Category: Nigerian Tribune

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that ‘politics is not a sin’ as he formally welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara back into the political fold, insisting that the governor had ‘no other choice’ than to return to the political family that brought him to power.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said Fubara’s decision to publicly align once again with his political camp was a step in the right direction, adding that the reconciliation would strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

‘I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,’ the minister said.

‘Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward.’

Responding to a question on whether the governor’s return amounted to forgiveness after months of political disagreements, Wike dismissed the notion of ‘sin’ in politics.

‘I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision.’

He added that Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen efforts to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

‘He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election.’

The minister spoke while leading senior officials of the FCT Administration on an inspection of major road projects, including the ongoing ISEX Road Corridor and the nearly completed Apo-Karshi Road, both regarded as strategic infrastructure expected to unlock development across large sections of the capital city.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road, noting that construction commenced immediately after President Tinubu flagged off the project during the third anniversary commissioning of landmark infrastructure across the FCT.

‘This road was flagged off during the third anniversary commissioning. We came here today to assess the progress made since the flag-off, and as you can see, the contractor moved to site immediately after the ceremony,’ he said.

According to him, the contractor has assured the administration that the project will be ready for commissioning in December.

‘I believe them. They are committed to handing over this project by December. We will be very happy because this road will open up the entire area for development,’ he stated.

The minister also inspected the long-delayed ISEX Road project, describing it as one of the last major inherited infrastructure projects yet to be completed in the FCT.

Awarded in 2014, the 10-kilometre road, complete with interchanges, has remained unfinished through successive administrations.

Wike disclosed that the contractor had undertaken to complete six kilometres of the road and key interchanges before the end of the year, provided adequate funding is released.

‘We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project is already captured in the national budget. If part of the funds is released, the contractor will be able to meet the deadline,’ he explained.

He described the project as critical to the transformation of Abuja, saying discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue until the required funds are made available.

‘This project is very important to us because it will significantly change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.’

The minister said the near completion of the Apo-Karshi Road and the expected delivery of the ISEX Road would mark the fulfilment of one of the administration’s major promises – to complete inherited projects rather than abandon them.

‘The Access (ISEX) Road will be the last major inherited project awarded by a previous administration to be completed. Once we achieve that, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our promise to complete projects inherited from previous administrations instead of allowing them to become abandoned.’

Reflecting on the state of infrastructure when the Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023, Wike recalled that abandoned projects littered the capital city, slowing development and denying residents essential infrastructure.

‘The FCT is the nation’s capital, and having abandoned projects everywhere does not present a good image. When we assumed office in 2023, abandoned projects were scattered across the territory. That situation slowed development, delayed infrastructure delivery and affected communities.’

He credited President Tinubu with directing that all inherited projects be completed to safeguard public investments.

‘President Tinubu directed that all inherited projects should be completed to ensure that public funds already invested are not wasted. That directive has brought us to where we are today.’

The minister stressed that continuity in governance, not the pursuit of personal legacy, defines responsible leadership.

‘Leadership requires continuity. Some people assume office and say they will only focus on projects they initiated. That is not leadership. Good leadership is continuing projects that are vital to the development of the city, projects that transform the landscape and improve the economy.’

With contractors making steady progress on site, Wike said the responsibility now rests with the government to meet its financial obligations and ensure that the projects are delivered as scheduled.

‘We are pleased with the progress the contractors are making. It is now our responsibility to fulfil our own obligations so they can complete these projects on schedule.’

The inspection formed part of the FCT Administration’s routine monitoring of ongoing infrastructure projects, many of which are targeted for commissioning before the end of the year as the administration continues its drive to expand road connectivity, open up new districts and improve mobility within Nigeria’s capital.

The Nigeria Customs Service has released the final list of successful candidates in its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise for appointment to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II).

The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada.

Maiwada advised candidates to visit the official NCS website or check selected national newspapers to confirm their status and obtain information on the next stage of the recruitment process.

He added that successful candidates would also receive instructions through their registered email addresses or SMS notifications.

According to him, candidates who receive the notification are required to log on to the designated website using their National Identification Number or registered email address to upload a valid medical certificate of fitness obtained from a government-recognised hospital.

‘The Service wishes to inform all successful candidates that the portal link for the upload of the Medical Certificates of Fitness, as referenced above, will be activated on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. Candidates are required to complete the upload process within one week from the date of activation of the portal. Candidates are also required to accurately update their current state of residence on the portal and formally accept the provisional offer of appointment by clicking the ‘Accept Offer’ button,’ Maiwada said.

