Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said it spent N100 million to pay severance allowances to council chairmen between 2004 and 2006.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Gabriel Suswam on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Solomon Wombo, made the disclosure on Friday in Makurdi at a news conference on the activities of the bureau.
The special adviser said the allowances were paid to ease the hardship of the former council helmsmen, adding that efforts were on to clear the backlog of allowances.
Wombo said the bureau was up to date on its financial obligation to past and serving local government officers in the state.
Borno
Five suspected armed robbers were on Friday shot dead by the 243 battalion troops of the Nigerian Army, Manguno, in Borno State.
The spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, stated this in Maiduguri.
“Following a tip-off, the 243 battalion in Monguno at about 1655 hours on Friday raided a hideout of notorious gang of armed bandits terrorising the people of Monguno and environs.
“Twenty suspected bandits engaged the troops in a shoot-out that led to the death of five persons, and some escaped with bullet wounds,” the statement said.
It said that two soldiers were also wounded during the shoot-out and were responding to treatment.
“The following items were recovered from the hideout, one AK47 rifle, two locally-made pistols, some ammunition and four Nokia handsets.’’
Gombe
The Magistrates’ Court I Kasuwan Shanu Gombe, on Monday granted bail to a 20-year old man, Auwal Mohammed of Malam Inna quarters, Gombe, charged with conspiracy and possession of offensive weapons.
The Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Elisha Luka, told the court that the accused person on May 13, conspired with Ibrahim Bala and Aminu Shaye of the same address, now at large, to commit offence.
He said the accused person was arrested with a cutlass, thereby committing an offence, contrary to Sections 96, 95 and 8 (1) (3) Cap 382 Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The prosecutor also said that investigation had been completed and asked the court to proceed with the hearing of the case against the accused person.
Kaduna
Children and tutors in Kaduna, Monday, decried the low-key Children’s Day celebration.
Gamji Gate, which used to be crowded with children during such celebration, was deserted.
Some of the children, who turned back on sighting the empty park, said that this year’s celebration was different as there were no special programmes organised for them.
Nine -year-old Danladi Yusuf, a primary 5 pupil of Hall-Mark International School, Kaduna, blamed parents for lack of attention to their children.
Miss Shem Ibrahim, 12, and a JSS two student at Imperial College, Kaduna, urged the government to build world-class amusement parks and special library, where children could interact and gain knowledge.
Kano
The Medical Director of Danfodiyo Islamic Medical Centre, Dr Abdullahi Idris, has called on the National Assembly to investigate the alleged brutality by the Joint Security Task Force (JTF) on Dorayi residents in Kano.
Idris who made the call in an interview in Kano recently said that the JTF operatives had on May 15, raided Dorayi area of the metropolis in an effort to arrest suspected gunmen involved in the recent attack on Bayero University Kano.
Idris said the call became necessary in order to ensure justice and restore the confidence of the people in the security outfit, noting that it was unfortunate that the soldiers who were supposed to protect lives and property of innocent citizens could engage in acts that would portray them as anti people.
Kebbi
Kebbi State Deputy, Governor Ibrahim Aliyu, on Monday urged youths in the state to be security conscious and respect constituted authorities.
The deputy governor gave the advice in Birnin Kebbi at a symposium on the role of youths organised to mark the International Children’s Day and Democracy Day.
Aliyu said the current security situation in the country requires the youth to be alert and to assist in policing their communities.
He said the youths must also “imbibe the virtues of respect for law and order, seriousness of purpose and commitment to earning a living as the bedrock of your future”.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Kambe, Aliyu pledged that the state government would provide environment conducive to teaching and learning.
Kwara
An expatriate working with Borini Prono Construction Company has been kidnapped in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The victim, who was said to have gone to inspect an ongong road construction at Bishop Smitt road, was whisked away by his abductors at about 5:30 p.m on Monday to an unknown destination.
The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) in Kwara, DSP Fabode Olufemi, told the newsmen in Ilorin on Wednesday, that hte police was aware of hte incident.
He siad that no contact had been made with the kidnappers, adding that the police could only confirm the report pending the outcome of its investigations.
The police spokesman explained that the victim was an Italian, working with Borini Prono.
He, however, assured the public that the victim was an would soon be rescued.
When NAN visited the head office of the company along new Yidi road, there was nobody on hand to speak on the incident.
Lagos
Some Lagos-based lawyers said on Friday that the entrenchment of the rule of law was key to the development of Nigeria’s democracy.
One of the lawyers, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, said that the immediate reinstatement of Justice Ayo Salami, as President of the Court of Appeal, would be the rule of law at work.
He said that any action that would influence people to lose confidence in the nation’s judicial system must be avoided. According to him, democracy will not become fruitful to Nigerians if the judiciary is not vibrant and does not play its role without interference.
Another lawyer, Mr Seun Adenuga, said that emergent democracies needed to first address the challenges facing their judiciary before other things to make the political system to succeed.
Niger
The Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is to collaborate with a private developer, Ofra & Davon to construct 5,000 housing units for the officers and men of the Nigeria Police in Minna.
The Chief Executive of Ofran & Davon, Mr Victor Danjumbo, who disclosed the plan on Sunday at a stakeholders meeting in Minna, said that the agreement was signed in October 2011.
He said that the ministry had since 2007 acquired about 500 hectares in two different locations within the Niger capital, noting that each of the land acquired would house 2,500 housing units.
Danjumbo said that when completed, 60 per cent of the housing units would be allocated to the Nigeria Police Force, while the remaining would be sold to interested members of the public.
Sokoto
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the feud between the sacked medical doctors in Lagos State and the government.
The Secretary of the NMA, Dr Abubakar Panti, Sokoto State chapter, made the call in Sokoto at a news conference. Panti also called on the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State to also intervene in the crisis.
He further appealed to others, including the Senate President, David Mark, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambowal to wade into the crisis for an amicable settlement
“We want them and all other well meaning Nigerians to talk to the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola-led government to heed the voice of wisdom and stop playing politics with the lives of the electorate that brought him to power.
Taraba
The Gassol Local Government in Taraba has begun the screening of 500 members of a vigilante group to confront the current security challenges in area.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Tukura Bashir, who announced this to newsmen on Monday in Mutum-Biyu, said the Nigeria Police Force was screening the members.
He said that every member of the group must be endorsed by his Village Head to avoid engaging people with criminal records.
“It is compulsory that every member of the group should obtain clearance and submit same to the police. Through this process, people of questionable character will be fished out.”
Bashir said that a van and office accommodation would be provided to the group to assist it in arresting criminals and handing them over to the police.
On development projects, the council chief said the state government had awarded a contract for the construction of a four-kilometre road in Mutum-Biyu, the headquarters of the council, to open up the area for local and foreign investments.
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
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