Category: News

By Kamal Yalwa | June 21, 2025 Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday delighted his audience when he announced an impromptu pay raise for his official music band following a comical and spirited performance at a public event in Abuja. The occasion was the commissioning of a newly completed collector road linking Mabushi to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, a project undertaken by a Chinese construction firm. During the event, the band’s lead singer unexpectedly broke into a humorous imitation of a Chinese-language song, a playful nod to the nationality of the contractors. The performance sparked laughter across the gathering, with Wike himself visibly amused. Impressed by the gesture, the minister declared, “Now that my band can sing in Chinese language, I’ll increase their fees!” His announcement was met with cheers and applause from the audience. Seizing the moment, the band broke into a new tune on the spot, chanting “Agreement is agreement,” while joyfully calling out Wike’s name—adding another layer of comedy and festivity to the event. The light-hearted moment underscored Wike’s rapport with his staff and drew praise for injecting humour and human connection into official proceedings.

By Kamal Yalwa, June 21, 2025 The United States chapter of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO-USA) has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a visa ban on Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas. The group made the appeal in a letter signed by its Executive Director, Lloyd Ukwu, accusing the three of playing pivotal roles in what it described as the “subversion of democracy” in Rivers State. According to NADECO-USA, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu orchestrated an unconstitutional “state of emergency” in Rivers on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly. Ukwu alleged that the move was a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions and consolidate power. He said the subsequent appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State was not only unconstitutional but a flagrant violation of both Nigerian law and international democratic norms. “It is crucial to note that the president’s illegal actions could not have succeeded without the support of the Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, as well as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas,” Ukwu stated in the letter. The group urged the U.S. State Department to immediately impose visa restrictions on the trio and their immediate families, saying the action would reinforce the U.S.’s commitment to democracy and send a strong message against anti-democratic practices. NADECO-USA also disclosed plans to petition the United Kingdom and the European Union for similar sanctions, pledging to pursue legal and diplomatic efforts to hold those responsible accountable. “We are determined to ensure that those attempting to destabilise Nigeria’s democracy and the peace of the Niger Delta region are held responsible,” Ukwu said. The group expressed confidence that the international community, especially the United States, would act in defence of democratic values in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not name his running mate for the 2027 presidential election until after the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its nomination convention in 2026, according to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust, Onanuga dismissed the ongoing controversy surrounding the apparent exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima from recent endorsements for Tinubu’s second term, calling it “a non-issue.” He clarified that Nigeria’s presidential system allows a candidate to first emerge before selecting a running mate—just as Tinubu did with Shettima in 2023. “People always like to speculate about vice presidents and deputy governors in this country, but as far as I know, there’s no problem between them,” Onanuga stated. When asked whether the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket would be repeated, he responded that public concerns had largely subsided. “Early fears of religious domination have since been proved unfounded,” he added. The comments come amid rising political tension within the APC, particularly following the North-East Summit held in Gombe. The event turned controversial when the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Salihu Mustapha, declined to endorse Vice President Shettima alongside President Tinubu. The incident nearly turned violent, with Mustapha forced to exit the venue under duress. Defending his stance, Mustapha said party procedure must be respected. “Nowhere in the party constitution does it mandate us to endorse a running mate during the nomination process. It’s the exclusive right of the presidential candidate,” he said. Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum publicly reaffirmed his region’s support for Shettima, urging President Tinubu to retain him for the 2027 race. “It’s a rare privilege to have the vice president from our region. His leadership and experience have greatly benefited this administration,” Zulum stated. Speculation has continued to swirl over possible alternatives to Shettima. Some political analysts suggest Tinubu may consider selecting a northern Christian, a current North-West governor, or even Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP, should he defect to the APC. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned against dropping Shettima, describing such a move as politically risky and potentially divisive. The group called for wide consultations before any final decision is made. Despite the growing undercurrents, the presidency and the APC maintain that no official conflict exists between Tinubu and Shettima. Still, the jostling ahead of 2027 suggests strategic political realignments are already taking shape behind the scenes.

A deadly clash between bandits and a combined team of vigilantes and soldiers around Dutsen Zaki forest in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State has reportedly left over 80 bandits and four vigilantes dead, with 16 others injured. The operation, which began Saturday morning and lasted until Wednesday, was confirmed by Abdullahi Hussaini, a local vigilante leader, who stated that over 300 vigilantes participated in the offensive targeting known hideouts in the dense forest. “We are forced to face these armed men… The activities of the armed men have become a daily occurrence,” Hussaini said, adding that the forest is now under vigilante control. The bandits—who had been using the forest around Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare villages—reportedly fled following heavy casualties. Among the dead were also wives of the bandits, according to vigilante accounts. Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader, confirmed the death of four vigilantes, including a commander, with a new leader already appointed to continue the operation. The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and a hospital in Bauchi State are currently treating the injured vigilantes. Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident, reported that many villagers had fled their homes amid fears of retaliation, noting the magnitude of the killings has created deep anxiety across the region. Efforts to obtain comments from the military’s Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful as Major Samson Zhakom had not responded at press time. This incident follows an earlier clash two weeks ago in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase LGA, where five bandits were killed.