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President Bola Tinubu has appointed the national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, as board chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari from Katsina State as director-general of the National Agricultural Seed Council.
The president further appointed the following Nigerians as board chairmen of various federal government institutions:
“Mallam Muhammad Massan, APC State Chairman, Bauchi State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin; Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, APC State Chairman, Kano State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service; Dr. Austian Agada, APC State Chairman, Benue State – Board Chairman, National Agricultural Seed Council; Hon. Macdonald Ebere, APC State Chairman, Imo State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos.
Others are “Ubong Stephen Ntukekpo, APC State Chairman, Akwa Ibom State – Board Chairman, National Institute for Freshwater Fish, New Bussa; Chief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy Chairman (South) of the APC – Board Chairman, National Automotive Development Council; Aminu Musa Bobi, APC State Chairman, Niger State – Board Chairman, National Library of Nigeria; Pharm. Abass Olayide, APC State Chairman, Oyo State – Board Chairman, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna; Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, APC State Chairman, Yobe State – Board Chairman. Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre; Benjamin Omale, APC State Chairman, Benue State – Board Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu; Rufus Bature, APC State Chairman, Plateau State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Coal Corporation; Alhaji Abubakar Muhammed Kana, APC State Chairman, Kebbi State – Board Chairman, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies; Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, APC National Working Committee Member, from Abia State – Board Chairman, Project Development Institute (PRODA); Comrade Mustapha Salihu, APC State Chairman, Adamawa State – Board Chairman, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Others are Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, APC State Chairman, Abia State – Board Chairman, National Parks Headquarters; Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, APC State Chairman, Federal Capital Territory – Board Chairman, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan; Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi, APC State Chairman, Taraba State – Board Chairman, Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria; Sola Elesin, APC State Chairman, Ekiti State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences.
Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, APC State Chairman, Edo State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure; Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani, APC State Chairman, Zamfara State – Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Azare; Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, APC State Chairman, Jigawa State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Produce Inspection and Stored Products Technology, Kano; Barr. Idris Shuaibu, APC State Chairman, Adamawa State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.”
[Leadership]
Outrage has trailed the mob killing of 16 northern travellers at Uromi in Edo State, while transiting from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Kano State. Weekend Trust gathered that the victims were hunters who were returning home for the Sallah celebration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the murder of the hunters, directing the security operatives in the state to go after the killers and bring them to justice, saying that a thorough investigation should be conducted and the culprits brought to book.
The Northern Governors Forum, Amnesty International among others have also condemned the killing of the men.
The attack
The travellers said to be hunters, were on their way to Kano for the Sallah celebration when a mob intercepted and lynched them on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
Weekend Trust learnt that local vigilantes had stopped the vehicle the victims were travelling in and in the course of search, found Dane guns used by the hunters, a development that reportedly led to the gathering of a mob who concluded the travellers were kidnappers and burn them alive.
In a viral video seen by our reporter, the deceased were seen rounded up by some youths who eventually set them ablaze.
The attackers tied the victims to used tyres, poured petrol on them and set them on fire.
Police confirm incident
The Edo State Police Command said 14 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP, Moses Yamu, said, ‘‘on March, 27, 2025, a truck with registration number KKF 225 XA, coming from Port Harcourt, conveying 25 travellers from Elele, a suburb of Rivers State, was accosted by some vigilante group members at Uromi.
“Some of the travellers who were found in possession of locally made Dane guns were arrested.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm of them being suspected kidnappers, which led some members and passersby in the community to attack and lynch 16 of the occupants while the truck conveying them was equally burnt”.
He said the police went to the scene where 10 of the travellers were rescued, while two of those who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to a hospital and that they are responding treatment.
He added that Police Mobile Force personnel with other command tactical teams had been deployed to the area to forestall breakdown of law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the need for peaceful coexistence among various groups, and urges residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police as investigations continue,” he said.
He also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that may further escalate tensions.
Survivors recount ordeal
Dayyabu Yahya, a survivor shared how he and four others escaped the attack. He recounted: “Our journey was peaceful from Port Harcourt until we reached Uromi, where trouble began. Vigilantes stopped us. I was seated in the front seat. They ordered our driver to step out of the vehicle, but he refused. In response, they flogged him. They also ordered the other passengers to get down from the vehicle, during which they beat us up before grouping us together.
