News

Tinubu sacks Edun, Dangiwa in cabinet reshuffle

Tinubu sacks Edun, Dangiwa in cabinet reshuffle

April 21, 2026 Markup 0

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yomi Odunuga, said the decision was conveyed in a memo signed by the SGF, George Akume.

NUJ slams NBC directive as threat to press freedom

NUJ slams NBC directive as threat to press freedom

April 20, 2026 Markup 0

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed grave concern and deep disappointment over the “formal notice” issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on April 17, 2026.

The union described the directive—warning broadcasters to ensure “strict and uncompromised compliance” in the face of alleged breaches of professionalism—as a veiled attempt to stifle the media and institutionalise censorship.

Ijaw scholar urges governance overhaul, backs plural leadership

Ijaw scholar urges governance overhaul, backs plural leadership

April 18, 2026 Markup 0

A US-based Ijaw scholar has called for a strategic rethink of governance structures across the Ijaw nation, warning that over-reliance on a single institutional authority could undermine accountability and long-term development.

In a candid reflection on recent developments, Prof. Mondy Selle Gold urged the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to embrace what he described as “institutional plurality”, the coexistence of multiple credible organisations to strengthen governance, representation and transparency within the Ijaw socio-political space.

Group urges increased funding for South-South Commission

Group urges increased funding for South-South Commission

April 17, 2026 Markup 0

The South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has called for increased funding for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), alongside the immediate release of funds earmarked for its take-off.

Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the SSRG, appealed while speaking to journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Ijaw rulers declare INC election invalid

Ijaw rulers declare INC election invalid

April 17, 2026 Markup 0

The Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) has declared that no valid election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was conducted on 13 April, insisting that any exercise held on that date is null and void.

Chairman of CITRE, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, made this known during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the purported election contravened established procedures.

Police chief urges applicants to meet recruitment deadline

Police chief urges applicants to meet recruitment deadline

April 16, 2026 Markup 0

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, on Thursday, visited the 2025 Police Constable Recruitment Screening Centre at the Police College, Ikeja, to assess the ongoing exercise and ensure compliance with established guidelines.

The screening, which began on Monday, 9 March 2026, is being conducted at the Police College in accordance with the approved procedures.

During the visit, the commissioner met with representatives of the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Federal Character Commission (FCC), and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Lagos State Command, who are overseeing the process to ensure transparency, fairness and credibility.

Kalu takes helm as FRSC commander in A’Ibom

Kalu takes helm as FRSC commander in A’Ibom

April 16, 2026 Markup 0

The Command’s Public Enlightenment and Public Relations Officer, Mr Paul James, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday.

He said Kalu succeeds Mr Francis Ajatta, who has been redeployed to the Rivers State Command. According to James, her appointment is aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency in road traffic management and safety across the state and the country.

Police chief visits appeal justice, inspects new station project

Police chief visits appeal justice, inspects new station project

April 14, 2026 Markup 0

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Justice Ntong Ntong of the Court of Appeal at his residence.

The visit was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration, fostering mutual understanding, and exploring strategies to further enhance the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the judiciary. The engagement highlighted the importance of synergy between both institutions in the effective administration of justice and the maintenance of law and order across the state.

INC clears way for Yenagoa elections on 13 April

INC clears way for Yenagoa elections on 13 April

April 13, 2026 Markup 0

BoT Chairman, Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs, disclosed this while briefing journalists after more than four hours of the board’s inaugural meeting held on Sunday in Yenagoa.

Lulu-Briggs, who also heads the Oruwari Briggs War Canoe House in Abonnema, Rivers State, said following consultations with the National Electoral Committee, there was no turning back on the polls. He added that voting could be conducted either physically or electronically.

Ijaw elders defend INC poll suspension, cite constitution

Ijaw elders defend INC poll suspension, cite constitution

April 11, 2026 Markup 0

The Council of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) has defended its decision to suspend elections into executive positions of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), insisting the move is in line with the organisation’s constitution.

In a statement issued on Saturday and titled, “On Constitutional Process and the INC Electoral Timeline,” the Chairman of CITRE, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, said the suspension was necessary to uphold due process.

Police activate statewide security, release emergency lines

Police activate statewide security, release emergency lines

April 7, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the activation of comprehensive security measures across the state to prevent and combat violent crime.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, said the move aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police and aims to strengthen public safety.

As part of the strategy, the command has intensified intelligence-led policing, increased patrols, and deployed personnel strategically across all local government areas.

Police activate statewide security, release emergency lines

Police Week: Akwa Ibom command lauds Umo Eno’s support

April 5, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has praised Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering support to security agencies, as activities for the ongoing Police Week celebration.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, stated on Sunday, 6 April 2026 that the command expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s sustained commitment to strengthening the operations of the Nigeria Police Force and other security outfits in the state.

Easter: Nwoko urges hope amid hardship

Easter: Nwoko urges hope amid hardship

April 3, 2026 Markup 0

Senator Ned Nwoko (APC–Delta North) has extended Easter greetings to Christians, urging Nigerians not to lose hope despite current challenges.

In a statement issued on Friday, the lawmaker, described Easter as a powerful reminder that difficult seasons are often followed by renewal and new beginnings.

Police honours fallen officers with ₦53.7m support

Police honours fallen officers with ₦53.7m support

April 2, 2026 Markup 0

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, has presented cheques of ₦53.7 million to 34 families of police officers who died in the line of duty.

The presentation, held as part of the 2026 National Police Day and ongoing Police Week celebrations, was conducted on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police in a solemn ceremony.

