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2027: Coalition demands urgent resolution of Oyo APC crisis

Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) members and stakeholders, under the agies of Coalition for Oyo APC Renewal (COAR) has demanded urgent resolution into crisis rocking the party in the state.

The stakeholders, who are worried about the state of the party in the state lamented that the controversy surrounding the party’s recent primary elections has created deep anger, suspicion and division.

COAR urged former Senate Leader and a Chieftain of the party, Senator Teslim Folarin to take in cognisance state of structures within the party, which according to them is currently burning.

In an open letter to Folarin by its Chairman, Hon. Rasak Raji Gbadamosi, and its Secretary, Surveyor Christopher Adewusi, COAR alleged that results of the partys primary election was not transparently declared, while candidates were being presented in circumstances that have left many aspirants and party members feeling cheated, ignored and politically disenfranchised.

According to COAR, instead of urgently resolving the crisis, the national leadership appears more interested in moving ahead as though nothing has happened, describing such move as a dangerous political miscalculation.

‘You cannot demand loyalty from members whose grievances you refuse to hear. You cannot ask aggrieved aspirants to mobilise for candidates they believe were imposed upon them. And you cannot build a presidential campaign on the ruins of a fractured party structure.

‘Let us be clear: if this crisis is not resolved, the consequences will go beyond the disputed primary elections.

‘There may be widespread anti-party activities, voter apathy, silent sabotage, rejection of unpopular candidates, defections, loss of grassroots mobilisation and a general collapse of enthusiasm for the APC.

‘Many aggrieved members may not openly defect or publicly campaign against the party. They may simply withdraw their support, remain at home on election day or quietly vote for alternatives.

‘The President must therefore be told the truth about Oyo State. A few meetings with selected individuals cannot erase the grievances of thousands of party members. The crisis cannot be solved by pretending that the party is united.’

COAR urged Folarin to use his access to President Tinubu Presidto demand urgent intervention in Oyo APC.

‘The way forward is clear: transparency in the declaration of primary election results, fair resolution of genuine grievances, an inclusive reconciliation process, and an end to the imposition of candidates without due process.

‘Senator Folarin, if you genuinely desire the success of President Tinubu in Oyo State, then your first assignment should not merely be to campaign for him. It should be to help save the party structure that is expected to deliver the votes.

‘No campaign machinery can replace angry party members. No slogan can substitute for trust. And no presidential candidate can expect maximum support from a state chapter whose members feel abandoned by their own party.

‘This is not a threat. It is a warning based on the political reality on the ground.

‘If the Oyo APC crisis remains unresolved, the 2027 elections may become a referendum-not only on the candidates presented by the party, but also on the impunity and injustice that party members believe they have suffered.

‘The President may still secure victory in Oyo State. The APC may still win the governorship and legislative elections. But that will only happen if the National Leadership acts decisively and urgently.

‘Ignore Oyo APC at your own political peril. The crisis must be resolved before the campaign begins-not after the party has lost the election.’

Free surgeries promised for 258 patients after Arusha health camp

A total of 258 patients diagnosed with conditions requiring surgery and specialised treatment during the Phase Three Medical Camp in Arusha will receive these services free of charge.

The announcement was made on Thursday, July 23, 2026, by Arusha Urban Member of Parliament Paul Makonda, who coordinated the initiative, stating that organisers will collaborate with stakeholders to cover all medical expenses.

During the camp held from July 13 to 21, 2026, 28,871 citizens accessed health services, with 258 identified as needing specialised referrals and surgery for serious conditions, including tumours, cancer, and cardiovascular ailments. Mr Makonda, who is also noted that most affected patients come from low-income families unable to afford procedures, prompting the organising committee to intervene.

‘Patients attended seeking diagnoses, only to learn they required complex, costly surgeries. It would be unjust to leave them without assistance,’ said Mr Makonda.

He assured that the committee will track each patient through the referral process until full recovery.