He said successful candidates should also await the issuance of their Trainee Identification Number, which would be communicated within one week.

‘Further details regarding documentation and physical screening, including dates, venues, and requirements, will be communicated through official channels,’ he said.

Maiwada urged successful candidates to comply with all the instructions and complete each stage within the stipulated timelines.

He warned that failure to comply with any of the requirements or timelines could lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and forfeiture of the provisional offer of appointment.

‘On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, the Comptroller-General of Customs congratulates all successful candidates on their success in the recruitment exercise and looks forward to welcoming them into the NCS as they commence a career dedicated to professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation,’ Maiwada stated.

The NCS began the recruitment exercise in 2024 to fill 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The online application portal closed in January 2025 after candidates submitted their applications through the Service’s recruitment portal.

In May, the NCS opened its recruitment portal for shortlisted candidates to complete the final stage of the screening process.

Nollywood veteran, Richard Mofe Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has reflected on life at 65, saying he feels like he is ‘living an extra time.’

Speaking during a recent episode of The Morayo Show, RMD described his journey as one defined by gratitude.

He said losing both parents before they turned 60 has shaped how he views life and aging.

‘Being 65, I feel like I am living an extra time right now. My parents didn’t make 60.

‘My life is one of gratitude. I’m happy to be alive and Nigerian at this moment where more people are self-employed than ever in the world,’ he stated.

Explaining how he maintains his youthful appearance and energy, RMD said healthy living has played an important role.

‘I eat right and exercise.

‘But there is something that I abide by which was said by another older person: the only way for an old person to stay young, is to never let the old person in.

‘So, I do not in anyway let the old person in. I could have been dressing like an old person but I maintain classy fashion.

‘My eldest child is 43, and till today, he still looks at me whenever I dress and just hiss. But I’m not giving up now. There’s no way I’m going to give up.’

The actor added that he remains committed to his personal style and outlook on life, despite his age.

Kidnappers who abducted Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, have demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue him from captivity.

The development was disclosed on Monday by the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he provided an update on the investigation into the judge’s abduction and the ongoing rescue operation.

Justice Bunza was abducted in the early hours of Sunday from his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, sparking widespread concern among members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents of the state.

According to Hadejia, the police became aware of the N200 million ransom demand after launching a swift response to the incident.

He said information available to the command indicated that the kidnappers had established contact with the judge’s family and were demanding the huge sum before releasing him.

The commissioner disclosed that the family also informed the police that the abductors had contacted a registrar of the High Court in Abuja as part of efforts to negotiate the ransom.

He assured residents that the police and other security agencies were treating the matter with the seriousness it deserved and would continue to pursue every available lead to ensure the judge’s safe return.

Hadejia said the command had deployed a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to comb forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers.

He explained that security teams were conducting intensive searches across strategic locations to track the movement of the abductors and prevent them from relocating the victim to another hideout.

The commissioner added that multiple checkpoints had also been mounted along major roads and other strategic routes to frustrate any attempt by the kidnappers to flee with the judge.

He expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would lead to the successful rescue of Justice Bunza and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.

Nigerian singer, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has confirmed plans to marry his partner, Davita Lamai.

The announcement was made aboard a private jet heading to Soso Soberekon’s wedding ceremony over the weekend, where several entertainers were present.

Singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, first revealed the news, telling those on board that the couple were preparing for their wedding.

‘So Zlatan and his wonderful wife are going to be having their wedding,’ she said.

Lamai and Zlatan later confirmed the announcement and invited those present to attend the ceremony.

‘I just want to extend an invite to everyone. I’d love to have you all there. It will be so nice to have everyone there,’ Lamai said.

Although the couple confirmed their Zlatan wedding plans, they did not disclose the date of the ceremony during the announcement.

Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to harnessing the state’s rich cultural heritage for economic growth and increased revenue generation.

Speaking at a reception marking the installation of Professor Adewale Oladipo as the Sooko Molodo of the Ogbooru ruling house in Ile-Ife, Adeleke said preserving Osun’s culture and traditions remains central to his government’s development agenda.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to promote traditional festivals on the global stage to attract tourists, stimulate local businesses, and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

He described the installation of Oladipo as well deserved, noting that his passion for Yoruba culture, distinguished academic career, and commitment to public service made him worthy of the traditional honour.

Adeleke expressed confidence that the new Sooko Molodo will deploy his wealth of experience in academia and politics to advance the development of Ile-Ife and strengthen its cultural institutions.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who performed the traditional installation rites, urged Professor Oladipo to regard his new position as a call to selfless service, peace-building, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.

