Category: PM News

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo State, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, has resigned his membership of the party.

He announced his resignation in a letter to the chairman of Ward 12, Ovia North-East Local Government of the state, Mr. Osaigbovo Godspower.

He said his decision to dump the PDP was not driven by animosity but by conviction and continued commitment to the service of his people.

According to him, ‘Politics, at its best, is a vehicle for service and representation, a means through which leaders express their commitment to the welfare of the people.

‘However, as the dynamics of the Nigerian political landscape continue to evolve. I find it

necessary to seek a new platform that aligns more closely with my vision and desire to continue serving my people effectively.

‘In doing so, I remain guided by my philosophy of ‘Aiguiyekampe’ – politics is without bitterness. My decision is driven by conviction, not animosity, and by a continued commitment to the service of our people,’ he said.

He therefore expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities and experiences afforded him in the past.

The ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, did not state his next destination. Independent findings however indicated that he is on his way to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Uzamere who represented Edo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly between from 2007 to 2015, was first elected on the platform of the PDP in 2007.

He, however, decamped to the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), sometime in September 2010, when he was quoted to have said that the ticket of the then ruling PDP was as worthless as the Zimbabwe dollars.

His letter to the Senate, which was read by the then Senate President, David Mark, stated that the crisis in Edo PDP made him switch party to enable him successfully pursue his political ambition.

Uzamere who won the ticket of the ACN and second term in the Senate in 2011, later ditched his then APC for the PDP.

ýThe Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 6, 2025, arraigned one Oguibe Promise Nkwachukwu and his company, Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited, on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Specifically, he was arraigned for allegedly stealing the sum of N200,000, 000 while serving as an accountant of Travelstar Web Logistics Limited

One of the counts read: ‘That you, Oguibe Promise Nkwachukwu, being the alter ego of Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited and Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited, being a company incorporated in Nigeria sometime in March, 2020 in Nigeria, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $ 36,000 (Thirty Six Thousand United States America Dollars), property of Travelstar Web Logistics Limited entrusted to you, being the custodian as an accountant to the Travelstar Web Logistics Limited, thereby committed an offence stealing, contrary to Section 280(1) (b) and (2) (f) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.’

Another count read: ‘That you, Oguibe Promise Nkwachukwu, being the alter ego of Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited and Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited, being a company incorporated in Nigeria sometime between 29th January, 2018 and July, 2018 in Nigeria, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $ 156,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand United States America Dollars), property of Travelstar Web Logistics Limited entrusted to you, being the custodian as an accountant to the Travelstar Web Logistics limited, thereby committed an offence Stealing, contrary to Section 280(1) (b) and (2) (f) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.’

He pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges when they were read to him.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel, A.A. Usman, asked the court for a trial date for the prosecution to open its case and also prayed the court to remand the suspect at a Correctional Centre.

The defence counsel, Kelvin C. Uzozie, informed the court of a pending bail application on behalf of his client and also pleaded that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC custody .

After listening to both parties, Justice Oshodi adjourned till October 17, 2025 for the hearing of the bail application and also ordered the remand of the defendant at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.

The Cross River Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has warned drivers in the state to repent from committing road traffic infractions or face jail terms.

The Sector Commander, Innocent Etuk gave the warning in Calabar on Monday during a mobile court proceeding to try drivers for various traffic infractions along Calabar-Odukpani road.

Etuk said he had already made it clear that he was ready to send many drivers to jail unless they repented.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a court presided by a Magistrate Mr Eno Iyamba, arraigned 49 traffic offenders, convicted 46, and discharged three.

NAN reports that a total of 114 offences were recorded with Drivers Licence Violation (DLV), Seatbelt Use Violation (SUV), Attempting Corrupt Marshal on duty (ACS) as the most prevalence.

Speaking further, the sector commander said the exercise was the Corps’ strategic intervention to cut down the excesses of the motoring public in terms of traffic infractions.

He said, ‘Today, another mobile court sitting to fulfil our mandate to bring down road crashes; at least once or twice every month, we carryout these intervention patrols to achieve our mandate.

