The three senators from Kebbi State on Tuesday officially defected from the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the floor of the Senate.
Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), are the latest lawmakers to dump the PDP for the APC following a wave of defections that has hit the party.
The defection of Aliero, Abdullahi, Maidoki brings the number of senators on the platform of the APC in the 10th Senate to 68 while the PDP dropped to 30 members from 33.
In the current composition of the Nigerian Senate, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leads with 68 members, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which holds 30 seats.
Other political parties represented include the Labour Party (LP) with five senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with two, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have one senator each.
Meanwhile, two seats remain vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South, and the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the former representative of Edo Central, as the new Governor of Edo State.
Hopes of Nigerians aspiring to study and work in the United Kingdom have taken a hit following the British government’s announcement of sweeping immigration reforms, including a cut to the graduate visa route duration.
The change is part of a broader immigration reform detailed in an Immigration White Paper released on Monday, aimed at tightening what the UK government described as “systemic abuse and mission drift” across the student, asylum, and family visa systems.
“Migration must be controlled and compliant. Our reforms will close the back doors and shut down abuse across the system,” the Home Office stated on its website.
Under the revised rules, the Graduate Route, originally designed to offer international graduates two years of post-study work rights, will now provide just 18 months, and with stricter conditions. The new framework also includes a tighter transition to work visas and fewer rights to bring dependants.
“The Graduate Route has not met its original objectives,” the document stated.
“It has become a loophole for unsponsored work and a magnet for abuse.”
As part of the clampdown, only institutions that meet “enhanced compliance standards” will retain their licenses to recruit international students. Universities with low progression-to-work rates or those found to have engaged in misleading recruitment practices may face sanctions, including loss of sponsorship privileges.
The reform is expected to significantly impact Nigerian students, who in recent years have accounted for one of the largest groups of international enrollees in the UK.
Inheriting a nation besieged by terrorism, banditry and violent crime, President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago with a firm commitment to overhaul Nigeria’s security framework, prioritising the fight against terrorism and escalating criminal activity. Two years in, notable strides have been made, including disruptions of major terror cells and improved coordination in conflict zones. However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Violence persists in pockets, and deeper issues like poverty and porous borders continue to undermine progress. While the shift from reactive to proactive security measures signals a positive change, the future will depend on sustained funding, political will and policy clarity, reports Assistant News Editor PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the oath of office on May 29, 2023, Nigeria was staggering under the weight of a full-blown security crisis. Across the country, violence had become tragically routine. From rural communities in Zamfara to urban centres in Imo, bloodshed was no longer breaking news—it was daily life. Terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and armed militias moved with terrifying audacity, often outgunning security forces and crippling local economies in the process.
Insecurity had metastasised. Nigeria, by mid-2023, was not just dealing with isolated violence—it was navigating a national emergency. Data from independent monitoring groups showed that between June 2020 and April 2023, at least 12,576 Nigerians were killed and another 7,226 abducted in over 3,300 violent incidents. No geopolitical zone was spared. While the North reeled from terrorism, banditry, and cattle rustling, the South grappled with separatist violence, oil theft and cult-related killings. Women and children became frequent victims, communities were displaced, and trust in the state was badly eroded.
President Tinubu, inheriting this fractured security landscape, wasted little time. In his inaugural address, he was unequivocal: “Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can reign in the face of chaos.” In less than a month, he replaced the nation’s entire security leadership, appointing men seen as competent, modern-minded and mission-ready. The new security helmsmen—led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa—were handed a clear brief: restore public confidence, rebuild coordination among agencies, and take the fight to the enemies of the state. This shift was not merely cosmetic. Operational strategies were recalibrated. Joint task forces were reinforced. Technology began playing a larger role in intelligence gathering. A renewed emphasis was placed on inter-agency cooperation—an area where previous administrations had failed spectacularly. New efforts emerged to tackle kidnapping along expressways, flush terrorists from forest enclaves, and engage local vigilantes more constructively.
What the numbers say about Nigeria’s security situation
Nigeria’s security landscape remains fraught with danger—but not without signs of course correction. Fresh data from multiple credible sources paints a nuanced picture: a country still grappling with widespread violence, yet gradually stepping away from the abyss it teetered on before May 2023. According to Beacon Consulting, 13,346 people lost their lives and 9,207 were abducted in violent incidents across Nigeria between May 2023 and September 2024. However, figures obtained from NEXTIER Nigeria’s Violent Conflict Database offer a more conservative, albeit troubling, count: 6,751 people killed and 4,068 kidnapped in 1,938 incidents spanning from May 29, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
Broken down further, the NEXTIER data suggests that violence peaked in 2024, with 3,134 fatalities and 2,562 kidnappings across 916 incidents. In contrast, 2023 witnessed 2,362 deaths and 674 incidents, while the first four months of 2025 recorded a notable decline—1,255 fatalities and 495 kidnappings from 348 incidents. This drop suggests early returns from new strategies deployed under Tinubu’s administration, including leadership overhauls, tactical reorganisation, and renewed inter-agency collaboration. Regionally, the North Central emerged as the epicentre of violence with 2,628 deaths and 1,026 kidnappings from 608 reported incidents. The Northwest trailed closely, reporting 2,071 casualties and 2,326 abductions from 478 incidents. In contrast, the relatively calmer Southwest recorded 255 deaths and 209 kidnappings from 188 incidents. The Northeast, long a theatre of insurgency, logged 868 deaths and 177 kidnappings.
