...violators to pay hefty fine 

France will ban smoking in outdoor areas where children are likely to be present, starting July 1, 2025. This includes beaches, parks, bus stops, school entrances, and sports venues.

Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, made this known on Thursday, May 29.

“Tobacco must disappear where there are children.

“The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” Vautrin told Ouest-France newspaper.

However, the ban does not apply to France’s famous outdoor cafe terraces or to electronic cigarettes.

France already bans smoking in many public places like workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds. 

Anti-smoking groups have long called for wider restrictions.

According to the World Health Organisation, about 35 per cent of France’s population smokes—more than the average in Europe (25 per cent) and around the world (21 per cent).

Against his earlier pronouncement that he was not keen on returning to the Brick House (Government House), the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will soon return to his duty post. 

Fubara charged supporters, Rivers people, and Nigerians to thank President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention to avert anarchy in the state, which was looming due to the festering political crisis. 

He also said that the peace and reconciliation process, which was a precursor to restoring all Executive and Legislative institutions and offices, was already underway, and assured that democracy and good governance would soon return in the State, with both arms working together for the good of the people.

Governor Fubara stated these at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement as part of activities to mark his two years in office as Governor of Rivers State in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices, not just at the Executive arm, but also legislative arm. And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”

While urging his supporters and the entire Rivers people to show unreserved appreciation to the president for his bold action to halt the degenerating political crisis in the state, he tasked them to totally subject themselves to the peace process to enable the state move forward.

“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different. 

“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.

“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you; the interest of the State is paramount.” 

He noted that but for the political situation, orchestrated by the crisis, the second year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by the administration in various sectors across the state, and assured that the government would bounce back stronger, more united and engineered to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people.

Governor Fubara explained that those expressing anger and grievances have the right to do so, but quickly added that the time has come for all to embrace peace, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness for the development and progress of the state.

The governor pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasising that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of the State.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the steps he has taken as a father to restore peace, stability and good governance in the state, and assured reconciliation with the former governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, very soon.

The governor disclosed that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.

“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” in reference to Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”

Fubara said that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve and promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.

“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said, and thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.

A wanted Enugu State-based native doctor, Obi Obieze, was on Wednesday arrested at Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme expressway by men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

More details have emerged on how the wanted and alleged ritualist and kidnapper was arrested. 

Witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Obieze, also known as Obu Onyeka, was on a commercial Bajaj motorcycle going to Seme to escape when the personnel of NIS Lagos State Border Patrol Command at about 2.00 p.m. arrested him. 

According to the sources, Obieze, a resident of Umuojor village in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, escaped and took a night bus to Mile 2, Lagos, around 10.00 a.m.

“He took a commercial car from Mile 2 to Badagry roundabout, from where he hired a commercial Okada rider to Seme border.

“The commercial motorcyclist had passed the checkpoint of the immigration in Gbaji a little before an officer ordered the rider to stop, recognising the person he was carrying.

“Obieze made an attempt to escape, but he was quickly apprehended by the officers who took him to the command office immediately.

“He was detained at the NIS cell while the controller in charge of Lagos State Border Patrol Command contacted the headquarters of NIS about the arrest,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller General, NIS, Kemi Nandap, had confirmed his arrest.

Nandap confirmed it in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, on Thursday, in Abuja. 

According to the statement, the NIS Comptroller General said that the suspect had been declared wanted by the Enugu State Police Command.

She said that Obieze, a native of Umuojor village in Ezeagu Council Area, Enugu, and a known traditionalist, was allegedly involved in the abduction of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday, May 27.

“According to reports, the girl was kidnapped by three men while walking to the farm with her father.

“She was later rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from a shrine allegedly linked to the suspect. The incident was first reported by a national daily on Wednesday, May 28.

“Acting on credible intelligence, officers of the NIS Lagos State Border Patrol Command apprehended Obieze at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road while he attempted to flee the country on a motorcycle. 

“The suspect was found in possession of a National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment slip, which confirmed his identity.

“During preliminary questioning, he reportedly confessed to the crimes,” she said.

Nandap, however, said that the NIS was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a seamless handover of the suspect for further investigation and prosecution.

