The Abia State Government has explained why Governor Alex Otti has not moved into the new Government House since assuming office.

Speaking during a live radio programme Open Parliament on Family Love FM in Umuahia, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said that the people of Abia are more interested in good governance than in the governor’s physical location.

Ukoha also revealed that there were long-standing rumours that strange rituals may have been carried out in the new Government House during the previous administration.

“Before now, there were rumours that cows, vultures and tortoises were buried inside the Government House and other incantations with the intention of eliminating the Governor when he was newly elected. That is the rumour that we heard,” he said.

He added that while the Otti-led administration does not believe in such claims, the growing pressure from the opposition for Governor Otti to move into the building is raising suspicions.

“I hope it is not what I am thinking. Why is this coming from the same people? Move to the Government House, move to the Government House,” Ukoha questioned.

He stressed that the rumours were not treated as facts but noted that the insistence from certain quarters made the government take a cautious approach.

Ukoha also noted that Governor Otti is currently working from the old Government House, which is undergoing major renovation, including upgrades to the Secretary to the State Government’s office and the Government House clinic

Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa state, has warned against cult-related activities at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw LGA.

The governor’s directive came during the institution’s 7th combined convocation ceremony on Friday, following recent reports of violent cult clashes during the school’s examination period.

The clashes allegedly claimed the lives of three students.

Diri ordered Allen Agih, the institution’s vice chancellor, to take decisive action against cultism, including expelling any student found culpable.

The governor also emphasised that the university is a place for learning and character development, not for cultism.

Diri had previously directed security agencies to prosecute anyone arrested for cult-related offenses.

“Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university. May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw,” he said.

“There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government, I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, do not hesitate to apply the sanctions.”

The governor also assured the institution’s management of his commitment to shape NDU for the next 25 years.

On his part, Agih announced that 6,536 graduates participated in the convocation ceremony. This included 5,726 bachelor’s degree recipients, with 69 earning first-class honours.

He added that 810 higher degree graduates were recognised, comprising 16 professional diplomas, 191 postgraduate diplomas, and 458 master’s degrees.

Abdullahi Bello, chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has asked Nigerians to report public servants living above their means.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Bello said the bureau will soon launch a platform for Nigerians to submit such complaints.

“One of the first things I did upon assumption of duty was to establish a forensic accounting and financial investigation unit within the bureau,” he said.

“I previously worked with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and I understand the importance of technical analysis.

“What this unit does is to examine public officers’ asset declarations, comparing their entries at the start and end of a given period.

“If there is a significant increase in net worth that cannot be justified by their income, they are invited to explain.

“Several public officers have already been invited, including some high-profile individuals. This process is ongoing, and very soon, the public will begin to see the results.

“We want the media to follow our cases closely and report them to the public. Transparency is critical.

“We need the media to help us spotlight these developments so Nigerians understand that the bureau is actively working. If you hear of such cases, please report them. It helps keep everyone accountable.

“But we welcome support from civil society and the media. If you suspect someone is living above their means, you don’t need their declaration. Report the person, and we will investigate. The responsibility to fight corruption is shared.”

Bello said asset declaration is mandatory, no matter how infinitesimal the asset may be considered.

“That is why false or omitted declarations are serious offences,” he said.

The CCB chairman said Nigerians can report persons anonymously.

“Although the whistleblower protection law has not yet been enacted, we advise people to report anonymously if they fear for their safety. You don’t have to mention your name,” he added.

“Yes, people want to benefit from reporting corruption, and that is legitimate, but if your motive is to help your community, you can report without revealing your identity. If you report anonymously, there is no fear of retaliation.”

Bello added that the bureau is working on a bill to protect individuals who want to reveal their identities while whistleblowing.

Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters reportedly killed at least 23 farmers and fishermen in Malam Karanti, a remote village near Baga, in Kukawa LGA of Borno state.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning.

The victims, predominantly beans farmers from Gwoza, had allegedly secured an agreement with a rival Boko Haram faction to farm and fish in insurgent-controlled territories, in exchange for regular payment of levies.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the ISWAP insurgents stormed Malam Karanti around 9am on the day, gathered the farmers and fishermen, and executed them on suspicion of collaborating with the rival Boko Haram group.

“The terrorists spared an elderly man, who later returned to the community and raised the alarm,” Makama quoted a source as saying.

“They accused the victims of working with Boko Haram and defying ISWAP’s control. Most of them were beans farmers from Gwoza who paid Boko Haram to use the land.”

The publication said efforts to retrieve the bodies were halted when the insurgents returned and opened fire on the search party, forcing them to retreat.

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno state, has repeatedly cautioned communities against entering into secret arrangements with terrorists for access to land or fishing waters.

“Such alliances not only fuel terrorism but also expose civilians to betrayal, inter-factional rivalry, and deadly reprisals,” he had warned.

A local official who spoke to journalists said some community members still trust terrorists.

“Unfortunately, some locals continue to trust the terrorists, believing that paying levies or cooperating will protect them,” the official said.

“But history has shown that these groups turn against them at the slightest suspicion or territorial dispute.”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set up an emergency counselling service for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates.