A breakdown by the nature of violence shows that banditry remains Nigeria’s deadliest scourge—2,662 casualties and 2,773 kidnappings across 534 incidents. Gunmen attacks came next, with 1,255 deaths and 1,042 kidnappings from 657 attacks. Farmer-herder clashes, cult-related violence, secessionist agitations, and terrorism continued to inflict damage across multiple fronts, albeit with reduced intensity compared to the pre-2023 period.
Strategic interventions and gains recorded
With the clarity of purpose and political will exhibited by the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s security landscape began to shift under more strategic, better-coordinated interventions. From day one, the President made it clear that insecurity would be confronted with fresh resolve. In response, new security chiefs hit the ground running—committed to reversing years of degradation in military capacity and restoring public confidence.
One of the administration’s earliest moves was addressing long-standing systemic challenges within the nation’s security architecture. These included chronic underfunding, outdated equipment, low troop morale, intelligence gaps and poor inter-agency coordination. The Tinubu government significantly raised the national defence allocation from N1.25 trillion in 2023 to N3.25 trillion—a 160% increase—making up roughly 12% of the N27.5 trillion national budget. In 2025, the defence budget soared again to N4.91 trillion, reflecting Tinubu’s commitment to a robust and responsive security system.
Beyond funding, the administration also approved harmonised salary increases for security personnel and authorised annual recruitment drives to expand the nation’s under-resourced forces. The Nigeria Police, for instance, saw its annual recruitment quota jump from 10,000 to 30,000—an essential step in combating urban crime and improving community policing. Recognising that force alone cannot solve deep-rooted insecurity, the administration also pursued broader, systemic reforms. These included initiating discussions around constitutional amendments to enable the creation of state police, establishing a regulatory body to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and launching economic buffers such as conditional cash transfers aimed at reducing the socio-economic vulnerabilities that feed into crime.
The results have been tangible. Security forces executed more frequent and successful clearance operations across all major conflict theatres. In the northeast, over 3,496 insurgents were neutralised and more than 121,000 terrorists and their family members surrendered to the military—a record figure in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts. Nationwide, over 30,000 suspects were arrested across operations targeting bandit camps, kidnappers’ dens, and terror cells. Perhaps the most telling indicator of progress is the return of displaced persons to over 100 previously terrorised communities. In these areas, farming activities have resumed, and normal life is gradually being restored—an encouraging sign that under Tinubu, Nigeria is not only fighting back but starting to reclaim its lost spaces.
Modernising security infrastructure for a smarter, stronger defence system
A cornerstone of President Tinubu’s security policy has been the modernisation of Nigeria’s defence and internal security apparatus. Over the past two years, the administration has made unprecedented investments in advanced weaponry, cutting-edge surveillance systems, and force multipliers to elevate operational efficiency across the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
The renewed emphasis on hardware acquisition has significantly altered the tactical landscape. Security agencies—particularly the military, police, and Department of State Services—have been equipped with high-grade arms and assault platforms. These include Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), drones, attack helicopters, surveillance towers, and next-generation rifles. The Nigerian Air Force alone has received nine new aircraft and anticipates the delivery of an additional 49, reinforcing its air power in counterinsurgency and reconnaissance missions. This expanded arsenal has proven vital in neutralising threats and extending state presence into previously ungoverned territories.
Complementing the hardware boost is a bold embrace of technology. The Tinubu administration has pushed for intelligence-led operations powered by digital tools. Real-time surveillance systems now allow security agencies to monitor activities across strategic zones. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is equipped with a national security grid that provides an integrated view of threats across the federation, enhancing both inter-agency coordination and preventive responses. Further strides have been made in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive threat analysis, battlefield logistics, and incident mapping. This digital upgrade, while still in its early stages, positions Nigeria to transition from reactive to proactive security enforcement. The administration has also demonstrated innovation by creating the Mines Marshal Corps—tasked with securing mining sites and disrupting illicit mineral trade often linked to armed groups.
