Category: PM News

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have defended the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and John Cardinal Onaiyekan over their recent criticism of the Federal Government.

The duo said the bishops were only speaking truth to power and urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to embrace constructive criticism rather than attack those who raise concerns about the state of the nation.

The reaction followed criticism from the Presidency over Onaiyekan’s disclosure of issues discussed during a closed-door meeting between the Catholic bishops and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement titled ‘When a Government Declares War on the Truth’, Obi warned that attacks on religious leaders who speak on national issues could weaken democratic values and shift attention away from the challenges confronting Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor said the CBCN had never acted as an opposition platform but had consistently served as a moral voice on issues affecting the country under both military and civilian administrations.

Obi said the economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and unemployment facing Nigerians required leaders to engage sincerely with criticism rather than dismiss concerns raised by credible institutions.

He added that religious bodies, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had similarly raised concerns about national challenges.

According to Obi, religious leaders often had direct contact with ordinary citizens and were therefore aware of the realities facing families affected by rising food prices, insecurity and unemployment.

Drawing from his time as Anambra State governor, Obi said constructive criticism from traditional and religious leaders helped his administration achieve progress, particularly in education and healthcare.

‘As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction,’ he said.

He also questioned what he described as a change in attitude towards the Catholic Church, recalling that President Tinubu had shown respect for the institution during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome.

Obi said the issues raised by the bishops were not religious or ethnic concerns but challenges affecting Nigerians across different backgrounds, including insecurity, poverty, inflation and unemployment.

He urged government officials to focus on addressing the concerns raised instead of attacking respected religious figures.

Kwankwaso, on his part, praised the Catholic bishops for what he described as their courage and patriotism.

In a post on his verified X account, the former Kano State governor dismissed suggestions that the bishops’ comments on insecurity, rising living costs and hardship were politically motivated.

Kwankwaso said the concerns expressed by the clerics reflected the daily experiences of millions of Nigerians and called on leaders to prioritise solutions that improve citizens’ welfare.

He urged Nigerians to continue engaging governments constructively while calling on those in authority to embrace accountability and policies centred on security, prosperity and national development.

A 47 year-old man, Ugochukwu Eze was on Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into the server of SunTrust Bank to steal a total of N800m.

Ugochukwu also known as Amazon, was arraigned before the court by the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).

DSS accused Ugochukwu of fraudulently hacking into the server of SunTrust Bank to remove and divert the sum of N800 million into several accounts in other financial institutions.

The DSS Prosecuting counsel, M. Bajela in the charges filed before the court alleged that the defendant and others now at large, between 2023 and 2026, conspired among themselves and unlawfully and seriously hindered the function of Suntrust Bank Plc’s computer system server and in the process fraudulently diverted over N800 million belonging to the bank.

Ugochukwu was also accused of concealing and transferring various sums of money traced to the unlawful cyber-attacks to some account in some financial institutions.

The offences alleged to have been committed by the defendant according to the prosecutor contravened sections 5; 6(1) and 8 of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2024. And Sections 10, 20 and 18(2)(D) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Based on his plea of not guilty, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date, and prayed the court to remand the defendant in the facility of the correctional services pending the time trial will commence.

However, the defendant’s lawyer, E. Afrogha, told the court that she has filed her client’s bail application. adding that her client has been in the DSS custody for over a month.

But the prosecution counsel told the court that he has not been served with the bail application, not withstanding that his witnesses are available.

Based on the counsels’ submissions, the presiding judge, Justice Friday Ogazi, adjourned the matter to August 24,2026 for hearing of the bail application.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services pending the hearing of the bail application.

One of the counts against the defendant reads: ‘That you UGOCHUKWU EZE (AKA AMAZON) (M) (47 YEARS) sometime between 2023 and 2026 in Lagos, and other places within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, unlawfully seriously hindered the function of SunTrust Bank Plc’s computer system, and in the process fraudulently diverted over N800, 000,000.00 (Eight Hundred Million Naira) belonging to the said SunTrust Bank thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 8 of the cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc.) Act, 2024.’