“They inspected our belongings but found nothing suspicious—only some licensed Dane guns. There were about 27 passengers in the vehicle. I can’t say how many of us are missing, but I know that two passengers were hospitalised.”
Another survivor, Mustafa Ali Kassim, said, “The vigilantes started beating us as we were stepping out of the vehicle. After gathering us in one place, the locals joined in and continued the assault. Eventually, the vigilantes stepped back and allowed the locals to beat us while they stood idle, watching. Realising that we would likely be killed, some of us made a run for our lives—I was one of them. While fleeing, I encountered kind-hearted Hausa people, who gave me some money, which I used to reach the Hausa community leader here.”
Torankawa village of Kano in mourning
Weekend Trust learnt that all the victims hail from Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.
The village, according to our reporter, has been thrown into mourning following the development. According to a source in the village, the identities of three of the victims have been confirmed while several households are apprehensive on whether their relatives are alive or dead.
It was gathered that every year, a group of hunters from the village embark on hunting expeditions to various parts of the country. The source said about 30 of them left the village for the hunting expedition this year. He added that they were told that the victims were on their way back home when the incident happened.
“Our village is in mourning, every family is worried as they do not know whether his or her relative is alive or dead. We received the news of the incident not long ago. We have never heard of something like this before. Reports reaching us revealed the identities of three of the victims,” a source from the village said.
Another native of the village who resides in Rano Malam, Alasan Ubale, lamented the development, saying the practice had been on for long but they had never heard of such incident.
Okpebholo assures of justice
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who described the act as barbaric and condemnable, vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
The governor, who spoke at Uromi, through the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, said he was there to ascertain the level of damage done and to ensure that investigation is carried out to ensure justice and forestall a reoccurrence.
He warned that nobody had the right to take another man’s life, stressing that the nature of the killing was a cause of concern to the governor.
“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attacked will not go scot -free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full scale investigation into the matter.
“As I speak now, four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence,” he said.
He called for calm while urging the law abiding residents of Uromi, especially the Hausa community in the area to go about their daily activities, as men of the Nigerian police force and other security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and normalcy to the place.
Tinubu orders probe, manhunt for killers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his reaction condemned the incident.
The president has also called on security operatives in the state to go after the killers and bring them to justice, saying that a thorough investigation should be conducted.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement said the president, “expressed shock at the dastardly act, directed police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.”
President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians.
The president noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.
Northern govs condemn killing
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has also condemned the killing.
In a statement issued yesterday, chairman of the Forum and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the attack as a gross violation of human rights, stressing that extrajudicial violence was “entirely unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned with the utmost severity.”
He said the forum expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the incident.
“We are deeply disturbed by the loss of innocent lives and the horrific manner in which these individuals were attacked.
“This appalling act undermines the rule of law and the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that the relevant authorities conduct a full and thorough investigation into this senseless act. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice swiftly,” he said.
Governor Yahaya reiterated that all Nigerians, regardless of their region, should be able to travel freely and safely without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation.
Atiku, Kwankwaso speak
In the same, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while reacting to the development expressed “deep sorrow over the incident” and called for thorough investigation.
“I am deeply saddened by reports of the tragic killing of some hunters in Edo State. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones,” Atiku stated on his Facebook account.
He called for a transparent and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served and prevent future occurrences of mob violence.
“The protection of innocent lives must remain paramount, and I urge the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a recurrence of jungle justice. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions”, he said.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, also condemned the mob action.
In his Facebook post, he described the incident as barbaric and emphasised the right of all Nigerians to travel freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Go after killers, Barau tells security agencies
On his part, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, urged security agencies to immediately go after the perpetrators.
Describing the killings as barbaric, inhumane, and devilish, the Deputy Senate President appealed to the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to take decisive action to bring the culprits to justice.
Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, called for calm, assuring that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
He disclosed his intention to sponsor a motion in the Senate to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
“I have been inundated with calls by my constituents and other Nigerians on the horrific murder of innocent individuals in Edo State. I condemn in totality the barbaric killing of innocent Nigerians.
“I, hereby, appeal to our security agencies to quickly swing into action to arrest these evildoers and ensure that they are punished in line with the gravity of their criminal acts.”