The monarch also charged the new traditional titleholder to promote the values of the Oduduwa race globally, while fostering unity and cultural pride among the Yoruba people.

In his remarks, Professor Oladipo expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him, pledging to dedicate himself to the service of humanity and the continued development of Ile-Ife.

He called on indigenes to support initiatives that will accelerate economic development, promote industrialisation, and strengthen unity in the community.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal, which set aside what he called the erroneous judgment of the Federal High Court that sought to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties from Nigeria’s democratic space.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Atiku Media Office, the Waziri Adamawa congratulated the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal for their courage, fidelity to the Constitution and unwavering commitment to justice.

He said their judgement is a reassuring affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and the ultimate guardian of constitutional democracy.

‘At a time when many Nigerians are anxious about the future of democratic governance, the Court has demonstrated that justice, when courageously dispensed, remains the strongest defence against arbitrariness.

‘The appellate court rightly held that the judgment delivered on 15 June by Justice Lifu was a nullity, having been rendered in disobedience to a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. It further found that the respondents lacked the locus standi to institute the action, describing their claims as speculative and legally unsustainable.

‘The Court also clarified that Section 225A of the Constitution must be interpreted disjunctively, not conjunctively, and held that since the Osun and Ekiti election cycles were still active when the suit was filed, the action was premature,’ the State added.

He noted the Court’s finding that the trial court ignored the uncontroverted affidavit evidence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC and other affected political parties had complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements.

‘Having accepted INEC’s evidence, the lower court had no legal basis to manufacture additional conditions in order to arrive at what the Court of Appeal rightly described as a perverse decision,’ the statement said.

Atiku said with the appeal court judgement validating its legal status, plus the judgment of Hon. Justice Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, affirming the election of Senator David Mark-led exco, the party has ‘finally navigated its way to the ballot for the 2027 general elections, as there’s no suit pending that challenges its leadership again.’

Atiku described the ruling as ‘far more than a legal victory for the ADC’, adding that it is ‘a victory for every Nigerian who believes that democracy must be nurtured through free political competition rather than strangled through speculative litigation.’

‘We urge anti-democratic forces to resist the dangerous temptation of using the courts and other institutions of the state as instruments of political engineering. The judiciary must never be transformed into a battlefield for eliminating political competitors or shrinking the democratic space.’

‘As the nation moves steadily towards the 2027 general election, political contests must be settled by the votes of Nigerians-not by contrived lawsuits designed to achieve through the courtroom what cannot be won at the ballot box.’

The media office expressed appreciation to the Justices of the Court of Appeal for what it called a ‘courageous, impartial and constitutionally grounded judgement’, adding that the decision has ‘strengthened public confidence in the administration of justice and reaffirmed that, in Nigeria, the rule of law remains superior to political expediency.’

‘We remain confident that truth, justice and the democratic will of the Nigerian people will always prevail.’

The Nigerian media personality and influencer, Priscilla Ojo, has threatened legal action against actress Lizzy Anjorin over claims that she attended Soso Soberekon’s wedding without an invitation.

The actress, in a video, claimed Iyabo Ojo attended the wedding primarily to seek financial gifts from dignitaries and took Priscilla along without securing an invitation for her.

While responding to the allegations on her Instagram page, Priscilla alleged that the actress is mentally unstable. She also revealed that she plans to take legal action against Lizzy Anjorin.

‘I will never go where I am not invited. I’m not a child. I am a wife and a mom, and I’m capable of making my own decisions. I have been quiet about this lady because she is clearly mentally ill, and I am building my case. That’s all I’ll say,’ she stated.

The Nigerian stock market began the new trading week on a weaker note on Monday as widespread profit-taking in major stocks wiped off N76.56 billion from investors’ wealth, ending the market’s recent rally.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index declined by 0.05 per cent to close at 247,238.74 points from the previous session, while market capitalisation fell to N159.51 trillion. Despite the pullback, the market has still delivered an impressive year-to-date return of 58.88 per cent and a month-to-date gain of 7.8 per cent.

The decline was driven mainly by losses in heavyweight stocks, including BUA Cement, Access Holdings, International Breweries, Oando and Fidson Healthcare. Access Holdings fell 7.5 per cent, International Breweries shed 9.9 per cent, Oando dropped 4.3 per cent, while BUA Cement declined 2.5 per cent. Fidson Healthcare lost nine per cent as investors locked in gains.