Osun State Government has rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) explanation for freezing its bank accounts, alleging that the N11 billion diversion claim was an attempt to justify a politically motivated action against the administration.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement on Thursday, accused the EFCC of using the allegation as a cover for what he described as an unlawful move aimed at stopping the state’s planned payment of palliatives to workers.

The EFCC had on Wednesday said it froze the state government’s accounts over alleged fraudulent handling of N11 billion ecological and intervention funds, adding that it had been investigating the matter since March.

The commission also said some officials of the state government, including the accountant-general, had appeared before its investigators, while huge transfers were allegedly traced from the accounts to different corporate entities during the probe.

However, Alimi dismissed the EFCC’s explanation, insisting that the account freeze was connected to the N20,000 palliative payment announced by the state government for workers amid economic hardship.

‘The real reason the commission froze the state account on the order of Gboyega Oyetola was to stop the payment of palliatives which the state government promised the workers some months ago,’ he said.

The commissioner said the government had already paid the palliatives to workers across the state following negotiations with labour representatives.

Alimi accused the EFCC of ‘pursuing a hatchet job for Osun APC’ through the account freeze, alleging that the investigation was aimed at distracting the administration from delivering on its programmes.

‘We don’t loot public funds in Osun State; we deliver on public goods and services,’ he said.

He maintained that the state’s resources were being committed to workers’ welfare, infrastructure projects and other areas of development, while rejecting what he described as attempts to tarnish Governor Ademola Adeleke’s image.

Alimi further alleged that the EFCC had been conducting a ‘witch-hunting investigation’ since March without producing evidence against senior government officials.

The commissioner argued that if the anti-graft agency had evidence of financial misconduct, it should follow established legal procedures rather than freezing government accounts.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with Adeleke seeking re-election under the Accord Party platform.

The governor’s camp has previously accused federal agencies of intimidation ahead of the election, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed such claims as political excuses.

Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s description of him as the ‘father of corruption’, accusing the minister of crossing the line and saying he needs urgent medical attention.

George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, made the statement while reacting to Wike’s allegation that his Abuja residence was acquired with funds belonging to Rivers State.

The PDP chieftain dismissed the claim as false, insisting that he bought the property from a private owner through an agent.

‘My house in Abuja was bought with funds from Rivers? How? The house was built by someone else. I bought it, and it is still there,’ George said.

He said he would institute legal action against Wike over the allegation, describing the claim as unacceptable.

George said it was beneath his dignity to engage the FCT minister in a public exchange, describing Wike as immature compared with his age and political experience.

He also accused Wike of making reckless statements and alleged that the minister spends millions of naira weekly on media coverage, though the claim could not be independently verified.

The elder statesman urged President Bola Tinubu to distance himself from what he described as ‘attack dogs’, saying the President did not need individuals who insult political opponents and senior citizens.

On the crisis within the PDP, George said the party’s internal problems remained unresolved despite the emergence of a presidential candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the matter was still before the courts.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu would continue to deepen consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the country.

Akume said this in a statement he issued on the recent engagement between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Akume, who personally signed the statement, said the government was also sustaining dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing collaboration with religious institutions as indispensable to advancing the national interest.

Akume also acknowledged that many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges can only be addressed through sustained partnership with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens, stressing that constructive engagement is essential to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.

He also maintained that government remains open to honest counsel and would continue to govern with openness, accountability and evidence-based policies.

The SGF also assured that the Tinubu administration is neither seeking, nor in support of a one-party state, just as it remains deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy.

Akume said, ‘many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.’

Akume added that, ‘the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest.’

He said the Federal Government had taken note of public reactions following the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, using the opportunity to reaffirm its profound respect for the Catholic Church and its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.

