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LAGOS MAY 15TH (URHOBOTODAY)-President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, Dame Patience, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his wife, Tobore, were among the dignitaries who paid tribute to the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, on Tuesday. Clark died on February 17 at the age of 97. The funeral service was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. Other dignitaries in attendance were Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Also present were Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his wife, Ezinne Catherine; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Senators Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Ede Dafinone, Henry Seriake Dickson; Chief Rufus Ada George; and Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, among others. Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, expressed sadness over the passing of the elder statesman and respected leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Tinubu said, “Pa Clark was a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice. He was a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation. “His views on national issues were distinct and patriotic. He believed in a united Nigeria. As an astute politician, even his opponents never doubted his integrity.” Jonathan described Clark as a great nationalist, who lived in full validation of human dignity. The former president said regarding Clark, “He was a staunch advocate for freedom and national pride. Pa Clark was more than a father and leader; he was an ambassador, an audacious voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast preacher of justice and minority rights. “Whether as a federal commissioner or later as an elder statesman, he remained a courageous and fearless advocate for equity, justice, inclusivity, and good governance.” Akpabio said, “Pa Clark was a Pan-Nigerian and Pan-African, who fought for all, including the minorities. “He has left a legacy and a responsibility to his followers. He did well for Nigeria and for the Niger Delta. The Senate valued him, and his memory will remain a part of our national history. “He stood tall when others bowed for convenience. He belonged to a generation that believed in the eternal cause of freedom. He was a testament to conviction and principles.” Oborevwori, who spoke on behalf of other governors in attendance, described Clark as fearless, vocal, bold, assertive, and unrelenting in speaking truth to power. He added that Clark never remained silent in the face of abuse of power, corruption, or injustice. The governor stated, “Pa Clark lived a fulfilled life and will be remembered for his legacy and contributions to nation-building. He was a teacher, educator, politician, and astute public servant, an example of a life dedicated to service. “He was the voice of the oppressed in Nigeria’s political space. We have lost a powerful voice in the Niger Delta. He fought for improved living conditions, food security, quality education, public safety, and accessible healthcare services. “We must unite, particularly in the Niger Delta, to continue his legacy. I am glad our leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan, is here. We must rally around him and remain united, because it is only through unity that we can achieve more for our people. “When we allow division through personal sentiments, we will hinder progress. Our Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is one of us. We will continue to support you because that is how we can succeed as a nation. “May God bless Nigeria with more leaders like Chief Edwin Clark, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.” Oborevwori, Diri, and Emmanuel Udom promised to construct a new memorial church to replace the aging church, where the funeral service was conducted. They said this was to actualise an unfulfilled dream of Clark, who had vowed to build a state-of-the-art sanctuary in Kiagbodo community. Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Cyril Odutemu, delivered a poignant homily, referencing Proverbs 22:1, which says, “A good name is better than riches.” Odutemu lauded Clark’s virtues, calling him a champion of integrity and a man of impeccable character.

Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio, along with three former youth players from the club, could stand trial over the alleged recording and distribution of a sexually explicit video involving a minor and another young woman, a Spanish court revealed on Wednesday. A judge in Gran Canaria announced that the preliminary investigation into the incident—reportedly filmed in a private area of a beach club on the island on 15 June 2023—had concluded, and a criminal case file had been handed over to prosecutors. According to the court statement, the video allegedly involved two female victims aged 16 and 18 at the time, both of whom are now suffering from post-traumatic stress symptoms. The judge said the charges under consideration include disclosure of secrets without consent, violation of privacy, distribution of explicit material, use of a minor for pornographic purposes, and possession of child pornography. While the court did not formally name the accused, Spanish media have identified them as Asencio, along with former academy teammates Andrés García, Ferrán Ruiz, and Juan Rodríguez. The scandal first surfaced in September 2023 when three Real Madrid reserve players were arrested following a complaint by the mother of the 16-year-old girl. According to police, although the girl acknowledged the sexual activity was consensual, she said the recording was made without her knowledge or consent and shared via WhatsApp. The players were released after police seized their mobile phones for forensic analysis. Spanish media reports suggest the primary suspect, who has not been publicly identified, recorded the encounter and then sent the footage to his teammates without informing the girl involved. At the time of the arrests, Real Madrid confirmed that four youth team players had been questioned by police “in connection with a complaint about an alleged release of a private video via the WhatsApp messaging system.” The court is expected to decide soon whether to proceed with formal criminal charges and set a trial date.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms are earning Nigeria renewed trust and confidence from the global financial community and international investors In a statement issued Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Bagudu said the administration’s decisive policy measures are already yielding results, enhancing Nigeria’s fiscal stability and attracting foreign investment. Growing International Interest in Nigeria’s Economy “We are seeing investors from Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia showing strong interest in our agricultural sector. The international economic community and multilateral institutions are increasingly placing their confidence in our economy,” Bagudu said. He noted that Nigeria’s quarterly GDP growth is reinforcing credibility among investors, who value transparency, credible data, and policy consistency. “For the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is refining its own crude oil. The President’s decision to allow crude oil sales in naira to local refiners is a bold move that reflects his confidence in our economy,” the Minister added. Fuel Subsidy Removal and FX Reforms Driving Fiscal Discipline Bagudu praised the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange (FX) market as transformative reforms that have bolstered Nigeria’s financial credibility. “We were losing 5% of GDP to fuel subsidies—resources benefiting only a few. The President took the courageous decision to end it,” he stated. He further explained that FX unification has created a level playing field and reduced corruption and arbitrage. “We now have a transparent, market-driven FX system based on willing buyer and willing seller. This has restored investor trust, increased revenue, and strengthened the private sector’s confidence,” Bagudu said. 2024 and 2025 Budgets Reflect Fiscal Prudence and Investment Focus According to the Minister, the 2024 and 2025 budgets reflect the administration’s balanced approach of maintaining fiscal discipline while investing in critical sectors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, security, and technology. “The 2024 budget notably reduced the fiscal deficit and sent a strong signal of our seriousness to the global markets—and they believed us,” he noted. Bagudu credited this confidence to the administration’s emphasis on data-driven planning and a disciplined approach to public finance management. Tinubu’s Respect for Institutions Earning Global Credibility Speaking on inherited economic challenges, Bagudu highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to institutional integrity, particularly in managing the Central Bank’s Ways and Means advances. “Mr President inherited N22.7 trillion in Ways and Means financing, yet he insisted on respecting the constitutional and institutional framework—especially the independence of the Central Bank. That level of discipline is earning Nigeria global respect,” he said. Bagudu concluded by emphasizing that though some decisions may be politically tough, they are necessary to build lasting economic credibility and investor trust in Nigeria’s long-term growth trajectory. By: Kamal Yalwa