In a post via X on Friday, the examination body announced that the emergency channel will complement its ticketing platform.

JAMB urged candidates to register their complaints through the provided helpline – 07002200016.

The board also unveiled the names of six persons who would be stationed at the backend of the calls.

“In addition to our usual and preferred ticketing platform for Candidates Support, JAMB has now opened a Candidate Counselling Emergency Support Centre (CCESC),” the post reads.

“Members of the public, particularly candidates with genuine concerns, can reach out to any of these officials: a. Gbenga, b. Yusuf, c. Dubem, d. Tony, e. Ogbonna and, f. Emma on 07002200016.”

The board noted that its ticketing channel will remain its “primary and most effective” communication channel.

JAMB has been at the receiving end of public criticism since it released the results for its 2025 UTME on May 9.

An analysis revealed that more than 78 per cent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the 400 maximum obtainable points.

The metrics, believed to have signalled mass failure, spurred protests from candidates who challenged the integrity of the exam.

On May 14, JAMB admitted that a technical error in Lagos and south-east states compromised UTME results across 157 centres.

A teary-eyed Ishaq Oloyede apologised to the affected candidates and Nigerians in a televised conference.

The JAMB registrar said the error, caused by one of its service providers, affected nearly 380,000 candidates.

He added that these candidates will now be required to resit the examination between May 16 and May 19, 2025.

But before then, Faith Opesusi, one of the Lagos candidates, who scored 146, had committed suicide.

Oluwafemi Opesusi, Faith’s father, said his distraught daughter took a liquid substance that led to her death after checking her result.

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, revealed how he planned to call the former Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, to help locate the then Alaafin of Oyo-designate, who had returned to Canada before his formal coronation in Oyo Kingdom, Nigeria.

The President stated this when he received the newly installed 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, during a visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a very cordial atmosphere, the president recalled how he was worried when the then Canada-based Prince Owoade returned to the North American country ahead of his coronation, and he wanted to reach out to his counterpart in Canada to locate the Alaafin for him.

“You created anxiety at the time the nomination was announced and your return to Canada. I’d wanted to call the President (Prime Minister); sincerely, I wanted to call the President of Canada. We were together in Brazil when he told me he’d not run for office again.

“I wanted to ask him whether he can help me locate my Alaafin, but I was later assured that you went to sign off,“ the President said.

He lauded the new monarch for demonstrating character and discipline, and for uplifting the culture of the Yoruba in Canada.

“I’m glad that you’re a beacon of hope to the rest of our race; the good name you left behind in Canada; how you represented our race as a hardworking engineer who wants to develop this country. It’s a good thing that you’re back, you’re crowned, and you came here first. I really appreciate that,” the president said.

Tinubu emphasised that the culture, peace and stability of the nation required inclusiveness, noting that governing the nation was not a job to be done alone.

“We have to put hands together to build a nation of prosperity; a nation that God Almighty will continue to see as a nation of peace, stability and progress,” Tinubu stated.

President Tinubu highlighted the need for uplift medicare, education and cultural values, pledging to support the Alaafin in the areas, saying “The doors are open.”

Pointing at the political officeholders of Oyo extraction at the gathering, including the Senator representing Oyo Central, Dr Yunus Akintunde; member representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Prince Akeem Adeyemi; the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Victor Adeleke, and his Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, who is also the Elemona of Ilemona-designate, whose ancestry was traced to Oyo at the meeting, the president said these public officeholders were doing well.

Tinubu, who hailed his aides from Oyo Kingdom as dedicated, hardworking and forthright, prayed that God would give the Alaafin the wisdom, rest of mind and success to navigate his way through the Oyo Kingdom affairs, stressing that “history will be yours to define by the grace of God Almighty. You’ll be there, you’ll live long.”

Earlier in his address, Alaafin Owoade I assured the President of the traditional rulers’ support in delivering his mandate to the people.

“I speak not just as the custodian of culture and tradition but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honoured by the audience you have granted us here at the heart of the national leadership.

“Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship and enduring regard for the traditional institutions. The people of Oyo remember your journey as a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity. You have won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder and now as the nation’s foremost leader,” Alaafin told Tinubu.

The monarch said all Nigerians looked up to the President for a new direction.

“Nigeria looks up to you, not only for leadership but for restoration. For a new vision rooted in justice, equity and inclusive progress. It is in that spirit that I have come to seek your collaboration. Oyo is ready, Yoruba are ready, and Nigerians are ready,” he added.

The Alaafin commended the President for his bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.

“We understand that national transformation is not by government alone. It is built when ancient wisdom meets modern governance. When institutions, old and new, work hand-in-hand,” the Oyo monarch stated.

The Yobe State Hisbah Commission, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has shut down Maina Lodge Hotel and confiscated 209 cartons of alcohol in Damaturu, the state capital.

The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Yahuza Abubakar stated while addressing journalists in his office one the agency’s recent crackdown on prohibited substances and immoral activities in the state.

Abubakar said the operation targeted a Golf vehicle with registration number ABJ-144-SC, loaded with the seized alcohol at Maina Lodge.