Amnesty International too
Also, Amnesty International, in a statement on Friday signed by the Country Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the incident.
“The Nigerian authorities must go beyond merely condemning the incident and ensure that the suspected attackers are apprehended and brought to justice in a fair trial,” the statement read.
“The consistent failure of the Nigerian government to punish mob violence has created an environment in which violent mobs believe themselves entitled to take the law into their own hands,” Mr Sanusi said.
Amnesty International described the lynching as part of a growing trend of vigilante groups unlawfully blocking highways and engaging in violent acts with impunity.
“The horrific mob violence that happened at Uromi is part of the rising trend of vigilante groups of towns and villages along highways blocking roads and carrying out unlawful activities with impunity.
“The fact that these killings have been happening for a long time, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, highlights the authorities’ shocking failure to uphold and fulfill their obligation to protect people from harm and violence”, Mr Sanusi said.
AYCF reacts
Also, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) in a press statement signed by Yerima Shetima, its President General, said ,“The subsequent actions of an irate mob, incited by unfounded claims of kidnapping, led to a grotesque act of barbarism that is both regrettable and unacceptable. The mob’s actions resulted in the loss of 16 precious lives, with some bodies tragically trapped inside the vehicle that was set ablaze.
“Eyewitness accounts reveal the horrifying scene where some victims were allegedly removed on wheelbarrows and thrown into the flames, a chilling testament to the sickening reality of mob justice that has taken root in most Southern Nigerian communities’’, he said.
He expressed concern over the act of mob violence and called for immediate and thorough investigations into the tragedy.
Arewa in South South condemn killings, demand justice
The South South Coordinator of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has also condemned the killing.
Alhaji Musa Saidu, who spoke with our reporter in Port Harcourt, said
the victims were innocent people who were working hard to eke out a living.
He said, “We the Arewa people and the entire Hausa community in Rivers State and the entire South South condemn the killing and
call on the Inspector-General of Police, the AIG zone 5, the DSS, the governor of Edo State and the federal government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of these innocent people. We want this incident thoroughly investigated and all those found culpable punished”.
[Daily Trust]
Canada on Friday confirmed its resolution to impose retaliatory tariffs on goods from the United States starting next week.
A statement by the Prime Minsiter’s office said Mark Carney informed President Donald Trump of the decision during their phone conversation.
“The Prime Minister informed the President that his government will implement retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian workers and our economy, following the announcement of additional U.S. trade actions on April 2, 2025,” it reads.
PM Carney and President Trump communicated on Friday ahead of the U.S. implementation of new tariffs going into effect next week.
Trump has been calling April 2 America’s “Liberation Day” with mounting fears over an increase in prices of goods in Canada and America.
Canada’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs did not include the timing and the scope but the statement hinted that the leaders’ talks touched on the April 28 election.
“The leaders agreed to begin comprehensive negotiations about a new economic and security relationship immediately following the election,” it said.
Carney’s office described the chat as a “very constructive conversation,” while Trump, in a social media post, called it “extremely productive.”
[DailyPost]
Adeniyi Omotayo
Age: 34 years
Company: Betensured
Industry: Gaming
Adeniyi Omotayo is the sole founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Betensured Group, a sports prediction service. Omotayo, as a 29-year-old, established Betensured in 2015 as a free betting tips blog but later grew into a sports prediction and gaming service. Under Omotayo, Betensured has expanded operations to East Africa with physical offices in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. It has over one million registered users and at least 35,000 yearly subscribers.
Damilola Olokesusi
Age: 35 years
Company: Shuttlers
Industry: E-Transport
Damilola Olokesusi is the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Shuttlers, Nigeria’s 1st & leading tech bus-sharing service. Olokesusi, who is also a co-founder of the company, created Shuttlers in 2015 as a tech and transport company aimed at enabling professionals and organisations to share rides to and from work in corporate buses. In her role as the CEO, Shuttlers has continued to witness tremendous growth. The company raised a $1.6m seed funding in 2021 and announced plans to expand into more African metropolitan cities. Passionate about the empowerment of females, Olokesusi launched an initiative called She Moves Shuttles, an all-female shuttle service. The project, supported by the Ford Motors Company in partnership with Global Water Challenge (GWC), has already impacted more than 600 female professionals by making their commuting easier.
