Category: PM News

The Nigerian Navy has recovered about 83,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs in Rivers.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Thursday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the recovery followed latest operation conducted within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of the state.

He said that the operation also led to the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area.

According to him, the navy has again sustained offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta with the disruption of additional illegal refining infrastructure in Rivers under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

‘The development comes just days after the discovery and deactivation of similar illegal refining infrastructure within the same general area highlighting persistent attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illicit operations in spite of sustained enforcement efforts.

‘The recurring discoveries underscore the effectiveness of the navy’s sustained operational presence in identified hotspots, which continues to deny criminal elements the freedom to establish and maintain illegal refining networks.

‘By maintaining pressure on these criminal enterprises, the service is contributing significantly to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure and the preservation of national economic interests.’

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and energy assets through sustained operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has warned residents against returning to what he described as the era of half salaries, urging voters to protect what he called the progress recorded under his administration.

Adeleke made the statement in a post on X on Thursday, as campaigns intensified ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor accused the previous administration of subjecting civil servants to hardship, alleging that workers were paid half salaries and struggled to meet their basic needs.

‘We will not allow APC to take Osun back to the days when civil servants had to beg their neighbours for food,’ Adeleke said.

He urged eligible voters to reject what he described as a return to difficult times, calling on residents to support his re-election bid.

Adeleke said those who previously ‘weaponised poverty’ by paying workers half salaries and denying citizens access to basic necessities were seeking to return to power.

He added that his administration had prioritised workers’ welfare since assuming office and would continue to protect the interests of civil servants and residents.

The governor also criticised the freezing of state government accounts, saying the action would strengthen the resolve of residents to defend what he described as the mandate of the people.

‘The choice is clear: progress over regression, good governance over neglect. Accord over APC,’ he said.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with Adeleke seeking another term under the Accord Party platform.

Governor Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle and appointed four new commissioners.

The reshuffling which comes barely nine months before the end of his administration, followed the exit of some commissioners who resigned to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections, while two others were removed from office.

While speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Mohammed explained that the appointments were made to ensure that local government areas affected by vacancies remained represented in the State Executive Council.

He warned that their conduct would be subjected to public scrutiny, advising them to uphold integrity, accountability, transparency and due process in the management of public resources.

The newly appointed commissioners are Madaki Ahmad Gololo, Bashir Yau, Bashir Adamu Rishi and Baraya Ibrahim.

‘Your actions and conduct will be closely monitored by the government and the people of Bauchi State. You must ensure that your stewardship reflects probity, accountability, and transparency, and avoid any act capable of bringing this administration into disrepute,’ Mohammed said.

Baraya Ibrahim, one of the newly appointed commissioners, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them, pledging their loyalty to the administration’s development agenda.

‘We will work collectively to promote transparency, accountability, and the effective implementation of government programmes for the benefit of the people of Bauchi State,’ he said.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for directing First Bank to freeze the Osun State Government’s bank account, saying the action is unconstitutional and beyond the agency’s legal powers.

The EFCC had instructed First Bank Plc to place a post no debit (PND) restriction on the state’s statutory allocation account as part of its investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N11 billion meant for ecological and intervention projects.

The directive was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2026, and signed by EFCC Assistant Commander Adenike Babalola on behalf of the agency’s Director of Investigation.

The decision has drawn criticism from both the Osun State Government and the NBA, with concerns that freezing the account could affect government activities and delay the delivery of public services.

Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the move, describing it as an attempt by federal agencies to interfere with the constitutional rights of the state government.

He also alleged that his administration had been facing several coordinated attacks, including the harassment of members of the Accord Party and attempts to disrupt the activities of local government councils in the state.

The EFCC defended its action, saying the restriction became necessary because of its ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N11 billion in ecological and intervention funds.

According to the commission, the investigation began in March. It claimed that while the probe was ongoing, it noticed large transfers from the state’s account to several corporate organisations starting from August 2.

Speaking in an interview with The Punch, outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said the EFCC does not have the legal authority to freeze a state government’s bank account without first obtaining a court order.

He explained that although the anti graft agency has the power to investigate financial crimes, it cannot freeze any account on its own.

Osigwe warned that blocking a state’s account could bring government activities to a halt and would amount to an abuse of power.

He said that if the EFCC believes an account is being used for fraudulent activities, it should approach the court for approval before taking any action.

He also urged First Bank not to obey the EFCC’s directive unless it is backed by a valid court order, insisting that any restriction on a government account must follow due legal process.

The Federal Government has directed the immediate rollout of new measures to improve the safety and security of health workers across the country following an increase in cases of harassment, intimidation and physical attacks in health facilities.

The directive followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, according to a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Daju Kachollom.

The committee was inaugurated on 19 May after an incident involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.

According to the statement, the confrontation disrupted hospital services and led to industrial action, prompting the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances and develop measures to stop similar incidents across the country.

