Category: PM News

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has passed a resolution aimed to ensure effective regulation of dispatch riding services.

The house passed the resolution on Wednesday following a motion by Mr Ukpong Akpabio, the member representing Essien Udim constituency.

The motion is titled: “The Need to Comprehensively Enforce Industry Regulations and Guidelines on Unregistered Dispatch Riders in Akwa Ibom State.”

It directed the state Ministry of Transport to comprehensively review the operational guidelines regulating dispatch riding services.

Akpabio said that there was an urgent need to strictly enforce regulations governing dispatch riding operations in Akwa Ibom.

According to him, there are issues of insecurity, revenue leakages, and unfair competition, arising from the activities of unregistered operators.

In another motion, Mr Kenim Onofiok, the member representing Oron/Udung Uko, called for immediate intervention on an erosion site at Oron area of the state.

Resolving on the motion, the house directed the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources to immediately declare a state of emergency on the erosion site.

The assembly called for immediate mobilisation of contractors to undertake emergency shoreline stabilisation and drainage systems in the area.

The Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions to the relevant authorities for immediate action.

The member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, has lost his attempt to become the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

This happened after the House approved a new interpretation of its rules, stating that only lawmakers with previous experience in the House can hold principal leadership positions.

The decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary session after lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

The House clarified Order 7, Rule 15 of its Standing Orders, which states that only members with legislative experience in the House of Representatives are qualified to be appointed as principal officers.

Last week, some opposition lawmakers nominated Ugochinyere to replace Kingsley Chinda as Minority Leader. Chinda left the position after emerging as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State.

However, during a plenary session last Thursday, Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House and a Labour Party lawmaker, denied supporting Ugochinyere’s nomination.

Agbese claimed that his signature on the nomination document was forged. Ugochinyere, who is a member of the Action Peoples Party (APP), rejected the allegation and described it as false.

In response, Ugochinyere later released a video which he said showed Agbese signing the document that endorsed him for the Minority Leader position.

With the House’s latest decision restricting principal offices to lawmakers with prior legislative experience in the chamber, Ugochinyere’s bid for the position has effectively come to an end.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an entertaining international friendly on Wednesday night, with Francisco Conceicao’s late strike proving the difference in a fiercely contested encounter.

The match, played as part of preparations for upcoming international competitions, saw both sides produce moments of quality, but it was the hosts who emerged victorious after a dramatic second half.

Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto latched onto a well-weighted pass from Diogo Dalot before calmly slotting past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to give the Europeans a deserved lead.

The Portuguese continued to dominate possession and created several chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes both going close as Nigeria struggled to gain a foothold in the contest.

However, the Super Eagles gradually grew into the game and found a route back eight minutes before half-time.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru split the Portuguese defence with a precise pass, allowing Akor Adams to race through on goal and fire a low effort beyond the goalkeeper for the equaliser.

The goal restored confidence to Eric Chelle’s side, who ended the first half strongly after weathering sustained Portuguese pressure.

The second half witnessed a flurry of substitutions from both managers as they sought to test different tactical options and personnel.

Portugal nearly regained the lead early after the restart when Joao Felix rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

Nigeria responded with changes that saw the introduction of Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, Zaidu and Samuel Chukwueze as Chelle searched for fresh energy.

The decisive moment eventually arrived in the 75th minute.

Conceicao produced a moment of brilliance, embarking on a dazzling run before weaving past Nigerian defenders and firing a low shot into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Okoye.

The superb individual effort left the Super Eagles chasing the game in the closing stages.

Nigeria pushed forward in search of a second equaliser, with Alex Iwobi orchestrating attacks from midfield and Moffi attempting to stretch the Portuguese backline.

Paul Onuachu was also introduced late on as the Super Eagles threw additional bodies forward.

Despite their late pressure, Nigeria could not find a breakthrough as Portugal held firm to secure victory.

The result will nevertheless provide valuable lessons for Chelle and his technical crew, who continue to assess players and build cohesion ahead of future competitive fixtures.

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 15 persons have died from Lassa fever since the latest outbreak of the viral haemorrhagic disease was declared in February 2026.

The Director of Public Health in the Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ojeifo Stevenson Ojeifo, revealed this on Wednesday in Benin during the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Review (PHEOCR).

According to him, the state recorded 1,163 suspected cases of Lassa fever between the outbreak period and May 7, 2026, out of which 82 cases were confirmed.

He said the confirmed cases resulted in 15 fatalities across five local government areas of the state.

“Of the 1,163 suspected cases recorded, 82 were confirmed, resulting in 15 deaths,” Ojeifo stated.

