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Candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have commended the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for his role in resolving disputes arising from the party’s primaries and ensuring that the names of its candidates were published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The commendation followed INEC’s recent publication of the NDC’s candidates for the 2027 general elections, ending weeks of anxiety among aspirants, particularly those seeking seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The delay in the publication of the list had generated apprehension among candidates and party supporters, but the latest development has eased tensions within the relatively new opposition party.

Several candidates attributed the resolution of the disputes surrounding the primaries to Dickson’s intervention, describing him as a stabilising force in the party.

They also dismissed allegations that aspirants were compelled to pay money to secure tickets, insisting that the party’s primaries, though not without challenges, were conducted transparently.

The NDC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, commended Dickson for the manner in which he handled the challenges surrounding the primaries, reconciliation efforts, and nomination of candidates.

Nwaogu, a former senator who served in the Eighth National Assembly, said: ‘The National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson deserves accolades for the way he navigated the trying times that the primaries, reconciliations, and the nomination of candidates were finally concluded.

‘Nobody is perfect, but he acted in the interest of our party, NDC.’

She appealed to aspirants who lost their bids for tickets to remain committed to the party and support its candidates in the 2027 elections.

‘I appeal to aspirants who did not get tickets to see this as a contest in which those who lost today can win tomorrow. They should work with our party to ensure its victory in the 2027 elections,’ she said.

A Canada-based aspirant who lost his bid for a House of Representatives ticket also praised the party leadership and Dickson for managing the disputes that followed the primaries.

The aspirant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he witnessed many of the developments surrounding the party’s internal processes.

‘I’m a front-row witness to most of what transpired, and I can tell you that all the National Leader has been doing since after the primaries has been settling the misunderstandings that arose either directly from the venues of the primaries or from the handling of the disputes by respective state leaders and stakeholders who were charged with harmonising the various interest groups,’ he said.

According to him, Dickson did not create the disputes and did not interfere with the work of state stakeholders or committees constituted to conduct the primaries.

‘None of these issues was created by the National Leader, who, by the way, did not interfere with the work of either the respective state stakeholders or the various committees sent by the party to conduct the primaries.

‘Instead, he has spent the last two or three months settling and reconciling all of us aspirants and stakeholders,’ he said.

Another aspirant from Edo State rejected allegations that NDC tickets were sold to the highest bidders, saying he personally met Dickson several times without money being demanded or discussed.

‘On the allegation that the tickets were being sold to the highest bidder, I, for one, can boldly tell you that I visited the National Leader no fewer than thrice, with party leaders and aspirants from my state. Not once was the issue of money ever discussed,’ he said.

‘Nobody can claim he ever gave money to Senator Dickson. I’m sure he would have walked you out of his house if you ever tried to offer him any money.’

The aspirant said Dickson had made significant sacrifices for the growth of the party, urging members to close ranks and work towards victory in the 2027 elections.

‘I’m calling on all members of the party as the democrats we are, to join hands to work for the party, to not only deliver the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, his running mate, but also deliver all the candidates of the NDC across board,’ he said.

He described the NDC as the ‘only true hope of the opposition and Nigeria’s democracy’, urging members not to allow internal disagreements to undermine the party.

In a related development, Mazi Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu, who lost his bid for the NDC House of Representatives ticket for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo State, called on party members to move beyond the primaries and unite behind the party’s candidates.

Reacting to the publication of the candidates’ list by INEC in a Facebook post, Iroegbu acknowledged that his name was absent from the list but said he had moved on and remained committed to the party.

He congratulated the successful candidates and urged his supporters to continue backing the NDC.

‘Although my aspiration did not materialise this moment, my commitment to the people remains firm, and I will continue to work for the progress of my community,’ he said.

Iroegbu added, ‘I urge all my supporters to continue with their support for NDC from top to bottom, standing firmly behind the party’s leadership and candidates, and ensuring unity, discipline, and active participation during the election processes. Service to the people shall always be our creed.’

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has stepped back from its planned nationwide strike following a high-level meeting with the Federal Government at the State House, Abuja.

Both sides reached agreements on key welfare, salary and promotion issues during the meeting that lasted for about three hours.

President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila convened the meeting.

Among those at the meeting were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Taiwo Oyedele; Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi; and officials responsible for cash management and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

NARD President, Muhammad Suleiman, who briefed reporters after the meeting, said both parties substantially resolved the issues that prompted the association’s strike notice.

‘Today, I can tell you, our matters are solved’, Suleiman explained.

He revealed that the parties agreed on definite timelines for addressing outstanding salary payments, promotions and allowances that trigger industrial action.

‘This is not the first time the Chief of Staff has intervened in matters relating to resident doctors in this country. About six or seven years ago, when he became Speaker, it was the first opportunity he had to intervene, and he has always intervened. Whenever he came into our issues, our matters were solved’, Suleiman said.

