling an undisclosed number of livestock including sheep, camels, and cattle before fleeing towards Kwarakka village.
“We had earlier reported suspicious movements in Gidan Madi Town, where eight individuals, believed to be of Fulani extraction, were seen riding motorcycles and dressed in attire typically worn for wedding ceremonies.
“These movements occurred between 3pm and 5pm, same day and were later traced heading towards the Binji axis. Security agencies were urged to intensify vigilance in the area.”
In another incident on the same day, suspected Lakurawa fighters mounted a roadblock at Gulbin Mujadde, between Sabro and Barkatube villages.
The gunmen, said to be riding on 12 motorcycles and wielding AK-47 rifles, intercepted traders transporting livestock from Niger Republic.
They allegedly confiscated the animals and were last seen heading toward Tummunna village under Magonho Ward.
The repeated attacks have heightened fears among local communities, with urgent calls for increased security presence and swift government intervention.
The spokesman for the Sokoto State police command, Ahmed Rufai, said the area has been having such attacks almost daily
Worried by the deteriorating security situation in their region, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has adopted a joint approach to addressing the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North.
The Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who doubles as the chairman of the forum, is spearheading efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism in the North.
Misilli disclosed that Yahaya has been rallying fellow governors to find a solution to the region’s insecurity.
“His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, is fully engaged with his colleagues in exploring a joint approach to address the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North.
“As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa has been at the forefront of efforts to rally his fellow governors towards finding a lasting and collaborative solution to the insecurity plaguing the region. Since the recent escalation of violence in affected parts of the North, the governor has not relented in his resolve,” the DG stated.
He added that Yahaya has been engaging with colleagues, security chiefs, and stakeholders, advocating for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, noting that the leadership role in the NSGF is crucial in driving these efforts.
He disclosed that the governor’s resolve remains unwavering despite the recent escalation of violence in parts of the North, stressing that the forum aimed to bring peace and stability to the region through collaborative solutions.
“He (Yahaya) has continued to reach out, both privately and through official channels, to his colleagues, security chiefs, and relevant stakeholders, urging for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, and the NSGF chairman is always leveraging his leadership role in the NSGF to achieve that goal,” he added.
In a related development, the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe, said the state has recorded commendable success in restoring peace and stability to areas previously plagued by banditry and kidnapping incidents.
Jobe stated this on Tuesday at the 5th edition of the monthly press briefing on Governor Dikko Radda’s administration’s achievements in the security sector.
He revealed that the government’s massive investment of N36.8b in collaboration with the 34 local government areas of the state was to establish a formidable security structure aimed at addressing the security challenges bedevilling the state.
According to Jobe, “Government has incurred huge expenditure in the recruitment, training and equipping of the newly established homegrown security outfit known as Katsina Community Watch Corps.
‘’The funds have been utilised for the procurement of critical security assets, including 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 65 Toyota Hilux vehicles, and 700 Daylong motorcycles.
“Additionally, the government has acquired 1,900 units of tactical covert equipment, drones, trackers, and communication network equipment for intelligence gathering, as well as combat equipment, consumables, live jackets, helmets, walkie-talkies, and teargas hand grenades.”
The deputy governor also noted that the Radda administration has adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to the security issues.
“The non-kinetic measures include the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the formation of the State Security Council Advisory Committee, and the enactment of law establishing the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps.
“We have also created the Office of SSA on victims of banditry and IDPs, and the Office of SA Community Security Watch Corps,” he further clarified.
He explained that the government has provided free medical treatment to victims of banditry and financial assistance to families of victims.
“The strategy further encompasses engagement of 7,545 Imams, Na’ibis and Ladans to preach peace and harmony among the people, 6,652 ward heads to serve in the traditional security structure of the state, 918 Local Government Level Security Support Groups, and 9,747 Ward Level Security Support Groups,’’ he highlighted.
