The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • BREAKING: Court sentences Gospel singer Osinachi’s husband to death

    BREAKING: Court sentences Gospel singer Osinachi’s husband to death

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

    Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the verdict on Monday, finding Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide.

    Read Also: Court bars media coverage of late Osinachi children’s testimony

    Osinachi died in April 2022, and the case drew widespread attention due to allegations of domestic violence.

    The court also handed down additional prison sentences and fines for other charges related to the case.

  • Sanwo-Olu tackles Obi over remarks on poverty index

    Sanwo-Olu tackles Obi over remarks on poverty index

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has responded to Peter Obi’s comments about Nigeria made at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, criticising the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate for what he deemed disparaging remarks about the country.

    During his recent appearance at the prestigious institution, Obi outlined how Nigeria’s economic decline over the past 25 years has led to a drastic rise in poverty. 

    He used the poverty index to compare Nigeria with China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, showing how the country’s poverty levels have surged.

    Obi explained that, in 1990, when the Human Development Index (HDI) was first measured, Nigeria, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam all fell within the “medium” category. At that time, Nigeria had the fewest people in poverty, but by 2025, the situation had dramatically changed. Obi argued that Nigeria now has more poor people than China, Indonesia, and Vietnam combined.

    “In 1990, Nigeria had about 50 million people in poverty, the fewest among these countries,” Obi stated. “However, today, Nigeria has more poor people than China, Indonesia, and Vietnam combined.”

    However, Sanwo-Olu, in his response titled: “Factually addressing Mr. Peter Obi’s criticism of Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University,” accused Obi of making negative comments about Nigeria on the global stage, which he believed undermined the country’s image.

    Read Also: Peter Obi breached protocol over Benue visit, says Alia

    Sanwo-Olu expressed concerns over Obi’s pattern of behavior, suggesting that prominent Nigerians should aim to project a positive image of the country when abroad.

     “We have a duty to promote Nigeria globally, not to disparage her,” he remarked, stressing that true patriotism lies in showcasing the nation in a positive light, regardless of government affiliation.

    Addressing Obi’s poverty analysis, Sanwo-Olu pointed out that tackling poverty requires a long-term commitment to education, healthcare, access to credit, and land. He found it ironic that Obi, during his tenure as Governor of Anambra, did not build a single school or hospital, yet he was now criticizing the government’s efforts in these areas.

    “I find it odd that Obi, who did not establish any schools or hospitals during his time as governor, is now pointing fingers at the federal government, which has been actively investing in education and healthcare,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The Governor further explained that under Obi’s leadership in Anambra, the poverty rate actually increased from 41.4% to 53.7% in just two years. In contrast, Obi’s successor, Willie Obiano, succeeded in reducing the poverty rate significantly after Obi left office.

    “I am not sure Mr. Obi is morally in a position to make the alarming claims he made about Nigeria, considering his own role in the rise of poverty in Anambra,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.

  • Shettima, Ganduje, governors to receive Oborevwori into APC

    Shettima, Ganduje, governors to receive Oborevwori into APC

    • Delta agog for big political event of the year in Asaba
    • Okowa, PDP leaders move en masse

    Asaba, the capital of Delta State, is aglow.

    Today, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, other elected officials and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from ward to state will be received into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Oborevwori, who dumped the leading opposition party last week, will get the broom, symbol of the ruling party, from Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the Cenotaph, the venue of the historic rally.

    Ganduje arrived in Asaba yesterday and held a series of meetings with defecting officials and Oborevwori.

    The defection is a big event – described as a political Tsunami by observers – because Delta had been a PDP state since 1999.

    Twenty-one APC governors and leaders are expected at the event.

    As of 6pm yesterday, no fewer than 10 governors had arrived in the state capital.

    These are: Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) chairman Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), AbdulRaheem AbdulRasaq (Kwara), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dikko Raddah (Katsina) and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe).

    Former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was among the national leaders who also arrived in Asaba last night.

    The venue was looking resplendent, decorated with  APC flags and different banners fluttering at strategic locations.

    The unprecedented defection sent a shockwave across the country last week.

    Apart from Oborevwori, other key PDP leaders who would be received into the APC are former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2023 presidential poll; Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, House of Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, Senator James Manager, commissioners and special advisers, state and federal lawmakers, chairmen of local government and councillors, and state local government and ward chairmen.

    Many APC leaders, including Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Olorogun Otega Emerhor; former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South); and his Delta Central counterpart, Sen. Ede Dafinone, applauded the defection. 

    Delta APC urged members to turn up en masse to receive the defectors with open arms.