She reaffirmed the service commitment to national security and border control, stating that NIS would continue to support law enforcement agencies in the fight against cross-border crimes. (NAN)

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims of having revived Nigeria’s economy as an insult to the millions of Nigerians currently enduring severe hardship. 

Senator Wabara argued that if the President’s assertions were accurate, there would be no need to convince Nigerians—citizens themselves would be attesting to the administration’s achievements. 

“The reality on the ground does not support President Tinubu’s claims. If he had truly improved the economy, Nigerians would be the first to testify,” Wabara said.

He pointed to the soaring inflation, widespread hunger, and deepening poverty as evidence contradicting the President’s remarks.

“It’s ironic that Mr. President is talking about economic revival when the economy is clearly deteriorating under his watch. The indices say otherwise,” he added. “Poor and hungry Nigerians do not need a lecture on economic revival. The first sign of improvement will be reflected in market prices.”

Wabara urged the President to use the remaining two years of his tenure to focus on real economic reforms rather than making rhetorical statements. He called on Tinubu to review key economic policies, particularly those related to multiple taxation, which he said are stifling businesses and worsening living conditions.

The PDP BoT Chairman also highlighted the urgent need to address the country’s security crisis, stating that insecurity has significantly contributed to food shortages by displacing farmers from agrarian communities due to attacks by bandits and criminal herders.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging a once-thriving economy. “When the PDP was in power, Nigeria’s economy was among the top two in Africa. The APC has reversed those gains,” he said.

Despite the current challenges, Wabara expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economy would rebound once the PDP returns to power in 2027.

No fewer than 21 corpses were recovered, yesterday, and scores of people were declared missing, after a severe midnight flood caused by torrential rainfall wreaked havoc in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to sources, about 50 residential houses were submerged by the devastating Tuesday night flood, which caught many residents and commuters unawares, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction of property.
The two communities most affected are Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, in Mokwa town. 

In addition to the loss of lives, several vehicles, including commercial vehicles, private cars and trucks, were also trapped. 

Drivers and commuters were seen struggling to navigate through the floodwaters, with no rescue efforts immediately available.

As of the time of this report, 21 bodies, including those of a woman and her two children, had been recovered, while many others remain missing.

A woman, her children, and several others who were injured were receiving medical attention, yesterday, at Mokwa General Hospital.

A statement by the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the disaster, stating: “There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours, and the surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.

“In response, the agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and brave volunteers, are conducting search and rescue operations to recover survivors and bodies.

“At present, three survivors, a woman and her two children, are receiving treatment for wounds and shock, at Mokwa General Hospital.

“Twenty-one bodies have, so far, been recovered, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other sister security agencies have made significant progress in addressing insecurity in different regions of the country in order to curb food insecurity. 

General Musa stated this at an event in Lagos, tagged “Food Security and Sports Diplomacy,” organised by Lagos State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in commemoration of United Nations World Nutrition month. 

Musa, who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos listed the efforts as kinetic and non kinetic in nature.

According to him, “Some of these kinetic efforts include the counter insurgency operation, that is Operation Hardin Kunama against Boko Haram in the North East; Operation Fansan Yamma  in North West, the Multinational Joint Task Force set up involving countries in Chad Basin; Operation Safe Haven to tackle communal violence, herders and farmers clash and banditry in the Middle Belt;  Operation Whirl Stroke specially commissioned to combat armed bandits in Benue and Taraba states and also in Niger Delta to protect our oil installations, prevent and combat militancy and finally the Deep Blue Sea Operation, a security initiative lunched by NIMASA in collaboration with the  Nigerian Navy.”

On the non kinetic operation, he said the armed forces  in partnership with local communities, the Nigerian military has launch the Defence farm by establishing military managed farms in some areas, adding: “This initiative aligns with Federal Government’s efforts at addressing food insecurity and challenges and reflects the military commitment to sports as a tool to promote peace and community engagement.”

In her opening speech, Convener of the programme and Chairman, Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, said food nutrition and hygiene play vital role in every child’s endeavour, adding: “But imbibing basic hygiene measures and nutritional needs is more essential. Embracing healthy and safe nutrition gives right to life, right to live well, right to security, right to safety, right to good health, right to dream big and aspire well, right to happiness and right to become successful.