Somto Ifezue
Age: 35 years
Company: PiggyVest
Industry: FinTech
Somto Ifezue is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of PiggyVest. Ifezue’s mission is to revolutionise how funds and finances are managed using innovative digital tools and PiggyVest was born. Ifezue and partners’ aim was to provide accessible and user-friendly financial solutions, particularly for the unbanked and underbanked. Under his leadership, the platform introduced features like automated savings and investment options, fostering financial literacy and inclusion. Ifezue who is known to be hands-on, has a vision for PiggyVest, which extends beyond traditional fintech services, while aiming to create a comprehensive financial ecosystem that supports users at every stage of their financial journey.
Shola Akinlade
Age: 39 years
Company: Paystack
Industry: FinTech
Shola-Akinlade is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Paystack. Akinlade sits atop one of Nigeria’s leading fintech companies that has revolutionised payment processing for businesses across Africa. Under Akinlade’s leadership, Paystack grew popular amongst the youths and broke even when it was acquired by Stripe for $200 million, marking a significant milestone for African startups.
Chijioke Dozie
Age: 38 years
Company: Carbon
Industry: FinTech
Chijioke Dozie is the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon. Chijioke, who also sits as the company’s co-founder, has led the transformation of the company from a simple lending platform known as PayLater into a full-fledged financial services ecosystem, now known as Carbon. Under Chijioke’s leadership, Carbon has expanded its services to include digital payments, investments and personal finance management, driven by his mission to bridge gaps in Africa’s financial services sector.
Noah Ibrahim
Age: 33 years
Company: Novarick Homes
Industry: Real Estate
Noah Ibrahim is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Novarick Homes. The innovative entrepreneur has pitched his tent as an established realtor with a pie of the Nigerian Real Estate sector. He started off with footwear design and production as an entrepreneur before going on to found Sellerrand Realty Limited and later Novarick Homes, where he’s championing the emergence for the development of a smarter and greener community by leveraging renewable energy as an alternative source of power.
Abubakar Falalu
Age: 35 years
Company: FalGates
Industry: Agriculture
Abubakar Falalu, the Chief Executive Officer of FalGates, comfortably occupies a position on the list. Falalu runs a rice production and milling farm in Kaduna called FalGates which grows, processes, packs and sells parboiled rice across Nigeria. Falalu’s brilliance was first noticed in 2021 when FaLGates reported an annual turnover of $3.4 million. The company has since expanded with other productions while sharing business ideas and models with upcoming entrepreneurs.
Babs Ogundeyi
Age: 37 years
Company: Kuda
Industry: FinTech
Just a few years away from 40, Babs Ogundeyi, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Kuda, has written his name in gold with footprints on the sands of Nigeria’s fintech sector. Under his wing, Kuda transformed from a startup into a leading digital bank, renowned for its innovative approach to banking. Just as many of his contemporaries, Ogundeyi tapped into the millions of Nigerian youths to get his first customers. Ogundeyi’s vision of creating a bank that prioritises accessibility, efficiency and customer satisfaction has driven the digital bank to an enviable height.
Femi Aluko
Age: 35 years
Company: Chowdeck
Industry: FoodTech
Femi Aluko is the Chief Executive Officer as well as the co-founder of Chowdeck. Aluko’s brilliance was brought to test when he co-founded Chowdeck, an on-demand food delivery service and marketplace where people can purchase their favourite meals from a wide range of restaurants and delivered to their doorstep. Unknown to many, Aluko had proved his mettle at Paystack before co-founding Chowdeck with a mission to ensure restaurants in Africa deliver meals to customers anywhere and anytime.
Ayobami Akindipe
Age: 28 years
Company: Aces Real Estate
Industry: Real Estate
With over a decade from turning 40, Ayobami Akindipe has positioned himself as one of the young and established Chief Executive Officers in Nigeria. The brain and founder behind Aces Real Estate, Akindipe’s foray into Nigeria’s real estate industry is marked by a unique blend of vision and determination. He started out at the young age of 13 as a bricklayer before working through the ladder to transition into a real estate agent at 21. At 29, he sits atop a fast rising real estate firm, Ace Real Estate Development LTD. Ayobami is one of the many inspiring stories of young African CEOs, who continue to shatter the ceilings of barriers to make a name for themselves in their chosen fields.
