Category: Nigerian Tribune

The media adviser to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has said his principal committed no offence by referring to President Bola Tinubu simply as ‘Bola’ in his Independence Day address.

Ibe, in a post on X on Friday, said some people were outraged that Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, addressed the president by his first name, but maintained that outrage did not amount to law.

‘Bola is the President’s name, right? There is no Nigerian law that makes it a criminal offence to address a president by his first name,’ he said.

He cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that no person shall be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence and its punishment are prescribed in a written law.

‘So, anyone claiming Atiku committed an offence should produce the law that says Nigerians must always prefix Bola Tinubu’s name with ‘President,’ ‘His Excellency’ or ‘Mr President.’ There is no such law,’ Ibe said.

He maintained that the use of first names among political leaders was not unusual, noting that former United States President Barack Obama publicly referred to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel simply as ‘Angela’ at official events, including a joint White House press conference and a state dinner.

Ibe added that Section 39 of the Constitution guaranteed freedom of expression.

‘People may debate Atiku’s style. They may say they would have preferred ‘President Tinubu.’ That is their opinion. But let us not invent an offence where none exists. Bola is his name. President is his office,’ he said.

According to him, the more important question was whether Atiku’s critics could address the substantive issues he raised in his Independence Day state-of-the-nation address.

A 16-year-old girl in Delta State has alleged that two teenage boys sexually assaulted her at a hotel in Ughelli after she was invited there by a friend.

The teenager said the suspects, identified as Godstime and Goodluck, allegedly assaulted her multiple times, recorded the incident on their mobile phones and demanded further sexual acts before agreeing to delete the footage.

The case came to public attention after a video circulated on social media showing the suspects allegedly mocking the girl after she told them she was menstruating.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development and said one of the main suspects involved in recording the video had been arrested.

The victim, who recounted the incident during an interview with Edafe, said she was invited to the hotel by a friend identified as Nice Money.

‘My friend, Nice Money, asked me to visit him in a hotel, but I told him I didn’t have transport fare, and he said someone would pay for the fare when I arrived. When I got into the hotel, I saw two extra boys, and when I told Nice Money that I met the boys at the hotel, he told me he was coming,’ she said.

According to her, Nice Money left after she arrived, leaving her with Godstime and Goodluck.

She alleged that a disagreement followed after she told the boys that she was on her period, leading to one of them assaulting her before ordering her to remove her clothes.

‘As we were arguing, one of them slapped me and ordered me to undress, so I removed my clothes, and they raped me and later recorded me with their phones,’ she alleged.

The teenager further claimed that the boys used the recording to pressure her into having sex with them again.

‘I begged them to delete the video, but they said they would have sex with me again before they could delete it, and despite my pleas, they had sex with me again.

‘Two of them, Goodluck and Godstime, took turns on me and had sex with me eight times while knowing I was on my period,’ she added.

She said she later managed to leave the hotel after the suspects fell asleep.

Godstime, who was arrested in connection with the incident, admitted that he participated in the sexual assault and identified himself as an internet fraudster.

‘I was the one speaking in the video, and we recorded it because we were angry when she told us she was on her period.

‘I had never met her before, but we were chatting on WhatsApp before she came over to the hotel,’ he added.

However, Godstime disputed the teenager’s account of how many times she was sexually assaulted, saying he and Goodluck had sex with her twice.

‘When the girl came to the hotel, Goodluck and I had sex with her, but we only did it twice,’ he said.

Edafe said the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

‘He is with us, and he is going to go in for it because the law says from seven years and above, whatever you do, you will go in for it,’ he said.

The police spokesperson also used the incident to appeal to parents to ensure they are able to care for children before bringing them into the world.

‘Parents, if you know you don’t have what it takes to take care of a child, I beg you in God’s name, don’t bring that child into this world.’

Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, has brought an end to the relationship between a couple, Gbolagade and Omodunke on the account of irresponsibility, lack of love and care, lack of respect for parents, and threat to life.

Gbolagade said that Omodunke, a once loving, caring and dutiful woman became defiant, hostile and a threat to his life, after he failed in his attempt to renew his visa to Dubai.

The plaintiff explained that their home was joyous and his relationship with his wife blissful because he dispensed his responsibilities towards his family to the best of his ability while residing and working at Dubai.

The plaintiff explained that he enrolled their children in one of the best schools around and also ensured they were fed with a balanced diet food at every meal.

According to the plaintiff, he ensured that both his children and wife lacked.

The plaintiff stated that the situation of things later changed in their home and went from bad to worse.

Gbolagade added that the relationship between him and his wife also fell apart all because his fortune nose dived.