In tandem with kinetic and technological solutions, the government has deployed targeted community engagement initiatives. One example is the Pulako Initiative, launched with a N50 billion commitment. The programme targets seven northern states with the aim of resolving long-standing conflicts between herders and farmers. It combines security with social investment—focusing on conflict mediation, rebuilding affected communities and restoring economic livelihoods. These multi-layered interventions signal a shift from a fragmented security approach to a more integrated and intelligence-driven framework. While challenges remain, the Tinubu administration has laid a robust foundation for a smarter, better-equipped and more agile security system capable of evolving with Nigeria’s complex threats.
Renewed wave of violence threatens security gains
Just as Nigerians began to breathe a collective sigh of relief following improved security measures, a resurgence of deadly violence has shaken several regions, reigniting fears and casting shadows over earlier progress. Terrorist groups, emboldened and re-strategised, have launched a new wave of attacks—targeting military installations, killing civilians and security personnel, and looting weapons from vulnerable outposts.
Security analysts point to an influx of militants from neighbouring Cameroon and the Lake Chad Basin who are exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and ungoverned spaces. These infiltrators, familiar with the rugged terrains, have wreaked havoc on sleeping communities across Borno, Yobe, Benue, and Plateau states. Observers have offered varied explanations for the renewed violence. Some suggest it may be politically motivated—an orchestrated campaign by desperate actors aiming to destabilise the country ahead of the next general elections. Others cite systemic security challenges, including lapses in leadership, poor interagency coordination, and overstretched personnel suffering from battle fatigue. Climate change, illegal mining, resource competition, and an ineffective recruitment system are also believed to be fuelling the crisis.
Particularly concerning is the redeployment of military assets from the Northeast to the Northwest in the fight against banditry. This shift, analysts argue, created a security vacuum in parts of Borno and Yobe, allowing insurgents to regroup and reclaim lost territories. Reports suggest that Guzamala, Kukawa, and Abadam LGAs in Borno are now under near-total control of terrorists, while Marte, Monguno, and Kala Balge LGAs face growing militant presence. Recent bombings in Damboa and Gwoza point to the resurgence of Boko Haram. The scale of brutality has intensified. In one incident, 26 civilians were killed in a Boko Haram bomb attack on a bridge between Rann and Gamboru Ngala. That same day, the group attacked mourners at a funeral in Chibok’s Koful village, killing seven and razing homes and churches. In Benue, criminal herders have taken over border communities in Kwande LGA, displacing farmers despite military presence. Similar scenes have unfolded in Logo LGA, where entire villages have been sacked.
Disturbingly, insurgents are now deploying more advanced tactics, including the use of drones and landmines, and have resumed hoisting flags in captured communities—an ominous symbol of renewed control. Meanwhile, communal clashes in the Middle Belt have surged. In April alone, hundreds were killed in Plateau and Benue states, evoking painful memories of the December 2023 attacks that claimed nearly 200 lives in Plateau. These developments underscore a mounting humanitarian crisis and signal the urgent need to reinforce Nigeria’s fragile security architecture.
Security analysts prescribe urgent reforms to sustain gains and avert reversal
Security experts have offered insights into how the Tinubu administration can consolidate recent gains and overcome persistent threats. Among them is retired Major-General Chris Olukolade, former Defence Spokesman, who believes that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a more compelling political will than his predecessor—a factor critical to inspiring improved performance from the nation’s security architecture. Olukolade noted that under the Buhari administration, a lack of clear direction and an over-reliance on ambiguous “body language” stifled decisive security actions. This inaction, he argued, allowed terrorism to metastasize across the country, eroding public trust and fueling sentiments like those expressed by General T.Y. Danjuma, who once accused security forces of collusion and urged citizens to defend themselves.
“The Tinubu government still has a lot to do to convince Nigerians that its approach will be markedly different from Buhari’s apparent deliberate inaction. The widely acknowledged stronger political will must translate into tangible action—one that adequately motivates and equips security forces to produce lasting, measurable results,” Oluk]olade warned.
Echoing this view, Dennis Amachree, a former Director at the Department of State Services (DSS), acknowledged the increase in defence budgets and noted visible military engagements across theatres, including counter-banditry operations and the Navy’s fight against oil theft. However, he also highlighted lingering issues related to operational effectiveness and civilian protection. Amachree called for a multi-pronged approach, beginning with enhanced training, better equipment, and improved intelligence capabilities for all security services. He stressed the importance of better coordination, particularly under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which should function as the central node for inter-agency collaboration. “The restructuring and reorientation of security agencies towards a people-centric approach is essential,” he said, advocating for greater accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption or human rights abuses.