Providing a breakdown of the outbreak, he said Etsako West Local Government Area recorded the highest burden, with 54 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Esan West recorded 11 confirmed cases and three deaths, while Akoko-Edo reported four cases and two fatalities.

He added that Etsako Central and Egor local government areas recorded two confirmed cases each, with one death reported in each council area.

Despite the Lassa fever outbreak, Ojeifo disclosed that the state also recorded a few cases of Monkeypox and Dengue fever, but noted that no fatalities were linked to either disease.

He attributed the high mortality rate from Lassa fever largely to the late presentation of infected persons at health facilities, a situation that often complicates treatment and reduces chances of survival.

The public health expert, however, assured residents that the state government had strengthened its response capacity and made adequate arrangements for the treatment of Lassa fever patients at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), the nation’s leading referral centre for the disease.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, said the review meeting was aimed at strengthening the preparedness and response capacity of the state’s health sector against disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

He stressed the importance of rapid emergency response mechanisms in containing disease outbreaks and preventing widespread transmission.

Eighemhenrio reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to improving healthcare delivery and enhancing the state’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging public health threats.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices and promptly seek medical attention whenever symptoms associated with Lassa fever are observed.

The Lagos State Safety Commission has issued a precautionary advisory to operators of hospitality and social establishments across the state following renewed global concerns over the Ebola virus outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.

Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, said the advisory became necessary in view of recent international health alerts and the Federal Government’s decision to strengthen biosecurity screening measures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Mojola, however, reassured residents that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.

He noted that despite the absence of any reported case, Lagos’ status as a major international gateway and commercial hub requires proactive measures to protect residents and visitors from potential health risks.

According to him, operators of high-density social venues, including hotels, nightclubs, event centres, lounges and restaurants, must take the lead in strengthening preventive measures due to the high level of close-contact interactions associated with their operations.

The Safety Commission boss directed all public and private establishments to immediately reinstate mandatory hand hygiene facilities at entry points and common areas.

These facilities, he said, should include running water and liquid soap or approved alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

He also urged facility managers to intensify cleaning and disinfection routines, particularly on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, countertops, menus and payment terminals, using hospital-grade disinfectants.

Mojola further advised management teams to train frontline staff, housekeeping personnel and security operatives on recognising early signs of illness and responding appropriately to suspected cases.

He called for the implementation of daily health checks for employees and the enforcement of strict policies requiring workers exhibiting symptoms such as fever to stay away from work.

In addition, he directed hospitality establishments to designate temporary, well-ventilated isolation areas where patrons or staff who develop sudden severe illness can be safely held pending medical evaluation and evacuation.

The Director-General also urged operators to manage crowd sizes effectively to prevent excessive congestion and ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.

While calling for calm, Mojola stressed the need for vigilance and cooperation among operators, revealing that safety inspectors would intensify routine monitoring and support visits across the state to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.

He advised that any suspected case involving severe fever or related symptoms should be immediately isolated and reported to the Lagos State health authorities through the emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08033565529, or the state’s dedicated safety line, 07000SAFETY.

Mojola reaffirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining a safe environment for businesses, residents and visitors.

The United States has launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of a US Army Apache attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The strikes, carried out on Tuesday evening by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted Iranian air defence and radar installations around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials.

President Donald Trump described the operation as a “very strong, very powerful” response to what he called an act of Iranian aggression.

“I think it’s very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak,” Trump told reporters, stressing that the United States would not allow attacks on its military assets to go unanswered.

The latest military action followed Monday’s incident in which a US Army Apache helicopter crashed off the coast of Oman. While initial reports suggested the aircraft may have suffered a technical malfunction, US officials later disclosed that an Iranian-made Shahed drone struck the helicopter.

Both crew members were successfully rescued by an unmanned US drone boat and escaped without injuries.

CENTCOM described the attacks as “self-defence strikes” and a “proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”

A US official said the operation was intended as a warning to Tehran and was not expected to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries.

Iran, however, responded swiftly.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched missiles and drones at US targets in the region, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that no American attack would go unanswered.

“Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination. Our powerful armed forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered,” Araghchi said in a statement.

Iranian media reported explosions in the southern coastal cities of Sirik, Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island shortly after the US strikes commenced.

State television also claimed that two water reservoirs were hit during the attacks, disrupting water supplies in parts of southern Iran.

Despite the renewed hostilities, the Trump administration continues to express optimism about a possible diplomatic breakthrough.

Vice President JD Vance said Washington was “very close” to securing a deal with Tehran, while Trump maintained that negotiations to end the conflict remain on track despite the latest military exchange.

By Hussaina Yakubu

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive measures to tackle the worsening security situation across the country.

The Council said this while lamenting increasing cases of killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes nationwide in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad.