The committee consulted federal tertiary health institutions as well as professional associations, regulatory agencies, security organisations and human rights groups before submitting its recommendations.

Its findings showed that the incident in Uyo reflected a wider pattern. A total of 18 cases involving assault, intimidation or harassment were recorded in federal tertiary hospitals over the past year.

The reported incidents involved patients, their relatives, members of the public and security personnel. They resulted in physical injuries, psychological trauma, destruction of hospital property and interruptions to healthcare services.

The committee also identified several factors driving the problem, including poor communication, long waiting times, inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, emotional stress, abuse of authority and weak security procedures within hospitals.

After reviewing the report, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, approved its recommendations and directed that they be implemented immediately alongside an action plan.

Pate said, ‘health workers dedicate their lives to caring for Nigerians and must be able to carry out their duties in an environment that is safe, secure and free from violence, intimidation or harassment.

‘The federal government will continue to work with all relevant institutions to protect our health workforce, uphold the rule of law and ensure that healthcare delivery is never compromised.’

He warned that anyone found assaulting, threatening, intimidating or harassing health workers would face investigation and prosecution wherever sufficient evidence exists.

The minister stressed that although there is no law dealing exclusively with violence against health workers, offenders could still be prosecuted under existing criminal, civil and administrative laws.

He added, ‘The absence of a specific law relating solely to violence against health workers would not prevent enforcement through existing criminal, civil or administrative laws, including applicable sanctions and compensation.

‘Federal Tertiary Health Institutions have been directed to strengthen internal security arrangements and establish Violence Prevention Teams to improve safety within health facilities nationwide’.

As part of the new measures, hospitals have been instructed to tighten access control, strengthen surveillance systems, improve visitor identification procedures and enhance security around emergency departments and other sensitive units.

Each institution is also required to appoint liaison officers to work with law enforcement agencies while ensuring security operations do not disrupt patient care or hospital services.

The ministry directed hospitals to promptly report, investigate and document every case of assault, threat or harassment. It also said affected staff should receive institutional support and be referred for appropriate assistance where necessary.

Hospital managements have further been asked to strengthen complaint resolution systems, improve communication with patients and provide staff training in conflict prevention and de-escalation.

Kachollom said broader policy proposals from the committee would be presented to the National Council on Health for consideration as part of efforts to establish a nationwide framework covering federal, state and private health facilities.

She said the ministry would monitor compliance with the new directives through regular progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister.

Kachollom reaffirmed the government’s position, saying, ‘The Federal Government affirms that no grievance, disagreement or official assignment constitutes lawful justification for violence against a health worker or interference with the delivery of healthcare.’

She added that authorities would enforce existing laws, ensure offenders are held accountable and take all lawful steps to protect health workers, secure hospitals and guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded to reactions over its decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s account a few days before the governorship election.

The EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, explained why the commission did not freeze the Ekiti State Government’s account during the state’s governorship election. He said the commission had no reason to take such action because it did not have any incriminating information against the state.

Uwujaren also noted that the EFCC restricted the Edo State Government’s account when funds were being moved to suspicious accounts, adding that the commission was able to preserve N12 billion.

He emphasised that the commission’s action was not a personal attack.

‘We didn’t have any reason to intervene in Ekiti the way we are intervening now in Osun. You don’t have access to information as we have. We are not targeting anybody but simply doing our job,’ he said.

Former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has criticised the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, saying the initiative does not reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities.

Duke made the statement during an exclusive interview on ARISE NEWS, where he discussed Nigeria’s economic challenges, governance issues and measures he believes are needed to improve the country.

According to him, funds being committed to the highway project would be better spent on critical sectors such as electricity and healthcare.

‘I know the country cannot afford it. You cannot build a road on the coast from Lagos to Calabar without even going through Bayelsa-even Yenagoa, the capital, is a swamp. There is some expenditure we make that does not reflect the realities of our circumstance,’ Duke said.

He argued that government must prioritise projects that directly improve citizens’ welfare and strengthen productivity.

‘The money being spent on that would be better spent providing electricity or upgrading the healthcare system,’ he added.

The former governor said Nigeria needed to focus on projects that address immediate economic challenges rather than committing resources to initiatives that may not deliver the required impact.

Duke also criticised the country’s high cost of governance, calling for restructuring and reforms that would reduce waste and improve efficiency.

He said Nigeria’s economic problems were connected to weak governance and leadership failures, adding that the country had experienced too much politics without enough development.

‘In the last 20-plus years, there has been very little governance going on-a lot of politics and no governance,’ he said.

Duke, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the PRP ahead of the 2027 general elections, said his administration would focus on productivity, judicial reforms and building a competent team if elected president.

The presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race to endorse the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.

Imumolen, a factional National Chairman of the party, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that his decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership.