    It said the defection signals a new era of consolidation and growth for the chapter ahead of future elections.

    It urged the party faithful to massively mobilise supporters for the ceremony.

    The Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, in a statement, described the defection as a landmark event, which has shattered the political firmament of the state.

    He said: “It marks a new dawn for the progressive family in Delta State and symbolises unity, inclusivity and our collective commitment to the growth and development of our dear Delta State under the leadership and guidance of our amiable governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as he charts a new course for the destiny of the state through the M.O.R.E. agenda, in conjunction with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    Omo-Agege welcomes Oborevwori

    Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who was the APC governorship candidate in 2023, welcomed Oborevwori to the party.

    He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “political sagacity and visionary leadership.”

    Omo-Agege said in a statement that the issues arising from the defection were being addressed “with prudence and foresight” following consultations with the APC national leadership, the Progressive Governors Forum, and local stakeholders.

    Urging party members to storm the rally, he said: “This is a moment for unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria.”

    He said the defection “reaffirms our commitment to progressive governance, promising a brighter future for our people and a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.”

    Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, in a statement by his media aide, Ike Abiagom, said Delta “APC family welcomes Governor Oborevwori and other PDP leaders into its fold,” describing their decision as a significant boost to the party’s strength and structure across the state.

    He said the political realignment would bolster President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, adding that it is a game-changer.

    Lauding Oborevwori for his courage, Nwaoboshi maintained that the defection signified a turning point for governance and political collaboration.

    He urged APC members to embrace the new members with open arms, stressing that unity within the party would be crucial for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

    Okotete hails Delta governor

    Executive Director (Business Development), NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, expressed excitement at the defection, saying that it would strengthen the party and enhance its chances of achieving greater success in future polls. 

    Okotete said in a statement: “This momentous decision marks not just a political transition, but a bold affirmation of vision, courage, and commitment to the development of Delta State through inclusive, progressive governance.

    “Your Excellency, your entry into the APC is a powerful testament to our party’s rising influence and capacity to unite all well-meaning leaders under one formidable umbrella of growth and transformation.

    “As we welcome the Governor and all the PDP members in Delta State into our fold, I call on every APC member—leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters alike—to embrace this new era with open arms and renewed purpose.

    “Let us put aside all divisive tendencies and prioritise loyalty to the party, unity of purpose, and service-driven governance.

    Read Also: Oborevwori pledges more support for DELSU, as 6,401 students graduate

    “Our collective strength lies in our unity. And today, with Delta State now firmly aligned with the centre, we stand at the threshold of greatness.

    “Together, let us consolidate our efforts towards the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, support the leadership of Governor Oborevwori, and ensure the continuous growth and dominance of the APC in every corner of our state.

    “A progressive Delta is not a dream—it is our present reality. Let us build it, protect it, and be proud of it.”

    ‘No plan for a one-party state’

    Some opposition figures and other critics, who objected to the gale of defections to the APC, have alleged that it was a grand design by President Tinubu to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

    But Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, who reflected on the realignment of forces, rejected the insinuation, reiterating the President’s avowed belief in multi-party democracy.

    He said in a statement titled: ‘Democracy strong and alive in Nigeria ‘ that contrary to the false claims and propaganda, democracy is not under threat in Nigeria.

    He insisted that the accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.

    Onanuga said: “While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken and disillusioned over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of the promotion of a one-party state against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement of our country.

    “We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to ‘dismantle democracy’ or ‘weaken opposition’ or create a one-party state.

    “Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents who have failed in their assigned duty of opposition.”

    Onanuga said the opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs, adding that “it is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.”

    He stressed: “We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria’s so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism.”

    Nwoko: your defection should be transformative

    Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), urged  Oborevwori to leave behind the “old habits” of the PDP so that his defection could be transformative.

    He said in a statement that the governor should “leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy”.

    Nwoko, who had earlier left PDP for APC, said: “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.”

    He praised the governor’s decision, describing it as a bold step that opens new possibilities for Delta State.

    Nwoko said the APC, “reenergised and focused,” had started laying the groundwork for constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma and New Delta states.

    He said: “Your defection must not be symbolic; it must be transformative. This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development.”

  • World Bank backs Fed Govt job creation plan

    World Bank backs Fed Govt job creation plan

    • From Collins Nweze, Washington DC

    The Federal Government and the World Bank are working to stimulate private sector’s investments in digital infrastructure to create high-quality jobs for young Nigerians, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said.

    The minister who spoke on the sidelines of the just concluded World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, in Washington D.C., said a key component of the partnership included rollout of digital infrastructure to support Nigeria’s growing youth population.