[TheNation]
Florence Nwaeke, wife of a former Head of Service in Rivers State, George Nwaeke, has called for help over the whereabouts of her husband following his resignation.
Speaking to journalists late Friday, she expressed fears for his safety, stating that she had been unable to reach him.
“When he got to Abuja, he called that he had landed. I said, ‘Thank God, ’” she said.
However, she said she later saw an online interview granted by her husband, which she found suspicious.
“I said, ‘That is not my husband. That is not my husband.’
“So I sent him a message. I said, ‘Are you under duress?’ I sent him a message. I said, ‘Have they kidnapped you? Talk to me now. Why are you not talking to me?’ This is the message I sent to him when I saw his interview online,” she said.
She added, “Oh, Jesus, help me. Nigerians, help me. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. Look at the message I sent to him. See the message I sent to him. I said, ‘Daddy, why? Were you in hostage?’ I said, ‘Why didn’t you talk to me?’ These are the messages I sent to him, but he didn’t reply to me. His numbers are not going through. Nigerians, help me! Nigerians, help me!”
Earlier, Nwaeke had accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of planning to back Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for the 2027 presidency and of encouraging militants to attack oil facilities.
He also accused Fubara of ordering the bombing of the State House of Assembly in 2023 to prevent his impeachment.
Beyond raising the alarm in an interview with Channels TV, she also made a call to Fubara, pleading with him to help her husband.
“Governor, help me. My husband is in trouble. He is in trouble,” the woman said, claiming the husband resigned under duress.
However, Fubara dismissed the allegations, saying Nwaeke had been compromised.
“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me,” Fubara said in a statement he issued late Friday.
The governor also shared screenshots of alleged chats between Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, in which Nwaeke reportedly sought financial support.
[Punch]
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) stand that the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu was unconstitutional and illegal.
Wike alleged that the NBA discredited Tinubu’s decision because the Rivers Government had promised to host their annual general conference.
The minister stated this when officials of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), visited him in Abuja on Friday.
He added that the association did not support the declaration of the state of emergency because there would be no money to give to the NBA for the conference.
“What kind of hypocrisy is this?” he queried.
The minister called on the Body of Benchers to call the NBA to order over the association’s unnecessary criticism of the judiciary.
He said that the body should not sit and watch, while the NBA and its members destroy the legal profession.
He said that some of the members of NBA, often, without reading a judgement, go on national television to condemn the judgment and criticise the judges.
He said that such actions have continued with no sanction.
“If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson.
“We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe, as a lawyer, that you make a contribution to help the legal profession, and you will be criticised by your fellow lawyers.
“Sir, time has come that we need to say look, enough is enough. We cannot continue to discourage our judges and justices. It is not done anywhere.
“I have never seen where members of a profession are the ones that are bent on bringing the profession down,” he said.
The minister also accused the NBA of describing any support rendered by the executive arm of government to the judicial arm, as a bribe.
Wike recalled that, when NBA was building its National Secretariat, the leadership wrote to the executive for support, adding that nobody saw that as a bribe.
“I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the National Secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe.
“When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it is a bribe, but when you contribute to NBA it is not a bribe, they will take it.
“The same NBA will rely on state governments to sponsor their activities, but when the state government supports the judiciary it is bribery,” he added.
Wike said that the constant taunting of judges and justices had made them to avoid attending social gatherings or going to church or mosque for fear of molestation.
He added that judges could no longer shake people’s hands freely because lawyers would accuse them of collecting bribes.
“It has gotten to the stage that our Judges are so scared of going to a mosque or church or even greeting somebody they know because of fear of bribery.
“They run away from shaking people’s hands because they will start accusing them of collecting bride. This must stop,” he said
[Vanguard]
Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state, has denied the allegations made against him by George Nwaeke, the former head of service in the state.
Nwaeke, who resigned as HoS on Tuesday, accused Fubara of being the arrowhead of the political crisis in the state.
He also alleged that the former governor held meetings with militants and encouraged the destruction of oil pipelines in the state.
Reacting in a statement posted on X(formerly Twitter) early on Saturday, Fubara said Nwaeke’s claims are “laughable”.
The suspended governor said the former head of service has been “compromised” and is being “coerced” to lie against him.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country,” Fubara said.
“First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held.
“The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the visits.
“It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State.