The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group, has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on a Burkina Faso military base in the northern town of Djibo, stating that 200 soldiers were killed in the attack The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, saw hundreds of armed fighters reportedly overrun the military facility, destroying it alongside a nearby police station and market, according to security sources cited by Reuters. Initially, the death toll was estimated at 60, but on Thursday, the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group— which monitors jihadist activities— reported that JNIM had updated the number of military casualties to 200. The Burkinabe government has yet to officially confirm the attack or the revised toll. SITE earlier reported that Ousmane Dicko, JNIM’s leader in Burkina Faso, appeared in a video message warning residents of Djibo to evacuate the area for their safety, indicating a planned escalation in the region. This attack is part of a broader wave of militant violence across the Sahel, where jihadist insurgencies continue to challenge state control. Last week, JNIM also claimed responsibility for multiple assaults during Burkinabe junta leader Ibrahim Traoré’s diplomatic visit to Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. In a related development, the government of Benin Republic announced that 54 of its soldiers were killed in an April 24 attack linked to JNIM. Meanwhile, in Nigeria’s Borno State, Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed at least five soldiers during separate strikes on military outposts. The escalating violence underscores the growing threat posed by extremist groups across West Africa, amid weakened state institutions and persistent instability.

The Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art smart Divisional Police Station in Katampe, Mpape area of Abuja, as part of efforts to enhance internal security and safeguard lives and property in Nigeria’s capital city. The facility, constructed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), was officially handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by the representative of the Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nnia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by stakeholders, security officials, and community leaders, according to a statement released by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP). Speaking at the event, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to improving the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and promoting safer communities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “The completion of this modern police station—delivered through the Nigeria Police Trust Fund—is a clear testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering dedication to promoting community safety and enhancing police operations,” Gaidam stated. He acknowledged that the rapidly growing Mpape community had long needed a functional and professional police facility. The newly commissioned station, he said, not only provides a conducive environment for officers but also symbolizes progress, peace, and stronger ties between the police and the people. Gaidam commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for bridging critical infrastructure gaps and lauded the board and management for their strategic vision and dedication. “This project reflects their resolve to transform the policing landscape and provide the resources necessary for effective law enforcement,” he added. He charged officers stationed at the facility to uphold professionalism, integrity, and community engagement, urging them to be fair, prompt, and respectful of human rights. “You are the face of justice and security in this community,” he told the officers. Addressing residents of Mpape and surrounding communities, the Minister emphasized that the facility belongs to them and called for cooperation and active participation in maintaining law and order. “Effective policing thrives on mutual trust and active community involvement. Your cooperation is not just welcome—it is essential,” he said. Gaidam also revealed that similar modern police stations would be replicated across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to promote national security, community policing, and grassroots development. In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his steadfast support of security sector reforms and institutional strengthening. He said the President’s backing has enabled interventions like the modern police station in Mpape. “This facility, which includes a fully equipped police station, perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, uninterrupted water supply via overhead tanks, and a 30-kilowatt solar power system, stands as a mission statement of national development,” Sheidu said. Receiving the building on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Victor Olaiya praised the structure’s quality and durability. He urged officers to protect the building and its equipment, noting that it would significantly enhance morale and professionalism among police personnel. Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted the partnership between the REA and NPTF. He said the commissioning marks the first successful implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year to provide reliable and sustainable power for security infrastructures across government agencies. “We are witnessing the results of innovation and strategic thinking by the leadership of the Police Trust Fund, aligned with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Aliyu said. The new Divisional Police Station is expected to serve as a model for future police infrastructure across the country, demonstrating a renewed commitment to modern, technology-driven, and community-oriented policing.