    He explained that the collaboration between the Federal Government and the World Bank signaled a unified commitment to tackling unemployment, fostering inclusive prosperity, and building a digital-ready workforce equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy.

    “The idea is to empower our young people with access to the internet, data, and fibre-optic networks. This digital infrastructure will enable them to offer services online, retain talent within our borders, and actively contribute to the digital economy,” Edun said.

    Speaking after the conclusion of the Development Committee Meeting, Edun said that the World Bank’s Governors — who are Finance Ministers of member countries — have collectively agreed to prioritise employment generation as a central pillar of development.

    He said the agenda aligned seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places job creation at the core of economic revitalisation efforts.

    According to him, the agenda centres on the critical role of multilateral financial institutions — particularly the World Bank — in shaping global development priorities.

    He added that efforts to create sustainable jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth would receive greater attention.

    Edun emphasised that the Tinubu administration is committed to unlocking private capital to stimulate productivity, attract both local and foreign investment, and accelerate job creation across sectors.

    He pointed out that job creation remains the most effective route to reducing poverty and inequality.

    “Creating good quality jobs is essential to addressing poverty. It is central to the President’s vision — stabilising the economy, encouraging private investment, and ensuring that our youth have opportunities at home, rather than seeking them abroad,” Edun said.

    The minister had earlier called on the Bretton Woods institutions to extend stronger financial backing to reform-minded economies, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Read Also: Shettima champions Nigeria’s human capital drive at World Bank/IMF Spring meetings

    According to him, strong financial backing should come in form of innovative support instruments to reform-minded economies as they implement bold economic transformation agendas.

    He said that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is pursuing an ambitious reform agenda designed to restore macroeconomic stability, foster inclusive growth, and position the country for long-term prosperity.

    Edun said the measures included the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of foreign exchange windows, and an ongoing overhaul of the tax system to broaden the revenue base and improve fiscal efficiency.

    “These decisions are not easy, but they are necessary for laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive economy that works for all Nigerians,” he stressed.

    The minister reiterated the call to global investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the country, declaring that “Nigeria is open for business”.

    He said Nigeria is ready to engage with development partners, investors, and multilateral institutions in advancing its economic transformation agenda.

    Edun said government is targeting more than a double in economic growth, from the current three per cent to seven per cent growth.

    He explained that the growth is expected to come from accelerated activities in the agricultural sector, infrastructure building and financial sectors transformation, in terms of efficient payment and banking sector stability.

    The minister said investors are getting more confidence on the currency and in investing in the economy.

    “I am confident that if we continue in the direction we have gone so far, we will continue to see progress in what we are doing,” Edun added.

  • FULL LIST: Davido, Rema, Odumodublvck, others win at 17th Headies Awards

    FULL LIST: Davido, Rema, Odumodublvck, others win at 17th Headies Awards

    The 17th Headies Awards, held on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrated outstanding achievements across the Nigerian and African music scene.

    Among the early winners, Zerry DL claimed the Rookie of the Year award, while Davido was named Digital Artist of the Year. Rema took home Afrobeats Album of the Year for his project HEIS, and Tems won Best Recording of the Year for her song Burning.

    The ceremony also honoured distinguished personalities with Special Recognition Awards, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick.

    In a highlight moment, Odumodublvck was crowned the Next Rated Artist, beating fellow nominees Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff.

    The Headies Awards is a premier music award platform that celebrates outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.

    This year’s event is one of two editions, with the 18th edition scheduled to take place in December to make up for the absence of the awards in 2024.

    Here is the full list of winners at the 17th Headies Awards:

    Rookie of the Year

    Zerry DL — Winner

    taves

    Kaestyle

    Llona

    Soundtrack of the Year

    “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) — Winner

    “Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)

    “Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)

    “Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)

    “Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)

    “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)

    Best Recording of the Year

    “Burning” – Tems — Winner

    “Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez

    “Higher” – Burna Boy

    “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon

    “Billions” – Sarz and Lojay

    Best Vocal Performance (Male)

    Read Also: Zerry DL wins Rookie of the Year at 17th Headies Awards

    “Billions” – Lojay — Winner

    “Moving” – Omah Lay

    “Gratitude” – Anendlessocean

    “For You” – Johnny Drille

    “Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo

    Best Vocal Performance (Female)

    “I’m Done” – Liya — Winner

    “Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr

    “Level” – Niniola

    “Stranger” – Simi

    “Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade

    Special Recognition Award Recipients

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos

    Alex Okosi

    Amaju Pinnick

    Songwriter of the Year

    “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner

    “Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)