“It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations.
“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me.”
Fubara asked Rivers residents and Nigerians to “disregard everything” said by Nwaeke, describing the allegations as “desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President”.
[TheCable]
‘I Will Never Date Publicly Again’ – BBNaija’s Beauty Tukura Confirms Relationship Breakup With Neo Akpofure
AFOLABI
Former Housemate of the Big Brother Naija Show, Beauty Tukura, has revealed that she and her colleague, Neo Akpofure, ended their relationship for valid reasons.
Naija News reports that Beauty, while speaking on a recent episode of the Toke Moments podcast, compared their romance to that of the American power couple, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.
The former Miss Nigeria stated that their relationship was beautiful while it lasted but failed to disclose the reason for the breakup of their relationship.
The reality star added that she is not currently interested in a romantic relationship and emphasised that she would never date publicly again.
She said, “The reason why we broke up, I think it was valid. We were Rihanna and A$AP [Rocky] while it lasted. It was a beautiful relationship.
“I am not interested in men right now. I will never date publicly again. The next man I will post will be my husband.”
After several public appearances, Beauty and Neo sparked relationship rumours in late 2023.
By 2024, speculation had arisen that their relationship had ended.
Meanwhile, BBNaija star, Queen Mercy Atang, has expressed anger about the vile messages in her husband’s DM after rumours made rounds that they had broken up.
Naija News reports that the reality TV star, in a post via her Instagram page on Sunday, said some ladies stormed her husband’s page to badmouth her while others offered themselves to replace her as his wife.
While explaining her predicament with online trolls, Queen said she now understands why some people say marriages should be keptlow-keyy because the internet is not a safe space.
‘Help Me My Husband Is In Trouble’ – Wife Of Rivers Ex-HoS Whose Husband Accused Fubara Of Working With Militant Cries
AFOLABI
The political turmoil in Rivers State reached a new level of drama on Friday, as Florence Nwaeke, the wife of former Head of Service George Nwaeke, made a desperate plea for help after her husband’s controversial interview and sudden disappearance.
Late on Friday, Mrs. Nwaeke expressed her deep concern over her husband’s safety, revealing that she had lost contact with him after he had arrived in Abuja earlier in the day.
In an emotional outburst, she told journalists she feared her husband’s life was in danger.
“When he got to Abuja, he called that he had landed. I said, ‘Thank God’,” she recounted. “The next thing I saw tonight: people were calling me and said he got an interview. I said, ‘What interview? Interview for what?’ Not until I saw things flying on the internet that he granted an interview. What happened? I said, ‘That is not my husband. That is not my husband.’”
In her distress, Mrs. Nwaeke sent her husband a series of messages, asking if he was under duress or had been kidnapped.
“I sent him a message. I said, ‘Are you under duress? Have they kidnapped you? Talk to me now. Why are you not talking to me?’” she explained, visibly shaken.
Her emotional appeal intensified as she called on Nigerians for assistance: “Oh, Jesus, help me. Nigerians, help me. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble,” she cried, showing the messages she had sent her husband.
Naija News reports that Mrs. Nwaeke’s plea came hours after her husband, George Nwaeke, granted an exclusive interview in which he made serious allegations against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In the interview, Nwaeke accused the governor of planning to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the 2027 presidential election.
He also alleged that Governor Fubara had met with and encouraged militants to carry out attacks on oil facilities and other state assets.
In another emotional video, Mrs. Nwaeke called on Governor Fubara to intervene and help locate her husband. “Governor, help me. My husband is in trouble,” she pleaded. “He is in trouble,” she reiterated, adding that her husband had resigned under duress.
She further claimed that her husband was being forced to confess to things he had no knowledge of, and that his resignation was a result of pressure to avoid further conflict. “He is being forced to confess to things he knows nothing about. He resigned to avoid trouble,” she said.
Tinubu Disagrees With Senate, Says Nwosu ‘ll Be Remembered For His Commitment To Democratic Nigeria
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has stated that former chairman of defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof Humphery Nwosu would be remembered for his commitment to a democratic Nigeria.
President Tinubu stated this during the funeral service for the late Professor at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ajalli, Orumba North local government area of Anambra State on Friday.
Tinubu who was represented at the funeral by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, described Prof. Nwosu as a statesman whose sojourn on earth was full of impact and inspiration.
