Category: PM News

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, spokesperson of Kano state Police Command, was among 29 promoted officers who were decorated with their new ranks by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, on Monday.

Kiyawa was promoted from the rank of Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police.

Mr. Bakori described the occasion as a gathering to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service, that earned the officers the well-deserved recognition.

The Police boss said: “The promotions we are witnessing today were approved by the Police Service Commission on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. I would like to use this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police for his visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and career progression of officers across the Force.

“I would also like to sincerely appreciate the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 1 Kano, for his guidance, mentorship, and continuous support to the Kano State Police Command. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring the growth and efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force. and we remain deeply grateful.”

According to him, among the 29 officers being decorated today: two officers have been promoted from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)

Twenty one officers have been elevated from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

Six officers have risen from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to Superintendent of Police (SP).

Mr. Bakori further stated: “To our newly promoted officers, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your promotion is not merely a reward for your past accomplishments but also a call to greater responsibility and higher expectations.

“As you adorn your new ranks, 1 urge you to rededicate yourselves to the noble ideals of integrity, discipline, and selfless service that define our profession.

“The challenges facing our nation today require innovative thinking, unwavering commitment, and teamwork. I trust that you will rise to these expectations, lead by example, and inspire your subordinates to do the same. Remember, with higher ranks come greater accountability and the need to demonstrate exceptional leadership at all times.

“In conclusion, I wish to commend everyone who has contributed to the success of today’s event. To our newly decorated officers, I say congratulations once again. The Command, and indeed the entire nation, is proud of you. Together, Let us continue to work towards a safer and more secure Kano State and Nigeria at large.”

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to beg President Donald Trump over the recent military threats against Nigeria due to reported killings of Christians.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele urged Tinubu not to put himself in a position where he will be at the mercy of the US president but he should quickly tackle insecurity because it will affect his chances in 2027.

The prophet revealed that he had warned years ago that insecurity would affect Tinubu’s government, but he was ignored.

He called on the president to quickly address it; otherwise, he will have serious issues.

“Don’t travel to go and beg Trump, he wants to make money. Tinubu shouldn’t be at his mercy; rather, he should go to God and work well on insecurity. I have said that insecurity will cause his government a lot; all he needs to do is wake up, ensure he tackles security well.”

The cleric stated that Nigeria’s issue is beyond genocide and that it’s just an excuse Trump wants to use to negotiate for Nigeria’s resources.

He urged Tinubu to be patient because he will be given different options, which he needs to be careful about to avoid doing a wrong thing.

“The matter of Nigeria is beyond genocide. Tinubu isn’t Trump’s friend from the onset and what the US wants to do is negotiate with Tinubu for Nigeria’s resources. This matter needs to be addressed with patience because they will give Tinubu different options but he must not do the wrong thing.”

He explained that Nigeria can solve its problems if the government is ready, while noting that Trump’s concern isn’t a genuine one.

“It is only Nigeria that can solve its problems, a stranger can’t solve problems for Nigeria, Trump isn’t God, he just wants to make money, he is an oppressor. If US has a genuine mission, they should work with the Nigerian government, the threat was unnecessary. “

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has assured that the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, will continue to uphold freedom of the press and ensure welfare of working journalists in the state.

Speaking during a Tea Break session organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano chapter, Bature dismissed insinuations that journalists are being gagged or harassed under Governor Yusuf’s administration, insisting that Governor Yusuf has continued to give journalists adequate freedom to perform their constitutional responsibilities as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

He further denied allegations from the opposition that the state government is using police and the court to threaten journalists, maintaining that, “at no point in time has Kano state government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, used police or the court of law to harass or threaten any journalist who is performing his duties within the ambit of the law and ethics of the profession.”

Bature who is also the spokesperson to Governor Yusuf regretted that some organizations outside the state are jumping into conclusion, “after being fed with falsehood and misinformation concocted by elements of the opposition who are hell-bent to blackmail Governor Yusuf’s administration through deliberate distortion of facts.”

He further stated that Governor Yusuf continue to ensure the welfare of journalists in the state through provision of seasonal relief materials and capacity building initiatives.

According to Bature, “Governor Yusuf runs an open door policy, which encourages cordial relationship and engagements with journalists who we see as partners in progress. We do not discourage constructive criticisms because through that way, the government stands on its feet and improve upon its achievements and progress.”

Bature revealed that Governor Yusuf’s administration has expressed a commitment to investing in capacity-building initiatives for journalists, exploring partnerships with institutions like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other Foundations to provide training and professional development opportunities for working journalists in the state.