    “Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)

    “Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)

    “Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)

    Producer of the Year

    “OZEBA” – London — Winner

    “Happiness” – Sarz

    “Basquiat” – Magicsticks

    “HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy

    “Different Patterns” – Dibs

    Afrobeats Album of the Year

    HEIS – Rema — Winner

    Stubborn – Victony

    Work of Art – Asake

    The Year I turned 21 – Ayra Starr

    Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

    Music Video of the Year

    “EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner

    “Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare

    “Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala

    “Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine

    “Ojapiano” – Mattmax

    “Showa” – TG Omori

    “Na Money” – Dammy Twitch

    Afrobeats Single of the Year

    “Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner

    “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

    “Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel

    “Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)

    “Remember” – Asake

    “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

    Headies’ Viewers’ Choice

    “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner

    “Big Baller” – Flavour

    “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

    “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

    “Showa” – Kizz Daniel

    “Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez

    “OZEBA” – Rema

    “Love Me Jeje” – Tems

    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)

    “Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

    Best Central African Artiste of the Year

    Innoss’B (DRC) – Winner

    Gaz Mawete (DRC)

    Emma’A (Gabon)

    Ebokolo (Gabon)

    Singulila (Central African Republic)

    Koceé (Cameroon)

    Next Rated

    Odumodublvck – Winner

    Qing Madi

    Shallipopi

    Ayo Maff

    Digital Artiste of the Year

    Davido- Winner

    Ayra Starr

    Rema

    Shallipopi

    Tems

    Kizz Daniel

    Asake

    Best Rap Single

    Cast – Shallipopi and Odumodublvck – Winner

    Blood on the dance floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale and Odumodu Blvck

    Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello

    Canada – Magnito

    Ije Nwoke – Jeriq

    Best East African Artiste of the Year

    Juma Jux (Tanzania) – Winner

    Bien (Kenya)

    Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

    Bruce Melody (Rwanda)

    Azawi (Uganda)

    Best Street-hop artiste

    Mohbad – Ask About me – Winner

    Zhus Jdo – Johnbull

    Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns

    Ayo Maff – Dealer ft (Fire Boy)

    Shallipopi – Cast ft (Odumodu Blvck

    Song of the Year

    Lonely at the Top – Asake – Winner

    Egwu – Chike and Mohbad

    Ozeba – Rema

    Showa – Kizz Daniel

    Commas – Ayra Starr

    Special Recognition

    KCee

  • BREAKING: Remo Stars clinch first NPFL title, beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0

    BREAKING: Remo Stars clinch first NPFL title, beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0

    Remo Stars have been crowned champions of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

    Daniel Ogunmodede’s side secured their historic maiden title with a 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday, courtesy of Olamilekan Adedayo’s late strike six minutes from time.

    Read Also: Remo Stars Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons swell Super Six qualifiers to five

    With the victory, Remo Stars became the first privately owned club to win the NPFL since Udoji United achieved the feat in 1996.

    It also marks the first time a southwest club has lifted the trophy since Julius Berger’s triumph two decades ago.

    Remo Stars lead the table with 68 points from 35 matches, 10 points ahead of second-placed, Rivers United.

  • JUST IN: Liverpool clinch Premier League title after 5-1 win over Tottenham

    JUST IN: Liverpool clinch Premier League title after 5-1 win over Tottenham

    • …match Man United with 20 titles

    Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions after a dominant 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

    Arne Slot’s side needed just a point to secure the title and match Manchester United’s record of 20 league championships. 

    However, they went beyond expectations with goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie, sealing a resounding win.

    Speaking after the match, captain Virgil van Dijk shared his thoughts with Sky Sports.

    He said: “This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. I was desperate to win it for the fans, for everyone around the world, and for ourselves. We’re going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it all in.”

    Mohamed Salah’s goal marked the 185th of his Premier League career, making him the highest-scoring foreign player in league history.

    Read Also: Liverpool step up pursuit of Lookman despite Salah’s two-year deal

    Following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, they can no longer mathematically catch Liverpool, despite having four games left to play.

    Liverpool hold a 15-point lead over Arsenal and have lost just twice in 34 league matches this season, capping a remarkable debut campaign for Arne Slot, who joined from Feyenoord to replace Jürgen Klopp last summer.

    After the final whistle, Slot paid tribute to Klopp by leading fans in a chant of his predecessor’s name, mirroring the gesture Klopp made for him a year earlier.

