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Convocation Lecture: Education Minister, Ganduje, preach patriotism and unity, as LASU VC praises President Tinubu and Education Minister for Curriculum Rejig
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At the Convocation Lecture, the fourth event in the ongoing 28th Convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University, the National chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Chairman of the occasion, and the Minister of Education and convocation lecturer, Dr Tunji Alausa, have reiterated the imperative of unity and patriotism in achieving national development. Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who spoke on “Patriotism, Citizenship, and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future,” emphasized the need for patriotism and collective responsibility in achieving national development.
Dr. Alausa charges Nigerians to adopt a “redefined” patriotism which should “reflect integrity, civic responsibility and a shared vision for national advancement.” According to him, commitment, political leadership and accountability, and promotion of unity and justice are characteristics of a true Nigerian patriot.
“A true patriot in modern Nigeria is someone who contributes to the nation’s growth in tangible ways, whether through education, entrepreneurship, innovation, or public service. This means working towards economic self-sufficiency, supporting local industries and promoting sustainable development initiatives that uplift your or any community in the country.”
However, in his opening address, the APC national chairman and Chairman of the event, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, tasks Nigerians to utilize ethnic diversity in contributing to the nation’s progress.
“There is no doubt Nigeria is blessed with many ethnic nationalities and, sociologically, each ethnic nationality in Nigeria has some inherent traits; if properly harmonized, Nigeria will be greater than what it is in the moment. I have this hope that going forward there shall be a renewed national patriotism, sense of belonging, from the north to the south; from the east to the west, and by this Nigeria will rise again.
“We should rise to the responsibilities of true citizenship and restore the glory of our nation’s founding fathers because, ultimately, our most promising path to national awakening is to begin to think less of ourselves as individuals and tribesmen but rise collectively through the responsibilities of true stewardship,” the former governor said.
Delivering the Welcome Address of the 28th LASU Convocation Lecture, on the 8th of April, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, advocates for patriotism and good citizenship, which should be done in both words and deeds.
“The emerging leaders of this nation, you are the ones who must rise to the occasion; who must safeguard this nation in the face of threats to its unity, peace and progress. Yes, our nation has its challenges—our fault lines are visible, but let us not forget our nationhood runs deep, woven through our history, our culture and our shared dreams. We are more than our divisions.”
The Vice-Chancellor decried the extinction of history in the Nigerian education curriculum while acknowledging its consequences on Nigeria’s vibrant youths.
"I would also like to touch on one thing I consider a disservice to our sense of patriotism and collective responsibility: the removal of History from the curriculum in our primary and secondary schools. When we lack a sense of the past, then our future is endangered. So much harm has been done to our young generation, the group that we call the Gen Z, who pass through schools at a time when history was expunged from the curriculum. Some of such harms are evident in the even dangerous narratives that avail the social media space. The ethnic-induced abuses, trolling and verbal attacks on individuals and groups have become the hallmark of social media engagement amongst others.
"And it is on this note that I salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education for the bold decision to return the teaching of history to schools. This is a crucial step towards healing these generational wounds and ensuring that our young people understand the rich, complex story of our nation. A story that will empower them to engage with one another and with Nigeria’s future in a more informed, respectful and united manner.”
The 28th convocation lecture of the third most sought-after Nigerian university was commemorated in grand style as distinguished personalities permeated the scene. In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro, LASU Chancellor, Gbolahan Elias (SAN), Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Emeritus Professor Sonny Echono, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, amongst others.
The convocation ceremony is expected to continue until Thursday when the University conferred honorary doctorate degrees on the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.
3rd April, 2025
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), CFR
Administrator,
Rivers State,
Government House,
Port Harcourt.
Dear brother and Admiral,
OUR DEEP CONCERNS OVER TEARING DOWN OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE
I have thought it important and quite pertinent to write to you to raise a matter of serious concern to all watchers of event in Rivers State and particularly leaders of various groups in the South-South of the country. This is as it pertains to what we observe to be a systematic tearing down of various structures, which are important for the continued building and consolidation of democracy in Rivers State right now taking place under your watch.
