SOME former People’s Democratic Party, PDP, members in Delta State who moved with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, have, for unclear reasons, refused to resign their membership and yet, want to register as APC members.

Sources said the ongoing registration commenced on a shaky note as the APC ward leaders in parts of the state declined to register the PDP defectors, demanding evidence of their resignation from their former party. 

This came as PDP members at the various wards and local government chapters of the state who rebuffed Oborevwori and Okowa’s movement to the APC, converged weekend, vowing to rebuild the PDP.

The refusal to register the new members for not presenting their resignation letters triggered some glitches in the ongoing registration process.

The development compelled the state APC, led by Elder Omeni Sobotie, to quickly intervene, instructing the ward and local government leaders to overlook the non-presentation of resignation letters.

Meanwhile, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, the Chairman of the Zonal Caretaker of the PDP in the South-South, who is midwifing the rebirth process, told Vanguard that the state’s caretaker executive would be available in one month.

Vanguard understood that some defectors were undecided on the exercise because of the rivalry and frosty relationship between the PDP and APC members before the defection.

“This coming together is not smooth yet. The old members are afraid of the new members, while the new members are just watching,” a source revealed.

However, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC state publicity secretary, has directed the local government and ward chairmen to register the newly defected members without any preconditions or demands, including letters of resignation from the PDP.

He said in a statement: “All party functionaries at the grassroots, local government chairmen and ward chairmen, are hereby instructed to eliminate any bureaucratic hurdles, red tape or procedural bottlenecks that may hinder the seamless registration and integration of these new members.”

Speaking to Vanguard, chairman of the APC in Ughelli North local government area, Mr. Obakpororo Onoabedje, said: “Currently, we have issued cards to ward chairmen to go and register PDP members willing to register.

“From skeletal reports, they are not forthcoming; they are foot-dragging. From what we are seeing and experiencing, the exercise is very clumsy.”

But a source said: “They only just left PDP, but registration is low-key for now. There is no stipulated time they should come and register. The registration, like Permanent Voter Card, run from morning till evening.

“They will move when the time comes; most people want to be sure. It is a gradual process. The process is slow because the people are sitting back to watch what is going to come next.

“Many don’t know what will happen, so they are sceptical. There are uncertainties, so some are reluctant.’’
The chairman of the PDP, South-South, Emma Ogidi, said he was encouraged by the rejection of the defection by many PDP members coming to express willingness to remain in the PDP.

He said he had given the party’s supporters guidelines on forming the caretaker committee, adding “I have told them to open the doors till one month before we close it.

‘’Like I told you much earlier, in one month, the caretaker committee of the PDP in the state will be ready.”
Recall that Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa defected to the ruling party with the entire structure of the PDP last week, with the governor describing the development not just as defection but a movement.

The governor had said at the official declaration in Asaba, the state capital, last week: “What you have seen here today is a movement, it’ is not a defection; it’s a movement. We have done consultations with our National Assembly members, with leadership, with stakeholders at the state level, at the senatorial level, at the local government level, at the ward level and we all decided that we must all join.

“This is Delta State; we cannot carry last. When we stand for something, we remain committed to it; we have been in opposition for almost 10 years.

“Do we need that? Mr. President has supported us; he has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. That love that he has shown to us in Delta State, we need to reciprocate it.

“We cannot do it in our own party. We have to be inside to do it, and to do it well. When you consult widely you see everybody will come with you and you can see that the love is organic: you can see my relationship with governors; you see all the governors here.

“You see the large number of governors: yesterday nine came and slept over. Today, see all of them here. I want to bless all of you; I want to thank all of you.

“This is a movement, this is not a defection; we have agreed we will move together and when we move together, what is at the national we will be able to grab it.

“Our members in the National Assembly are the next; they have agreed they will all defect on the floor of the house, and we have justification to move.

“All of us want to be in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is in line with my M.O.R.E Agenda. For us in Delta State, it’s a statement and I believe other governors will join because it’s a movement and when you have a movement, you don’t fail.”

No lawsuit filed against Delta defectors yet

Although the PDP threatened to go to court to challenge the defection of its members in Delta State, Vanguard learned yesterday that it was yet to do so.

A member of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, who was present at the meeting last Tuesday when the decision was taken, told Vanguard weekend in Abuja, said the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, was making preparations to pursue the case in court.