On the kinetic front, Jobe revealed the recruitment and deployment of 1,466 security watch corps personnel to the eight frontline local governments of Dandume, Faskari, Kankara, Danmusa, Batsari, Jibia, Sabuwa and Safana.
The second phase, he said, comprised the recruitment of 550 Security Watch Corps personnel deployed in 10 vulnerable local governments- Bakori, Musawa, Malumfashi, Danja, Funtua, Matazu, Charanchi, Batagarawa, Kurfi and Dutsin-Ma.
“We have also engaged 1,500 vigilante members and deployed 200 civilian hunters to vulnerable areas to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in combating insecurity,” Malam Jobe revealed.
The deputy governor further explained that the government has spent N985,976,842 to cushion the trauma and sufferings of victims of armed banditry and internally displaced persons across the state through medication, financial assistance, and other support interventions.
“So far, a total of 2,286 victims have been offered financial assistance,” he stated.
Jobe also pointed out the state’s hosting of the North-West Peace and Security Summit, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.
In a bid to stem the rampant abductions and other forms of criminality in his state, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said a total of 115 military men had been drafted to the Akoko area of the state to comat the bandits terrorising the residents.
The governor also said more personnel would be recruited into the Ondo Security Network Agency, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps, as part of his administration’s efforts to stem the crime rate.
Aiyedatiwa stated this while hosting the elders and leaders of Ondo North Senatorial District of the state in his office in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday. The visitors were led by a former senator, Bode Olajumoke.
The governor said, “On security, a total of 115 military personnel have been deployed to the Akoko axis to tackle recent challenges. Our administration is committed to the security of the lives and properties of our people, and it remains a top priority for our administration. I’m assuring you of even development across all local government areas of the state.”
The governor also expressed willingness to consider the proposed security trust fund in the state.
Speaking earlier, Olajumoke advised the governor to consider acquiring more sophisticated equipment as well as deploying technology to enhance the performance of the Amotekun Corps, in addition to recruiting more personnel to ensure more boots are on the ground.
Speaking on the attacks and killings in his state, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has identified the perpetrators as foreigners.
According to him, the attackers speak unknown languages and display traits that suggest they are not Nigerians.
He made this statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following a series of violent incidents in the North-Central state that have resulted in numerous deaths and displacements.
He stated, “Let’s have the narrative very correct. We know Nigerians—by our ethnicities, we can identify a Fulani man, a Yoruba man, a Hausa man—we know them. Even the regular traditional herders, we know them. They work with cows, herding with sticks.
“But these folks [the attackers] are coming in fully armed with AK-47s and 49s. They do not bear the Nigerian look. They don’t speak like we do. Even the Hausa they speak is one sort of Hausa.
“It’s not the normal Hausa we Nigerians speak. So, it is with the Fulani they speak. There is a trend in the language they speak, and some of our people who understand what they speak give it names. They say they are Malians and different from our people. But they are not Nigerians—believe it.”
The governor noted that the current wave of violence represented a new and more dangerous escalation compared to past clashes with traditional herders.
‘’This is the second phase we are seeing. The initial ones were with the traditional herders. The traditional herders—we had fewer troubles with them. What we are experiencing has a new, different, strange face, and it’s now alarming.
“These terrorists are everywhere. We are under a siege. These people just come and hit and kill and run back. Where are they running to? The way these killings are being planned and carried out is coordinated.
“Some local government areas in Benue share borders with Cameroon, and those borders are quite porous. The terrorists have their own havens in Taraba, Nasarawa, and in border regions of Cameroon,” Alia stated.
Umar Bago, governor of Niger, has ordered security operatives to arrest persons with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the government house on Tuesday, Bago said security operatives should cut the dreadlocks of such arrested residents and impose fines on them.
The meeting was attended by security agencies and traditional rulers.
The Niger governor said his administration has zero tolerance for rascality.
“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person,” the governor said.
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”
Bago also directed security operatives to treat anybody carrying arms in the state as armed robbers.