2. Before I proceed, let me express my regret that I did not, as expected, send felicitations to you on your appointment
to this office. I must say that this has nothing to do with my esteem for you and our joint participation in national service in which God graciously took we both to the very peak of our chosen careers. Conversely, at my last count, I congratulated you both on your appointment as Chief of Naval Staff in 2015 and thereafter as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana in 2021.
3. On this occasion of your most recent appointment, I could not extend same brotherly felicitations on account of the fact that I still cannot come to terms that a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State just one week after our most revered leaders had audience with Mr. President on 11th March 2025. On that occasion, he requested leaders of South-South under PANDEF to go and continue with peace building in Rivers State and report back to him. Alas, there was no chance for that. Besides, I have been close enough in government, having worked closely with at least 3 former Presidents to know that the decapitation of democratic institutions in times of emergency rule is alien and repugnant to our current democratic structure.
4. I recall vividly that during the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, the then Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, was man enough and had the fear of God to tell the then President that even though the parts of the country, i.e., Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe were under foreign invasion, a state of emergency cannot result in pulling down the institutions of democratic governance we are still nurturing after long years of military rule.
5. It was therefore difficult for me, despite the fact that you are a man with a good service record and also one of our proud sons, to endorse you. Because your presence in Rivers State is an embarrassing aberration to all men of goodwill and good conscience.
6. However, PANDEF will work with you to ensure your peaceful tenure and early exit from the scene in Rivers State. That is why we have continually urged our people, particularly the youths and political actors of Rivers State, to accord you maximum cooperation. The more troubling scenario that has emerged from your assumption of office is the unbelievable level of dismantling, disassembling, and raising down all the institutions of democracy that have been in existence in the state. These are many, and I may not be able to exhaustively recount all of them, but the mention of a few will suffice.
7. First is the removal of the photographs of the elected governor from all offices when he has not yet been removed from office. This I saw first-hand at the Port Harcourt International Airport, where I often pass through and was told this was at the behest of your administration. On enquiry, I was told that this has happened in all other government offices around the state. Beyond that, is your most recent decision to suspend the boards of existing statutory institutions such as State Independent Electoral Commission, Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions, and even the revered Traditional Rulers Council.
8. I do not claim to be an expert on constitutional matters but as one who has been atop in the country's bureaucracy and from best global practices around the world which I know too well from my diplomatic career of nearly half a century, the duties of a sole administrator as a placeholder are:
i) Making decisions in an interim manner regarding the management and day to day administration of the state;
ii) Financial control, especially receiving money, making payments, and ensuring transparency;
iii) Managing personnel and ensuring other human resource functions; and
iv) Taking measures to ensure peace, particularly using the office to intermediate and bring back peace to the realm in question; in this case, Rivers State.
9. It is against this backdrop that I have been in great pain to write this letter to you and take the liberty to caution that in this complex national assignments which you find yourself enlisted to carry out, you must be timorous enough to not find yourself taking decisions that pale in the sight of best and acceptable standards of decency. This is more so as I have thoroughly read the Gazette dated 19th March, 2025 appointing you as Administrator as well as extracts of National Assembly Proceedings of Thursday, 20th March, 2025 and do not find the kind of wide and sweeping powers being deployed by your office.
10. In conclusion, may the good Lord use you as a dispassionate instrument of peace, and may you have the courage to undo some of your actions that have so far proven to be over the bar.
With my regards.
Signed
Godknows Boladei Igali
National President
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai have been urged to perish their ambitions for 2027.
The call was made by the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress. APC, Garba Datti Muhammad.
Datti, a lawmaker, who hails from Kaduna State and served as a member of the House of Representatives representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency for 16 years, stated this in an open letter to Atiku.
He asked the 2023 PDP presidential candidate to perish the thought of another presidential contest and remain the statesman that he is, noting that he has been contesting for the presidency since 1993.