‘We will support them through this secondary phase of care to restore their health and enable them to resume economic activities,’ he added, appealing to health institutions and donors for support.

The camp engaged 520 healthcare providers, including medical specialists and super-specialists from across the country, alongside 200 support staff.

Screenings revealed high rates of non-communicable diseases: 6,030 individuals were diagnosed with hypertension, including 1,930 newly identified cases placed on immediate care.

Additionally, 6,297 people were screened for diabetes, with 554 diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels and enrolled in treatment.

Mr Makonda urged men to prioritise routine prostate health checks, noting that participation remains low despite rising cases.

Services encompassed cardiology, oncology, paediatrics, gynaecology, orthopaedics, nephrology, and mental health care, alongside cervical and breast cancer screenings.

Surplus medical supplies valued at Sh89.88 million and Sh154 million in cash donations will be retained to sustain local services.

Arusha District Medical Officer, Dr Nindwa Maduhu, confirmed that the remaining supplies will be distributed to district health centres, with referrals commencing immediately.

’Adeleke’s performance made me dump APC’

A former Osun West senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Peter Ogundeji, has defected to the Accord Party to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, citing the governor’s strong leadership and welfare initiatives.

Ogundeji, who spoke at the Government House open field yesterday while leading thousands of supporters into the Accord Party, said he was previously ‘blind’ to good governance while in the APC.

‘Some time ago, when I was in APC, I was blind and not well enlightened on good governance. But today, I have seen light in the Accord Party of Governor Adeleke,’ he said.

The Ejigbo-born politician praised Adeleke’s welfare programmes for civil servants, retirees and workers across the state, and withdrew earlier criticisms he made against the governor while in the APC.

‘Any statement made against your government was political and just mere fallacy. You have done well, Mr Governor,’ he said.

Ogundeji also alleged that the APC senatorial primary in his zone was not properly conducted, claiming that party elders ‘hand-picked’ the candidate. He said one of the aspirants later told him that even the President had endorsed Adeleke for a second term because of his performance.

‘I am sure the President has seen the good works of Adeleke’s government. I urge all other members in that party to join Adeleke to win his re-election,’ he concluded.

Asiri Surgical Hospital performs Sri Lanka’s first Robot-assisted surgery

Asiri Surgical Hospital successfully performed Sri Lanka’s first Robot-assisted surgery, marking a historical milestone in the country’s healthcare sector.

The first procedure was successfully completed on 13 July 2026, enabling patients to access advanced surgical technology locally rather than travelling overseas.

The technology is utilised by experienced consultant surgeons at Asiri Surgical Hospital across a range of surgical specialties, combining advanced surgical tools with established clinical expertise.

As Sri Lanka’s largest healthcare conglomerate, Asiri has consistently invested in medical technologies, specialist expertise and modern infrastructure to expand access to advanced treatment options. The introduction of Robot-assisted surgery represents a further investment in improving surgical capabilities and offering patients with internationally accepted standards of care within Sri Lanka.

The robotic surgical platform, currently used in over 60 countries, supports consultant surgeons in performing Robot-assisted surgery with crystal clear imaging, greater precision and enhanced control through its advanced 3D high-definition vision. Smaller incisions, reduced trauma to surrounding tissue and enhanced surgical accuracy contribute to less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery for patients.

Asiri Surgical Hospital Director Operations Dr. Harry Prasad said: ‘Asiri has always believed that progress in healthcare comes through continuous investment in clinical capability, technology and people. Successfully performing Sri Lanka’s first Robot-assisted surgery reflects that philosophy -about giving our consultants better technology to perform complex procedures while improving the overall surgical experience for patients. We are pleased to introduce this pioneering technology, which adheres to European regulatory standards, to Sri Lanka, allowing more patients to benefit from advanced surgical care closer to home. As with every new clinical advancement we introduce, our priority remains patient safety, clinical excellence and measurable outcomes.’