He urged all lovers of his democratic ideals to imbibe the culture of industry, integrity, patriotism and support for the ideals of democracy which were the hallmarks of his public service.
President Tinubu, in a statement by the Special Adviser Media to the Minister, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, consoled with the family, government and people of Anambra State on the departure of the former NEC chairman.
“As we mourn the death of Prof Humphery Nwosu, we are invited to celebrate him for his profound accomplishments and personal fulfilments as a public administrator, political scientist, and academics icon.
“We are urged to reflect on his democratic ideals and his sense of commitment to a democratic Nigeria. These are the hallmarks of his life and times that will be cherished beyond this generation,” Tinubu said.
He expressed the unwavering commitment of his Renewed Hope administration in revolutionising the development of the critical sectors of the economy that would stimulate economic growth and national development.
“May I assure Nigerians that the fragile economy we inherited is now alive and on a path of sustainable growth. We have overcome the worst. Our democracy is growing, and I assure Nigerians that my administration will continue to deepen the democracy benefits for the good of all Nigerians,” he assured.
In his remarks, Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo said Nwosu would be remembered as an electoral umpire that introduced Option A4 voting, Open Ballot system and conducted one of the freest and fairest general elections in Nigeria’s history.
He urged his family, community, and associates to continue to work to sustain the values that depict his life and times.
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The suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed allegations levelled against him by a former Head of Service (HoS) of the state, George Nwaeke, about masterminding the crisis in the state.
Naija News reports that Nweke had credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state with averting total chaos and economic sabotage.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Port Harcourt, Nweke accused Fubara of being the architect of the recent political turmoil in the state.
He alleged that the governor orchestrated the destruction of public assets and had ulterior motives that could have plunged the state into anarchy.
Nweke also clarified that his resignation was voluntary and not due to dismissal or external pressure.
In response, Fubara, in a statement he signed personally on Saturday, described Nwaeke’s comments as laughable and urged Nigerians to disregard them.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke aired on Channels Television on Friday the 28th of March 2025.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country.
“First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held.
“The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State.
“It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations. The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me. I call on all well meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President.”
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside close allies, is reportedly plotting a sweeping overhaul of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following their recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to sources who spoke with SaharaReporters, El-Rufai is working with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Hamza Al-Mustapha, ex-Chief Security Officer to late military ruler General Sani Abacha, to reshape the party’s identity and ideological direction.
Insiders claim the trio is uncomfortable with the SDP’s historic ties to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and believe the party’s current ideology leans too heavily toward socialism.
“El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha, and Malami are pushing to change the party’s name, logo and constitution,” a senior party source revealed.
“They consider the party too socialist and want to distance themselves from MKO Abiola’s legacy, tied to the annulled 1993 election. They don’t want anything to do with MKO Abiola, as he won the 1993 election annulled by Babangida and Co., under the party’s platform.”
The move has reportedly stirred unrest among party faithful, who fear that the proposed changes aim to erase the SDP’s ideological foundation and legacy.
Adding to the controversy is El-Rufai’s alleged failure to follow due process in joining the party. Rather than registering through his ward as mandated by the SDP’s constitution, he is said to have submitted only his APC resignation letter to the national secretariat and declared himself a member.
“El-Rufai did not go to his ward to join the party,” the source said.
“He only presented his resignation letter from the APC to the SDP national secretariat and started announcing his membership, whereas he was supposed to join the party at the ward level.”
Despite not being formally registered, El-Rufai is allegedly taking sweeping actions, including pushing for constitutional amendments and attempting to dissolve the party’s state executive structure in Kaduna.
“Despite not being a bona fide member of the party, he is already proposing changing the name, logo and constitution of the party,” the source added.
“He still went ahead to illegally dissolve and take over the state executive committee of the party. This is illegal.”
The developments have triggered growing tension within the SDP, as long-standing members express resistance to what they perceive as an aggressive attempt to hijack and rebrand the party to suit a new political agenda.
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, over alleged forgery of signatures.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the petitions were submitted to the IG and the police commissioner on Friday afternoon.
Some members of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, led by one Charity Ijese, had submitted over 250,000 signatures at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja with a petition seeking the embattled senator’s recall.
The petition for her recall followed a series of events after she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged gross misconduct.