  • 2027: More controversy over defections, opposition coalition

    2027: More controversy over defections, opposition coalition

    • No plans to join APC, says Otti

    • PDP governors can’t stop coalition – Atiku loyalists

    • Rivers PDP NASS Caucus backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    As controversy continues to rage over the planned coalition of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 elections and last week’s mass defection of leading lights of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appears resolute to forge ahead regardless of lack of support from governors elected on the platform of the party.

    But Atiku and his supporters are not ruling out the possibility that some of the governors may join the realignment train at some point.

    Seventy-two hours after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and many other PDP stakeholders teamed up with the APC, the Rivers State PDP Caucus at the National Assembly yesterday endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

    The federal lawmakers said other people nursing aspiration for the office of the president in 2027 should shelve it, describing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the surest path to Nigeria’s prosperity and progress. 

    Atiku loyalist, Tunde Olusunle, was irked by the recent statement by PDP governors distancing the party from the ongoing coalition talks.

    “In a free and fair election today, many of the braggart governors will not taste a renewal of mandate from their people on account of demonstrated performance. So, what are they talking about?” Olusunle, who served former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant (Special Services), told The Nation.

    He said the governors were in no position to stop the coalition, adding that some of them might even have lost touch with political realities.

    Also speaking to The Nation, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, said the machinery to birth the coalition was effectively in motion.

    He said respect for the PDP governors’ views should not be equated with seeing them as the stakeholders in the party.

    “There will be alignments and realignments. Twenty-four hours is a long time in politics, and when the train gets going, some of the governors would probably meet it at one of the multiple stations,” Ibe said.

    Olusunle, a lecturer at the University of Abuja, said Atiku’s involvement in the coalition has less to do with his ambition and more with the overall interest of Nigeria.

    He said: “Let me begin by correcting the impression that the concept of the coalition is specifically in furtherance of Atiku Abubakar’s quest for the presidency. Some people seem to betray amnesia when they list occasions when the former Vice President vied for the nation’s number one office.

    “Nigerians always forget, however, that Atiku has always been a team player and a conciliatory one at that, because back in 1993 when the presidential primary of the erstwhile Social Democratic Party (SDP) produced Moshood Abiola, it was Atiku’s personal sacrifice which enabled that process.

    Read Also: North, coalition formation and presumptions

    “There was going to be a run-off between Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, who came first and second in the primary, but Atiku, relatively new to politics, came third and agreed to step down to smoothen the pathway for Abiola’s emergence.

    “He worked assiduously for the victory of Abiola in the general polls even when there were no guarantees of subsequent compensation by way of appointment or patronage if the SDP eventually won the presidential election.

    “Frozen out of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) in the run-up to the 2007 presidential election, Atiku ran for President in 2007 on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN).

    “He did so to deepen democracy. He challenged every allegation and concoction against him in court, won every suit and joined the contest to show the way to upcoming politicians, not because he was desperate to be President.

    “Party and political hierarchies today are less lawless and more inclined towards simulating due process in their internal operations.”

    Oborevwori’s, Okowa’s, others’ defection will strengthen APC in the South-South, says Abe

    Chairman of the National Agency for The Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Senator Magnus Abe, said the defection of Governor Oborevwori and other stakeholders in Delta to the APC would  go a long way in solidifying the party’s support base in the South-South geopolitical zone.

    Abe also hailed Dr Okowa for his decision to join the APC.

    Abe, who spoke in a statement by his spokesperson, Parry Benson, described the move as a signal that Nigeria’s democracy was actually stronger under the APC led by President Tinubu.

    He said democracy is strong where every citizen is allowed true freedom of association, and freedom of choice.

    Abe said: “Under President Tinubu, Nigerians have seen a tremendous increase in the resources available to the states, and serious minded governors have been able to utilise that advantage to the benefit of their people.

    “This is the merit that Sheriff Oborevwori and his team have seen and decided to take advantage of it, to move the people of Delta state closer to the centre to accelerate development. It is a step in the right direction and I commend him.”

    He recalled that former Vice President Atiku dumped the PDP in 2007 as sitting Vice President to contest for the presidency on the platform of another party. Therefore, Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Okowa’s decision to defect to the APC was in order as it would benefit the people of Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone in general.

    It’s a game changer in Delta’s political history — Sen. Nwaoboshi

    Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who once represented Delta North in the Red Chambers, described the defection as a strategic step towards unity, progress and the advancement of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Nwaoboshi said it also signified a turning point for governance and political collaboration in the state.

    He said: “As you step into this new chapter with the APC, be assured of my unwavering support and that of many other progressives who believe in building bridges rather than walls.