“As we approach the next general elections, you are at it again. However, this time around, having sensed that your party, the PDP may not cede the presidential ticket to you, you are now considering joining forces with some aggrieved politicians to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.
“For you, Alhaji Atiku, our former Vice President, my freehearted advice is, in your best interest and the interest of Nigerians, it is better you drop the idea of contesting for president in 2027, by which time you would have already turned 80 years.
“Wazirin Adamawa, you should rather remain the elder statesman that you currently are. Methinks you shouldn’t waste your time and resources. At least, you should take your cue from another former Vice President, Arc. Muhammad Namadi Sambo, who has been operating in the background and remains an elder statesman since he left office in 2015,” he said.
Hon. Datti said Atiku should not listen to some politicians such as El-rufai who, according to him, are dangling the carrot of a coalition to him ahead of 2027.
Turning to El-rufai, the Kaduna lawmaker urged the former Kaduna State governor to reconcile with the APC as he is a founding member of the party who toiled to see its success.
According to him, it is on record that he was part of the founding members of the APC, adding that having worked for the party tirelessly and served as governor under its platform for eight years, it is rather worrisome that he decided to leave APC at this critical point.
chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has alleged that there are ongoing efforts to fabricate falsehoods against the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in a bid to prevent his return to office.
Eze made this claim in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, condemning what he described as an attempt by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to discredit Fubara through misinformation.
He pointed to a recent press briefing by the former Head of Service of Rivers State, George Nwaeke, claiming that Nwaeke had been pressured to make damaging statements against the Governor.
During the press briefing, Nwaeke alleged that Governor Fubara was responsible for the fire that engulfed the House of Assembly Complex, orchestrated through his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, and former Obio/Akpor Council Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo.
He also accused the Governor of fueling the state’s political crisis and praised President Bola Tinubu for imposing emergency rule in Rivers State.
However, in a twist, Nwaeke’s wife publicly dismissed her husband’s statements, claiming he had been coerced into making them.
She revealed that he had been invited to Abuja by Ogidi, a loyalist of Wike and a Commissioner at the National Population Commission.
She later clarified in an interview that her husband had resigned from his position as Head of Service after refusing to sign a document falsely implicating Governor Fubara in an alleged $15 billion fraud.
Eze, in his statement, accused Wike of actively working against reconciliation efforts in Rivers State, despite President Tinubu’s directive for stability.
He asserted that the FCT Minister’s main agenda was to ensure that Fubara remained out of office indefinitely.
“An interest that runs antithetical to democratic norms and the collective stance of Rivers people,” Eze stated.
He further alleged that the Sole Administrator had been given a fresh mandate to create a wave of false accusations against Fubara, with full media backing, as part of the effort to block his reinstatement.
“With the unhealthy vendetta of George Nwaeke against the Governor, facts abound that the Sole Administrator has a new mandate; to concoct a floodgate of falsehood against Gov. Fubara with full media support, in a bid to stop the Governor from coming back to the Brick House. This will be a shame to us all if we keep quiet and allow this evil to sail through,” he warned.
Eze commended Nwaeke’s wife for speaking out in defense of her husband’s integrity and protecting her family’s reputation.
He called on President Tinubu to uphold the truth and resist the “false narratives and cocktail of lies” being peddled by those seeking to undermine democracy for personal gain
2027: ‘APC Governors Pleaded With Buhari To Stop Malami, Nwajiuba, Others From Dumping Party
AFOLABI
Fresh developments have emerged following the visit of state governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence on Monday.
The governors, led by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the All Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, held a closed-door meeting with Buhari, where they praised his achievements during his tenure.
Naija News reports that the APC governors expressed their appreciation for Buhari’s legacy, noting that his leadership laid a strong foundation for future development in Nigeria.
However, the visit, officially framed as a Sallah courtesy call, had an underlying purpose. According to sources close to the meeting who spoke with Vanguard, the governors also sought Buhari’s help in preventing his loyalists from defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governors’ concern arose from the growing speculation that key figures within the APC, particularly those from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the bloc that formed the backbone of Buhari’s political base were considering defection.