The Council, in the statement noted the growing wave of insecurity has reached an alarming level, with recent mass abductions and attacks in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states.

It also cited the abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State as evidence of the depth of the security crisis confronting the nation.

The Council noted that many incidents of violence and abductions go unreported, adding that reports from security monitoring organisations and human rights groups indicated that thousands of Nigerians were affected in recent months.

It further stated that more than 1,000 persons were reportedly abducted in Northern Nigeria during the first quarter of the year alone.

“Behind each statistic lies a human story, a life cut short or disrupted, a grieving family, and a community forced to live in fear, uncertainty and insecurity,” the statement said.

The Council expressed disappointment that repeated appeals by traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for stronger government action had yielded little improvement in the security situation.

It said Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by assurances and promises that had not translated into tangible results.

“The nation is tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees and official rhetoric not backed by action. What Nigerians need now is decisive action and measurable results,” it stated.

The Council reminded the Federal Government that ensuring the security of citizens remained its primary constitutional responsibility and urged leaders to demonstrate competence and commitment in addressing the crisis.

It stressed that no government could claim success while large parts of its territory remained vulnerable to criminal elements operating with apparent impunity.

While commending the sacrifices and patriotism of security personnel serving under difficult conditions, the Council clarified that its criticism was not directed at officers and men of the armed forces and other security agencies.

“The overwhelming majority of our men and women in uniform continue to risk their lives daily in defence of the nation, and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” it said.

The Council also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the security sector.

According to it, Nigerians deserve to know how trillions of naira appropriated for defence, intelligence gathering, military operations, procurement and logistics have been utilised over the years.

It argued that accountability and value for money were essential for restoring public confidence in government efforts to tackle insecurity.

The Council further advocated the adoption of bold and unconventional strategies to confront criminal networks, noting that existing approaches had failed to produce the desired outcomes.

It urged the government to deploy all lawful national capabilities, including intelligence, technology, inter-agency collaboration, community participation, local intelligence networks and rapid-response mechanisms.

The Council warned that Nigeria could not continue on its current trajectory, saying communities should not be left at the mercy of terrorists and criminal gangs.

It added that farmers, travellers and ordinary citizens deserved to live and carry out their activities without fear.

“The nation demands action. The time for excuses has passed. The time for demonstration of decisive and competent leadership is now,” the Council stated. (NAN)

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has described the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as lacking originality in his political and economic ideas.

Onanuga further described Obi who ran for presidency under the Labour Party in 2023 as a a “copy-and-paste politician” who, according to him, has failed to demonstrate independent thinking in public service and leadership.

The presidential adviser said this while arguing that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State cannot be compared with President Bola Tinubu on in a post on X on Wednesday.

Onanuga’s post on was in reaction to a thread by Reno Omokri on Obi’s past references to Indonesia’s economy as a model for Nigeria.

Onanuga said Obi has nothing to show for the eight years he was in office.

Onanuga wrote, “Peter Obi has never shown original, authentic thinking. He is a copy-and-paste politician. That explains why he has nothing to showcase as Anambra governor for eight years.”

Onanuga added that while failed to leave any tangible legacy behind as governor, Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos governor were replete with legacies that are still being built upon by his successors up till today.

“In contrast with Governor Tinubu in Lagos, Tinubu left LAWMA, LASTMA, LAMATA, RRS, a rail and road masterplan, which is still being executed to this day,” he stated.

The presidential adviser added that what Nigeria needs now are leaders with deeper strategic thinking and proven capacity to deliver.

He said Obi lacked such qualities.

“Nigeria deserves a leader who can see beyond the ken of the ordinary people, a leader who is a proven deep thinker and doer. Peter Obi is no match for President Bola Tinubu. They are not on the same level,” he added.

Meanwhile, actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo in a post shared on X, Okonkwo on Wednesday accused Obi of intolerance to criticism while warning of potential authoritarian tendencies if entrusted with public office.

He said this in reaction to N5 billion defamation suit filed against him by the NDC presidential candidate.

“If he has such a thin skin against criticism as an ordinary citizen, he will certainly kill all Nigerians with the guns of the state if he ever nears any position of office, God forbid,” he wrote.

According to Okonkwo, Nigeria required leaders who tolerate dissent, because democracy thrives on freedom of expression and accountability.

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Nigeria’s economic reforms over the past three years, saying they had strengthened macroeconomic stability and improved the country’s resilience.

This is contained in a statement released on Tuesday following the conclusion of the IMF Executive Board’s 2026 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria.

The board, however, cautioned that living conditions remained difficult for many Nigerians, with poverty and food insecurity likely to worsen amid current global economic challenges.