The SGF said government recognised the Church as one of Nigeria’s most important development partners and acknowledged that, like all faith communities, it had both the right and responsibility to speak on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the country’s future.

He explained that discussions between the President and the Bishops were candid, respectful and constructive, covering concerns relating to security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

According to him, both parties also acknowledged progress made under the administration, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Akume noted that while there were areas of agreement and differences in assessment, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or detract from the shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.

On the economy, the SGF acknowledged the hardship facing many Nigerians but described it as a passing phase, insisting that government policies were deliberately designed to confront the country’s challenges through investments in rail transport, the Sokoto-Badagry and Lagos-Calabar superhighways, road construction and rehabilitation nationwide, and the transformation of Abuja’s road network.

He said food security initiatives involving improved agricultural inputs, tractors and institutional support through the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) were also being implemented to boost agricultural productivity.

Akume further stated that the administration had pursued improvements in electricity generation and distribution through CNG power stations and constitutional reforms allowing sub-national governments greater participation in the energy sector.

He added that health facilities at both primary and tertiary levels were being upgraded, while development commissions established across the country’s regions were creating jobs and addressing peculiar developmental needs. He also disclosed that ministries, departments and agencies were recruiting Nigerians.

The SGF defended the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at correcting long-standing structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding investor confidence and placing the economy on a sustainable path.

He said there was now growing evidence that the reforms were yielding results, with the foreign exchange market becoming more stable, inflationary pressures moderating, macroeconomic fundamentals strengthening and investor confidence returning.

Akume maintained that official data showed continued real economic growth, moderation in headline inflation and declining food-price pressures, arguing that these developments underscored the need to sustain reforms while intensifying targeted interventions to reduce living costs and expand economic opportunities.

He listed the Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, NELFUND, support for business start-ups and Conditional Cash Transfers as evidence of government efforts to ensure that the benefits of reforms reached households through improved welfare, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

The SGF also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for discharging its statutory responsibility for monetary and price stability with professionalism and institutional independence, assuring that monetary credibility, financial-system stability and public confidence would remain above partisan politics.

According to him, the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on ensuring that economic stability translated into lower inflation, more affordable food, quality jobs, stronger public services, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for Nigerians.

Addressing security, Akume admitted that the true measure of government policy remained the safety experienced by citizens in their homes, farms, schools, markets, places of worship and on highways.

He said every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes was regrettable, adding that the government was expanding and fine-tuning the country’s security architecture with encouraging results.

He cited the creation of four new Army divisions headquartered in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states as a landmark initiative to improve operational effectiveness, while noting that President Tinubu had also authorised continuing reforms in force structure, intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.

Akume added that the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic security.

On democracy, the SGF reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and equal rights for all Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic system guaranteed genuine political competition, lawful opposition, multi-party democracy, credible elections and citizens’ rights to participate freely in the democratic process.

Akume pointed to the registration of 21 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as evidence of political pluralism, insisting that the Federal Government neither sought nor supported a one-party state.

He assured that President Tinubu’s administration would continue to respect the legal autonomy of INEC and provide all resources lawfully appropriated for the commission’s responsibilities, while maintaining that security agencies had conducted themselves professionally and impartially during elections under the scrutiny of international observers.

The SGF said the Federal Government would continue to welcome sincere advice from respected national institutions, insisting that no responsible government should ignore the concerns of its people.

He added that although government and the Catholic Church might not always share identical views on every policy, both remained united by the common aspiration of ensuring that every Nigerian lived in peace, dignity and hope.

‘Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people,’ Akume said, expressing confidence that continued collaboration between government and the Church would help build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria capable of delivering greater opportunities and prosperity for future generations.

The UK Government has announced the appointment of Ms Vicky Seymour as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. The British High Commission made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

Seymour succeeds Mrs. Gill Lever, who completed her who completed her tour of duty in June.