Amachree also underscored the urgency of addressing border vulnerabilities—especially in the North—through modern surveillance technologies and comprehensive monitoring systems. He reiterated the need for police decentralisation, including the establishment of State Police, and the strengthening of community policing structures to build public trust and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots. “In conclusion,” Amachree noted, “the Tinubu administration must urgently prioritise technological border surveillance and commit to the creation of state police forces. Only then can Nigeria begin to tackle its complex and evolving security challenges with the depth and resolve they require.”
Counter-insurgency expert Bulama Bukarti has strongly condemned the increasing attacks on military bases, describing them as a troubling escalation in the terrorists’ operational boldness and a direct challenge to the authority of the state. In a post on his verified X account, Bukarti warned that these assaults not only undermine the readiness and morale of security forces but also send a dangerous message of vulnerability to both the public and potential insurgents. “Such attacks are a serious blow to national security, destabilize efforts to restore peace, and diminish public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens and preserve territorial integrity,” Bukarti explained.
He called for an urgent overhaul of the country’s counterinsurgency strategy to address this mounting threat. According to Bukarti, this should involve a focus on intelligence-driven operations, fortifying military outposts, boosting troop welfare and logistics, and enhancing coordination among security agencies. Above all, he emphasised the importance of sustained political will and adequate resourcing to combat and ultimately defeat the growing insurgent threat. “The frequency of these attacks, which have become almost daily, is alarming,” Bukarti noted. “When violence escalated in Borno in 2011 and 2012, it rapidly spread across northern Nigeria, causing massive destruction and immense harm. The recent uptick in violence spilling over into Adamawa State is deeply concerning.”
Reports indicate that Boko Haram militants are regrouping in the Tumbus area of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills within the Sambisa Forest, signaling an alarming resurgence. Bukarti warned that allowing terrorists to operate freely in these areas only strengthens their capacity to plan and execute attacks. “The security forces must stop waiting to defend and instead take the battle directly to Boko Haram’s strongholds. This requires the swift deployment of additional troops to the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest, supported by air surveillance and enhanced waterborne capabilities. Intelligence networks at the local level need to be revived and strengthened to detect early signs of insurgent recruitment and planned attacks,” Bukarti said. He concluded with a stark reminder: “If decisive action is not taken now, Boko Haram’s threat will continue to grow. As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine.”
In an exclusive interview with Security Watch Africa, security expert Dr. Kabir Adamu identified a critical flaw in Nigeria’s national security approach: the lack of engagement with the public. He pointed out that the masses have not been sufficiently informed or involved in the country’s national security strategy, leaving them unsure of how to report suspicious activities, such as the presence of wanted terror suspects. “We have not adequately involved the people in our national security strategy. The primary responsibility of the coordinator of our national security strategy should be to engage the public, starting with governors,” Dr. Adamu explained. “They should ensure that governors understand the strategy, appreciate its goals, and then work together to spread this knowledge to other stakeholders until it reaches the grassroots level.”
Dr. Adamu emphasised that understanding the content of the key national security instruments is crucial. He highlighted three core documents that guide Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts: the National Counterterrorism Strategy, housed within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); the Policy Framework on Countering Violent Extremism, also under ONSA; and the Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Law, for which the Attorney General of the Federation holds primary responsibility. Other government officials, including those in defence, police affairs, and interior ministries, also have roles in implementing these policies. “The goal of these three documents is clear: to block terrorist funding, curb recruitment efforts, and prevent the generation of weapons by non-state actors,” Dr. Adamu explained. “To make this work, the security strategy needs to be clearly communicated to governors, who can then ensure its broader dissemination to the public and other stakeholders.”
On the potential use of Private Military Contractors (PMCs), Dr. Adamu suggested that Nigeria should focus on harnessing the expertise of its own private security sector, rather than relying on international contractors. “The idea of engaging international Private Military Contractors is often what comes to mind, but we must not overlook the vast potential within Nigeria’s private security sector. The last time we conducted a survey, we found that Nigeria’s private security sector employs around three million people directly, and including indirect employment, that number could be as high as ten million. This sector is massive and holds capabilities that could support public security efforts, particularly in intelligence gathering.”
He continued, “While it’s true that private security companies in Nigeria cannot bear weapons, there are still opportunities for them to support operations, particularly through intelligence work. There are retired military personnel within the sector who have already contributed to security operations, especially in the Northeast.” Dr. Adamu proposed that the government assess the gaps in current security strategies and consider integrating resources from the private security sector. He also suggested that discussions around weapon licensing for private security companies should be revisited to allow them to play a more significant role in supporting the national security apparatus. “Perhaps it is time we considered licensing weapons and other necessary capabilities for the private security sector, so they can adequately support public security efforts,” he concluded.
The United Kingdom has made a widespread immigration changes across various sectors.