Itsekiri group slams calls to cancel Tantita contract

Itsekiri group slams calls to cancel Tantita contract

April 2, 2026 Markup 0

Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) of Itsekiri extraction in Delta State, have condemned calls by some individuals to revoke the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract.

The coordinators made their position known at a media briefing held on Wednesday in Warri, where they described the agitation as self-serving and potentially destabilising to the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta.

Group demands power rotation in Bomadi/Patani

Group demands power rotation in Bomadi/Patani

March 31, 2026 Markup 0

The Committee on Power Rotation in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, Delta State, has called for equitable representation and a renewal of leadership in the area.

The committee made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chairman, Chief Binaebi Keboh, the Ebe-Ebidouara of Kabowei Kingdom, alongside Mr Perezilagha Orutu.

Delta monarchs back Tantita, urge Tinubu to renew deal

Delta monarchs back Tantita, urge Tinubu to renew deal

March 31, 2026 Markup 0

The Delta State Traditional Rulers Council has passed a resounding vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), calling for the renewal and expansion of its contract.

The royal fathers, drawn from the Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic groups, endorsed the firm on Monday during an enlarged council meeting held at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I.

2026 AGM: APPSN urges surveyors to drive political participation

2026 AGM: APPSN urges surveyors to drive political participation

March 25, 2026 Markup 0

Surveyors in Lagos State must actively participate in politics and governance to promote value-driven leadership and national development, the guest speaker, Mr Adewusi Ademola, has said.

Ademola made this call at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Luncheon of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Lagos State branch, held in Magodo. The event was themed “Politics and Governance: Enhancing Value-Driven Leadership in the Professional and Political Landscape.”

Police halt unauthorised rallies in Uyo

Police halt unauthorised rallies in Uyo

March 23, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has warned against planned political rallies in Uyo on Saturday, 28 March 2026, stating that no approval has been granted for the events.

The command said it received credible intelligence about a proposed two-million-man rally in support of a presidential candidate, allegedly organised by the Village Boys Movement and widely circulated on social media. It also confirmed a parallel rally planned by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Group for the same date.

IGP Disu scraps police squads, orders restructuring

IGP rebuts false disbandment claims, orders tactical unit overhaul

March 23, 2026 Markup 0

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has dismissed reports in sections of the online media alleging that he ordered the disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across state commands nationwide.

In a statement, the IGP described the reports as a misrepresentation of his directive, clarifying that he did not order a wholesale dissolution of tactical units but instead mandated a reduction in their number.

SSRG slams NDC, warns Bayelsans against political deception

SSRG slams NDC, warns Bayelsans against political deception

March 19, 2026 Markup 0

The South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has rejected the emergence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State, branding it a misguided political venture with no meaningful prospects in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on Thursday, the group’s convener, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, said the SSRG does not regard the NDC as a credible political platform, dismissing suggestions that it represents the interests of the Ijaw people.

According to him, the party lacks the political, ideological and structural foundation required to gain relevance in Bayelsa State or across the wider Niger Delta region. He described its positioning as a fallacy driven by personal ambitions rather than collective progress.

Group demands release of detained aides to Sylva

Group demands release of detained aides to Sylva

March 18, 2026 Markup 0

A human rights organisation, the Centre for Justice and Equity (CJE), has called for the immediate release of four aides to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who were arrested by security agencies.

The group expressed concern over alleged violations of human rights and due process, lamenting the continued uncertainty surrounding the detainees’ situation.

In a statement signed by Chief Igoni Williams, the CJE said the aides had remained in custody since 25 October 2025, following a raid on the Maitama residence of the former minister.

International Women’s Day: POWA supports members with relief items in A’Ibom

International Women’s Day: POWA supports members with relief items in A’Ibom

March 13, 2026 Markup 0

International Women’s Day: POWA supports members with relief items in A’IbomThe Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day with the distribution of relief materials to members of the association.

The event, held on 10 March 2026 at the POWA Secretariat in Uyo, was organised under the leadership of the Chairperson, Hajia Zainab Baba Mohammed Azare, as part of activities marking the global celebration of women and their contributions to nation-building.

The gathering attracted spouses of police officers, female police personnel and other women stakeholders, who reflected on progress made in advancing women’s rights, welfare and security.

BREAKING: Nine senators dump parties for ADC

BREAKING: Nine senators dump parties for ADC

March 12, 2026 Markup 0

Nine senators on Thursday announced their defection from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that could further reshape the dynamics within the National Assembly.

Of the nine lawmakers, five defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), three left the Labour Party (LP), while one senator parted ways with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Sowore questions businesswoman’s apology to Umahi

Sowore questions businesswoman’s apology to Umahi

March 12, 2026 Markup 0

Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has expressed doubts over a public apology issued by businesswoman Tracyniter (Tracy) Nicholas Ohiri to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, suggesting she may have been pressured to retract her earlier allegations.

Ohiri had previously accused Umahi of sexual harassment and failing to pay for contracts allegedly executed on his behalf. However, she later withdrew the claims in a video message released on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Power Projects in Badagry border communities

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Power Projects in Badagry border communities

March 11, 2026 Markup 0

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated electrification projects in border communities in Badagry, describing the investment as a strategic move to improve electricity supply and stimulate economic growth.

The governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, inaugurated the projects on Wednesday in the Gbaji–Seme and Owode–Apa corridor.

The projects include three high-capacity tower crossings, rehabilitated 33KV distribution lines along the Gaji–Seme and Owode–Apa routes, and the connection of 51 transformer substations. The intervention is aimed at addressing long-standing electricity challenges in the area.