Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr Parah Bawa, has applauded the 16-year jail term passed on six drug dealers in Bauchi State.
He said that the sentence was against the usual two-year jail terms handed to drugs barons in the state, adding that the sudden change did not come as a surprise as the Act establishing NDLEA recommended lengthy jail terms for such offenders.
“It is not new, as a matter of fact the NDLEA Act recommends jail terms of up to 25 years. “But most of the times, it depends on the discretions of the judge and the facts and circumstances surrounding the issue. “So the judges, most of the times, use this one to pass their judgments; so it is still below the recommended standard or law, it can be up to a minimum of 25 years.
“I think it only agrees with the clamour by the agency for this type of terms; the chairman of the agency will be very happy about this; he has been emphasising the need for long jail terms to be given. “Specifically, he was saying if they could make it a minimum of 15 years, it will serve as a lesson to others”, Bawa added.
“If you sentence somebody to 15 years imprisonment, by the time he finishes his term and comes out, his mates who are doing legitimate businesses would have gone very far, and there is no way he will be able to catch up with them. “The 15 years is what we want and we are happy about it and if all other courts can make it a standard, other people will actually learn their lesson”, he concluded.
Benue
The Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue, Mr Solomon Wombo, says the bureau has instituted accounting systems aimed at making the administration financially transparent.
Wombo made the statement in Makurdi on Friday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the bureau was collaborating with the anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all financial leakages in local government administration were blocked.
The adviser said his office had put in place measures for the effective monitoring of projects to ensure they were development-oriented.
Wombo said the focus of the local government administration was to provide service to the people at the grassroots, adding that all funds were directed toward achieving the aim.
“As soon as salaries are paid, any money that is left is channelled
toward development projects.
“I am satisfied so far with what is happening at the local government areas in the state and very soon I shall invite experts to document local government projects for the world to see,’’ he said.
Wombo said he often undertook unscheduled inspection visits to project sites at the councils to ensure that funds were used for the benefit of the people.
FCT
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has called for collaboration among all levels of government and various stakeholders in the task of guiding youths for national development.
Kwankwaso said this on Saturday in Abuja, at the launch of a book entitled “Soccer in Africa“written by Abdulwaheed Adebiyi
. Kwankwaso, who was represented by Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, noted that youth constituted 70 per cent of the country’s population, hence they must be properly guided to develop the country.
He said that the Kano State Government was promoting youth development by creating a friendly environment for them to thrive.
“The government has established three football making machines which are producing footballs for youths and secondary school students who are interested in football.“
He noted with delight that some youths playing in clubs initiated by the government had been signed on by clubs outside the country.
He commended the author for publishing the book and assured him of the government’s support.
Kaduna
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab has warned soldiers deployed to UN Mission Areas against violating laws guiding peacekeeping operations.
Wahab gave the warning during the graduation of 800 soldiers who participated in pre-deployment training at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre in Jaji near Kaduna on Saturday.
According to him, any soldier that runs fowl of the law will be repatriated and sanctioned.
“There were one or two allegations which have been investigated and found out to be true and the UN has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct by troops.
“Nothing is worse than for Nigerian soldiers to be sent out to safeguard somebody and to turn round and abuse their women.
“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troop contributing country to the United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) operations.
“In this regard, you should strive to live above board and avoid anything that will ridicule the good image of our dear country built over the years in the area of international peace and security.
Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged butcher, Ahmed Ubale-Mainama, for allegedly setting ablaze the Funtua Upper Shari’ah Court on Thursday.
DSP Yusuf Wasi’u, the Command’s Spokesman, who confirmed the arrest to the newsmen, said that investigation was in progress.
He said the suspect would soon be charged to court for criminal assault and destruction of government property.
Our correspondent who was at the scene, reports that the fire destroyed the Judge’s chamber and Registrar’s office while documents were burnt.
Also reports that part of the court hall was burnt leading to disruption in the activities of the court.
The incident has forced the Judge, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal-Dayi, to entertain guests at his clerk’s office.
An eye witness, Malam Shuaibu Garba, told newsmen that he met Ubale-Mainama at the premises after he set the court ablaze and did not run away until policemen came and arrested him.
Kwara
Worried by the spate of encroachment on land belonging to public schools, the Kwara State Assembly has urged the state government to find a permanent solution to the menace.
The Assembly in a motion entitled, “Encroachment into our Public Schools,’’ observed that schools were expected to be located in a conducive environment.
The motion was moved by Mr Suleman Sunaboro, the Chairman, House Committee on Education.
“ Schools are expected to be located in a conducive and serene environment suitable for teaching and learning with specific boundary.
“But it is alarming and disturbing to note that residential and public buildings and in some cases, markets are located within the premises of public schools,’’ he said.
Kebbi
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Saturday directed tertiary institutions in the country to take serious measures to address increase in social vices on their campuses.
The minister gave the directive on Saturday in a message to the 11th Joint Convocation of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin kebbi.
Represented by the Director, Inspectorate Services, Dr. Elisha Kutara, the minister said such vices had become impediments to research and academic activities in the institutions.
Rufa’i said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must evolve practical measures to ensure that students remain morally upright in character and learning.
Lagos
The police in Lagos have arrested a middle-aged man whose gang has been terrorising members of the public with toy gun in Ikeja area of Lagos.
The Lagos Police Spokesperson, Mrs Ngozi Braide, told newsmen on Saturday, that the suspect was arrested on Thursday.
He said the suspect and others now at large, attempted to carry out their criminal activities at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Market, Alausa, when a team of police men who had been on their trail, arrested the suspect.
“They attempted to use the toy gun on the operators of a business centre at POWA market.
Nasarawa
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has donated N10 million to victims of the recent communal clashes that erupted at Assakio in Lafia-East Local Government of Nasarawa State.
The bank’s regional head, Mr John Idoko, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank to the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka.
He said that UBA was deeply touched by the recent happenings in its business community and saw the need to assist by providing a token, noting that the bank enjoyed tremendous patronage and support from the people of the state.
He said that the bank decided to assist in the peace process by making the donation as part of its social responsibility, adding that the bank decided to make the donation through government because of its belief that “the state government is in touch with those affected by the crisis”.
Osun
The Police last Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Adeoye Olatunji, before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged impersonation and fraud.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused on Oct. 20, 2011 in Osogbo, impersonated as a staff member of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Olusegun added that the accused promised to assist the son of one Olatundun Lawal to be enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service and obtained N1. 2 million from the complainant (Lawal) for the assistance.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defence counsel, Mr Sunday Atofarati, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms, adding that he would not jump bail and would provide credible surety.
The Senior Magistrate, Adewunmi Makanjuola, upheld the prayer of the counsel and granted the accused bail in the sum of N1. 5 million with one surety in like sum.
Makanjuola added that the accused should deposit N1. 2 million to the court or produce certificate of ownership, swear to an affidavit of means and two passport photographs.
Zamfara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara on Sunday offered to support the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the coming local government council poll slated for Saturday.
This is however on the condition ANPP “continues to display fairness to all.”
The immediate past governor, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi said this in Gusau while presenting candidates for the June 23 poll.
“We believe in the state governor’s pronouncement that the elections will be free and fair and we are waiting to see this accomplished.”
Shinkafi pleaded with the state government, security agencies and the state electoral commission (ZMSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible contest during the election.
He urged the stakeholders in the exercise to make sure that “only true winners of the elections into the offices of chairmen and councillors are given certificate of return.”
He cautioned the electorate against money politics, adding that they should vote based on their conscience and be convinced that the candidates they voted would work for the benefit of the people.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