‘It is sad that despite our advocacies through the media and others, traffic infractions are not abating.

‘Last month, many drivers were convicted for attempting to corrupt our men and this month, it is still on the increase.

‘In the month of September, we did not convict any driver for Dangerous Driving (DGD) but this month, we have already convicted one and it took our synergy with sister agencies to get this done,’ he said.

Etuk noted that as the ’ember’ months unfolded, the Corps had identified flash points in the state where it normally encountered challenges.

According to him, the flash points are Odukpani Junction, Okurikang, Ikom Four Corner and Ogoja towards Vandekia.

He said that the command planned to have a camp around Okurikang which would be on and effective till late night to enable the Corps reduce response time in the case of any emergency.

In a move that could transform Nigeria’s domestic energy market, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has once again reduced the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas.

The new ex-depot price now stands at ?760 per kilogram, down from ?810 last week.

This marks the refinery’s second major price cut in less than a month, and it continues to position Dangote as the leading driver of affordability in the gas sector.

Industry watchers say the move will bring much-needed relief to millions of households struggling with rising living costs and inflation.

Compared to other major suppliers, Dangote’s price stands far lower. Matrix and Ardova depots currently sell at ?920 per kilogram, while A.Y.M Shafa and NIPCO are at ?910 per kilogram.

Stockgap Depot, one of the biggest players in the market, sells for as high as ?950 per kilogram.

The price gap ranging from ?150 to ?190 per kilogram-highlights Dangote’s strong market influence and its growing role in stabilizing Nigeria’s energy prices.

Experts in the petroleum and energy sector have described the refinery’s strategy as a deliberate attempt to reshape market dynamics and discourage unnecessary price hikes by other depots.

By offering cheaper LPG, Dangote is believed to be setting a new benchmark that could force competitors to reduce their prices and make gas more accessible to Nigerian consumers.

Industry analysts also say that the refinery’s latest move aligns with its broader mission to boost domestic energy supply, reduce dependence on imports, and support the federal government’s agenda for clean energy transition.

Many Nigerians have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the reduction will reflect at the retail level, especially in local markets where consumers often face inflated prices.

If sustained, the Dangote Refinery’s consistent price adjustments could not only stabilize the cooking gas market but also encourage more households to switch from firewood and charcoal to cleaner energy sources helping to protect the environment and improve public health.

The governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday, visited Isanlu Esa, Okoloke, Okunran, in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state, an axis that has suffered multiple security infractions in recent times.

The governor, during the visit, banned illegal mining and vowed to eliminate criminality and banditry out of the state.

Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their maximum support to see that criminality and banditry are eliminated completely from the state and the nation at large.

He further praised members of the security agencies for their dedication, commitment, bravery, selflessness and professionalism in ensuring that the lives and livelihood of people are secured, charging them to remain united for a common goal as the necessary supports needed would be given.

‘Let me thank you for your efforts at ensuring security in this area. Your synergy has made your assignment easier, and I am always ready to provide all necessary support to triumph over criminality,’ the governor said.

He regretted that the state had neglected the fertile land for farming as well as the mineral deposits in commercial quantities unexplored, assuring the citizenry of his administration’s unwavering commitment towards the full exploration for transformative development.

‘I also want to commiserate with families and communities that have lost their loved ones. As your governor, I share in your pains, and I am determined to make criminality a thing of the past in this local government. I was elected to protect lives and property, and we will not relent until Kogi State is safe,’ he emphasized.

The governor ordered the traditional rulers to stop giving out land to strangers for peanut and urged them to admonish the youths not to be used as agents by the criminals, stressing that anyone caught would be treated as criminals.

He charged the miners to obtain a license from the federal government and come to the state for profiling, stressing that anyone who disobeys the order would face the wrath of the law.

In his welcome remarks, the Commander of the Nigerian Army in charge of the operation, Brigadier General K. U. Sidi commended the combined efforts of the security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and special forces in combating criminality in the area.