He explained that his wife became unreasonable, rude and went as far as attempting murder.

Gbolagade said he has endured his wife’s misbehaviour enough and could no longer tolerate such any longer.

He, therefore, prayed the court to end their relationship.

The plaintiff also entreated the court for their children’s custody.

He further requested an order restricting his wife from threatening and encroaching on his privacy.

Omodunke refused that their marriage be dissolved.

She explained that she had remained supportive of her husband as they faced the financial crisis.

Omodunke stated that she went as far selling her piece of land to pay one of their children’s tuition fee in the tertiary institution.

The defendant said that her husband dragged her to court mainly because he planned to take a new wife.

Omodunke refused that her husband had custody of their children.

She pleaded that they be with her while the court made her husband responsible for their upkeep.

Gbolagade, in his evidence said, ‘My wife and I got married in December 2003 and I paid her bride price.

‘We had a beautiful marriage and a peace

peaceful relationship.

‘Ten years into our marriage, 2013 precisely, I left the country in search of a greener pasture.

‘I was in Dubai working and sending money home for the needs of both my wife and our children.

‘I ensured our children were enrolled in a standard school and I paid their fees although high as at when due.

‘I also showered my wife with attention and met all her needs.

‘Our home was a happy one.

‘All these unfortunately changed at the expiration of my visa and my inability to renew it.

‘My once loving wife became a pain in the neck.

‘She was unfriendly, troublesome, rude and always sought every opportunity to fight me.

‘She also turned our children agains5t me.

‘I also paid the high tuition fee of our first child who is in a private university from her first year to the third as at when due.

‘My wife turned her and her siblings my enemy when it was obvious that I could no longer afford the fee.

‘My wife also became hostile towards me and criticised all that I did.

‘She was always ready to fight me.

‘She was likewise rude to my parents, my father in particular and almost beat him up during a misunderstanding.

‘My wife is not trustw8 realised after I returned to Nigeria that my wife had been cheating me by collecting from me more than our children’s school fees.

‘She did the worst when she attempted to take her life by drinking snipper because I could no longer afford her lofty lifestyle.

‘I am tired of my marriage and relationship with my wife.

‘I pray that our union be dissolved.

‘I in addition plead for our children’s custody.

‘I further request an order restricting my wife from threatening and infringing on my privacy.’

Omodunke, responding, said, ‘I pray the court to spare our marriage.

‘I am positive that my husband dragged me yo court because he wants to marry another wife.

‘My father-in law in addition is also a force behind the step my husband took.

‘I never stopped supporting my husband and showering him with the necessary love and care in his predicament.

‘I went as far as selling my piece of land to pay our daughter’s school fee in the university.’

The president of the court, Mrs O.E Owoseni, after she had heard both parties stated that both had a valid and subsisting customary marriage because the bride price was paid.

Owoseni stated that the plaintiff claimed that the defendant exhibited different forms of intolerable behaviour which she did not challenge.

Ruling, Owoseni dissolved their union and ordered the plaintiff to be responsible for their second child’s education.

The first child she stated was old enough to decide where to stay.

At least three persons were injured on Friday when gunmen allegedly disrupted consultative meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident occurred at two locations in Calabar South, including the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of the area, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, and the African Club along Calabar Road, where the party was scheduled to hold a second engagement with stakeholders.

Speaking with journalists after the incidents, the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, said the attackers opened fire during the consultation at the palace, leaving three persons injured.

He said the injured victims were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they were receiving treatment.

Archibong alleged that the violence continued at the African Club, where vehicles belonging to members of the PDP consultative team and supporters were reportedly damaged.

According to him, the party had duly notified the police of its activities and expected adequate security protection for the meetings.

He said about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation, adding that the party leadership restrained its members from retaliating despite the attacks.

Rather than engage the attackers, he said the party moved its convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.

He warned that repeated disruption of political activities could undermine the democratic process and create an atmosphere of lawlessness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,’ he said.

Reacting to the incident, the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, appealed to party supporters to remain calm while condemning what he described as an attack on the party’s consultation with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Eba said the injured supporters were stable and recovering, while calling on security agencies to strengthen measures to protect lives and property.

He also urged political parties and stakeholders across the state to reject violence and allow citizens to participate freely in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the PDP remained committed to its political campaign and would continue its consultations across the state despite the incident.

In a separate statement, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as disturbing attacks on the party’s consultative engagements.

Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, and urged security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and refrain from reprisals.

It expressed solidarity with those injured and called on political actors across the state to allow political consultations and other democratic activities to take place without intimidation or violence.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state denied involvement in the incidents.

The APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was focused on its own political activities and urged the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible for the attack.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the incidents.

The Command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police personnel had been deployed to the affected locations and that the situation was under control.

He said the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property

‘The Cross River State Police Command is aware of reported incidents during political activities in Calabar South today, 2nd October 2026.

‘Police personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, and the situation is presently under control.

‘The Command is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including reports of gunfire, injuries, and damage to property,’ Eitokpah said.

He advised residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary and refrain from circulating unverified information.

He added that police presence and monitoring had been strengthened across the area to maintain peace and public order.

The Accord Party in Ogun State has provided 300 solar streetlights across rural communities in the state, as it formally commenced preparations for the 2027 governorship election and the unveiling of its campaign council.

The party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Agbongboakala Olaniyi Shuaib, disclosed this over the weekend at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

He explained that the lighting initiative was part of efforts to address infrastructure gaps in underserved communities and promote rural development.

The State Chairman of the party, Hon Oke Michael, informed that the solar-lighting project will see 100 streetlights installed in selected rural communities in each of the three senatorial districts.

He said the initiative was being funded by the party’s gubernatorial hopeful, as part of his contribution to rural development and the provision of basic infrastructure.

‘The Ogun Lighting Project is an evidence of the kind of development that Accord plans to achieve on a grander scale once the party is mandated to govern Ogun State,’ Oke said.

He added that the project was expected to enhance security and public safety while enabling businesses and markets in beneficiary communities to operate for longer hours.

Oke said the lighting project was only the beginning, adding that the party intended to expand the initiative if elected.

‘This is going to be a pilot project. We want to start with this initial phase and see how it works. If everything goes well, the next phase could be 1,000 solar streetlights. By God’s grace, we will be able to do it.’

The chairman also disclosed that the party had sponsored 84 students for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, describing the intervention as part of the party’s grassroots-oriented approach.

He said the party would continue to unveil programmes aimed at education, infrastructure and community development.

Addressing supporters at the event, Okewole outlined what he described as his administration’s development agenda if elected governor.

He promised to introduce what he called ‘Operation No Pothole’, under which his administration would intervene in the rehabilitation of roads across the state, including federal roads, subject to the necessary approvals.

‘There will be no demarcation as to whether a road is a state or federal road. There are no federal people. Everyone who plies a road in Ogun State is either an Ogun resident or a visitor,’ he said.

‘We cannot afford to leave our roads unattended simply because we are waiting for the Federal Government to come and repair them. Therefore, there will be Operation No Pothole in Ogun State.’

On healthcare, the ACCORD Party candidate promised to revitalise health facilities ranging from primary healthcare centres to general and teaching hospitals.

He also pledged to tackle abandoned projects in the health sector.

On education, Okewole said his administration would prioritise teachers’ welfare and improve remuneration across the civil service.

‘No state, country or society has developed by paying lip service to education,’ he said.

He also promised to create an enabling environment for private-sector investment while intervening directly in areas where government participation would be necessary to generate employment.

The candidate said his administration would target the creation of 550,000 jobs within its first four years, citing the need to prepare Ogun’s growing youthful population for the labour market.

He said the proposed economic strategy would focus on manufacturing, the blue, green and circular economies, as well as intellectual and creative industries.

‘We will create a conducive business environment for businesses to thrive and for private investors to come and do business,’ he said.

‘But we will not put our lives and our destinies entirely in the hands of the private sector. Where government needs to employ our people, government will employ them.’

Okewole also unveiled an ambitious proposal for a state-backed venture-capital framework to support startups and technology-driven businesses.

He said Ogun should take advantage of its proximity to Lagos to attract high-value businesses and investors.

The candidate said his long-term blueprint envisaged Ogun developing an economy capable of matching Lagos in scale, while targeting the emergence of high-value startups.

His proposal includes a state-sponsored venture-capital framework under which government funding would be matched by private investors.

According to him, eligible businesses would be expected to employ Ogun residents and domicile their operations in the state.

The aim, he said, would be to provide capital for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and create employment.

Okewole further promised reforms in pension administration, saying retirees would receive their gratuities within 90 days of retirement if his party forms the government.

‘You can quote me. You can put this in black and white. I am prepared to sign it,’ he said.

He proposed an automated system that would begin processing a worker’s pension and gratuity several months before retirement.

He also promised to review the minimum wage in consultation with organised labour, arguing that the current wage was inadequate in view of prevailing living costs.

The candidate said ACCORD wanted Ogun civil servants to be among the best remunerated in the country while demanding higher productivity in return.

In his speech, Okewole criticised the incumbent APC administration, alleging that it had failed to deliver adequately in areas including infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment.