The successful completion of Sri Lanka’s first Robot-assisted surgery, marks an important step in Asiri Surgical Hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhance surgical care and provide patients with greater access to world-class treatment options in Sri Lanka.

Villanueva pushes skills credit system to fast-track Filipino career growth

Senator Joel Villanueva is pushing to institutionalize a career progression and skills crediting system to help build a more competitive, adaptable, and future-ready Filipino workforce.

Senate Bill No. 2313 seeks to establish the Career Progression and Specialization Program and Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CPSP-CATS), which will provide structured pathways for career advancement, specialization, and professional qualification. By aligning workforce competencies with evolving industry needs, the measure will help address labor market challenges and strengthen the country’s human capital competitiveness.

‘Every training completed, every competency developed, and every experience gained should help Filipinos move forward in their careers,’ Villanueva said.

‘Through the proposed CPSP-CATS, professionals will have clearer pathways to advance, specialize, and earn certifications with corresponding Philippine Qualifications Framework [PQF] Levels without having to start over whenever they pursue career growth,’ he added.

While existing laws such as the Continuing Professional Development Act, the Philippine Qualifications Framework Act, and various Professional Regulatory Laws support professional development, Villanueva said they lack a unified framework for career progression and skills crediting, resulting in inconsistent implementation across professions.

Under the bill, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), in consultation with the Civil Service Commission, will develop career progression and specialization programs for all 46 regulated professions. The PRC will also accredit specialty training providers, oversee program implementation, and establish mechanisms for recognizing and transferring learning and professional practice credits across education and training sectors.

Villanueva said the measure responds to continuing labor market challenges despite economic growth.

As of May 2026, around 2.5 million Filipinos were unemployed, while more than 6 million employed workers remained underemployed and sought better opportunities.

‘These figures underscore the need for policies that help professionals strengthen their qualifications, develop specialized competencies, and improve their career prospects,’ Villanueva said.

‘This bill is about giving Filipinos more opportunities. By recognizing skills and competencies, we empower workers to grow in their careers, boost productivity, and contribute more to their families and to nation-building,’ he added.

’I attempted suicide several times’ – Ubi Franklin

Music executive and artist manager Ubi Franklin has spoken publicly about battling depression and past suicide attempts.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Franklin said he went through a very difficult period despite his successful career.

Franklin disclosed that he attempted suicide several times and was rescued by his cousin, Omini Stitches.

He said the experience taught him resilience and the importance of not holding grudges.

‘I went through some crazy, depressing periods. I remember one time I bought a red CL, and I drove that car to the Third Mainland Bridge to go and commit suicide.

‘The only luck I had was my cousin brother Omini Stitches, who came to save me. Several times I had tried to commit suicide; Omini saved me. Because I was so embarrassed, I didn’t know what to do. I felt like, what have I done to deserve all of this? I have a good career going for myself. I have like the biggest artist in the country at the time. Everything was fine, so I just felt like it was time for me to settle down.

‘So, sometimes I always feel like this relationship did not work; it was just meant to be that way. Till today I can’t really explain exactly what transpired, but we’re now very good friends. We co-parent very well; we celebrate our son’s events.

‘So sometimes, I have always believed that regardless of all the pain, the best result that I got from that was my son. And she’s still doing very well. Any opportunity I ever have to support her, I always do it to the fullest, and I pray that she continues doing well. The lesson I want you to learn from this is, I don’t want you to think that when something happens sometimes with a human being, you have to hate the human being. No, that’s not the case. Sometimes it is just an opportunity for you to learn from the process and keep it moving’, he said.

Thailand seeks extradition of ‘Rose Rose’ in flight attendant heroin case

Thailand is seeking the extradition of a woman accused of hiring a Thai flight attendant to carry heroin-filled bags to Australia, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle a transnational drug trafficking network linked to a notorious drug kingpin in Myanmar’s Shan State.

The suspect, identified only as Chantra, is the person behind the Facebook account ‘Rose Rose’, which allegedly contacted and recruited a Thai Airways International flight attendant, Meena, through Facebook Messenger to transport bags concealing narcotics, said Pol Maj Gen Noppasit Mitpakdee, commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau’s Division 1.