‘Seymour has now taken up her role in Abuja, where she will support and strengthen the UK’s partnership with Nigeria. The partnership spans economic growth, security, migration, development, international collaboration and the links between our people,’ the statement reads.

According to the mission, Seymour brings over two decades of experience across diplomacy, international development and government. It said she recently served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held since 2023.

It said that she also formerly led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique. Meanwhile, Seymour expressed delight to take up the role in Abuja.

‘I look forward to getting to know this extraordinary country, meeting people from across Nigeria’s diverse communities, and building on the strong partnership that already exists between our two countries. Together, I hope we can continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead,’ she said.

Before joining the civil service, Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector with a focus on migration.

The Indian government has asked Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to apologise after a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi was removed from Facebook and Instagram.

The video showed Modi speaking to students during youth-led protests on July 23. It was briefly taken down from Meta’s platforms before it was later restored.

A parliamentary committee led by lawmaker Nishikant Dubey described the removal of the video as an attack on democracy. The committee said it was unacceptable for a video of the leader of a country with more than 1.4 billion people to be removed.

The committee demanded that Meta identify those responsible for the incident and that Zuckerberg apologise within three days.

It warned that if the company fails to do so, India could withdraw Meta’s ‘safe harbour’ protection.

This legal protection shields social media companies from being held directly responsible for content posted by users.

Dubey said the committee had already contacted India’s Ministry of Information Technology and Ministry of Home Affairs.

He argued that by removing the Prime Minister’s video, Meta acted like a publisher instead of a neutral platform. According to him, losing its safe harbour protection could expose Meta and its executives to legal action across India.

Meta later restored the video and apologised, saying the removal happened because of a technical glitch.

However, India’s Information Technology Ministry rejected the explanation, saying it was not good enough.

The ministry said Meta, as one of the world’s biggest technology companies, must improve its automated systems to prevent such mistakes from happening again.

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has said criticisms of the ongoing 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are driven by envy of President Bola Ahmed.

Those criticising the project were ‘motivated by envy because they never believed the President could deliver it,’ Umahi said late Wednesday while inspecting the level of work at the Ondo section of the coastal highway in Ilaje Local Government area of the state.

The minister was responding to recent criticisms of the project by former Cross River governor, Donald Duke on a television programme.

Duke had during the programme argued that the project will not extend beyond Lagos.

But Umahi insisted that Tinubu will deliver the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as scheduled.

According to him, section one has already been completed, which is 7.47km from Victoria Island to Elepe village, while section two, about 50km stretching from Lagos to Ogun border, is about 70 per cent completed.

Umahi added that sections 3A and 3B, covering about 67 kilometres, are progressing, with approximately 30 per cent completed.

The minister stated that section 4 covers about 82 kilometres, extending through Ogun into Ondo State, saying that the President was determined to ensure its completion.

He explained that section 5, which is about 180 kilometres in Akwa Ibom, is likely the longest section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and work is ongoing there.

‘We have another 100-kilometre section beginning at the end of the Ondo section, which is currently at the design stage. What will remain afterwards are the sections through Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States.

‘I also want to respond to some of the comments made by one of those who worked with the President when he was governor. I watched the interview of His Excellency Donald Duke.

‘He is a very brilliant man. What impressed me most was that he avoided insults. He was a perfect gentleman, and I am proud of him.

‘However, some of the issues he raised require clarification. When he said the Coastal Highway would never go beyond the Epe, I respectfully disagree.

‘He also said the project was not a priority. Yet, this Coastal Highway was conceived years ago, but it could not be implemented because of funding constraints and other challenges.

‘Those attacking the Coastal Highway are, in my view, motivated by envy because they never believed this President could deliver it.

‘The man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean is capable of delivering this project. I call him a divine President,’ he said.

The minister urged stakeholders and leaders to continue to watch President Tinubu’s administration delivering the Coastal Highway.

‘I also saw where the secretary of Afenifere was accusing Ministry of Works of diverting the Coastal Highway. Of note was when he said it was diverted upland because of people who own estates there, that is far from the truth.