A white paper released yesterday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, the extensive 82-page document marks a sharp policy shift aimed at reducing immigration and reshaping the UK’s border control strategy.
In a news briefing, Starmer emphasised that the plan is designed to “regain control of our borders,” blaming the previous Conservative government for a surge in immigration levels.
“This plan will reduce migration — that’s a promise,” he stated. “If additional action is needed to ease pressure on housing and public services, we’ll take it. But this isn’t just about numbers.”
The White Paper said the UK will halt international recruitment for social care roles, a route that previously enabled doctors, nurses, and adult care professionals to work with approved employers, such as the NHS.
“In line with our wider reforms to skills thresholds, we will close social care visas to new applications from abroad,” the UK Home Office said on its website yesterday.
“For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, we will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review,” it added.
It said the measures would reshape Britain’s immigration system towards “those who contribute most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers”.
It explained that new requirements on employers to boost domestic training would end the reliance on international recruitment, restoring order to a “failed system” that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023.
Key policies in the 82-page blueprint, titled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System,’ include reversing the long-term trend of increasing international recruitment at the expense of skills and training.
It also includes the establishment of the labour market evidence group to make informed decisions about the state of the labour market and the role that different policies should play, rather than always relying on migration, and the engagement of sector bodies by departments across government.
This change aligns with broader reforms to raise the skill threshold for migrants.
Those already in the UK on social care visas may extend or switch their status until 2028, during a transitional period as a domestic workforce strategy is developed.
Migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years — double the previous five — before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
This change is intended to ensure only individuals making significant economic contributions remain.
Also, the post-graduation stay period for international students will be cut from five years to just 18 months.
In a final statement, Starmer warned that without robust immigration controls, the UK could become “an island of strangers” rather than a united nation.
• Wike to challenge dropping of Anyanwu as secretary
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders yesterday resolved to reorganise the platform and fortify its structures ahead of 2027 general election.
To prevent further escalation of the protracted crisis, the party set up a seven-man reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki to chart the path of peace.
The committee is mandated to organise a hitch-free National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.
Prominent PDP leaders, including Chairman of Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Board of Trustees (BoT) Senator Adolphus Wabara and former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, vowed to avert the collapse of the party.
But the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said PDP is irredeemable, adding that the party is already dead.
The party stalwarts converged on the national secretariat in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to inaugurate new BoT members and brainstorm on strategies for resolving the leadership crisis.
Many PDP leaders are leaving the party in droves to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party was further decimated by the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure to the ruling party.
The three PDP senators from Kebbi State are slated to move to the APC this wee.
Also, fears are rife among party faithful that more chieftains may dump the party unless it puts its house in order by resolving the leadership logjam.
Mohammed, who spoke with reporters after the meeting, said the gale of defections that hit the party can neither diminish nor weaken it. It resolve to forge ahead.
He expressed optimism that the party would wax stronger and forge ahead to consolidate its position in states under its control.
Mohammed noted that the defection is normal in a democratic setting, stressing that it had motivated the chieftains to come together to plan for the future.
He said: “This is what is forcing us to come together. Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure, at least, those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.
“They will be able to produce next governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up.”
Mohammed said the meeting was summoned to reassure supporters that the “PDP is working, the PDP is united.”
He said in a bid to resolve the crises, the party reached out to former governors to tap from their experience.
Mohammed added: “Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.”
Aknowledging some missing gaps in the party, he said: “We set up a committee of seven, headed by the former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State (Saraki) to ensure quick reconciliation in such a manner that we will have a very rancour-free and harmonious NEC and convention.”
At the meeting were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.
The meeting was also attended by former Governors Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Dickson (Bayelsa), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Samuel Ortom (Benue); Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom).
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State Govenror, Nyesom Wike was at meeting. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was absent.
It was not clear whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was invited to the meeting.
Saraki heads reconciliation panel
Other members of the seven-man ‘Strategic Committee on Way Forward,’ are Governors Lawal, Muftwang, Mba, Senators Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Ikpeazu.
Saraki said: “We hope to do our best in delivering on the assignment given to us. “
He added: “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.
“So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least, there is no ill-feeling. There are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.
“Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience. Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have, will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.”
BoT members inaugurated
Wabara, who inaugurated the 39 new BoT members, said that they were nominated by the states and zones based on their dedication, experience and unwavering loyalty to the party.
The BoT chairman urged the new members to consider their appointments as a call to service and uphold the integrity, unity and vision of the party.
He added: “The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.”
Damagum, who was represented by the Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, assured that the NWC would continue to support the board.
A BoT member, Jones Onyeriri, said that the composition of the board was a reflection of the party’s strength.
“It isn’t a big problem for some people that are defecting to other parties; even Jesus Christ, at a time, had some of his disciples who defected.