He described his withdrawal as a patriotic sacrifice aimed at prioritising national unity, stability, and continuous development over personal political ambition.

‘Following my emergence as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party during the duly conducted presidential primaries, I, in consultation with the leadership of the party, made the patriotic decision to withdraw from the presidential race and fully support the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. This decision was not borne out of personal interest, but from a deep conviction that the unity, stability, and continued progress of Nigeria must take precedence over personal political ambition,’ he said.

Highlighting 10 reasons for endorsing Tinubu’s re-election, Imumolen noted that the President’s reform agenda closely aligns with his manifesto, particularly in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, and national development.

‘His resilience and ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political and economic landscape demonstrate uncommon courage, determination, and strategic leadership worthy of emulation. In Nigeria’s democratic history, President Tinubu has consistently displayed extraordinary political wisdom, foresight, and nation-building capacity that have produced transformational leaders across the country. His commitment to sustaining progressive governance through purposeful leadership, institutional reforms, and continuity provides confidence in Nigeria’s long-term growth and stability,’ he added.

He said Tinubu had also shown a remarkable ability to identify capable individuals, build consensus, promote national unity, and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the nation.

Imumolen expressed belief that the President is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between the founding generation of Nigeria’s democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders.

He added that in spite of current economic challenges, he remained convinced that Tinubu’s policy direction, fiscal discipline, and decisive leadership would reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable prosperity.

‘His willingness to engage and collaborate with progressive-minded Nigerians across political parties reflects true statesmanship and a genuine commitment to national development above partisan interests. My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy public office. Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal political ambition,’ he stated.

He said that at this critical stage of the nation’s development, continuity in governance, policy consistency, political stability, and sustained reforms were essential for attracting investment.

He said it was also necessary for creating jobs, strengthening institutions, and building a prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

‘Today, I therefore declare my total support for the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. I equally call on members of the Accord Party, my supporters across Nigeria, the youth, professionals, and all patriotic Nigerians to join hands in supporting this national project,’ Imumolen said.

A coalition of pro-democracy groups and civil society organisations under the banner of THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE has warned all political players in Osun to end violence and ensure that electorate exercise their franchise freely on August 15.

The warning was issued on Wednesday during a press conference convened ahead of the Osun governorship election by the coalition at the Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo with the theme: Safeguarding Democracy Through Peaceful, Credible and Violence-Free Elections.

The paper at the conference was delivered by the renowned anti-corruption advocate who is the Head of the Coalition, Comrade Debo Adeniran.

The coalition said: ‘As the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election approaches, OUR PARTNERSHIP, a coalition of advocates committed to good governance, democratic accountability, electoral integrity and the rule of law, considers it a sacred responsibility to address all stakeholders whose actions and decisions will determine whether this election strengthens our democracy or weakens it.

‘The essence of democracy is to give the people the freedom to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence. Elections are not wars. Political opponents are not enemies. Victory at the polls must never come at the cost of human misery, pains, trauma and lives.

‘Unfortunately, the weeks leading to this election have witnessed disturbing reports of politically motivated attacks, violent confrontations and acts of intimidation. These developments are deeply troubling and deserve the strongest condemnation in all ramifications.

‘Political violence has no place in any civilised society. It discourages participation, suppresses voter confidence, undermines public trust in democratic institutions and leaves behind painful consequences that endure long after elections have been concluded. Every citizen must be able to leave home on election day with the confidence that they will return safely after exercising their constitutional right to vote. No one should ever have to choose between participating in democracy and preserving his or her life. We therefore call on every stakeholder to recognise that peace is not merely desirable, it is indispensable.’

The coalition reminded the electorate that the forthcoming governorship election belongs to every eligible citizen of the state, adding that, ‘It is an opportunity for the people to peacefully exercise their constitutional right to choose those who will govern them over the next four years.

‘We therefore encourage every registered voter to come out on August 15, 2026, and participate in the electoral process with confidence, civility and a commitment to peace.’

The group decried the recent spate of election-related violence in the state and warned that it must not be allowed to diminish participation and destroy democracy.

‘The recent incidents of politically motivated violence must not define our electoral culture or diminish public participation. Democracy thrives when citizens freely express their choices through the ballot, not when fear, intimidation or violence discourage legitimate participation. Every voter should be able to approach the polling unit, cast a ballot freely and return home safely, knowing that the institutions responsible for the conduct and security of the election are fully committed to protecting lives, maintaining public order and sanctity of the ballot box

‘As citizens, we all have a collective responsibility to preserve the peace that has long characterised our communities. Elections are temporary, but the unity, stability and development of our state are enduring values that must be protected by all,’ it said.

The group called on political leaders in the state, particularly leaders of ‘the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Accord Party (ACCORD), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and indeed every political party participating in this election to demonstrate leadership that reflects political maturity and respect for democratic values.