The CPC is seen as the largest faction within the APC, and the governors feared that the loss of this bloc could deal a significant blow to the party’s future prospects.
Reports indicate that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was the first high-profile figure to defect, claiming that he had Buhari’s blessing to leave the APC for the SDP.
Other former ministers who served under Buhari, including former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, were said to be planning to join the SDP as well.
The governors expressed concerns that the defection of prominent figures such as El-Rufai, Malami, and Nwajiuba could severely weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
They urged Buhari to speak to these figures, especially Nwajiuba and Malami, and advise them against leaving the APC.
Buhari’s Response And Speculation
However, sources revealed that Buhari appeared to distance himself from the situation, stating that individuals like Nwajiuba and Malami should have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their political affiliations.
He reportedly declined to interfere with their choices, reflecting his longstanding stance of not imposing his political will on others.
While Buhari’s response may be seen as a reflection of his commitment to individual autonomy, it has sparked fresh speculation about the potential defections and their implications for the future of the APC.
This development comes at a crucial time for the party, which is already grappling with internal disagreements and external pressures as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
The APC has been dealing with internal conflicts, including disagreements over the selection process for its presidential candidate.
In 2022, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) adopted indirect primaries to elect its presidential candidate, rejecting a consensus arrangement, which caused friction, particularly among those from the CPC faction
NCC Issues 90 Days Ultimatum To MTN, Glo, Airtel, Other Telcos To Conduct Audit Of Unclaimed Airtime
AFOLABI
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) convened a forum on Tuesday with stakeholders to discuss the increasing concerns regarding unclaimed and unused subscriber recharges.
This forum represented a significant regulatory initiative aimed at safeguarding telecom consumers while providing operational clarity for service providers.
The executive vice-chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, underscored the necessity of achieving a balanced approach that respects consumer rights while promoting industry sustainability.
Maida, who was represented by the executive commissioner for stakeholder management, Rimini Makama, stated that this engagement is vital for developing policies that prioritize consumer protection while fostering a dynamic and competitive market.
“As the telecommunications sector continues to advance, it is essential to tackle emerging challenges, such as the status of prepaid balances on inactive lines.
The forum concentrated on a draft guidance framework that details the procedures for managing unutilized airtime on churned lines, specifically those disconnected after 12 months of inactivity,” he explained.
He noted that under the proposed regulations, affected subscribers would be granted a 12-month grace period to reclaim their unused credits, contingent upon verifying their ownership.
Chizua Whyte, the head of legal and regulatory services at the NCC, emphasized the commission’s legal responsibilities and the importance of the new guidelines in promoting transparency and accountability within the telecommunications industry.
“This draft seeks to ensure subscribers maintain rightful access to their purchased credits while operators gain clarity in their responsibilities.
“It also prohibits monetisation of unclaimed airtime, instead mandates service-based redemptions such as data or voice bundles,” she said.
She also mentioned that the commission has specified essential provisions in the draft guidelines, which mandate operators to inform subscribers about the forfeiture of airtime and related policies.
Whyte emphasized that consumer education initiatives would be essential to promote widespread understanding.
Additionally, she noted that operators must conduct audits of churned accounts and report any unclaimed balances.
Whyte indicated that a compliance period of 90 days has been established, with penalties for non-compliance, while the NCC is expected to finalize audit reviews within a span of 10 days.
A summary of the forum highlighted the importance of aligning with international best practices, as countries such as the U.S., the EU, and India prioritize transparency and alternative service options instead of cash refunds.
This forum is part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing billing transparency, building consumer trust, and ensuring regulatory clarity as outlined by the NCCE.
Attendees at the forum included mobile network operators, consumer advocacy organizations, legal professionals, and various industry stakeholders
Rajitha, a 30-year-old teacher has killed three children.
The lady from Ameenpur Mandal in Sangareddy district, India, killed the children—12-year-old Sai Krishna, 10-year-old Madhu Priya, and 8-year-old Gautam—to start a new life with her former classmate, Sooru Shiva Kumar.