“So, for me, it is a sign that we are nearer to our crown. We have taken over and still strong.
“Nobody is sabotaging the party. Please, trust me on this, as anyone that is doing that is already out of the party,” Onyeriri said.
Another BoT member, Eddy Olafeso, said: “With the quality of leadership and the heritage of the past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today.”
How to avert collapse, by Dickson
Dickson warned that PDP can collapse, if the governors fail to reorganise the party.
He expressed hope that the governors and other party leaders would follow the resolutions reached at the meeting, show greater commitment to the party and galvanise party members and other Nigerians.
In a tweet, Dickson said: “I hope the governors who are the operational leaders of the party follow through with the resolutions. They need to work closely together, show greater commitment to the party, galvanize and mobilize party members and Nigerians generally.
“We did that under President Buhari, with all the intimidation and harassments, and even in a crippling recession, we did not bulge but kept the party alive, won elections and handed it over to them.”
Wike warns against dangerous miscalculations
Wike lamented that PDP has not learn from its 2023 miscalculations, which was responsible for its defeat.
He frowned at the decision that prevented Senator Sam Anyanwu from staying on as national secretary until the party holds a valid national convention.
The FCT minister, who spoke on television, said holding a NEC meeting without a valid secretary could jeopardize its existence because the Supreme Court had already set aside the appeal court judgment that sacked Anyanwu
Wike said: “I will challenge the outcome of any meeting of NEC held without Anyanwu serving as secretary.”
The minister said the PDP should avoid the mistake of 2023 when it produced the National chairman and presidential candidate from the same region.
Warning against “exclusionary politics and internal manipulation,” Wike said: “If PDP doesn’t take care, watch out for what will happen because selfish interest can kill an organization. You haven’t won an election, but you are excluding people.
“You want to play the same game you played in 2023; it will backfire. I have told people that this smartness will not help you. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness.”
The minister accused the PDP leadership of tolerating impunity and failing to function like a serious opposition party ready to challenge the APC.
He said: “No opposition party allows impunity; it’s only the ruling party. Opposition is going to organize itself to take over the affairs of government. How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed?
“Rather they are after Wike; they abandoned what they are supposed to do – the only crime is that Wike is a minister under APC government”.
Wike said Oborevwori and other Delta defectors calculated well before dumping the PDP.
He said: “When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving out of PDP to APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu, that was the crime.
“But the Chairman of the BoT who is the conscience of the party adopted Otti for second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that? The Chairman of PDP BoT adopted Alex Otti, governor under Labour Party, for second tenure.”
Highlighting his own contributions to the party, Wike said; “I’m the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate, but made sure PDP won 100 percent in the governorship, State Assembly and National Assembly. Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states.”
Wike, who described Okowa as a smart politician, said he was surprised that the PDP didn’t see his defection coming.
The minister said Okowa did not want to live in pretence, supporting President Bola Tinubu while still in PDP.
He said; “If you don’t show leadership, you suffer for it. “This is what I’ve been saying. When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his deputy and all his team moved out of PDP to APC. What? What wrong did he do?
“I’m surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming. I won’t call the names of the governors. I call them. I said, ‘listen the way things are going, I have warned you people’. You said they are governors. I have no problem. Let’s see what will happen.”
PDP already dead, says Ganduje
Ganduje insisted that PDP is dead, urging its members to come to APC.
He rejected the claim by Lamido that the APC would soon disintegrate and the defectors would return to the PDP.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the APC Chairman, Edwin Olofu, quoted Ganduje as saying that “the APC will soon receive Sule Lamido into its fold.”
He said the opposition would go into extinction by the end of the year due to the internal squabbles in the party.
Ganduje said: “It is evident to any discerning observer that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC continues to gain momentum, with prominent political figures across the country defecting to the party in large numbers,” the statement said.
“With such overwhelming national support, the APC remains focused on consolidating its achievements and preparing for a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.”
“In fact we will soon receive Sule Lamido because very soon he won’t have where to go, the PDP is dead.”
Ganduje advised Lamido to focus on resolving the PDP’s internal crises instead of engaging in unfounded speculations.
• MediPool to drive down cost, improve access to high-quality pharmaceutical products
Better days are here for Nigerians treating ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases and others that require constant use of medication.
The prices of medicines, which skyrocketed as a result of naira devaluation, are about to be driven down and made more affordable.
An approval yesterday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the proposal by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, will comprehensively facilitate better pricing and availability of quality medicines.
The FEC, at the meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also endorsed the proposal that will create two million jobs through the creative industry and generate N100 billion by the Ministry of Tourism.
Another decision of the highest executive body in the country is the review of the employment policy for the first time in six years, to create room for easy access to jobs by youths.