    “Together, we shall work to consolidate this momentum and build a Delta State that is not only united but strategically positioned to benefit immensely from its new alignment with the Federal Government.

    “We look forward to working together for the betterment of Delta State and in strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

    “I urge all APC faithful to welcome Governor Oborevwori and incoming members with open arms.”

    Rivers PDP NASS caucus endorses Tinubu for 2027

    The Rivers State PDP Caucus, which is made up of two Senators and seven Representatives, said it was imperative to give the President a second term to consolidate on the visible successes of his agenda.

    In the statement read by Senator Barry Mpigi, the federal lawmakers expressed their “heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his trust and confidence in our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, following his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”

    They said they were gladdened by the President’s public acknowledgement and commendation of the “exceptional performance of the Minister of FCT, who he described as the ‘Master of Infrastructure.”

    Continuing, they said:“Now, having carefully reviewed the President’s economic policies which are targeted at repositioning our once moribund economy through his Renewed Hope Agenda, and taking into account the massive rot and decadence he inherited on the 29th of May, 2023—including our unenviable debt profile and the terrible inflationary figures occasioned by the printing of N22.7 trillion by the Central Bank of Nigeria through Ways and Means overdraft for the Federal Government between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “And the near-absence of critical infrastructure to support food production; we have come to the conclusion that the President’s economic plan is the surest way out of our country’s social and economic morass.

    “Further, our assessment is firm that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is very much on track with already visible results and a credible basis that offers greater improvement in the economic wellbeing of Nigerians if given the necessary time.

    “Still, we are convinced that the declining inflation figures, the substantial reduction in our foreign debt profile, and an IMF-backed promising growth figure all bode well for the economy in the years ahead.”

    Otti: No plans to defect to APC

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who was speculated to be on his way to the APC, yesterday denied having any such plan.

    Otti, the only governor elected on the platform of Labour Party (LP) in the last election, said he remained a member of the LP.

    A section of the media had reported that Otti had a meeting with his Imo State counterpart, Gov. Hope Uzodinma to perfect plans to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    But Otti, through his Special Adviser on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, dismissed the reports as false, baseless, unfounded and completely devoid of substance.

    Giving details of Governor Otti’s meeting with Governor Uzodinma, Ferdinand said: “After the National Economic Council meeting on Thursday, April 24, Governor Otti and a few of his colleagues joined Governor Uzodinma to attend the birthday celebration of his twin daughters, an event that had nothing to do with politics.

    “It’s natural for Governor Otti’s impressive performance, popularity and towering credentials as the Governor of Abia State to attract admiration and permutations from interested parties.

     “However, Governor Otti’s political decisions, especially those that would have huge impact and far-reaching consequences on Abians, would at all times be taken in conjunction with majority of Abians and his allies.

    “Such decisions must be justified and be seen to be in the overriding interest of Abia people.

    “Governor Otti strongly holds the view that though political activities seem to have once again started gathering momentum, it would be unfair to the Abia electorate if politics of 2027, instead of governance is allowed to dominate discussions less than two years into the administration.

    “Finally, we wish to emphatically state that Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party and is presently not planning or discussing with anyone to defect to the APC or any other party for that matter as falsely alleged.”

    I’m not joining Atiku’s coalition, says Governor Buni

    Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State said yesterday that he was not joining the coalition spearheaded by Alhaji  Atiku Abubakar.

    The governor’s Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed in a reaction to a viral text message that Buni and four other APC governors had concluded arrangements to defect to the opposition PDP and join the coalition before the 2027 general elections, said it was all “baseless fabrication, unwarranted imagination and assumptions that did not cross path with reality in any way, shape and form.”

    He said that at no time was the author of the text ever been close to the governor to think that he could attempt to predict the governor’s political movement.

    “Buni is no ordinary member of APC; he is not just an APC governor. He is APC in all ramifications, with APC flowing in his veins,” Mohammed said.

    He added: “His contributions to building APC as a two-term National Secretary and National Chairman who chaired the party’s convention committee make him unique and whose imagination of leaving the party cannot be speculated.”

  • World leaders, crowds of worshippers bid Pope Francis farewell

    World leaders, crowds of worshippers bid Pope Francis farewell

    • Trump, Zelensky meet at pontiff’s burial

    Pope Francis was yesterday buried in Rome after a funeral ceremony and procession attended by hundreds of thousands of people and many heads of state.

    The deceased pontiff was buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, his favourite church in Rome, on Saturday afternoon, after a two-hour funeral service held in St Peter’s Square, the Holy See said.