“We’re focused on reclaiming our mandate. We intend to seek court declarations for the seats of the defectors to be declared vacant, in line with constitutional provisions,” the NWC member stated.

He clarified that, for the time being, the party’s legal efforts would be focused solely on Delta State, with no immediate plans to take similar action in other states.

Although the decision to proceed with legal action was reached on Tuesday, the public holiday on Thursday, coupled with the lack of a follow-up meeting by Friday, may have delayed the formal filing of court papers.

“The decision was taken only on Tuesday. Thursday was a public holiday and we didn’t reconvene on Friday. We expect further briefings at the next meeting,” the source said

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a unit of the Lagos State Police Command, have arrested two individuals for impersonating officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and exploiting accident victims.

The suspects, identified as Nuche Joseph, 34, and Lawal Rofiat, 29, were apprehended on April 29, while posing as LASAMBUS personnel.

According to RRS in a statement on Sunday, the duo were operating under the name of BrainGrace Ambulance Service, deceiving members of the public and demanding payments for emergency medical services that are supposed to be free.

Their illegal operation came to light after the relatives of an accident victim took to social media to express outrage over being charged N150,000 for pre-hospital care.

Tragically, the victim died before reaching the hospital. The relatives initially believed they were dealing with genuine LASAMBUS officials and accused the Lagos State Government of exploitation.

LASAMBUS is an agency of the state government that provides emergency medical services free of charge to accident victims across Lagos.

“The suspects, working with BrainGrace Ambulance service, have been impersonating Lagos Ambulance Service and fleecing accident victims of various sums of money for pre – hospital care which is rendered free of charge to accident victims in the state.

“The fraudulent activity of the suspects was exposed on social media by relatives of an accident victim who BrainGrace Ambulance forced to cough up N150,000:00 for pre-hospital care but the victim died before getting to the hospital.

“The relatives of the deceased, realizing the service was designed by Lagos State Government to be rendered free of charge, felt exploited. They took to social media to expose BrainGrace Ambulance erroneously claiming that they were defrauded by Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) officials,” the statement read.

The RRS confirmed that both suspects have confessed to the crime and have been charged to court.

“The two suspects have made confessional statements to the police and have been charged to court,” the statement added.

President Donald Trump announced Sunday he will impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States, describing foreign production incentives as a “National Security threat” that is causing the American film industry to die a “very fast death.”

“This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, concluding with: “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

The President said he has authorised relevant government agencies, including the Department of Commerce, to “immediately begin the process” of implementing the tariffs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded on X with a brief message: “We’re on it.”

However, neither Trump nor Lutnick provided specific details about how the tariffs would be implemented. According to Reuters, industry insiders are questioning whether the tariffs would apply to streaming services as well as theatrical releases, and how they would be calculated, whether based on production costs or box office revenue.

This move follows Trump’s January appointment of Hollywood veterans Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson to lead efforts to bring Hollywood back “bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”

Film and television production has been steadily leaving Hollywood for years, attracted by tax incentives in other locations. According to research firm ProdPro, about half of the spending on movie and TV projects with budgets exceeding $40 million went outside the U.S. in 2023. Los Angeles has experienced a nearly 40% drop in production over the past decade, according to FilmLA.

All major media companies, including Walt Disney, Netflix, and Universal Pictures, currently film in countries like Canada and Britain, taking advantage of credits and cash rebates offered by foreign governments. A recent ProdPro survey ranked California as only the sixth most preferred filming location for the next two years, behind Toronto, Britain, Vancouver, Central Europe, and Australia.

The Afenifere Diaspora USA has distanced itself from a press statement attributed to one Chief Omololu Abagun, claiming the group has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prof. Sikiru Fadairo and Secretary, Comrade David Adenekan, the group described the claim as false and laughable, saying no such decision has been taken by the organisation.

“Is it not a figment of imagination for one Chief Omololu Abagun to sit at one place in the corner of his room to issue a false statement that claimed Afenifere has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a re-election in 2027?

“Is this not laughable? To say the obvious fact, in Afenifere, any decision of such magnitude of national interest is always taken after a rigorous brainstorming to evaluate or weigh the pros and cons of such a decision, having taken into great cognisance the overall interest of the whole country. No such decision of great national interest will be taken without adequate consultations with every organ of the organisation,” the statement said.