Investigators believe Ms Chantra has fled to Myanmar and is hiding in an area controlled by ethnic armed groups.

According to Pol Maj Gen Noppasit, Ms Chantra is related to Col Ja Lobo, a suspected drug lord based in southern Shan State. Authorities describe him as a key figure in a major transnational drug production and trafficking operation. He previously served as deputy commander of Military Region 171, an area under the influence of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed groups.

Thai security and anti-narcotics agencies have monitored Col Ja Lobo for years. An arrest warrant has already been issued for him.

Pol Maj Gen Noppasit said authorities are now coordinating with Myanmar officials to bring Ms Chantra back to face prosecution. He noted that Thailand and Myanmar do not have a mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT), meaning officials must rely on international cooperation and diplomatic channels to secure her return.

Meanwhile, Parin Mekhanan, director of the Office of Narcotics Control Board’s (ONCB) Bangkok office, said Ms Meena remains in the custody of the Australian Federal Police and is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sept 14.

The ONCB has continuously provided information to Australian authorities, although any decision on whether that evidence will be used in Ms Meena’s case rests with Australian prosecutors and courts. Australian authorities have not requested additional information from Thailand, he said.

Pol Maj Gen Teeradej Thammasuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said authorities are stepping up efforts against transnational drug syndicates that use Thailand as an export hub.

He said such networks are often run by foreign nationals, including Chinese, Vietnamese and ethnic minority groups, who trick Thais into carrying drugs overseas. Authorities cited Ms Meena’s case and another involving crystal methamphetamine concealed in tamarind paste destined for Tokyo.

However, he said cases of unsuspecting Thais being recruited as drug couriers have declined as public awareness has grown following a series of high-profile arrests and media reports.

Presidential insults cannot replace transparency – Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the Presidency’s latest statement attacking his person as further proof that the Tinubu administration has chosen diversion over disclosure and insults over accountability.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it was telling that the Presidency devoted several paragraphs to personal attacks without addressing the fundamental issues that continue to generate legitimate public interest.

‘When governments abandon facts for insults and substitute evidence with abuse, they unwittingly admit that they have run out of convincing answers. Nigerians expected clarification. What they received instead was a barrage of name-calling and political invective.’

Atiku noted that raising questions about matters contained in public records should never be misconstrued as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

‘No one has reported Nigeria to anyone. Nigeria is not on trial. The issue concerns questions arising from publicly available records relating to the occupant of the nation’s highest office. Those records were not created by the opposition, the ADC, or any political actor. Attempting to silence legitimate public inquiry by wrapping oneself in the national flag does not answer the questions before the country.’

The former Vice President said it was particularly unfortunate that the Presidency chose to revive old political allegations against him instead of responding directly to the issues it was confronted with.

‘Nigerians can distinguish between political mudslinging and factual responses. Personal attacks do not erase public records, nor do they substitute for transparency. The Presidency should resist the temptation to personalise issues that require clear and factual explanations.’

Atiku further observed the irony of an administration that actively seeks foreign investment, foreign loans, favourable international ratings, and global endorsements suddenly portraying international scrutiny as an assault on Nigeria’s independence.

‘You cannot celebrate international validation when it is convenient and condemn international scrutiny when it becomes uncomfortable. Accountability is not foreign interference; it is a democratic obligation.’

He also dismissed the argument that electoral victory automatically settles every question concerning public accountability.

‘Elections confer political authority, but they do not extinguish the public’s right to ask questions. A democratic mandate is not a substitute for transparency, nor does it exempt any public official from the obligation to account to the people.’

Atiku urged the Presidency to abandon its combative posture and provide Nigerians with clear, factual responses instead of inflammatory rhetoric.

‘If the government believes that the public record has been misunderstood or misrepresented, the appropriate response is to present the facts. Abuse cannot replace evidence, and propaganda cannot replace truth.’