    Nigeria was represented by a delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Some 150,000 people had earlier bid farewell to the pope from the roadside as his funeral procession passed through central Rome, according to estimates by the Vatican.

    Leaders and dignitaries from around the world had earlier attended his funeral service, held in St. Peter’s Square.

    The convoy travelled through the centre of Rome, passing some of its best-known sites including the Forum and Colosseum, accompanied by several escort vehicles and police motorbikes.

    Some 250,000 gathered for the funeral service, both in St Peter’s Square itself and in the surrounding streets.

    In total, the authorities counted around 400,000 people, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said, according to media reports.

    Read Also: North, coalition formation and presumptions

    The first South American pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, marking the end of a 12-year pontificate.

    As the Italian capital woke up to a hazy morning, teenage pilgrims, nuns and priests of all denominations filed silently down the streets leading to the Vatican.

    Many of the streets around St Peter’s Basilica were closed – both to allow the flow of visitors and for security reasons, as more than a hundred foreign dignitaries were expected to join the funeral mass.

    More than 8,000 Italian police of different branches were out in force, as well as firefighters, medics, canine unit handlers, volunteers, members of the armed forces and even park guards.

    Many had been called in from all sides of Italy to be in Rome today – resulting in a rather joyous blend of accents from across the country, from the Sicilian to the Milanese.

    By 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) much of the square was already full.

    Jessica, 22 and from Mexico, and Cyril, 20 and from the US, had arrived at dawn to secure a front row spot to the funeral mass.

    “We never thought we’d be this close. We sacrificed a little sleep to be here but it’s worth it,” said Jessica.

    She’s a Catholic and said her relatives in Mexico would “never believe it” when she told them she had been at the Vatican for the Pope’s funeral.

    As heads of state and foreign dignitaries took their places to the right of the altar, hundreds of photographers in the press area on the roof of the colonnade snapped their cameras furiously, hoping to capture a candid image of US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose last meeting in February gave rise to a combative exchange in the Oval Office.

    But soon after, as a striking photo of the two men sitting on two chairs inside St Peter’s began to circulate, it emerged that they had already met for about 15 minutes before the service began

    Later, Zelensky said the meeting “had potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results”.

    No more details were shared, but some on social media later joked that, given the setting, the meeting had been a “miracle”.

  • Edun, Cardoso: FG targets single digit inflation, more FDI inflows

    Edun, Cardoso: FG targets single digit inflation, more FDI inflows

    • Govt mulls 7% annual growth to reduce poverty

    • Reaffirm commitment to support the poor, vulnerable

    • Nigeria, US hold talks on gas, agric, infrastructure investments

    The Federal Government says it recognises the threat posed by inflation to the welfare of Nigerians, and is taking strategic measures to bring it down to single digit.

    The move is also aimed  expanding  investment  frontiers of  the economy, Finance Minister and Co-Ordinating Minister for the Economy, Olawale Edun and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said yesterday at a joint press conference at the end of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, in Washington DC.

    According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, inflation rate in Nigeria rose to 24.23 per cent in March from 23.18 per cent in February 2025.

     “We recognise that inflation remains the most disruptive force to the economic welfare of Nigerians. Our policy stance is firmly focused on bringing inflation down to single digit in a sustainable manner over the medium term,” Cardoso said.

    He said the aim was to “restore price stability, protect household purchasing power, and lay the foundation for long-term investment.”

    The CBN boss said the recent Fitch Ratings upgrade, which applauded the exchange rate unification to reduce arbitrage in the markets, the introduction of electronic FX matching platform and a new FX code to enhance transparency and efficiency in the market as well as deployment of monetary policy tightening to keep inflation on check, showed that the reforms were succeeding.

    Edun put Federal Government’s economic growth target at seven per cent, an ambitious projection which has the potential to substantially reduce the current level of poverty and improve the standard of living of Nigerians significantly.

    Read Also: Atiku and the Delta defections

    “That’s a commitment and target, and the way to get it is by focusing on agriculture, increasing productivity, as well as making food more available to the people,” the Minister said.

    Edun said government was also focused on “building more infrastructure, particularly in the digital economy area that will benefit young people, and supporting businesses through improved access to finance.”

    He said President Bola Tinubu’s desire was that the poor and the most vulnerable were not left behind in the benefits from the ongoing economic reforms.

    His words: “We have a social and direct benefit transfer programme. It started off and it wasn’t robust enough or up to standard, so we stopped it.

    “We are back to the drawing board, and now have a standard that requires payments going out to people on the social register, and allow each person to be identified biometrically, through a National Identity Number. Each person has a digital methodology for reaching them.”