According to him, ‘timelines have been agreed upon by various agencies of government on salary and promotion areas. We are talking about the meal issue at LUTH(Lagos University Teaching Hospital), and we are talking about a week for implementation.

”We have agreed on a figure. We have agreed on numbers.’

Suleiman also announced a breakthrough on the delayed payment of salaries to house officers, saying the government has issued a standing directive to ensure prompt remuneration.

‘We also talked about house officers, so that they don’t have to wait a whole month before they get the previous month’s salaries. In fact, he has given a standing order that before the 10th of every month, salaries of house officers must be paid’, he said.

The NARD president further revealed that the Presidency directed the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Health to fast-track negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the association so that any agreed financial commitments would be accommodated in next year’s budget.

‘The conversations have been very, very robust’, he added.

On the safety of medical personnel, Suleiman said the association raised concerns over the growing number of attacks on health workers. He said that 31 doctors and more than 20 other health workers had been assaulted in the past 10 months.

He said the Health Ministry agreed to issue directives to hospitals to strengthen security and create safer working environments.

Suleiman added that discussions also covered the lingering dispute over unpaid hazard and specialist allowance arrears

NARD had threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike from August 10 over unresolved salary arrears, welfare concerns and other longstanding issues affecting resident doctors across federal health institutions.

Ondo State Government has deployed amphibious machines to clear waterways and channels as part of emergency measures to tackle the worsening flooding being experienced in some major parts of the state.

The intervention, which is being carried out particularly in riverine areas of Ilaje Local Government, is aimed at removing obstructions from waterways and improving free flow of water to reduce the risk of further flooding.

The development came amid growing concerns over the impact of heavy rainfall and rising water levels in communities, homes, offices and on roads across the state.

Confirming the development in an interview with The Nation, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control, Elisha Ebijimi, said the government had begun the clearing and desilting of waterways, canals and drainage channels using the amphibious excavators.

He said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed the immediate deployment of the amphibious machines in waterways to open up the channels and ease the impact of the flood.

He noted that the intervention was expected to help open blocked water channels, remove accumulated debris and vegetation and restore natural watercourses to facilitate the movement of floodwater.

‘Governor Aiyedatiwa has already directed us to deploy our amphibious machines back to our waterways in Ilaje. We are not here to pack any churning.

‘So, we are going to face our waterways because they are already full. So, we need to discharge our waterways before we come back to the communities,’ Ebijimi said.

He said the flooding had caused losses in some communities, adding that officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were expected to visit Ilaje and Ese-Odo local governments for an assessment.

The governor’s aide said the state government had earlier identified the clearing of waterways and drainage channels as part of its measures to mitigate flooding and protect lives and property across the state.

The latest deployment is coming on the heels of widespread flooding recorded in parts of the state, which has disrupted movement and caused damage to residential and commercial properties.

Recently, torrential rainfall led to severe flooding in parts of Odigbo Local Government, with sections of the busy Lagos-Ore-Benin Highway affected, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours.

Houses, shops, vehicles and roads were also submerged in some communities in the state, heightening calls for urgent and sustained intervention by the government.

The situation has renewed concerns about blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the need for regular maintenance of waterways before and during rainy season.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has hailed the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, for the prompt deployment of an operational police aircraft to support ongoing security operations in the state.

Governor Abiodun had requested the deployment of the aircraft as part of efforts to further strengthen the state’s security architecture and sustain the fight against criminality and banditry. The request was swiftly approved by the Inspector General of Police.

Receiving the aircraft and its crew on behalf of Ogun State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, expressed the governor’s appreciation to the Inspector General for his prompt response and commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state.

Talabi noted that the deployment of the aircraft would enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities of security agencies, thereby complementing ongoing efforts to rid Ogun State of criminals.

He described the development as another testament to the strong collaboration between the Ogun State Government and security agencies, adding that the partnership has continued to yield positive results in safeguarding residents and protecting critical infrastructure.

According to him, the operational aircraft will further boost the ongoing ‘Operation Kosaye’, the joint security initiative aimed at flushing out kidnappers, bandits and other criminals from forests, border communities, and other identified flashpoints across the state.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for security agencies to effectively discharge their responsibilities, stressing that Ogun State will continue to invest in initiatives that guarantee peace, security, and sustainable economic development.

Troops of the 8 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army have rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered 281 livestock from bandits who attacked Horo Birni Village in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A credible security source from the area disclosed the operational success to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Sokoto.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said troops responded swiftly to distress calls on Tuesday and carried out the operation by confronting the terrorists who were moving with the kidnapped victims and the rustled livestock.

According to the source, troops made contact with the terrorists who were already in possession of the kidnapped civilians and livestock taken from the villagers.

‘Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds abandoning the kidnapped victims and rustled livestock.

‘Troops searched the area and successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims. Recovered 195 cows, 84 sheep, two camels and two motorcycles,’ the source disclosed.