“It is also on record that in recognition of his support and transparent governance, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) national body, honored Governor Yusuf with the ‘Journalist-Friendly Governor’ award in June 2025.

“More so, the immediate-past National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo decorated Governor Yusuf as the Grand Patron of the NUJ Kano State Chapter. Comrade Chris was personally in Kano for the investiture of the Governor,” Bature added.

He further stated that Governor Yusuf’s administration emphasizes an open-door policy, ensuring access to government information and officials to enable journalists to perform their duties effectively and promote transparency and accountability.

Bature, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event commended working journalists in the state for professional reportage of government activities and assured that Governor Yusuf’s administration will continue to do everything within the law to uphold the freedom and welfare of journalists working in Kano.

He, however, urged journalists to keep maintaining the code of ethics of the profession, and view the government, not as an enemy, but as a vehicle through which democratic dividends are pushed to the masses.

In his remarks, the chairman of Kano state NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, commended Bature for joining in the second special edition of the Tea Break session.

dewale said the idea behind the Tea Break, “is to relax and share ideas. This is not only a social gathering, but also a platform for politicians and corporate organizations to chat and share ideas with journalists.”

A Nigerian singer, Waje, has revealed that she was never paid for her vocals on P-Square’s 2007 hit track, ‘Do Me’ — the song that helped introduce her voice to millions of music lovers.

The 45-year-old singer made the shocking disclosure during her appearance on The HonestBunch Podcast, where she discussed her early struggles in the music industry.

“I didn’t earn a dime from P-Square’s ‘Do Me’,” she said.

Waje, whose real name is Aituaje Iruobe, was the powerful female voice behind the song’s chorus, but she was neither featured nor officially credited when the song was released.

She recalled how difficult it was to convince people that she was the one who sang on the track.

Imagine being in Onitsha market and telling people ‘that’s my voice’ whenever Do Me is played, and they look at you like who are you? They didn’t believe me,” she lamented.

‘Do Me’ featured on P-Square’s third studio album, and gtame Over, and went on to become one of the biggest pop anthems of the mid-2000s.

Nigerian singer and song-writer Omah Stanley Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay has opened up on his decision to not be a father yet while throwing subtle shades at his fellow colleagues.

The artist, in a series of posts on his Snapchat page, shared cryptic messages, stating that he is at peace in heaven.

Omah Lay further disclosed that he is not ready to be a father, adding that he feels superior to other artists.

“I’m very much not ready to be a baby daddy, but I’m their father, their father in the highest, at peace in heaven blowing clean Canada. Everything happens but nothing ever happens to me. I don’t expect you to understand but. I miss my Yoruba girl bad. I like them, but when e too plenty e dey turn me off. Yeah, I got no girls. It has become a boring activity of late,” he wrote.

Femi Fabunmi

Real Madrid will be without four key players when they face Liverpool in Tuesday’s Champions League group stage match at Anfield.

The Spanish club confirmed that 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono has been ruled out due to pubalgia, a groin injury.

The young Argentine forward, who joined from River Plate in the summer, has already played 12 times for Madrid this season, scoring once and assisting another.

“Following tests carried out today on Franco Mastantuono, he has been diagnosed with pubalgia. His recovery will be monitored,” the club said in a statement.

Mastantuono’s recovery time has not been specified, and he will be reassessed before Sunday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano.

Defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are also unavailable.

Rudiger remains sidelined with a muscular injury, while Alaba has not yet recovered from a calf problem. Right-back Dani Carvajal is still out after undergoing knee surgery.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to full fitness but has not played in Real Madrid’s last two games following a hamstring injury. Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that he is available for selection.

“He’s fine and can play tomorrow. We need him because he has great quality,” Alonso said during his pre-match press conference. However, Federico Valverde is expected to start at right-back due to Alexander-Arnold’s recent lack of game time.

lonso, who played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, described his return to Anfield as emotional.

“It always feels good to come back to a place where you were loved. I learned so much there — not just about football, but also about life. I’ll try not to let emotions distract me so I can stay focused,” he said.

Real Madrid have won all three of their Champions League matches so far this season and currently sit fifth overall in the league phase with nine points.

Real Madrid Squad vs Liverpool: Courtois, Lunin, Gonzalez; Militao, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Carreras, F. Garcia, Mendy, Huijsen; Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Ceballos; Vinicius, Endrick, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle to take charge of security operations in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday. He said the move is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.

ccording to him, CP Shogunle will enforce the IGP’s anti-electoral offences protocol, aimed at curbing ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, and voter intimidation.