This was shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.
On Tuesday, INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed receiving the petition from the constituents.
However, the electoral body noted that the petition lacked essential details such as the contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners.
The following day, INEC wrote to Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Presiding Officer of the Senate, Akpabio, confirming that the contact details of the petitioners had now been corrected.
Shortly afterward, leaked video clips surfaced on social media showing some politicians in the state appending their signatures to the petition.
Suspicion grew further during the week as many questioned how over 250,000 constituents could have signed the petition within 10 days when only 120,000 turned out to vote in the 2023 general election for the senatorial district.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the suspended senator’s legal team, led by Victor Giwa, revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the IG and the Kogi State police commissioner over the alleged forged signatures in the recall petition.
He added that a copy of the petition would also be submitted to INEC.
Giwa said, “Firstly, we are aware that those signatures were forged, and it is the act of APC members in Kogi State, who are desperate to remove her. Secondly, we are prosecuting the case in court. We have written our petition regarding the forgery, and we are submitting it to the Inspector General of Police, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and INEC. Before 1pm today (Friday), they would have received it.”
He explained that the legal team decided to take the forgery petition to the police because it involved a criminal offence.
“INEC does not have the materials to examine a case of forgery. What they are expected to do is compare whether the signatures correspond with the ones signed by the owners. But we are alleging that it is a case of forgery, and only the police can handle cases of forgery. Let the petitioners present the signatures, and let the police subject them to forensic tests for us to confirm that they were not forged,” Giwa added.
It is expected that after receiving the petition, INEC will embark on verifying the signatures at each polling unit in the constituency.
However, Giwa insisted that the forgery allegation must first be addressed before the commission could proceed to the next stage of the recall process, especially given that a related case was still pending in court.
“The case is in court, and INEC is aware. Secondly, we are now dealing with allegations of fraud. Some people submitted certain signatures, and others claim they were forged, which is a criminal matter. So, as an institution, I believe INEC would need to submit the signatures to the police to confirm whether or not there is forgery. And this should come before the verification exercise,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ebira People’s Association has condemned the ongoing recall process against Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a politically motivated gang up designed to undermine democracy.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the association’s Secretary, Baba Abdulrazaq, criticised the recall process as an “electoral fraud” and a “coup against democratic institutions.”
He urged INEC to resist being used as a tool to subvert the people’s mandate.
Abdulrazaq accused INEC of facilitating an illegitimate recall effort by providing undue support to individuals he described as “impostors and dissidents.”
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has illegally provided support to impostors, dissidents, and petitioners who claim to have gathered 250,000 forged and stolen signatures,” Abdulrazaq stated.
The South-South zonal secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, has assured that a proposed mega rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, slated for Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, was not to cause chaos in the State.
He also defended his association with Wike, declaring that there is a right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.
Turnah, in a statement by his media assistant, Kelvin Loveday, on Friday, allayed fears in government quarters over the rally, stating that there was no intention to destabilise Bayelsa State.
He assured the Ijaw nation of his respect, loyalty, and commitment as an Ijaw man, stressing that his political group was only interested in mobilising support for President Tinubu’s administration in the South-South Zone, devoid of ulterior motives.
According to him, the political group, The New Associates, will be officially launched in Bayelsa State on April 12, 2025, adding that arrangements were in top gear to ensure a hitch-free outing, including formal notifications to relevant security agencies in the State as required by law.
Turnah frowned at the undue politicalisation of the proposed rally, maintaining that ethnicity has no place in politics.
On his election as the PDP Zonal Secretary, he queried why it was problematic if he occupied a position meant for a son of the soil of Bayelsa or Ijaw, wondering if he was not qualified to do so.
Turnah reiterated that he is not only a member of the PDP but also a serving Zonal Secretary of the Party in the South-South zone, wondering which other office he was being accused of occupying if he was truly not a member of the PDP.
Turnah commended Govenor Douye Diri on his many achievements and pledged his continued support for the Prosperity administration led by Governor Diri.
He, therefore, called on the teeming youths, women, political class across party lines and all lovers of President Tinubu to come out en-masse, and show their appreciation to the President and FCT Minister for their special love for Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation, clearly demonstrated through the facilitation and appointment of notable Bayelsans into positions of trust in the Renewed Hope administration.