The source explained that the troops’ quick response saved lives and property, adding that teamwork and synergy among agencies during the operation were worthy of commendation.

‘The troops are always battle-ready to tackle all forms of criminality in the country but need sustained community support and vigilance,’ the source said.

Actress Kemi Afolabi is celebrating her daughter, Dara, on her 16th birthday while reflecting on the health challenges she faced this year amid her battle with lupus.

In an Instagram post, the actress shared a video of herself with Dara in hospital and revealed that 2026 had been one of the toughest years for their family after a severe lupus flare-up led to multiple surgeries.

‘Year 2026 has been tough for us. A lupus flare came on so strong, leading to multiple surgeries,’ Afolabi wrote.

Despite her health struggles, the actress praised her daughter for standing by her throughout, describing the teenager as her source of strength.

‘But Dara was stronger! You grew on me, baby. It’s been you in both sad and happy moments. You’re an amazing child. I celebrate you not just today but every day,’ she added.

Afolabi, who opened up about her lupus diagnosis in 2022, said Dara has been with her through both difficult and joyful moments.

The actress has been vocal about living with the autoimmune disease and often credits her daughter for her support during treatment and recovery.

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested two suspects in separate operations across the state.

The command also recovered three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other exhibits.

The command said one of the suspects was allegedly involved in a plot to kidnap a pastor and a retired school principal in the Ughelli area of the state.

Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the Ebrumede Division arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Benjamin Haruna, during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4.

He said two other suspects, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.

Edafe said a search of a bag in the suspects’ possession led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrelled guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a military camouflage polo.

The spokesman said a preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were conveying the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.

He added that Haruna remained in custody while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

He added that in a separate operation, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence on July 31, 2026, foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane.

Edafe asserted that Kwane attempted to recruit another person into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, noting that a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrelled gun and two live cartridges.

He said the suspect was undergoing further investigation.

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Oyeniyi urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance security across Delta State.

The Coalition of Ijaw Youth (CIY) in the Niger Delta has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service, warning against allowing recent developments surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) to distract from the government’s public sector reform agenda.

In a statement in Abuja, the coalition’s National President, Comrade Bedford Berefa Benjamin, said the digital transformation programme, spearheaded by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, was laying the foundation for a more transparent, efficient and accountable public service.

It said the deployment of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) System, GovMail, the 1-GOV Cloud Platform and other digital solutions had accelerated the Federal Civil Service’s transition to a paperless system, improving service delivery and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

‘The transformation being championed by the Head of the Civil Service is redefining public administration by ensuring official records are digitally preserved, approvals are traceable, and accountability is strengthened,’ the statement said.

The group said the reforms had replaced cumbersome manual procedures with secure digital platforms for document management, preservation of institutional memory, transparency and faster decision-making.

According to the coalition, expanding digital governance across government institutions would also reduce administrative errors, strengthen internal controls, improve audit trails and enhance compliance with Public Service Rules.

It urged Nigerians to view the current reform efforts from the broader perspective of institutional transformation, arguing that technology-driven systems would provide stronger safeguards against procedural lapses associated with manual administration.

The coalition also commended initiatives aimed at strengthening merit-based career progression, capacity development, payroll integrity and knowledge management, describing them as critical to building a modern, efficient and responsive Civil Service.

It said institutional reform was a continuous process that should not be undermined by premature conclusions while administrative processes were still ongoing.

‘The ongoing digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service is one of the most ambitious governance reforms in Nigeria today. It deserves sustained support, consolidation and full implementation across government,’ the statement added.

The coalition called on the Federal Government to accelerate the nationwide rollout of digital governance initiatives, saying an integrated and paperless public service would promote transparency, improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in government institutions.

It reaffirmed its support for reforms aimed at promoting institutional excellence, technology-driven governance and a Federal Civil Service capable of delivering efficient, transparent and citizen-centred services.

Former senator, Francis Alimikhena, has been appointed the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, with his coronation scheduled for August 22.

The appointment was approved by the Edo State Executive Council on July 6, according to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Coronation Planning Committee, High Chief Tony Akiotu.

As part of the coronation ceremony, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is expected to present the staff of office to Alimikhena, formally confirming his ascension to the traditional throne.

Alimikhena represented Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2023. He was first elected into the 8th National Assembly in 2015, where he served as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate during his first term.

Following his re-election in 2019, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, overseeing legislative matters relating to customs administration, tariffs and trade.

The Coronation Planning Committee said the event would bring together eminent sons and daughters of Uwanno Kingdom, alongside dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora, to celebrate the installation of the new traditional ruler.

According to the committee, the coronation marks a significant milestone in the history of the kingdom and is expected to herald a new era of peace, unity and sustainable development under the reign of the new Okumagbe.

The committee also expressed optimism that Alimikhena’s leadership, drawing from his years of public service and legislative experience, would contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of the kingdom.