CURFEW FOR COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLES
The governor also restricted the movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles from 6pm to 6am in Minna.
Bago said those using motorcycles and tricycles for medical emergencies are exempted, adding that he would not stay back and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil in the state.
Bago asked district, village, and ward heads to ensure proper documentation of residents in their domains.
He added that any building found harbouring criminals or being used for the sale of illicit drugs will be destroyed.
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The total expenses of eight Nigerian banks soared to N4.61tn in 2024, driven by increases in both personnel and operating costs.
The data reveals a 107.8 per cent rise from N2.2tn in 2023, highlighting the growing financial pressure on the banking sector.
This was based on the annual results of the financial institutions filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited for the period ended December 2024.
In the period under review, First HoldCo Plc reported a total of N568.3bn in operating expenses, up from N341.5bn in 2023, reflecting a 66.4 per cent increase year-on-year. Personnel expenses for the group stood at N308.5bn, marking a significant surge from N175.9bn in 2023, a growth of 75.3 per cent.
Fidelity Bank Plc saw its total operating expenses increase to N242.7bn from N135.3bn in 2023, representing a 79.3 per cent rise. Personnel expenses rose to N73.5bn, compared to N52.6bn in 2023, reflecting a 39.6 per cent increase.
For United Bank for Africa Plc, the bank’s operating expenses rose to N682.9bn, an increase from N372.8bn in 2023, reflecting an 83.2 per cent jump.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company reported a sharp rise in its operating expenses, which surged to N259.6bn from N166.2bn in 2023, reflecting a 56.2 per cent increase. Personnel expenses for the group hit N85.4bn, more than doubling from N45.1bn in the previous year, a 89.3 per cent increase.
Zenith Bank Plc experienced an increase in operating expenses to N586.6bn, up from N291.7bn in 2023, representing an 101.1 per cent rise. Personnel expenses for Zenith Bank stood at N204.2bn, compared to N124.4bn in 2023, an increase of 64.2 per cent.
Wema Bank also recorded a significant rise in both operating expenses and personnel expenses, which surged to N77.5bn from N45.9bn in 2023, marking a 68.9 per cent rise. Personnel expenses stood at N45.5bn, a 70.3 per cent increase from the previous year’s N26.8bn.
At FCMB Group Plc, operating expenses surged to N48.3bn, an increase from N32.7bn in 2023, reflecting a 47.8 per cent rise. Personnel expenses for FCMB grew to N79.3bn, up from N49.6bn in 2023, a growth of 59.9 per cent.
Finally, Access Holdings Plc reported N960.8bn in operating expenses, up from N465.7bn in 2023, a 106.3 per cent increase.
Personnel expenses stood at N381.4bn, a sharp rise from N167.9bn the previous year, showing a 127.5 per cent increase.
The PUNCH reported that the combined operating expenses of 10 Nigerian banks rose by 42.51 per cent to N3.23tn in 2023 compared to N2.26tn in the previous year.
A total of 18 Africans are among the 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next Pope.
Though there are 252 cardinals, only 135 cardinals have voting status and are eligible to vote for the next Pope when the conclave begins.
Europe has the highest number, with 53 cardinals of voting status.
Asia, with 23, has the next highest number of cardinal electors, followed by Africa with 18 voting members of the College of Cardinals.
South America follows with 17, while North America has 16 cardinal electors.
Oceania and Central America, with four each, have the lowest number of electors at the forthcoming conclave.
The Cardinal electors of African origin are Fridolin Besungu (DR Congo), Ignace Dogbo (Ivory Coast), Stephen Brislin (South Africa), Arlindo Furtado (Cape Verde), Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda), Jean-Pierre Kutwa (Ivory Coast).
Others are John Njue (Kenya), Dieudonne Nzapalainga (Central African Republic), Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria), Nakellentuba Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Protase Rugambwa (Tanzania), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Berhaneyesus Souraphiel (Ethiopia).
