The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured Nigerian workers that their efforts would not be in vain.
Naija News reports that PDP, in its Workers Day message on its ? handle by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, commended Nigerian workers for remaining resilient amid economic hardship caused by All Progressives Congress (APC) policies.
PDP highlighted spiraling inflation, rising costs of living, declining purchasing power and unabated insecurity as challenges confronting workers at workplaces.
It read: “On this Workers’ Day 2025, we proudly salute the resilience, dedication, and indomitable spirit of Nigerian workers, the heartbeat of our nation’s progress.
“Your tireless efforts drive Nigeria’s economy, sustain our communities and inspire hope for a brighter future.
“We recognize the immense challenges you face in the workplace, the spiraling inflation, rising costs of living, declining purchasing power, unabated insecurity and increased hardship, due to the flip-flop policies of the failed All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
“We stand in solidarity with you, as we continue to lead the charge in the patriotic effort ahead of 2027 to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the APC. We assure that your labour will never be in vain.”
Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has retrieved three official vehicles from the suspended Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
However, the Rivers State Government has stated that the essence of the retrieval of the vehicles was to ensure protection of government property.
It was gathered that some military men, alleged to be naval operatives, and some state government officials stormed the Port Harcourt residence of Odu on the alleged order of the sole administrator.
It was further gathered that the military men who took over the residence of the suspended deputy governor later entered the compound and took away three vehicles.
Reacting to the development, Democracy Watch Nigeria described it as disturbing, noting that the military men arrived at the residence in a commando style and took away the vehicles.
The body, in a statement in Port Harcourt by its spokesperson, Elder Vincent Chimene Wopara, alleged that the sole administrator ordered the military men to carry out the act.
Wopara said: “In a disturbing show of force, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), on Friday, 25 April, ordered naval personnel to storm the official residence of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and forcibly remove three vehicles.
“The naval officers, acting on the direct instruction of the Sole Administrator, carried out the operation in a commando-style raid, taking away two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Toyota Hiace bus. The brazen action took place in the early hours of the day and has since sparked widespread condemnation across the state.
“This development marks a new low in the ongoing disregard for due process and democratic norms under the current administration. The action is viewed by many observers as a targeted provocation, intended to intimidate and humiliate the office of the Deputy Governor, which remains a constitutionally recognised institution.
“We call on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to take note of this growing trend of militarisation and impunity in Rivers State. It is imperative that those in positions of authority act within the bounds of the law and uphold the dignity of democratic institutions.”
Rivers Gov’t clarifies on retrieval of official vehicles
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has confirmed that it retrieved three vehicles from the residence of the suspended deputy governor but said the action was to ensure that government properties are safe and secured.
The government, in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, regretted that the action was twisted and politicised, questioning the motive of those bringing politics into the matter.
The statement questioned what the government vehicles were still doing in the residence of the Deputy Governor over one month after her suspension, adding that the move to recover government property should not be misconstrued as overreaching.
It read: “The Rivers State Government has noted with dismay the deliberate misrepresentation of the lawful retrieval of two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Hiace bus from the premises of the suspended Deputy Governor.
“This routine administrative action, aimed at securing government property, has been twisted by political opportunists seeking to create unnecessary tension. We question the motives of those politicising this matter: What legitimate purpose did these vehicles serve in the suspended Deputy Governor’s premises over one month after the declaration of a state of emergency?
“The Rivers State Government maintains that the recovery of its assets cannot reasonably be construed as executive overreach. This administration remains committed to prudent management of public resources and will not be distracted by baseless allegations.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from testing the resolve of an administration that has demonstrated remarkable patience in the face of persistent provocation. The public is advised to disregard sensationalised accounts of this incident and focus instead on the government’s ongoing efforts to restore stability and good governance in Rivers State.”
Popular Nollywood actress, Chacha Eke, has announced separation from her husband and movie producer, Austin Faani.
Notably, in 2022, Chacha Eke and Austin Faani made headlines after she announced their separation, citing domestic violence, but later retracted her claim.
In a recent Instagram post, Chacha Eke opened up about personal struggles, including her mother’s passing, the loss of her child, and separation from Austin Faani, a relationship she had envisioned lasting forever.
Chacha Eke shared her perspective on love, asserting that without respect, love falters.
Furthermore, the actress opened up about facing struggles, heartbreaks, and disappointments head-on, while managing responsibilities, and triumphed.
Her post reads,“I’ve watched the life I built fall apart Infront of me and still got up the next morning to keep going. I’ve lost my parents suddenly to death, I’ve said goodbye to the man I thought would grow old beside me.Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”.
Meanwhile, the announcement has sparked buzz online, prompting speculation amid queries over its legitimacy, citing previous announcement and retraction.
See Post Below;
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 general elections, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has explained his decision to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a visit to the APC state secretariat in Acme, Ikeja, Jandor was welcomed by the party’s executive council, led by State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi.
He used the opportunity to express his willingness to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027 and suggested that he might again contest the Lagos governorship on the APC platform.
“This is not our declaration proper, this is just to come and formally inform you of our decision to return home and to the APC family. We are happy to come back to the winning family.
“We have come to join our numerical strength to that of the existing party strength to ensure that we keep winning for Nigerians.