He added additional 34 bottles of alcohol were discovered at the facility following subsequent search of the lodge’s VIP Room 07.

Abubakar added that the lodge has been temporarily closed pending the conclusion of investigations to identify the driver and individuals responsible for smuggling the contraband into the state,” Abubakar stated.

“Let me tell you that the Commission is collaborating with lodge management to trace those involved.”

In a separate incident, the chairman said the commission responded to a complaint from one Waziri Ibrahim, leading to the closure of a residential building allegedly used for prostitution.

He said the property has been shut for three months pending further investigation.

The chairman commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for his unwavering support for the commission’s operations and praised security agencies for their collaboration.

“These successes underscore our commitment to upholding moral standards and combating illicit activities in Yobe State,” he said.

Abubakar reiterated their resolve of the Commission to enforce strict compliance with state laws prohibiting alcohol consumption and immoral conduct.

He called on the residents to report any suspicious activities while stressing that investigations into the incidents were ongoing.

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has officially shut down the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, which accommodated more than 11,000 individuals.

Naija News understands that the Muna IDP camp was among the largest facilities in the state during the peak of the prolonged humanitarian crisis triggered by insurgency.

In his announcement regarding the camp’s closure, Governor Zulum pointed to significant illicit activities occurring within the camp as the primary justification for this decision.

“We have observed that in the IDP camp there is increased level of prostitution, gangsterism, cases of child abuse and other criminalities,” The governor said.

He emphasized that the complete eradication of Boko Haram is contingent upon the resettlement of displaced individuals, asserting that it is essential for people to return to their homes and regain their means of livelihood.

Zulum previously declared four years ago that all twelve official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, the state capital, would be closed, a promise he fulfilled with the exception of two informal camps.

He noted that in 2024, the state government successfully resettled approximately 75 percent of the IDPs from the Muna camp, with the remaining 25 percent expected to return to their original localities in the coming days.

The governor further stated that each of the 6,000 households in the camp will be provided with food assistance, shelter materials, and access to healthcare services as part of the resettlement initiative.

Additionally, he announced that each household head, regardless of gender, will receive ₦100,000, while all housewives will be granted an extra ₦50,000.

The Nigerian Bar Asso­ciation (NBA) has insisted it cannot refund ₦300 million paid by former Governor Siminalayi Fubara to support the hosting of its 2025 Annual General Conference, in Rivers State.

Naija News reported that Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admi­ral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), demanded a refund of the money since the NBA cancelled hosting the event in the state.

The NBA cancelled its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Rivers State in protest of President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara and appointment of Ibas.

A report released on Friday following the NBA’s National Executive Council Meeting in Ilorin, noted that Fubara’s donation was not in­tended to secure hosting rights for the later shifted Annual General Conference.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said the body cannot support the unconstitutional act of the President by hosting the conference in Port Harcourt.

“The National Executive Committee’s consultation revealed that the majority of lawyers/colleagues strongly desired that the NBA re­locate the Conference from Rivers State to another venue.

“The majority opinion was that the Conference should not be held in a state governed by a Sole Administrator. 

“Because the NBA does not recognise the unconstitutional suspension of a democratically elected govern­ment and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, the NBA can­not properly request venue and other logistical support from the Administrator,” it read.

According to Daily Independent, the report further said there was no justification for the call to refund the ₦300 Million support from Governor Fubara.

It added,  “The decision to hold the 2025 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt is deemed unjus­tifiable due to ongoing protests and demands by lawyers. We cannot demand a refund of ₦300 Million paid by the Rivers State Government for ‘Conference Hosting Rights for the 2025, An­nual General Conference’ due to our presence in the city and potential collaboration. This also lends credence to the un­constitutional proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the matter.

“We note that the NBA has taken a principled and legally sound position that appointing an Administrator for Rivers State is unconstitutional. Given this, we cannot in good conscience hold this year’s conference in Rivers State. As a result, we announced that the conference has been re­located to Enugu, a coal city.”

A Chieftain of the Labour Party, Pat Utomi, has told the Department of State Services (DSS) to go after politicians defecting to other parties while retaining their position contrary to the nation’s constitution.
Naija News reported that the DSS sued Professor Utomi for forming a shadow government against the government of President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to DSS’s legal action, Utomi accused the internal intelligence agency of chasing shadows. He stated that the security agency ought to have sued politicians defecting from their parties.

“It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling aided by those in power. The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from must have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such,” he said.

In a series of tweets on his ? handle, on Friday, the Professor of Political Economics accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of financing crises in other political parties to create a one-party state.

“With the one-party state intentions of APC and financing of crisis in all parties outside APC, compounded by the greed of the politicians to remain in the prebendal lane of sharing, the desperation for oxygen in the system meant the imperative of the Big Tent shadow team,” he stated.

He added that his Big Tent shadow team aims to educate Nigerians on the policies of the government and empower them to hold leaders accountable.

“What is the goal of the Big Tent shadow team. It is a simple effort at the education of citizenry about governance and policy options as well as holding power accountable. I first suggested a shadow group as a means of deepening our democracy about 14 years ago,” he added.