Three ministers – Pate, Hannatu Musawa (Tourism) and Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment) – briefed reporters on the outcome of yesterday’s meeting.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, also made known the decision on Life Assurance for Civil servants and public officers.
Pate said: “Today, Council approved MediPool, a group purchasing organisation for competitive pricing to be a supplier of essential medicines and healthcare products across Nigeria.”
He explained that MediPool will operate as a public-private partnership, leveraging the government’s significant purchasing power to negotiate better prices from suppliers.
The platform will initially serve through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and eventually expand to federal tertiary hospitals.
“So, it’s using the monopsony power of government as a large buyer of those commodities to negotiate lower prices and then channel those commodities,” he said.
The scope of MediPool’s responsibilities includes procurement planning, supply chain and logistics management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, financial systems, and support for local manufacturers.
It also includes capacity building and contingency planning to ensure a steady supply of affordable, high-quality drugs.
“This is a major intervention that will shape the domestic market so that the demand for quality pharmaceuticals can be channelled in a way that lowers costs, improves quality, and stimulates local manufacturing,” Pate noted.
The approval of MediPool follows President Tinubu’s signing of an Executive Order in June 2024, which provided tax and tariff waivers on the importation of raw materials for pharmaceutical production—another move aimed at encouraging local drug manufacturing.
The council also approved a contract worth N2.3 billion for the procurement and installation of a cardiac catheterisation machine at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto.
Pate said the advanced medical equipment will enhance the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat complex heart conditions such as heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms.
“The University Hospital in Sokoto will now have this capability, which will serve the population in Sokoto State, the North West geopolitical zone, and indeed the entire country,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the cardiac lab will not only save lives but also help reduce outbound medical tourism by enabling more Nigerians to access critical care at home.
“It is an important step—one more among several other interventions—to strengthen federal teaching hospitals to train and to provide quality services,” he said.
Two million jobs, N100b revenue coming
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the Council had approved a bold new initiative to monetise Nigeria’s rich cultural and tourism assets.
According to Musawa, the plan, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), is intended to create a new revenue stream while promoting national heritage.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a standalone ministry is tasked with unlocking the potential of the cultural, creative, and tourism sectors.
“We are looking to contribute $100 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030 by monetising both tangible and intangible assets,” Musawa stated.
Tangible assets include national museum collections, historical monuments, landmark buildings, and federally owned artworks.
Intangible assets range from indigenous languages and oral traditions to cultural textiles like adire, culinary heritage such as Ijebu garri, and sacred landscapes and cultural festivals.
According to Musawa, the strategy is focused on self-sustaining economic growth by leveraging existing resources without placing additional pressure on the national budget.
“This is about using what we already have to create wealth, identity, and pride.
“Our cultural capital is immense, and now we are putting in place the framework to monetise it responsibly,” she said.
She said the initiative will unfold in four phases: assessment of available assets, valuation, strategy development for monetisation, and implementation.
The asset verification process, she noted, has already been completed, paving the way for the next steps in collaboration with MOFI.
As part of the plan, the ministry also intends to generate at least two million jobs by 2027, particularly for youth and communities directly connected to cultural heritage.
“This is an exciting time for Nigerian identity. We’re building an economy rooted in our tradition, creativity, and talent,” Musawa added.
Review of employment policy
Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, announced the FEC’s approval of a revised National Policy on Employment, which had not been updated in over six years.
The new policy, he said, reflects the evolving labour market and is intended to address persistent challenges of unemployment and underemployment.
“This policy is a significant step toward reducing poverty and creating inclusive economic opportunities.
“The reality has changed, and it was imperative to craft a strategy that is responsive to today’s challenges”, Dingyadi said.
He noted that the updated policy introduces fresh mechanisms to encourage productive employment and stimulate entrepreneurship across sectors.
It is also expected to serve as a key reference at the upcoming International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva.
“We are proud to present this revised employment framework to our global counterparts.
“It signals Nigeria’s commitment to progressive labour practices and inclusive growth,” Dingyadi explained.
Life Assurance for civil servants, public officers
The FEC yesterday took several critical policy decisions designed to strengthen the welfare of public servants, diversify the economy, and address unemployment.
Chief among these was the renewal of the Group Life Assurance Scheme for federal government employees, a move described as a testament to the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to public service welfare.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, said the scheme, which covers the 2025/2026 policy year, is designed to provide financial succour to the families of deceased federal public servants, including top-ranking government officials.
“The Federal Government has taken out a life policy on each public servant. In the unfortunate event of death, the next of kin will receive benefits to cushion the loss.
“This underscores the importance that the Tinubu Administration places on the welfare of federal workers”, Walson-Jack said.