The bearish sentiment extended across most sectors of the market, with the Insurance Index recording the steepest decline of 1.69 per cent. The Consumer Goods Index fell 1.07 per cent, while the Commodity, Oil and Gas, and Industrial Goods indices also closed lower. The Banking Index was the lone bright spot, rising 0.78 per cent on renewed buying interest in banking stocks.

Market breadth remained negative as losers outnumbered gainers. Between 31 and 32 stocks closed lower, compared with 26 to 27 gainers, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

Among the biggest decliners were Transcorp Power, which lost 10 per cent, International Breweries, Fidson Healthcare, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals and Austin Laz and Company. On the gainers’ chart, Thomas Wyatt Nigeria and Lasaco Assurance each advanced 9.9 per cent, while Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, Chams Holding Company and Capital Market Finance Company also recorded strong gains.

Trading activity presented a mixed picture. Total volume traded easing by 15.1 per cent to 480.02 million shares valued at N51.12 billion in 63,980 deals. Access Holdings emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume with about 47.6 million shares changing hands, while Aradel Holdings dominated the value chart with transactions worth approximately N27.57 billion.

Market analysts said Monday’s decline largely reflected profit-taking in stocks that had posted strong gains in recent weeks rather than a broad deterioration in market fundamentals.

They noted that although the market may be positioned for a rebound following the relatively modest decline, continued profit-taking in recently appreciated counters could slow the pace of recovery in the near term.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to ratify key International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions on social security, saying the move would strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system and expand access to healthcare and other welfare benefits for millions of workers, particularly those in the informal economy.

The labour centre specifically urged the government to ratify ILO Convention No. 102 on Minimum Standards of Social Security and Convention No. 130 on Medical Care and Sickness Benefits, describing both instruments as critical to achieving universal social protection and decent work.

Secretary of the NLC Abia State Council, Comrade Chukwuma Nzeh, made the call during a European Union-funded programme organised in partnership with the ILO, UNICEF, the Abia State Health Insurance Agency (ABSHIA), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

The programme, themed ‘Strategic Stakeholders Engagement for Scaling Up Social Health Protection for Informal Sector Workers in Abia State,’ brought together key stakeholders to explore practical strategies for expanding health insurance coverage to workers in the informal sector, many of whom continue to finance healthcare through out-of-pocket payments.

Nzeh said the continued dependence on out-of-pocket healthcare spending places an enormous financial burden on informal workers who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet remain largely excluded from formal social protection schemes.

According to him, ratifying the two ILO conventions would legally and morally oblige governments at all levels, employers and other stakeholders to establish and strengthen sustainable social protection systems that guarantee access to quality healthcare and income security.

He noted that the conventions are also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to universal health coverage and social protection, as well as Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2021-2025 and broader Vision 2030 aspirations for inclusive growth.

Nzeh acknowledged that although Nigeria is yet to ratify the conventions, agencies such as the NHIA and ABSHIA have already taken commendable steps towards expanding health insurance coverage through sustained advocacy and implementation initiatives.

He explained that workers in the formal sector, including employees of the NLC, currently benefit from health insurance without making out-of-pocket payments at the point of service, stressing that similar protection should be extended to millions of Nigerians working in the informal economy.

He argued that ratification would encourage employers and state governments to invest more in social health insurance and other social security programmes.

‘InAbia State, for instance, the governor has committed over ?5 billion to provide health insurance coverage for vulnerable citizens and is also considering stipends for elderly residents. These are exactly the kinds of social protection measures envisioned under the ILO conventions, where governments establish minimum standards for healthcare services and social security,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Vanessa Phala, Mr. Emmanuel Danjuma said the stakeholders’ engagement was designed to deepen collaboration among key actors and identify practical pathways for expanding social health protection coverage for informal sector workers in Abia State.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would translate into increased enrollment in health insurance schemes and improve access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Also speaking, the South-East Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mrs. Aniebo Chinyere Nwakaego, who represented the Director-General of the Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, highlighted the impact of the NHIA’s Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) intervention.

She said the initiative was established to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by providing free emergency obstetric and newborn care for women experiencing complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

According to her, the intervention is currently being implemented in five accredited health facilities across Abia State, namely Madonna Catholic Hospital, Aba; Living Word Mission Hospital; Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia; Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba; and General Hospital, Aba.

She urged pregnant women and healthcare providers to take full advantage of the programme, describing it as a critical intervention aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes while advancing universal health coverage in Nigeria.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the European Union and its development partners to support Nigeria in expanding inclusive social protection systems and ensuring that vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly workers in the informal economy, have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.