Sidi expressed appreciation to the governor for his sustained support to the security agencies, noting that the provision of logistics and other assistance had strengthened their capacity to secure the area. He also acknowledged the ‘invaluable contributions’ of the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser for the ongoing operation in Yagba West.

The Royal Father of Isanlu Esa, HRH Oba Olufemi Ogunremi commended Governor Ododo and the security agencies for their efforts, stressing that their relentless efforts had made it possible for the residents to still remain within the community.

He appealed to the security agencies to maintain their presence in the area until criminal activities are completely eradicated.

Nigerian activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has raised concerns over the credibility and transparency of BBNaija’s grand prize.

Deji on his X handle on Monday, expressed his thoughts on the reality TV show while questioning their grand prize payment.

The lawyer also claimed that past winners end up poorer after winning the show.

‘Do they really give BBNaija winners the prize money? The reason I am asking is because many of them end up looking extremely broke thereafter,’ he wrote

Deji’s post stirred reactions from fans, with some demanding that he mention the names of former winners who became poorer after the show.

English author and novelist, Dame Jilly Cooper, has passed on at the age of 88. The famous author, known for her best selling books like The Rutshire Chronicles, was mourned by the British royal family.

Queen Camilla led the tributes for Cooper, regarding her as a compassionate friend.

‘May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs. Very few writers get to be a legend in their own lifetime but Jilly was one, creating a whole new genre of literature and making it her own through a career that spanned over five decades. I join my husband The King in sending our thoughts and sympathies to all her family.’ she said.’ she said.

Cooper’s children, Felix and Emily also expressed their grief, stating that their late mother’s love knew no bonds.

‘Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us,’ they said.

The author, was reported to have passed way on Sunday morning, after a fall.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, announcing the signing of an Executive Order that makes health insurance mandatory for all residents of the state.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Eko Health Convention 2025 held at Jewel Aeida, Lekki, and themed ‘Lagos Health: Driving Innovation, Strengthening Systems, Leading Change,’ the Governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the move aligns with the National Health Insurance Act and aims to ensure that every Lagosian contributes according to their capacity while enjoying protection during medical need.

‘When we launched the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme in February 2021, we made it clear that universal coverage requires a reliable and inclusive system,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

‘Without a shared pool of resources, universal healthcare is impossible. When everyone participates, we protect families from financial hardship, strengthen hospitals, and make healthcare stable and equitable for all,’ he said.

The Governor emphasised that effective insurance must be supported by a robust emergency response system.

Through the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), he noted, the government has strengthened emergency medical operations with rapid-response systems designed to save lives.

‘These measures reaffirm our conviction that emergency care must be a right, not a privilege,’ he said.

‘Lagos now boasts 360 public health facilities and over 3,500 private ones, forming a unified ecosystem where both sectors work together to ensure that every resident has access to quality healthcare.’

Sanwo-Olu also called on health stakeholders to invest more in innovation, technology, and service delivery, urging Lagosians to adopt healthy lifestyles, enrol in health insurance, and take responsibility for their wellbeing.

Since assuming office, the Governor said, his administration has placed Health and Environment at the centre of its THEMES development agenda, recording major milestones such as the commissioning of new Maternal and Child Centres in Eti-Osa, Badagry, and Epe; expansion of General Hospitals; and the construction of key facilities including the New Massey Street Specialist Children’s Hospital, Ojo General Hospital, Lagos State Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejirin, and the Cardio-Renal Centre in Gbagada.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the new Lagos Health Blueprint as a transformative plan to make the state Africa’s health powerhouse.

He said Lagos currently loses an estimated $1.5 billion annually to outbound medical tourism, a figure higher than the state’s health budget, but the new reforms will reduce such capital flight.

He explained that the blueprint features climate-resilient hospitals, a 500-bed psychiatric and rehabilitation centre, and the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Science.

It also includes the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital network linking public hospitals and primary health centres for real-time data sharing and policy decision-making.