The list of Africans also includes Desire Tsarahazana (Madagascar), Peter Turkson (Ghana), Jean-Paul Vesco (Algeria), Cristobal Romero (Morocco), Stephen Mulla (South-Sudan).
Interestingly, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis; 22 by his predecessor, Pope Benedict; and five by Pope John Paul II.
All cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the secret ballot to be held in the conclave. They need a majority of at least two-thirds plus one to elect the new pope, so the voting can take several rounds spread over numerous days.
The cardinals considered to be the leading candidates to succeed Pope Francis are Peter Erdo (Hungary), Matteo Zuppi (Italy), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Luis Tagle (Filipino), Malcolm Ranjith (Sri Lanka), Pietro Parolin (Italy), Pierattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem), Fridolin Besungu (Congo), Willem Eijk (Netherlands), Anders Arborelius (Sweden), Charles Bo (Myanmar), Jean-Marc Aveline (France).
More Cardinals have arrived at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Approximately 60 cardinals gathered at the Synod hall for the first congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday morning, led by the Camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The Cardinals had at the general congregation, on Tuesday, confirmed Saturday as the date for the funeral of the late Pope.
More Cardinals are billed to participate in the second general congregation scheduled to be held on Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday morning will be dedicated to the ceremonial transfer of the Pope’s body to the Basilica, where he will lie in state.
Presently, general congregation is being held to discuss the Pope’s funeral but, in the coming days, it will progress to pre-conclave preparatory meetings leading up to conclave itself.
In the coming days, the Cardinals will discuss when the conclave is to start.
Then, they will at their meetings, begin to speak on a variety of matters, such as the present needs of the Church, the state of the Curia and its work, and improving the Curia and the Church’s relation to the world.
Cardinals would swear to maintain rigorous secrecy about all matters in any way related to the election of the Roman pontiff or those which, by their very nature, during the vacancy of the Pope’s seat.
The cardinals then swear collectively an oath, which reads in part: “We promise and swear to observe with the greatest fidelity and with all persons, clerical or lay, secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff and regarding what occurs in the place of the election, directly or indirectly related to the results of the voting.
“We promise and swear not to break this secret in any way, either during or after the election of the new Pontiff, unless explicit authorization is granted by the same Pontiff; and never to lend support or favour to any interference, opposition or any other form of intervention, whereby secular authorities of whatever order and degree or any group of people or individuals might wish to intervene in the election of the Roman Pontiff.”
After this, each individual, with a hand on the Gospels, pledges his oath to the same.
The cardinal-electors are to refrain from all contact with the outside world during the election: no shared messages, no newspapers, no radio, no television.
Often, the first vote is purely ceremonial, a way for cardinals to honour particular members of the College who, though distinguished, are not considered papable (electable as pope).
From that point on, the voting is scheduled to be two sessions a day, with two rounds of voting per session (four rounds total per day).
The cardinals select three fellow cardinals to count the votes, three others to check the counts, and three, if necessary, to collect ballots from those who, from infirmity, are unable to walk to the high altar.
Each cardinal writes on a ballot the name of his choice for pope, then walks to the high altar.
There, in the painting of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo, he says aloud, “I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.”
The cardinal then places the ballot into the proper receptacle, bows to the altar, and returns to his place.
Once the ballots have been placed in the receptacle, they are mixed up and then counted aloud.
If the number does not equal that of the electors, the ballots are burned.
If the number is accurate, the ballots are taken out singly, noted by two cardinals, and then announced in a loud, clear voice by a third cardinal.
For a man to be validly elected pope, he must receive two-thirds of the votes.
After each vote, the ballots are burned, and the smoke coming out of the chimney above the Sistine Chapel is black if the vote is inconclusive, and white if a new successor of Peter has been elected.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to a viral post, the officers allegedly extorted ₦5.2 million from a group of young men travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to Akure, Ondo State.