The group noted that any decision of such magnitude would be taken after rigorous brainstorming and consultations with every organ of the organisation.

Afenifere Diaspora USA also questioned the basis of Abagun’s claim, asking where the communique was and who signed it.

The group further debunked Abagun’s statement that Tinubu is not a Yoruba president, saying that while the statement may be true in the sense that Tinubu is not representing the goodwill of Yoruba people, the president’s appointments have been lopsided in favour of Yorubas.

“We probe into PBAT’S appointments is suggestive of lopsided appointments in favour of people of Yoruba tribe, including Kogi and Kwara states to the detriment of others in the other four geo-political zones.

“We stand by the true meaning of Afenifere, ‘love thy neighbours as you love yourself.’

“We are also determined to continue to embrace the philosophy of the founding fathers of Afenifere to always uphold the principles of justice, fairness and equity; and to corroborate the fact of the statement based on empirical evidence that PBAT’S appointments are lopsided to favor Yorubas that are his great disciples. This cannot be overemphasised.

“Prejudice apart and without mincing words, the popular slogan among many of PBAT’S acolytes who are benefitting from his plum appointments and they quick to play to the gallery by singing and echoing, ‘Bola on your mandate we shall stand’ is not for the interest of Yoruba as a people,” the group said.

The group affirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equity, and warned the public that Chief Omololu Abagun and his co-travelers are unknown to the organisation’s structure and leadership representation.

“In the interest of unity of purpose and strong synergy, the general public must note that, Chief Omololu Abagun and his co-travelers are unknown to the organization structure and leadership representation of Afenifere, a disclaimer indeed,” the group said.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded the removal of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of tertiary institutions found guilty of mismanaging the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja over the weekend, the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Olushola Ladoja, stated that any institution head involved in dubious dealings, such as withholding students’ loans or conspiring with banks for personal gain, would face nationwide student-led resistance.

“I’m telling you categorically, as NANS President, that any Vice Chancellor, Rector or Provost, found withholding students’ loans or having any dubious dealings in this students’ loan administration, we will agitate for their going.

“They must be removed from office, because while Federal Government is trying to do things that will help Nigerians, some people are there sabotaging it. And NANS will not accept that. We will fight whosoever is found wanting of such character,” he said.

Ladoja revealed that NANS had met with Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr to address concerns over alleged fraudulent practices.

He added that both officials assured them that necessary action would be taken to address the irregularities.

He disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled for Thursday in Abuja, where all Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents from Nigerian tertiary institutions will converge with NANS executives and NELFUND officials to discuss the issues and chart a way forward.

NANS praised the student loan initiative for increasing access to education but warned that mismanagement could compromise the scheme’s credibility.

The association pledged to monitor the situation and ensure transparency and accountability.

Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Morocco in a tense Group B encounter at the ongoing CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo on Sunday, The PUNCH reports.

In a contest that revived memories of their dramatic 2005 semi-final duel, which Nigeria edged on penalties after a 2-2 draw, both sides battled intensely but lacked the clinical edge in front of goal to make a decisive impact.

The fixture marked Nigeria’s 99th appearance in the history of the U-20 AFCON, and despite dominant spells during the game, the Flying Eagles were unable to secure what would have been their 57th win in the competition.

Having begun their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, Aliyu Zubairu’s team aimed to record back-to-back wins for the first time since 2015. However, Morocco proved a more resilient opponent, successfully neutralising Nigeria’s attacking threats. 

The game saw moments of individual brilliance, particularly from Nigeria’s captain Daniel Bameyi, who led from the back with authority, registering the most touches (75) and executing 59 passes at a success rate of 72.9 per cent. His defensive leadership ensured goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt remained largely untested throughout the match, as Nigeria did not concede a single shot on target.

The match was characterised by physical duels, tactical fouls, and several injury-induced stoppages with both sides suffering from disruptions. Morocco forced into an early injury substitution when Othmane Maamma had to be replaced in added time, while Nigeria’s Divine Oliseh and Clinton Jephta also sustained knocks that required changes.

Israel Ayuma, Divine Oliseh, and Emmanuel Chukwu came closest to breaking the deadlock for Nigeria, but their attempts lacked precision, with Ayuma’s effort flying wide in added time and Chukwu’s header earlier in the first half sailing over.