“Our focus is to see how we can dismantle all the gang up in the name of coalition against Mr President and work to return back as President of Nigeria in 2027,” Jandor clarified.
Reflecting on his defection from the APC to the PDP in 2022, Jandor described the move as a calculated step to find space to prove his capacity.
“I’m a man of conviction,” he said. “I don’t just follow the crowd. Our departure from APC then was strategic. Now, we are back—not empty-handed but with political weight.”
He attributed his return to APC to the increasing political manoeuvres aimed at weakening President Tinubu’s prospects in 2027.
“There’s a Yoruba adage: ‘Omo eni o ni se idi bebere ka fi leke si idi omo elomiran’ – Charity begins at home. We must defend our own. Our priority is to ensure President Tinubu’s return in 2027. Every other matter is secondary,” he added.
While he has not formally declared for the next governorship race, Jandor stated that he remains open to contesting if the party supports his ambition.
“I’ve not pulled out of the governorship race. If the party gives us the ticket, we will take it and run with it. But whatever the party decides, we will abide.”
He reiterated his commitment to fully reintegrate into the APC, bringing back with him the same level of political relevance he had before his departure.
APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, while welcoming Jandor back, described the move as timely and strategic for the party.
“All 20 local government and 37 LCDA chairmen were consulted before this reunion. The 2023 elections weren’t our best outing, and we must correct that in 2027,” Ojelabi stated. “With you back, we can erase that record and deliver across all levels.”
He acknowledged Jandor’s influence in Lagos politics and assured him of full reintegration.
“Asiwaju Tinubu has a forgiving spirit. Those who previously opposed him are often welcomed and integrated once they return. The door is open, and your step today is the right one.”
Vice Chairman Maiyegun Moshood also applauded Jandor’s return, saying it would help restore the essence of Lagos politics.
“You are passionate about Lagos. Your return strengthens the core of our party,” he noted.
Publicity Secretary of the party, Seye Oladejo, added that the PDP had been significantly weakened by Jandor’s defection.
“With this move, the PDP is left without a credible governorship candidate. The strength of their party has diminished,” he remarked.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said Nigeria would achieve its prosperity only with righ leadership.
Naija News reports that Governor Makinde urged citizens to change their mentality on leadership recruitment in the country.
He stated this at the grand finale of the Oyo State Youth Summit 2025, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday.
Makinde faulted views that foreign powers were behind Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“Some people would talk about a conspiracy theory; that Nigeria is being held down by advanced countries, but we need to remember that some people over there who came here when the rich culture of the land had not been destroyed, they still say, Oh, we went to Nigeria then and it was the best place in the world to live.
“Nigeria’s right to prosperity is achievable, so the right mentality is that we must rise,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor stated that immediately Nigeria gets leadership right, everything would change.
“Once we get our structure and leadership right, when we have leaders who see the potential in the country, then see the need for the country to focus more on education and other opportunities,” he stated.
Governor Makinde also urged youths to embrace opportunities that abound in the country through entrepreneurship.
“We must not be taken unaware; we must be well-informed and lean towards entrepreneurship,” he urged.
He assured Oyo State youths that his administration would continue to support them to unlock their potential.
He emphasised that entrepreneurship, education and intensive production would lead to economic prosperity in Nigeria, with right leadership.
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 Football Association of England has announced that transgender women will be banned from participating in women’s football starting June 1.
The decision follows a ruling by the UK Supreme Court on April 16, which held that, under equalities law, a woman is defined by biological sex. The association cited this as a key factor in updating its policy.
In a statement released by the English FA on Thursday, the association said it remains committed to making football accessible but must align with the current legal definitions and ensure fairness in the women’s game.
“As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA,” the statement reads.
it was further explained that the current policy, which had allowed transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on the principle of inclusion and supported by expert legal advice.
The FA disclosed that a review of its policy was inevitable in the event of any changes to relevant laws or regulations.
“This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football, then we would review it and change it if necessary.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on April 16 means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from June 1, 2025”.
According to the statement, the FA acknowledged that the decision may be difficult for those affected.
“We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender with which they identify.
“We are reaching out to the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and discuss how they can continue to remain involved in the game,” the FA said.
Recall that the Scottish FA board has decided that starting from next season, only biological females will be permitted to compete in girls’ and women’s football under its jurisdiction.
This decision follows the UK Supreme Court ruling that a female is defined by biological sex under equalities law. Only individuals assigned female at birth will be allowed to play in women’s football in Scotland for players aged 13, and above.
[Vanguard]
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Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is set to miss the Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Inter Milan after he was diagnosed with a hamstring injury on Thursday.
The French right-back went off hurt during the thrilling 3-3 first leg draw on Wednesday, with the return next Tuesday at the San Siro.
“Tests carried out this morning have shown that first team player Jules Kounde has a hamstring injury in his left thigh,” said Barcelona in a statement.
The Catalan giants did not specify his expected absence period but Kounde is a major doubt for the Clasico clash with Real Madrid in La Liga on May 11, and will be unavailable for Saturday’s visit to face Real Valladolid.
Barca lead their arch-rivals by four points and are chasing a potential quadruple this season.
Eric Garcia filled in at right-back for Barca against Inter Milan in the second half at the Olympic stadium.
Kounde, 26, has played 53 games for Barcelona this season across all competitions.
[Vanguard]
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.
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]