However, speaking via a statement by his media aide, Babatunde Alao, the minister noted that any officer found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
He warned that no form of misconduct would be tolerated from security agencies.
Tunji-Ojo said, “We will not tolerate any form of misconduct from our security agencies.
“We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined, professional and serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all sense of diginity and patriotism.
“On this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness.”
Meanwhile, gunmen, suspected to be militants, ambushed a patrol team from the NSCDC in the Igbomotoru community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday, resulting in the death of an officer whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
According to a community source who spoke with Daily Trust, the patrol squad was returning from a clampdown operation targeting illegal bunkering sites in the area when the attack occurred.
The source revealed that the Igbomotoru community has recently been restive, with an increase in illegal bunkering activities due to its riverine terrain.
The attack, described as a coordinated assault, took place near the Koluama creeks, a known hub for oil theft and militant activities.
Gunmen reportedly opened fire on the NSCDC patrol boat, using high-caliber weapons to overpower the officers. The assault is believed to be connected to pipeline vandalism syndicates active in the region.
During the exchange of gunfire, one officer was shot and later succumbed to his injuries, while several others were injured. The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Yenagoa.
This attack comes just a week after suspected vandals blew up the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The pipeline, owned by Oando Plc, supplies gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Bonny, Rivers State.
Last year, military personnel had invaded the Igbomotoru community in search of a militant kingpin accused of masterminding the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta State.
When contacted on Sunday, the spokesperson for the NSCDC in Bayelsa State, Solomon Ogbere, confirmed the attack but stated that he had not yet received a comprehensive report.
He said, “The information, sincerely speaking, we’ve gotten it but I’m still waiting for the OC to give me a comprehensive report. But you are not actually far from the truth anyway, but I can’t actually speak on it because I have not gotten the exact details. By tomorrow (Monday), I will be speaking on good authority to tell you exactly”
There are indications that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is warming up to making concessions to ease the political tension in the state.
This followed Fubara’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London during the latter’s 18-day retreat in Europe.
The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was at the request of Governor Fubara, who first came into office in May 2023.
Although The PUNCH could not confirm details of the meeting at press time, a senior presidential adviser told the Paris-based publication that, Fubara “pledged to make certain concessions in a bid to ease tensions.”
“It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week.
“Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official hinted that negotiations are ongoing and that his six‑month suspension could be cut short.
Another aide added that Fubara is weighing a switch from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC to get on the good side of the president.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide told the French magazine.
Presidential aides contacted by our correspondent said they were not on the latest private trip with the President and, therefore, did not witness the closed-door meeting.
It is first face‑to‑face since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on 18 March, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and ousting Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.”
He installed former Navy Chief, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.
Opposition governors from seven PDP‑ruled states immediately filed suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the decree’s constitutionality and demanding a return to democratic rule.
The political crisis, which has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The turmoil escalated after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm.
Things went further south when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, prompting legal disputes over their status.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly, faulting the governor’s actions as unconstitutional and tantamount to despotism.
The judgment noted that Rivers State had effectively collapsed into one-man rule due to the absence of a functioning legislature.
Despite the ruling, governance remained stalled, with the Assembly and executive failing to cooperate.
As of March 2025 the state’s annual Appropriation Bill had not been passed.
Hours before Tinubu declared emergency rule, an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A second explosion ruptured a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.
Citing fresh security reports at the time, Tinubu expressed concern over recent vandalisation of oil pipelines by militants, allegedly acting in support of Fubara.
The President, who had been in Paris, then London since April 2, agreed to meet Fubara in an attempt to defuse the lingering crisis.
The duo discussed restoring functional government in the oil‑rich state, officials say.
Neither side disclosed details, but sources said the talks may see Fubara back in power before his six-month suspension elapses in September.
It was learned that Fubara’s estranged political godfather now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was nervous about such an arrangement holding without him.
However, Tinubu is expected to meet Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to chart a lasting solution to the political crisis in the state.