There were a flurry of bookings, as the game became increasingly scrappy. Nigeria’s Rickson Mendos and Clinton Jephta were cautioned for rough challenges, while Morocco’s Hossam Essadak and Hamza Koutoune also found themselves in the referee’s book.

Despite the draw, Nigeria maintained their strong record in second group games, extending their unbeaten run in such fixtures to five (W3 D2), with their last defeat in a second group match dating back to 2011 against Cameroon.

The result leaves Group B delicately poised, with both teams still in contention for a place in the knockout stage as they head into the final round of matches, both levelled on four points, one ahead of Tunisia in third.

Curtains will drop on Group B with the Flying Eagles facing bottom Kenya who are yet to earn a point at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo while the Moroccans face Tunisia in a winners-take-all encounter simultaneously at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Wednesday.

There is no let to the crisis in the Labour Party.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the termination of recognition for the Julius Abure-led leadership.

It also plans a surprise takeover of the party secretariats in the states.

They are currently being controlled by officials loyal to Julius Abure.

In another dimension to the crisis, a prominent member in Anambra State and a campaign manager for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, Oseloka Obaze, has dumped the party.

NLC President Joe Ajaero, who spoke in Abuja, said the Congress has written to INEC over the protracted chairmanship tussle in the party.

 He said plans to takeover the party would be unfolded during the National Executive Committee of the NLC.

 The umbrella union has been at loggerheads with the Julius Abure – led National Working Committee (NWC) after the party’s convention in Nnewi, Anambra State last year.

 The Congress refused to recognise the convention, insisting that the Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired.

 It urged Abure and other NWC members to vacate their positions in line with an agreement it had with the party leaders.

According to the Congress, INEC was privy to the agreement.

 Ajaero said there was no going back on the plan to take over LP offices across the federation.

He said: “I don’t know whether the press release told you the date we are doing that. So, if I update you on the mobilisation, the essence of surprise will not be there.

 “Ordinarily, the day we issued  the statement, we would have said we are taking it over tomorrow. But we asked every worker, if you check that statement, to be on standby. And we are working on it.

“I have even written to INEC and on the day of our NEC meeting, every other thing will be decided there. And we’re going to do that, you know, because that’s the way it is. Labour Party is an institutional party, either in Nigeria or anywhere, owned by the trade unions, anywhere in the world.”

 Ajaero added: “So, for anybody to come, for any charlatan to come, to say he’s now the owner of Labour Party, he is a joker. Of course, you know that person, it won’t work.

“You know, you can’t be calling Labour Party without the trade unions; you are talking of empty shelves. Labour Party is all about the trade union movement. The issue of taking over is not maybe, one off. We will decide where we will operate.

 “The certificate of the Labour Party is in this office. And those threatening that they have gone to swear an affidavit, if we get them, that would amount to deliberate plagiarism.”

Obi’s former campaign chief dumps LP

 Obaze explained that he resigned from LP due to the inability of the party to resolve its leadership crisis.

In a letter of April 6, 2025 to the LP Chairman in Ochuche Ward 406, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Obaze also protested against the outcome of the April 5 governorship primary.

It reads: “The processes, conduct and outcome of the Labour Party governorship primary held on April 5, 2025 in Awka, were fraught with outright irregularities, bothering on fraud and criminality.

“It was not in tandem with either the party’s Constitution and espoused core values or true tenets of democracy.

“As such, I hereby disassociate myself henceforth from the Labour Party.”

Nigerian passport holders seeking long-term access to foreign countries for business, tourism, or family visits can now benefit from more liberal visa policies offered by several nations.

Some countries grant Nigerians a five-year multiple entry visa, allowing holders to enter and exit the destination several times without applying for a new visa for each trip.

These long-duration visas significantly ease the burden of frequent travel, reduce costs, and enhance convenience, especially for business professionals and diaspora families.

Frequent travelers, business professionals, and individuals with consistent international travel history are generally more likely to qualify for long-term visas.

Here is a list of countries that offer Nigerians a five-year multiple entry visa.

1. United States of America (USA)

The U.S. offers a B1/B2 visa, which covers business and tourism, with a validity of five years for eligible Nigerians. It allows multiple entries, and applicants must apply through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An in-person interview is usually required, and approval depends on the travel history, financial status, and purpose of travel.

2. United Kingdom

The UK offers a Standard Visitor Visa with long-term options of two, five, or ten years. Nigerians can apply for the five-year version, which allows multiple entries but limits each stay to six months. Applications are submitted online through the UK government portal, and approval requires evidence of a genuine travel purpose, financial means, and intent to return to Nigeria.