‘The conduct of party leaders before, during and after the election will significantly influence the behaviour of their supporters, making it imperative that they consistently preach restraint, reject inflammatory rhetoric and discourage every form of violence or intimidation before, during and after the election.

‘Political parties must ensure that their campaigns remain issue-based and that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. Every disagreement should be resolved within the framework of the law, while every grievance arising from the election should be pursued through the constitutional and legal mechanisms provided for that purpose by the constitution.

‘It must never be forgotten that no political office is worth the life of any citizen. Every life lost during an election represents an irreparable loss to a family, a community and the nation.

‘Those who encourage others to engage in violence rarely bear the consequences themselves; instead, it is often young men and women with promising futures who become victims of needless bloodshed, leaving behind grieving parents, widows, children and shattered dreams.’

The coalition, therefore, urged supporters of political parties to remember that no politician’s ambition is greater than the value of human life.

It also informed the conference that, in preparation for the election, it held constructive engagements with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant security institutions.

According to the body, the engagements were convened to emphasise the shared responsibility of safeguarding lives, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that every eligible voter is able to exercise the right to vote without fear or intimidation.

It maintained that the security personnel must be firm against criminality and be impartial in the discharge of their duties.

‘Every polling unit deserves adequate protection, every lawful voter deserves equal security irrespective of political affiliation, and every report of electoral violence or intimidation must receive a swift, lawful and professional response. Individuals or groups who choose to undermine the peace of the state must be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law, irrespective of their political status or influence,’ it added.

It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain transparent, professional and neutral in order to conduct a free and fair exercise.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission bears a profound constitutional responsibility in this election. The confidence of the people in Nigeria’s democracy depends, to a significant extent, on the Commission’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, neutrality and strict compliance with the Electoral Act and its own guidelines.

‘The eyes of the people of Osun State, indeed of the entire nation, will be on INEC on August 15. The Commission must therefore ensure the timely deployment of personnel and materials, the seamless operation of electoral technology, strict adherence to established procedures and the prompt, transparent collation and declaration of results. Every valid vote must count, and every result declared must faithfully reflect the sovereign will of the electorate as expressed at the polls.

‘Nigeria’s democratic future cannot be separated from the credibility of its elections. Free, fair and transparent elections deepen public trust, strengthen democratic institutions, enhance political stability and reinforce the legitimacy of those entrusted with public office.

‘We therefore urge INEC to rise up to this historic responsibility and deliver an election that will stand as a model of electoral integrity and inspire greater confidence in our democratic process,’ the group admonished.

TikToker Wasilat Olalere has alleged that she was forced to claim she fell ill after recording the popular Ibadan-based Oloolu masquerade, saying she was subjected to traditional rites against her will.

Olalere made the allegation during an interview with an Islamic cleric in Ibadan, where she denied earlier claims that she suffered a strange ailment after capturing the masquerade in a viral TikTok video.

She said she only recorded security operatives and residents gathered around her area ahead of the annual outing of the Oloolu masquerade before uploading the video on TikTok.

According to her, she deleted the video shortly after receiving warnings from people who asked her to take it down, but some individuals had already saved and circulated it.

Olalere alleged that some men linked to the Oloolu traditional institution later stormed her shop, threatened her and took her away despite pleas from residents.

‘They said Olubadan had requested that I come. They said I would go to jail. I was begging them endlessly. They locked me up at Agungun Police Station and I was bailed out on Saturday,’ she said.

The TikToker further alleged that after she was released on bail, she was taken to Ode Aje, where she was made to undergo traditional rites.

She claimed that her family was instructed to provide items including a goat, red cloth and a blade before the ceremony was performed.

‘They told my mum to get a goat, red cloth and blade because she was the one that would scrape off my hair. They put the goat on my neck, told me to sit on a mortar, then killed the goat on my head and instructed me to let the blood dry completely on me,’ she alleged.

Olalere also claimed that she was recorded after the ceremony and forced to say that she became sick and suffered bleeding after seeing the Oloolu masquerade.

‘They forced me to say that since I saw Oloolu, I had been unwell and bleeding all over my body. Nothing happened to me. I didn’t see any blood, not even my menstrual period,’ she said.

She alleged that her husband was contacted during the process and that ?400,000 was collected after the family provided the items required for the rites.

The controversy began after Olalere’s video allegedly showing the Oloolu masquerade triggered reactions from custodians of the traditional institution, who said the revered figure was not meant to be recorded or publicly displayed.

A later video emerged showing Olalere claiming she had become seriously ill after recording the masquerade and had undergone traditional cleansing.

However, the Family Secretary of the Oloolu masquerade, Oluwo Ishola Akeem, denied allegations of assault, insisting that Olalere voluntarily came for the rites after admitting wrongdoing.

He said she sought traditional appeasement after violating cultural practices surrounding the Oloolu masquerade and denied claims that members of the family forced her into the process.