She initially claimed that they had fallen ill after eating curd rice on March 27, but investigations later revealed that she had suffocated them one by one to clear the way for her to marry Shiva.
She staged their deaths as food poisoning to cover up the crime.
Rajitha’s unhappiness in her marriage to A. Chennaiah, a 50-year-old water tanker driver 20 years older than her, had been growing for some time.
Chennaiah’s first wife had passed away during childbirth, and in 2013, he married Rajitha, with whom he had three children.
However, reports indicated that Rajitha resented her life with Chennaiah and longed for an escape.
Her affair with her former classmate, Shiva Kumar, who she hoped to marry, became the driving force behind her tragic actions.
Driven by a desire to build a new life with him, Rajitha decided to eliminate any obstacles standing in her way. She killed her children and pretended they had died from food poisoning, hoping to deceive everyone around her.
The police investigation, led by Sangareddy DSP Paritosh Pankaj, soon uncovered the truth.
When her motive became clear, the case sent ripples through social media, and concerned individuals flooded the comments section, expressing disbelief over the horrific crime.
The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 22-year-old hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, to five years in prison for trafficking two young Nigerian women into Ghana under the guise of employment.
Isabella, popularly known as Bella, lured the victims to Ghana under the pretext of offering them jobs, but upon arrival, she forced them into prostitution.
Isabella, widely known as Bella, deceived the victims, aged 22 and 23, by promising them supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor, Accra. But upon their arrival in May 2024, the narrative took a dark turn: instead of employment, they were forced into prostitution and stripped of their earnings.
The case was heard before Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, who delivered the judgment on Friday, April 4, 2025, after a full trial.
Parents Tackle Ogun School Over Incisions On Students’ Bodies
According to Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on Monday, prosecutors disclosed that Isabella, in collaboration with an accomplice named Nelly (still at large), orchestrated the cross-border trafficking.
Upon arrival, Isabella reportedly seized their earnings and forced them to swear an oath on a Bible. As part of the oath ritual, she cut pieces of their pubic hair and threatened to use them in rituals if they disobeyed her instructions.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac Babayi, who led the prosecution, described the crime as premeditated, exploitative, and deeply harmful, urging the court to hand down a firm sentence as a deterrent.
In her ruling, the trial judge considered several factors, including Isabella’s young age, her status as a first-time offender, and the period she had already spent in custody. However, she also noted Isabella’s lack of remorse and the severity of the offence.
Isabella, who had no legal representation throughout the trial, broke down in tears as the sentence was handed down.
Court documents confirmed that Isabella admitted to forcing the women into sex work, taking their money, and using spiritual threats to control them. A search of her residence revealed a notebook tracking the victims’ earnings and a bundle of human hair, believed to be part of the coercive tactics she employed.
The two victims have since been rescued and are now receiving psychosocial support.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation to apprehend Nelly, her co-conspirator
Commenting on the case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayariga, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, reiterated the country’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.
“Ghana is not a haven for human traffickers. Those who lure vulnerable people into Ghana and force them into prostitution will face the full force of the law,” he stated.DSP Ayariga revealed that the Unit secured nine convictions last year, including a landmark 20-year sentence, and reaffirmed its resolve to continue pursuing traffickers with full force.
“We are not slowing down. We will continue arresting, investigating, and prosecuting offenders. No form of human trafficking or migrant smuggling will be tolerated in Ghana. Justice will prevail,” he said.
Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, Demola Olarewaju, has revealed the biggest mistake allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari will make with President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Olarewaju, whose principal was the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said Buhari’s boys in the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC bloc of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are making a grave mistake by trusting Tinubu in 2027.
He warned that Tinubu would use and dump them, just as he did with the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
Posting on X, he wrote: “The biggest mistake Buhari Boys in the CPC bloc would make ahead of 2027 is to trust Tinubu. Anybody, in fact, shouldn’t make that mistake, including old ACN allies.