He challenged the government to identify what he described as a defining achievement that could serve as a campaign record.

Okewole also criticised what he described as the use of poverty and financial inducements in electoral politics.

‘We are campaigning to the conscience and hearts of Ogun people because we do not intend to commodify any Ogun indigene,’ he said.

He urged party members to take Accord’s message to communities ahead of the 2027 election.

‘Tell them that it is not enough to continue complaining about government. If you want change, you must seek it and participate in bringing it about,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the party, in its magnanimity, honoured a retired police officer, Abiodun Anifat Bello, for what it described as dedicated and meritorious service to the nation.

Michael said Accord Party believed public servants who had contributed to the development of Ogun deserved recognition and support after retirement.

The party Chairman said the recognition formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to valuing public service.

Nollywood is exploring an alternate version of Nigeria in ‘A Land Apart’, an upcoming political thriller that imagines a country where agriculture, rather than crude oil, became the foundation of its economic prosperity.

Written by Emil Garuba and Michael Garuba and directed by Bem Pever, the film is scheduled to open in cinemas across Nigeria on October 23, 2026, with Nile Entertainment handling its theatrical distribution.

Set in an alternate Nigeria, ‘A Land Apart’ centres on Ahura Agric International Corporation (AAIC), an agricultural company whose proprietary formula, AX-103, has helped sustain food production across Africa.

The story takes a dramatic turn following the death of the company’s founder, Dekera Ahura, who is killed shortly before deciding which country should receive the life-changing formula. His secret heir, Dooshima Bida Ahura, subsequently finds herself at the centre of a struggle for control of the agricultural empire, as members of the family challenge her position and international interests move to secure AX-103.

Leading the cast is veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, alongside Princess Mufeedah, Daniel Etim Effiong, Sam Dede, Adam Garba, Ronya Man, Frank Donga, Ummi Baba Ahmed, Iveren Antiev and Preach Bassey.

The late actress and singer Onyeka Onwenu also features in the film as Madam Ngozi, the Market Queen of Zaki Biam.

Set among the Tiv people of Benue State, the film incorporates the culture and agricultural heritage of the region into its fictional world, while exploring themes of family, power, wealth and political interests.

For Pever, the project also provides an opportunity to take a distinctly Nigerian story to international audiences. The filmmaker previously said the film’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival opened conversations with international industry stakeholders and demonstrated the interest in authentic African stories.

Ahead of its Nigerian cinema release, A Land Apart has received international recognition, winning Best Feature Film at the 2026 Zanzibar International Film Festival. The film was also selected for the Creative Africa Content Pavilion at Cannes’ Marché du Film and the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival.

Produced by Pever, Sally Williams Ngwobia and Emil Garuba, with Samira Buhari as executive producer, the film is a production of Take 7 Media and Entertainment in association with Sutoritera Limited.

With its blend of alternate history, political intrigue, family conflict and agricultural themes,

A Land Apart is set to bring a different narrative to Nigerian cinemas when it opens nationwide on October 23.

A member of the Federal House of Representatives from Zamfara State, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, has engaged his constituents and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the All Progressives Congress has made significant progress despite challenges.

Jaji, who represents Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, met with stakeholders and members of the Jajiya Political Movement on Friday night in Gusau, the state capital.

He urged supporters and stakeholders to ensure peaceful conduct during the 2027 elections, while calling on them to remain vigilant and committed to the progress of the APC.

Jaji said the party had made progress at both the state and federal levels despite the insecurity affecting communities across the state.

‘Alhamdulillah, despite the menace of insecurity, which has largely affected our communities, APC has made significant progress at the state and federal levels,’ he said.

He also urged the electorate to support President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

‘Our Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been trying his best in terms of infrastructural development in the state.

‘Give your best, do your best and ensure massive votes for President Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal,’ he said.

An estranged wife, Jamila Murtala, has dragged her husband, Saminu, before Mararaba Upper Area Court, sitting in Nasarawa State, alleging that he brought his new wife to live in her rented apartment.

Jamila said she was happily married to her husband Saminu, until when they divorced.

‘He refused me access to the apartment, my belongings and other privileges.

‘Immediately the court dissolved our marriage, I locked my apartment and travelled to inform my uncle about it.

‘However, when I returned home, to my greatest surprise, I discovered that he had changed the locks and moved his second wife in.

‘I paid N12,000 for the apartment in 2020.

‘He promised to refund the money, but he never did’, she told the court.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), she prayed the court to compel Saminu to refund the N12, 000 she paid for the apartment.

‘I pray the court for an order for a refund of the money I paid for the apartment and the unconditional release of my belongings,’ she said.