“As the global community continues to advocate the importance of international diplomacy, its diversity across the world, diplomacy in each nation has enhanced wider opportunities for cultural values via its strength of influence and diversity, hence promoting cultural relevance, economic development and investment opportunities.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent incident where Nigerian students were forced to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, in dark and unfit conditions, calling it a ‘national disgrace.’ 

This came as the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies gave WAEC, a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it on Friday, to address concerns surrounding the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE. 

Meanwhile, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, slammed WAEC, for the delay in the conduct of English Language examination in the ongoing SSCE.

In a statement, Atiku urged immediate action to address the systemic failures in Nigeria’s education sector.
He said: “This is not merely an unfortunate incident, it is a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most basic standards in public education.

“It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and utterly indefensible that in 2025, our children are forced to write critical national exams in pitch darkness like second-class citizens.

“Examination preparedness is a shared responsibility between students and the examination authorities. In this case, it is glaringly evident that the latter has failed spectacularly in their duty.

“I, therefore, demand, unequivocally, that the affected examination paper be retaken in all compromised centres. Anything less would be a grave injustice to the students whose futures hang in the balance.

“Going forward, it is imperative that relevant authorities establish and enforce minimum environmental and infrastructural standards for all high-stakes national examinations.“

Reps give WAEC 24-hrs ultimatum to appear over ongoing exams

Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Oforji, issued the ultimatum, yesterday, following WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to appear before the panel. 

According to Oforji, the committee had invited WAEC to provide explanations over widespread complaints and irregularities observed during the ongoing examinations.

In a statement, Oforji recalled that the committee extended an invitation to WAEC on May 27, 2025, seeking clarification on various issues disrupting the conduct of the exams across the country.

He expressed disappointment at WAEC’s absence during the scheduled hearing, yesterday, describing it as unacceptable given the scale of public outcry over the conduct of the exams.

“The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities. We’ve received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres across the country.

“The House felt it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. However, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the ongoing exams. Ironically, this is the very reason we are asking them to appear.” 

NANS slams WAEC over delay in writing English paper due to alleged leakage

In a statement yesterday by the National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the association said: “We strongly condemn WAEC over the undue delay of the English Language paper on Wednesday ,allegedly due to the leakage of examination questions

“This development, which resulted in the postponement of the examination to an absurdly late period of 4p.m., to 7p.m., demonstrates a shocking level of insensitivity and a gross disregard for the safety and well-being of Nigerian students, particularly those in rural communities.

“The decision to hold examinations at such late hours not only endangers students, many of whom must navigate unsafe routes to and from examination centres, but also disrupts their psychological preparedness and undermines the integrity of the process. WAEC, as a long-standing examination body, is expected to be a beacon of professionalism, preparedness, and efficiency. The repeated incidents of examination paper leakage are a clear indication of systemic failures in WAEC’s security measures and operations.

“NANS strongly believes that these lapses tarnish the credibility of our educational system and unfairly burden Nigerian students, who are already grappling with numerous challenges.”

A former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Waziri, has said that, contrary to public opinion, it was the Military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, that left Nigerians with no choice but to choose between two of his friends, the late M.K.O. Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa, in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. 

The ex-Minister explained that Nigerians were denied the opportunity to chose from an array of other ably qualified Nigerians, including the late General Shehu Yar’Adua and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. 

Waziri stated this at the Second Posthumous Legacy Colloquium held in honour of the late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, in Abuja, yesterday.

The event was organised by Dokpesi’s friends and political family and associates under the aegis of D-37.

Waziri said: “Nigerians, out of disappointment, were forced to vote in 1993, for candidates not of their choice. So, while we are celebrating June 12, Nigerians were tired of military rule, so, they were forced to vote to see if they could just push the military out.”

Paying tribute to the late Dokpesi, whom he described as a pioneer in various fields, Waziri noted that his contributions in the field of politics, business and broadcasting cannot be easily forgotten.

He recalled some of the roles played by the late businessman and politician in promoting the political culture of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while he was alive.

He recalled his last encounter with the late businessman, broadcaster, and politician, saying, “At least we exchanged chat messages. I was asleep at about 11p.m., when I was woken up with the sad news. It was good he died at home.

Otherwise, the controversy of his death on that day would have had dire consequences on this country.”

He advised organizers of the event to document the role Dokpesi played in the nation’s politics, especially from 1999 to May 29, 2023, so that the history would not be lost.