“If he gets what he wants, he’ll dump them like El-Rufai and consolidate power more than anyone ever before him.”
Olarewaju also alleged a plot to replace the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, with someone from the Southwest.
“Lagos Boys want an INEC Chairman from the SW that they can control easily and directly for Tinubu while also being in a position to use him to manipulate state gubernatorial elections and sell it to the highest bidder for themselves – they just want to cash out at this point.
“The agenda for the next INEC Chairman is for one person to control him on behalf of Tinubu, but also still use him to influence and sell state gubernatorial elections.
“Those two men both want to be President after Tinubu, on the idea that the SS still has 4 years to go from GEJ,” he added.
Youths of Igbo ethnicity under the aegis of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately withdraw the name of former presidential aide Reno Omokri from the list of ambassadorial nominees, citing what it described as a glaring contradiction and a failure of integrity checks.
The development follows reports suggesting that Omokri, alongside other political figures including Senator Shehu Sani, and former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, are among those being considered for ambassadorial appointments by the Federal Government.
In a statement issued Monday, the National President of the OYC, Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, condemned Omokri’s nomination, describing it as “an institutional endorsement of hypocrisy and political opportunism.”
He expressed disbelief over the clearance of Omokri by security agencies, insisting that his past remarks about President Tinubu should have disqualified him from such a sensitive national assignment.
“It is contradictory that somebody that distrusted the president is now deemed fit to become Nigeria’s ambassador,” Igboayaka stated.
He referenced a series of Facebook posts made by Omokri in December 2022, in which the nominee described President Tinubu as “a known drug lord, who belongs in jail, not Aso Rock.”
“Clearing Reno Omokri by security agents for ambassadorial post is an indication that his allegations against Bola Ahmed Tinubu is factual, because according to Reno, ‘Tinubu is a known drug lord’,” the statement read.
The OYC leader further questioned the credibility of the screening process and the oversight of intelligence agencies.
“If Nigeria’s security agencies cleared Reno to represent Nigeria, does it imply that Reno’s allegations of a drug-related issue involving Tinubu (have been) substantiated?” he queried.
Igboayaka cited another post dated December 17, 2022, in which Omokri claimed: “I went to Chicago myself and obtained verified documents. It will be a shame if this man gets anywhere close to Aso Rock.”
In the same post, Omokri added: “If anybody can get close enough to Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take a sample of his hair or urine this election will be over! Because with his hair and urine sample, a laboratory can analyze if he still takes drugs and what type of drugs he takes.”
The OYC has now urged security agencies to “maintain their credibility (and) demand that Reno Omokri furnish them with the ‘verified drugs documents from Chicago’ which he asserted he acquired in 2022 and furnish the drug deal business to Nigerians.”
According to Igboayaka, Omokri has disqualified himself from holding any government position after making “unsavoury and unsubstantiated allegations” against the same administration he now seeks to serve.
“Reno Omokri’s criticism of the Nigerian government and certain politicians seems to be motivated by personal political gains rather than a commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
He warned the presidency to tread cautiously, noting that nominating Omokri sends the wrong message to Nigerians.
“The presidency should know that clearing of Reno Omokri implies and confirms the perception of Nigerians that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration lacks integrity and credibility,” the statement concluded.
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The Lagos State command of the Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun region of the state, leading to the rescue of ten individuals.
Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the operation, as disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to Hundeyin, the illegal operation was brought to light following a tip-off received by the police last Saturday.
In response, officers promptly arrived at the site and arrested the primary suspect, Mariam Vincent, 35, along with two accomplices, Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.
Naija News understands that during the raid, law enforcement officials rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.
In total, the operation resulted in the rescue of seven adult women and three children.
The adult victims include Precious (24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).
The rescued children are identified as Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).
All individuals rescued are currently receiving appropriate care and support.
Hundeyin stated that the suspects confessed during interrogation to having kidnapped the victims from various locations within the state to operate the baby factory.
He further noted that the investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged in court.