However, Saminu, denied all allegations.

The judge, Mohammed Jibril adjourned the case for ruling.

A renovated five-classroom block has been handed over to Emmanuel College, Owerri, a foremost college in the state, with an advice to protect the facilities meant for teaching and learning.

In a welcome address on behalf of the Old Boys, the ‘Progressives of Unique’ 1988 Set, Engr Obii Madumere, urged the students to ensure they see the facilities as their own property by maintaining them and making the most of the opportunities the facilities provided.

He recalled that the 1988 Set have also fully paid the NECO examination fees for JS3 students who were financially unable to meet the obligation, to ensure that no child was left behind because of financial constraints.

Also intervened, according to the Set, was the payment of the WAEC Centre Revalidation fees to support the school’s continued academic standing and examination readiness.

He advised them to always remember that the value of their intervention will ultimately be measured not only by the beauty of the renovated classrooms, but by the quality of lives and futures that are shaped within them.

Describing their efforts as a significant milestone in their collective journey of giving back to the institutions that helped shape their lives, values and future, Madumere said that the 1988 Set has returned to the college not merely as alumni, but as partners in progress.

He said: ‘Our mission has always been clear, to contribute meaningfully to an environment where the present generation of students can learn, grow, dream and pursue excellence.’

Madumere affirmed that the commitment of the Progressives of Unique 1988 Set to their alma mater goes far beyond the project, while assuring that the meaningful development must be holistic, sustainable and focused on the needs of both students and staff.

Speaking, an Old Boy of the college and Commissioner for Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering, Hon Ikenna Elezianya, expressed dismay over the present deteriorating condition of the college.

He said that after leaving the college 40 years ago, the present college does not represent the same college where he attended.

He said: ‘When we left, Emmanuel College was one of the best in the state.’

He, however, commended the 1988 Set for their high commitment towards rescuing the college, to encourage both the teachers and the students to continue to acquire basic educational skills and knowledge.

In their separate speeches, the Acting National President of Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association (ECOOSA), Sir George Nwachukwu, and a member of the Progressives of Unique 1988 Set, Chukwueke Junai, acknowledged the presence of their invited guests and the members of the 88 Set for their vision to renovate and rebuild the facilities in the college.

While calling for partnership with other stakeholders and friends of the college, he assured that the college would be turned into a model school and one to be proud of in a few years to come.

Both leaders advised students to be dedicated and humble, and to set themselves targets by working hard to ensure that the college retains its lost glory as one to reckon with.

While Junai assured of the renovation of the teachers’ blocks, the Acting National President promised to make the school one to reckon with.

Highlights of the event included a novelty football match among the Emmanuel College students and award presentations to some deserving students and staff in recognition of their excellent performances in the college.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has granted clemency to over 500 inmates in the last three years of his administration.

A statement by the Commissioner of Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said 27 inmates were set free across correctional facilities in the state during Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, bringing the number of beneficiaries of his administration’s clemency interventions to more than 500.

The exercise covers the release of eligible inmates as well as the payment of fines and compensation for others, as part of the administration’s restorative justice initiative.

The Commissioner said the administration has committed more than N300 million to the payment of fines and compensation for victims since Governor Sani assumed office in May 2023.

Maiyaki said the latest intervention reflects the Governor’s commitment to a justice system that balances accountability and public safety with rehabilitation, reconciliation and the possibility of a second chance for deserving individuals.

‘As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, Governor Uba Sani’s intervention gives practical expression to the compassion and shared humanity upon which enduring communities are built.

‘The significance of clemency extends beyond release from custody; it lies in restoring hope and opening a credible path towards responsible citizenship,’ he said.

Providing further details, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James A. Kanyip, said the latest exercise continues the Governor’s practice of extending clemency on significant national occasions, including New Year, Democracy Day and Independence Day.

Kanyip explained that the prerogative of mercy is exercised through established processes, with due regard to accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities that accompany freedom.

He said the payment of fines and compensation gives the initiative an important restorative dimension by removing financial barriers that may keep deserving inmates in custody while also recognising the interests of victims.

According to the Attorney-General, the scale and continuity of the interventions demonstrate that clemency under the administration is not a one-off gesture but part of a broader approach to justice and social reintegration.

‘Each beneficiary represents a life offered another opportunity, a family reunited and a community with a renewed stake in successful reintegration. This commitment reflects the belief that justice serves society best when it also makes renewal possible,’ Kanyip said.

Maiyaki reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Uba Sani to protecting society and respecting victims’ interests while supporting deserving beneficiaries to return to their families and communities as responsible and productive citizens.