In its assessment, the Directors said tight macroeconomic policies and continued structural reforms, supported by technical assistance from the Fund and development partners, would be crucial to preserving stability and promoting inclusive growth.

The directors called for a neutral fiscal stance in 2026 to support macroeconomic stability and disinflation while safeguarding priority expenditures and social spending.

They welcomed Nigeria’s recent tax reforms but noted that additional tax policy measures might be required over the medium term, including funding for an expanded cash transfer programme aimed at supporting the most vulnerable citizens.

The board also expressed concern over off-budget spending and complex financing arrangements, urging authorities to accelerate reforms to strengthen public financial management, fiscal reporting, transparency, accountability and fiscal risk management.

On monetary policy, the directors commended the authorities for reducing inflation, while acknowledging renewed inflationary pressures arising from higher international fuel and food prices.

They advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to maintain a tight monetary policy stance and continue a data-driven approach until inflation is firmly on a downward trajectory and inflation expectations are fully anchored.

The directors also welcomed progress towards adopting an inflation-targeting framework and encouraged further efforts to strengthen monetary policy transmission and communication.

Regarding exchange rate management, the board endorsed the authorities’ commitment to a flexible exchange rate regime, noting that foreign exchange interventions could play a complementary role under specific circumstances.

The directors further called for a gradual reduction in reliance on portfolio inflows with rollover risks and urged the phased removal of remaining exchange restrictions, capital flow management measures and multiple currency practices when conditions permitted.

The IMF board noted that Nigeria’s financial system remained resilient, supported by the recent recapitalisation of banks, but urged continued vigilance over rising non-performing loans and links between banks and sovereign debt.

It also encouraged faster implementation of Basel III standards, including the countercyclical capital buffer and liquidity coverage ratio, while stressing the importance of stronger supervision of stablecoins and other crypto-asset activities into the regulatory perimeter.

The directors welcomed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, noting that sustained implementation would be essential to maintaining recent gains in financial integrity.

They emphasised the need for broader reforms to promote inclusive growth and economic diversification, identifying governance, security, electricity, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development as priority areas.

The board also called for improvements in macroeconomic statistics to support policymaking, while some directors highlighted the importance of integrating climate considerations into economic and development planning.

According to the IMF, Nigeria’s economic reforms have delivered stronger macroeconomic outcomes in spite of persistent social challenges.

The Fund estimated economic growth at 4.0 per cent in 2025 and projected it to rise slightly to 4.1 per cent in 2026, although higher food and transport costs were expected to weigh on economic activity.

It said inflation rose to 15.4 per cent year-on-year in March 2026 after declining for more than a year, reflecting the impact of higher global fuel and food prices.

The IMF, however, projected that the disinflation trend would resume in the second half of 2026.

The Fund reported that Nigeria’s gross international reserves increased to 46 billion dollars in 2025 from 40 billion dollars at the end of 2024, while net international reserves rose to 35 billion dollars from 23 billion dollars over the same period.

It also noted that the overall fiscal deficit of the consolidated government increased to 4.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025, largely due to lower-than-expected oil revenues.

The IMF warned that uncertainty surrounding global fuel and food prices, as well as domestic security challenges, posed significant risks to the country’s economic outlook.

It added, however, that stronger revenue mobilisation could create additional fiscal space for growth-enhancing and social expenditures.(NAN)

By Usman Aliyu

Students in three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have been ordered to stay at home following intelligence reports indicating bandits are targeting the area for mass abduction.

The Department of State Services, DSS had in a security intelligence to the state government on Tuesday alerted of the plan by bandits to carry out mass abduction of students, especially in the Northern senatorial district of the state.

In obvious response to the information, the Edo State Government coin a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere directed the closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The circular dated June 9, was obtained on Wednesday in Benin.

The permanent secretary confirmed that the decision to close the schools followed security advisories from relevant agencies warning of threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he said

He added that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended until further notice as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The Permanent Secretary therefore directed school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.

He also urged parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities.

Otamare said candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to have access to examination centres, but under strict security arrangements.

“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” he said.

The security alert

DSS, in a memo dated June 5 warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of school children in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the intelligence memo addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits.

The two suspects allegedly discussed targeting school children after earlier attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield expected financial gains.

The report indicates that the suspects believed abducting students will attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments and other concessions.

The memo further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect, was arrested on June 4, while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community, one of the schools subsequently shut by the government.

According to the document, the suspect’s activities heightened fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

In response to the threat, the security agency advised authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions across the state, particularly in Edo North.

The DSS also recommended the deployment of additional security personnel, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups and hunters, as well as intensified patrols and surveillance in vulnerable communities.