‘Our goal is clear,’ Abayomi stated. ‘Lagos must become the health capital of sub-Saharan Africa – not just for Nigerians, but for the continent.’

In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed that collaboration through Public-Private Partnerships remains vital to achieving the state’s goal of quality, affordable healthcare for all residents.

‘Our vision is to empower citizens to take full control of their health and wellbeing,’ she said. ‘Government cannot do it alone; we must all work together to make healthcare accessible and sustainable for every Lagosian.’

Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu on Tuesday became the acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the retirement of Prof. Yakubu Mahmood.

Below are 14 Astonishing facts about her.

1. Professional Experience: Seasoned legal practitioner with over three decades of experience working with diverse clients in both public and private sectors.

2. Origin and Early Education: Agbamuche-Mbu hails from Delta State, Nigeria; born in Kano and attended St. Louis Secondary School there.

3. Undergraduate Degree: Agbamuche-Mbu graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 with an LLB in Law.

4. Bar Admission: She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

5. UK Legal Qualification: She attended the College of Law, London, and qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.

6. Postgraduate Degrees: Agbamuche-Mbu holds an LLM specializing in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, London; completed two additional postgraduate programs in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

7. Expertise in ADR: She is a recognized expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

8. Professional Membership: Agbamuche-Mbu is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom Nigeria branch, where she served as Secretary.

9. PPAC Role: She served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) from March 2010 to November 2011 as the sole solicitor, evaluating a nationwide portfolio of major unfinished public projects in Nigeria.

10. Ministerial Committee Appointment: Appointed in March 2016 as a member of the Ministerial Committee to prepare The Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector.

11. Law Firm Leadership: Prior to her INEC appointment, she served as managing partner of her law firm, Norfolk Partners, in Lagos.

12. Editorial Role: Agbamuche-Mbu was the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, a weekly legal pullout in one of Nigeria’s most widely read newspapers.

13. Column Contributions: She published 120 legal editorials from January 2014 to September 2016 under her column ‘LEGAL EAGLE’ in THISDAY LAWYER.

14. Public Advocacy: She built a reputable body of commentary and expert opinion through consistent exposure to public affairs and related projects; her work serves as a source of public advocacy on national and international issues.

President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking the approval to raise 2.34 billion dollar in external capital and the issuance of a 500 million dollar debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market.

The Speaker, Rep. Abba Tajudeen, read the president’s request on the floor of the house on Tuesday.

The fund is aimed at financing part of the 2025 budget deficit and refinancing maturing Eurobonds.

Tinubu said that the request was made in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Establishment Act 2003.

According to the president, the total external capital to be raised amounts to 2.347 billion dollar, comprising 1.229 billion dollar in new external borrowing provided for in the 2025 Appropriation Act and 1.118 billion dollar.

He further stated that the money was to refinance maturing Eurobonds due in November.

Tinubu said that the borrowing would be sourced through a mix of Eurobond issuance, loan syndications, bridge financing and direct borrowing from international financial institutions, depending on market conditions.

He said that the new financing was part of the government’s strategy to support infrastructure development, refinance costly debt obligations and sustain investor confidence in Nigeria’s credit market.

The president sought for the legislature’s authorisation for the issuance of a stand-alone 500 million dollar sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market – the first of its kind for Nigeria.

He said that the Sukuk would diversify Nigeria’s funding sources, attract ethical investors and complement domestic Sukuk issuances that had raised over 1.39 trillion dollar since 2017 for critical road projects across the country.

‘The proposed Sukuk may be issued with or without a credit enhancement guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) – member of the Islamic Development Bank Group

‘Under the plan, up to 25 per cent of the proceeds could be used to refinance high-cost government debts, while the balance will fund pre-identified infrastructure projects,’ he said.

Tinubu assured that the refinancing of the maturing 1.118 billion dollar Eurobonds due in November was a standard practice in global debt management, aimed at avoiding default and maintaining market credibility.

He affirmed the willingness of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office to collaborate with transaction advisers to ensure the most favourable market terms and conditions at the time of issuance. (NAN)