According to her, the coverage extends not only to civil servants but also includes the President, Vice President, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and personnel in Treasury-funded ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The policy also applies to key paramilitary and uniformed agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Mrs Walson-Jack also said 17 insurance underwriters have been appointed to manage the policy, which is renewable annually.
The policy, according to her, will become active upon the payment of premiums, in line with the Federal Government’s “no premium, no cover” directive.
“This policy has been in existence for several years, but many public servants remain unaware of its provisions,” Walson-Jack said, adding that her office is set to embark on a nationwide sensitisation campaign.”
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to shed light on this important benefit, which affects every federal public servant, including members of the media.
“No family of a deceased public servant should be left without support,” she said.
Former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade (rtd), is dead.
He celebrated his 70th birthday on November 30, 2024.
Olubolade, the Ipoti-Ekiti-born retired officer, died on Sunday, May 11, in Apapa, Lagos.
According to a statement by his first daughter, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, and first son, Mr. Dayo Olubolade, he left the house to play lawn tennis at a nearby facility where he slumped.
“He drove himself to the facility to play lawn tennis in the evening and slumped while playing. Efforts were made by medical officers around to revive him to no avail. He was immediately rushed to Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital, Apapa, where he was pronounced dead.
Olubolade was also Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State, FCT, and Minister of Police Affairs.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has just sworn in newly appointed commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) at the State House in Abuja.
The brief swearing-in ceremony held before the commencement of the ongoing Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Those inaugurated as INEC Commissioners were Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf, representing the North West, and Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja, representing Ebonyi State in the South East.
Also sworn in were two new members of the CCB board—Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem from Cross River State and retired Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure from Taraba State.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu is currently presiding over the sixth FEC of this year.
Attending today’s meeting are top administration officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among others.
It would be recalled that the last FEC meeting, held on May 5, approved the ‘Nigeria First’ Economic Policy, aimed at prioritising the use of locally produced goods and services in all government procurement processes.
A Professor of Medicine and Consultant Psychiatrist, Chris Piwuna, has been elected as the national president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
He takes over from Emmanuel Osodeke, a Professor of Agriculture at the University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, who was elected in May 2021.
Prof. Piwuna was the immediate past National Vice President of the union.
Piwuna, a former Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Jos, Plateau State, emerged victorious at an election during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress at the University of Benin in Benin City, Edo State.
The new President defeated his opponent, Adamu Babayo, a professor from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State.
An official communique is expected from ASUU at the end of its congress on Monday.
Pope Leo XIV, whose name is Robert Prevost, Stepped onto the perch of the Catholic Church last week in a breathtaking moment. Stepped onto the perch
His choice as the first American tells me he was a counterfoil to Trump, and American cleric as “provost” of peace and unity, to help save the world from an American perdition.
It overstates it to think the Pope can do it alone, but it shows how the church can do good by its appeal to the righteous regions of our souls.
This new Pope visited Nigeria as part of his evangelical work as an Augustinian.
The Augustinian hails from the theological philosophy of Saint Augustine, that loved to dissect the word and pay homage to the poor and help the sinner.
The new Pope follows Leo XIII because he united the people and helped the poor. Which is what is lacking in the Nigerian church today when pastors, especially of the Pentecostal type, who elevate material splendor over the life of the spirit.
It reminds me of a cleric who said it is better to die a rich man than a poor man. Another, one pastor Ibiyeomie, said Jesus hates the poor, and he hated them so much in his earthly ministry that he did not visit the poor at home. Well, the real poor don’t have homes.
He himself said, the birds have a home, but the son of man had no place to rest his head. If he hated the poor why did he live in poverty when he was on earth, so much so he cursed a tree for lacking a fruit.
He did not visit the poor in the house? Do you have to visit the poor in their home to empathise? Did he not dine with the publicans, who were regarded as poor?
When the Bible says he was poor so we might be rich, he was speaking of being rich in spirit according to James 2:5. To be rich is good. But to be poor is no sin.
Some of these pastors encourage terrorism, kidnapping and fraud in this society by talking down the poor in church. it turns meek worshippers into conniving villains.
Jesus himself was with poor people when he changed a few loaves of bread and fishes to feed a multitude. Were they rich? Jesus warned how hard it is for rich men to enter his kingdom. E.T Okere muses on this in his book, Church, Money and Power.
By materialising scripture, they have defrocked the word of its power and glory, and made it a secular gambit.
After all God said in the book of Samuel that He made the rich and poor, and in proverbs that the rich and poor should meet together because God made them all. (Proverbs 22:2).
Is the parable of the Rich man not to condemn insentivity to the poor. It is not enough to live with the poor, but to care.
That was the kernel of Pope XIV’s message, and our overabundant clerics will do well to learn.