While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks, Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”
In a separate incident, law enforcement successfully freed two individuals who had been kidnapped in the Igbe Alagemo area of Ijede, Ikorodu.
The abduction occurred during a nighttime raid on the community on March 26, 2025.
According to police reports, the victims were safely recovered on March 29, thanks to a collaborative effort involving local teams and security personnel.
A distress signal was received around 9 p.m. on the evening of the incident.
Hundeyin detailed that armed kidnappers stormed the peaceful neighborhood, forcibly entering the home of a 40-year-old man named Dare. The assailants tragically shot and killed his guard dog before taking him hostage.
“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances,” the police spokesperson said, adding that the force and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.
“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.
“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” Hundeyin added.
Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has been named the greatest female rapper of all time by Billboard.
The list of the Best Female Rappers of All Time, released by Billboard staff, also featured hip-hop greats such as Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Queen Latifah.
Surprisingly, Nicki Minaj’s rivals, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, ranked outside the top 10.
Minaj topped the list, followed by Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah at numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shanté, Eve, and Foxy Brown completed the top 10.
Cardi B was ranked at number 11, while Megan Thee Stallion came in at number 15.
Despite being widely regarded as the greatest female rapper in history by many music enthusiasts, Nicki Minaj has yet to win a Grammy.
Her rivals, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, have both won Grammys in rap categories.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of what could end his reign and is actively taking significant steps to tackle the issue, as stated by the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) Director of Media and Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in a recent interview.
Ibrahim expressed confidence that the president will secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, despite concerns regarding insecurity.
He highlighted that, in contrast to former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose tenure was marked by rising violence leading up to the 2015 elections, Tinubu is already enacting strategies to mitigate security challenges.
The APC chieftain affirmed that the party recognizes the existing security threats and is committed to ensuring they do not influence the results of the upcoming election.
“If that was what was responsible for the downfall of Jonathan, I can tell you Jonathan was defeated by the APC, and the APC cannot blindfold itself and allow itself to defeat itself,” Ibrahim told THISDAY on Monday, April 7.
“President Bola Tinubu is already aware of the kind of problem that could lead to defeat, and he will not allow it.”
Ibrahim pointed to the deployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to the North-West and the continued efforts of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
“In a nutshell, the President will not allow himself to be defeated by himself.
“He’s taking measures to ensure that results are obtained… and he’s assuring Nigerians that the safety of the country is at the forefront of his agenda,” Ibrahim stated.
He also linked the recent spike in insecurity to geopolitical tensions with Nigeria’s Francophone neighbors, arguing that these diplomatic rifts have weakened regional security cooperation.
“Nigeria is literally left alone to fight this war without the collaborative effort of its neighbors,” he explained.
Meanwhile, a Labour Party (LP) senator representing Edo South senatorial district in the national assembly, Neda Imasuen, has advised northern politicians to shield their presidential ambition till 2031.
Naija News reports that the lawmaker, while speaking during a chat with newsmen in Benin City, stated that the advice has become necessary following the unwritten constitution that zoned the position of the presidency between the North and South.
The Federal Government has barred heads of tertiary institutions in an acting capacity from contesting to fill the same position.
Naija News reports that the new policy bars acting Vice Chancellors (VCs) of universities, Rectors of polytechnics and Provosts of colleges from joining in the contest for substantive heads of the institutions.
In a statement on Monday, signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, noted that acting VCs, Rectors, and Provosts, in most cases, take advantage of the selection process, thereby compromising fairness and transparency.
Alausa stated that acting VCs, Rectors and Provosts intending to contest the position must resign from their acting capacity within six months to qualify.
He added that the Ministry was committed to entrenching transparency in the tertiary education system to enhance quality education.
It read: “In line with the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Education to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in the appointment process of Federal Tertiary Institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has approved the implementation of a guiding policy on eligibility for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.
“This policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
“To eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance, the policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment. However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles.
This policy is designed to complement the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.
“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.
“The Ministry appreciates the continued dedication and cooperation of stakeholders in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector. It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions.”