    Twenty million Nigerians are currently on social register, with one million monthly addition which is expected to rise to three million monthly in due course.

    Addressing the benefits of the spring meetings, Edu said the just concluded one came at a time ofglobal uncertainty, structural shifts, rising trade and geopolitical tensions, elevated interest rates and high debt levels of which many of the heavily impacted countries are in Sub Saharan Africa.

    He said although tariff hikes were impacting real wages and disruption of global supply chains disproportionately affecting Emerging Market Developing Economies (EMD’s) in view of the limited diversification of their economies and greater dependence on imported goods, domestic policy re-strategising should be the first line of defence

    “Fiscal policies should safeguard sustainability and rebuild buffers; remain investment friendly to create job opportunities and enhance resilient growth.

    “Policy calibration should be toward further restoring confidence and stability, reducing imbalances and improving productivity to drive sustainable growth. Regional and cross regional economic integration and cooperation is critical,” he said.

    He explained that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Nigeria was pursing growth-oriented policies through various initiatives in agriculture and food security, road and rail infrastructure, social security as well as strong reforms in both the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas arena.

    “The delegation had bilateral meetings with the President of the WBG and IMF where the leadership expressed strong support for the Nigerian government’s commitment to the ongoing reforms and encouraged Nigeria to remain focused and avoid complacency in undertaking structural (regulatory) reforms,” Edun said.

    During the meetings, high-level discussions took place between the Minister, the CBN Governor, and the Director of International Economic Relations, with representatives from the U.S. State Department.

    The U.S. emphasised the importance of continued engagement to showcase Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and attract investor confidence.

    “Key areas of interest include U.S. interest in investments in Nigeria’s natural gas sector, particularly the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, given the country’s vast gas reserves.

    “Discussions also highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, especially digital connectivity, where U.S.-led transatlantic fiber optic projects could indirectly benefit Nigeria and support broader digital development goals,” he said.

    “Agriculture was identified as another strategic sector for collaboration, with the U.S. expressing interest in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to boost productivity, enhance value chains and strengthen food security through investment and technical cooperation.”

    Edun said Nigeria’s reform efforts were strongly appreciated by the international community as the most credible way to economic prosperity.

    The US State Department described Nigeria’s reforms as an economic miracle.

    He said: “There is strong global appetite for investments in Nigeria and IFC’s continuing investment in Nigeria will be a strong signal for many more to come for the Nigerian private sector.

    “Fiscal consolidation remains a critical element of the Nigerian policy menu at this time. Nigeria agrees on the overarching theme of the 2025 WBG/IMF Spring Meeting that job creation is the sure pathway to poverty reduction and improved livelihood.”

    He described the market-determined foreign exchange regime put in place by government as another key pillar of the reforms.

    “We have embraced market-driven pricing for the naira, significantly enhancing transparency and restoring investor confidence.

    “Again, thanks to disciplined reforms and policy clarity, the naira has stabilised at a more sustainable level against the U.S. dollar.

    “The once-wide gap between the official and parallel market rates has all but disappeared, a first in Nigeria’s recent history, and speculative arbitrage has all but vanished.

    “This renewed stability has restored confidence and spurred autonomous inflows through formal channels. These inflows are diversifying our foreign exchange sources beyond oil,” he said.

    Cardoso said that the apex bank has strengthened its monetary buffers and positioned Nigeria to better withstand external shocks.

    “Indeed, the macroeconomic stability we are beginning to see today would not have been possible without these decisive actions. Nigeria’s external buffers have also strengthened considerably.

    “Our foreign reserves now exceed $38 billion, providing nearly 10 months of import cover. This robust buffer enables us to better withstand external shocks – whether from declining oil prices or global financial turbulence – thereby safeguarding our economy,” he said.

    The CBN Governor said Nigeria recorded a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion last year, the strongest in many years, driven by rising exports and renewed capital inflows.

    “At the same time, we are enhancing the strength of our financial sector. The banking sector recapitalization is well underway, with strong momentum and stakeholder alignment, and will ensure that Nigerian banks are fully equipped to support the real economy with greater scale, stability and capacity.

    “At these spring meetings, our development partners expressed their confidence in Nigeria’s trajectory. Feedback from global investors and the Nigerian diaspora has likewise been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting growing alignment with our economic direction.

    “Nigeria is increasingly recognised as a rising economic force, admired for the resolve shown in implementing difficult but necessary reforms.

    “These achievements, while encouraging, only strengthen our resolve to press forward. We will not be complacent. Instead, we will redouble our efforts to ensure these positive trends are sustained,” he stated.