‘The Coastal Highway was originally planned to follow the coastline because that was our preference. However, engineering is very dynamic.

‘When we designed this section of the Coastal Highway, it was intended to pass about two kilometres from the shoreline, but then the soil tests, which form the basis of engineering design, revealed a major challenge.

‘Along that route, we encountered very poor soil known in engineering as peat, extending more than 40 to 50 metres deep.

‘We encountered peat in Sections 1 and 2 within Lagos, but fortunately it was only about 20 metres deep there, making it manageable.

‘It is extremely difficult to manage peat deposits that are 50 metres deep because they have to be removed and replaced before construction can proceed. We also discovered that the sand we expected from the sea was not suitable,’ he stated.

Umahi praised the construction company for what he described as a ‘diligent work’ that was also impacting the community with confidence of delivering a good job.

Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited have secured a major legal victory after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawfully froze the company’s bank account without obtaining the required court order.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/830/2025 on April 23, 2026, Justice M. A. Hassan held that the anti-graft agency acted outside its statutory powers by directing Zenith Bank Plc to maintain a ‘Post No Debit’ restriction on Homadil Realty’s account beyond the period permitted by law.

The court ruled that while the EFCC may place an initial restriction on a bank account during an investigation, any extension of such restriction must first receive judicial approval. Instead of seeking the court’s authorisation, the commission repeatedly issued directives instructing the bank to continue freezing the account.

Justice Hassan described the action as a clear violation of Homadil Realty’s constitutional right to own and enjoy property, stressing that law enforcement agencies must exercise their powers strictly within the limits of the law.

He further emphasised that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, noting that no government agency or institution is above the Constitution.

Consequently, the court ordered the EFCC to pay ?2 million in damages to Homadil Realty Limited for what it described as a gross abuse of power. Zenith Bank was also directed to pay an additional ?2 million for enforcing the unlawful directives, bringing the total compensation awarded to the company to ?4 million.

The judgment marks a significant victory for Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited, reinforcing the principle that investigative agencies must respect constitutional safeguards and due process in the exercise of their statutory powers.

Police Command in Osun has assured residents, tourists and traditionalists of adequate security before, during, and after the Osun-Osogbo Festival.

The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement on Thursday, said that divisional officers and area commanders had been directed to deploy security measures to safeguard lives and property.

‘The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other operational units to put in place comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations. This is to safeguard lives and property and maintain public order throughout the festive period. Security personnel will be strategically deployed to major venues, access routes, worship and tourist sites, markets, motor parks, and other identified flashpoints,’ Ojelabi said.

He said that the command would be working with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders, and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and prompt response to any security challenge.

The spokesperson assured members of the public that adequate arrangements had been made to manage traffic, regulate crowds, prevent criminal activities, and respond promptly to emergencies.

He urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the festival.

Ojelabi advised members of the public to cooperate with security personnel, avoid acts capable of causing disorder, and promptly report suspicious persons, objects, or activities to the nearest police formation or security personnel.

He urged parents and guardians to keep watch over their children and wards in crowded areas.

Ojelabi also advised motorists and other road users to comply with traffic regulations and instructions from personnel deployed for traffic management.

He, however, warned criminals, cultists, hoodlums, thieves, and other persons intending to exploit the festival to commit crimes, that the command will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of the state.

The spokesperson said that appropriate measures had been put in place to identify and deal decisively with criminal activities, in accordance with the law.

The Osun-Osogbo festival is an annual traditional event hosted by the Osun State Government with the Ata-Oja of Osogbo, the traditional ruler of Osogbo.

The festival, which attracts foreign tourists, is held at the Osun-Osogbo Grove, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised heritage site.

The week long event would be climaxing on Aug. 7 with the calabash carrying ritual, by the Osun maiden called the ‘Arugba’, to the Osun River in Osogbo.