3. Schengen Countries (Europe)

Several Schengen countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, grant Nigerians five-year multiple entry visas under the Schengen Visa Code. These are C-Type short-stay visas that allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen zone. While not automatically granted, applicants with previous Schengen visas, clean travel records, and valid reasons for frequent visits may be approved for the five-year validity.

4. South Africa

South Africa offers multiple entry visas valid for up to five years for Nigerians who frequently travel for business or official duties. Applicants must apply through the South African High Commission and provide documentation such as invitation letters, proof of business activities, or travel history to justify the long-term access.

5. India

India provides up to five-year visas for tourism or business purposes to eligible Nigerians. The visa permits multiple entries and is issued based on a solid travel record, financial capability, and a clearly stated reason for travel. Applications are submitted online through the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC).

6. Kenya

While Kenya’s standard eVisa is short-term, it issues long-term multiple-entry visas, including five-year options, upon request and proper justification. These are often given to frequent travelers, business people, or those with family or project commitments in the country. Applications can be made through the Kenyan eVisa portal or directly through immigration services.

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers a five-year tourist visa to Nigerians who meet specific requirements. This visa allows multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days each, extendable to 180 days per year. Applicants must show proof of financial means, previous travel history, and a valid reason for seeking long-term access. Applications are typically handled online or through approved agents.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that the interest of the Southeast is better protected under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

He urged party leaders in the region to embark on membership drive by explaining to the people the gains of the Tinubu administration.

Uzodimma spoke at the meeting of  Southeast APC leaders in Enugu, headquarter of the region, where they vowed to make the party more dominant ahead of the 2027 general election.

 
According to them, involvement in the mainstream politics would attract more dividends of democracy to the zone.

At the meeting were Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifru;  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chief Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; the Minister for Innovation, Sciences and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, Dozie Ikedife Jnr and members of the Zonal Executive Committee

 
Uzodimma, who spoke with reporters after the meeting, said that the leaders resolved to work towards making the APC a dominant party in the region.

 
He said Southeast would be closer to the corridors of power if they joined the ruling party.

Uzodimma,  who is the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) added: “You must have seen how sitting governors in the other geo-political zones are now joining the APC.

“It is by joining the APC which is in-charge of the government at the center in Nigeria and other sub-national governments that the Southeast will be very close to the corridors of power.”

 
Uzodimma said it a thing of joy that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors of Imo and Ebonyi States, members of the National Assembly, ministers and other senior functionaries of the Federal Government from the region are under the platform of the APC.

He said: “We have decided to see Southeast as a family, tolerate each other’s shortcomings, work as formidable team, to achieve the desired results.”

Two Lagos women identified as Folake Adeoti and Modupe Adewuyi have been sentenced to one year imprisonment each after they pleaded guilty to separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal hawking of Naira notes filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Adeoti and Adewuyi were intercepted on March 21, 2025 along Jobi Fele Way, Ikeja, Lagos, while hawking Naira notes to the tune of N3,850,000.00 and N1,600,000, respectively.

They were arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of EFCC before Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 2, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said in a statement.

The charge against Adeoti reads: “That you, Folake Adeoti, on the 21st day of March, 2025, opposite Regency Hall, Jobi Felé Way, Ikeja, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, hawked the sum of N3,850,000.00 (Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(4)) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

That of Adewuyi reads: “That you, Modupe Adewuyi, on the 21st day of March, 2025, at Jobi Fele Street, opposite Regency Event Center, Alausa Ikeja, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in hawking the total sum of N1,600,000 (One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) of N500 and N1000 denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21(4) and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007.”

They pleaded “guilty” to their charges, following which prosecution counsel, Z.B. Atiku tendered their confessional statement as well as the money recovered from them in evidence and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. The prosecution counsel further informed the court that Adeoti was an ex-convict, having been prosecuted before Justice Ibrahim Kala and convicted on the same matter of Naira abuse. 

Justice Bogoro sentenced Adeoti to one year imprisonment without an option of fine.
In addition, her POS machine as well as the money recovered from her were forfeited to the federal government.

Adewuyi also bagged one year imprisonment or to pay N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, her POS machine and money recovered from her were also forfeited to the federal government.