The former Vice President maintained that history has consistently shown that confident governments respond to scrutiny with openness rather than hostility.

‘The Nigerian people deserve answers, not insults. They want to know if their President forfeited money to the Government of yhe united states of America on account of deug related offenses. They deserve transparency, not diversion. Until those questions are addressed with facts, no amount of outrage or personal attacks will silence legitimate public inquiry.’

Reps probe Mining Marshals over alleged N2bn scandal

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the activities of the Mining Marshals Corps, comprising more than 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Abdulmaleek Danga (APC-Kogi) during plenary on Wednesday.

Danga recalled that the Federal Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Interior inaugurated the specialised security unit on March 21, 2024.

He said the unit was established under Section 3 of the NSCDC Act and the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

According to him, the Mining Marshals were established to secure mining sites, combat illegal mining and banditry in mineral-rich communities, and protect federal revenue from the solid minerals sector.

However, the lawmaker alleged that the unit had deviated from its mandate, resulting in the wrongful arrest and harassment of legitimate mineral title holders.

He also alleged financial impropriety within the unit, including the reported discovery of more than N2 billion in the bank account of a former state commander.

Danga said the commander was redeployed instead of facing judicial inquiry, prosecution or internal disciplinary action, fuelling allegations that the unit had been compromised by wealthy illegal mining syndicates.

He also expressed concern over the procurement and allocation of operational vehicles without clear evidence of legislative appropriation or budgetary provision.

The House mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities and performance of the Mining Marshals nationwide.

The committee is to investigate the N2 billion bank account allegation, other cases of alleged compromise, the source of funding for the operational vehicles, and all external financial inflows to the unit.

It is also to examine the statutory compliance of the unit’s creation, structure and composition, and recommend an internationally accepted and legally compliant security model.

Ruling on the motion, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu mandated the committee to submit its report within four weeks for further legislative action.

WASPAN seeks court order to stop FCCPC’s DEON regulations pending appeal

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) has returned to the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking an order restraining the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from enforcing its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations 2025 pending the determination of its appeal.

The fresh application follows the court’s July 20 judgment dismissing WASPAN’s suit challenging the validity of the regulations while clarifying the respective regulatory roles of the FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In the judgment, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa dismissed the FCCPC’s preliminary objection, holding that WASPAN’s suit disclosed a reasonable cause of action and that the association had duly served the commission with a pre-action notice.

The court also held that the dispute centred on the interpretation of legislation rather than a claim for damages and that any alleged non-compliance with the statutory pre-action notice requirement did not deprive it of jurisdiction.

On the substantive issues, the judge ruled that Sections 104, 105, 106 and 163 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act empower the FCCPC to investigate anti-competitive conduct, protect consumers and make regulations.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa further held that there was no conflict between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, affirming that while the FCCPC exercises competition and consumer protection functions, the NCC remains the statutory regulator responsible for licensing operators in the telecommunications sector.

The court also ruled that the FCCPC has no authority to issue telecommunications licences, noting that the DEON Regulations do not create a telecommunications licensing regime.

Although the court upheld the DEON Regulations and dismissed WASPAN’s substantive claims, the association has filed a notice of appeal and is seeking interim orders to preserve the status quo pending the determination of the appeal.

In its Motion on Notice, WASPAN asked the court to restrain the FCCPC, its officers, agents or representatives from enforcing or implementing the DEON Regulations 2025 until the appeal is decided.

The association also sought an order preventing the commission from interfering with its members’ operations or taking any action that could hinder them from providing services covered by the regulations.

In addition, WASPAN urged the court to restrain the FCCPC from imposing sanctions, penalties or fines on its members for any alleged non-compliance with the DEON Regulations pending the outcome of the appeal.

According to the association, the interim orders are necessary to preserve the subject matter of the appeal and prevent the appellate proceedings from being rendered ineffective before the Court of Appeal reaches a decision.