Ikenga also revealed that a special Electoral Offences Desk has been activated to monitor social media for cyber-related crimes linked to the polls.

He added that over 60,000 security operatives drawn from various agencies will be deployed across Anambra’s 5,720 polling units, with backup teams stationed at local government and state boundaries.

The police have also banned vigilante groups like Agunechemba and warned that only federal security agencies are authorised to provide election security.

The command further cautioned VIPs against moving around polling or collation centres with armed escorts, warning that violators will be arrested and prosecuted.

Ikenga urged political parties, community leaders, and voters to cooperate with the police to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.

Nigerian singer Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, has opened up on her relationship with colleague and music executive, M.I Abaga.

While speaking with the Honest Bunch, Waje reacted to the dating rumors, stating that she was never in a relationship with M.I.

She stated that their relationship was purely platonic and work related and was never romantic.

“Because of the rollout and romantic theme of my collaborative song with M.I, One Naira, a lot of people speculated that we were dating. But we never dated. We were just friends who saw how great a love story in a song could be, so we created characters that would help drive the song. His then-girlfriend was even the one who did the voice-over, not me,” she explained.

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu is calm and taking recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to attack Nigeria over alleged killing of Christians seriously, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has revealed.

The Minister said the President remained calm while deploying a multi-pronged strategy to address Washington’s concerns through dialogue, coordination, and transparency.

Idris revealed this to journalists on Tuesday, after a routine meeting with President Tinubu at the Nigerian leader at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He told journalists that the President expressed confidence that Nigeria will emerge stronger assuring that the matter is being handled with seriousness and depth.

He emphasised that the Federal Government prioritised constructive engagement over inflammatory rhetoric, adding that new communication channels had been opened with international organisations to deepen understanding of Nigeria’s reforms and future strategies.

“Of course, the issue of the U.S. threats came up, and we discussed that extensively with Mr President.

“He is calm and looking for ways to ensure that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing.

“Only two weeks ago, Mr President reinvigorated the hierarchy of the Armed Forces with the appointment of new service chiefs.

“These were steps already taken before the U.S. concerns, showing that he has been working assiduously to keep Nigeria safer for all,” Idris said.

The minister explained that work is ongoing across relevant agencies to address domestic and international concerns through sustained dialogue and a commitment to tolerance, security, and national cohesion.

He said the President has continued to meet with Christian and Muslim leaders to strengthen unity among Nigerians of all faiths.

“It is a multiple approach. Mr President has been meeting with religious leaders and will continue to do so because they are important stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” he said.

Idris reaffirmed that President Tinubu would sustain active engagement with the international community, including the United States, regional, and continental bodies, to strengthen cooperation in addressing security challenges and correcting misconceptions about Nigeria.

He noted that the government remained determined to eliminate criminal elements whose actions had contributed to negative global narratives about the country.

“For us to be characterized as a country that is intolerant of religion is absolutely false.

“What we have are extremists trying to divide the country. Nigerians must look deeper and reflect on our unity.

“This is not the time for division or rhetoric but a time for nation-building.

“Mr President is calm and taking the issue seriously. All relevant authorities are addressing it with the depth it requires, and we believe Nigeria will come out stronger,” Idris said.

He explained that his meeting with the President was part of routine consultations aimed at aligning government communication strategies with presidential directives.

President Donald Trump of U.S. had threatened to carry out attacks in Nigeria in response to alleged anti-Christian violence.

The U.S. President said he instructed the recently renamed Department of War to “prepare for possible action”. In a social media post on Saturday, he said the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria “if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians”.

(NAN)

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as the Tax Ombudsman, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025. The appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze, a native of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State was announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday evening.

According to the statement, the appointment Nwabueze with extensive professional and public service experience was in alignment with President Tinubu’s commitment to implementing far-reaching and sustainable reforms in the tax and revenue administration framework. The statement indicated that Office of the Tax Ombudsman has been established to strengthen transparency and accountability within the tax system, enhance confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured mechanism for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities. “The Office shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in accordance with extant laws and regulations. “The Tax Ombudsman is further mandated to ensure that disputes are managed in an efficient, impartial, and non-adversarial manner, thereby safeguarding the rights of taxpayers against the arbitrary or abusive exercise of authority by tax officials,” Onanuga said in the statement. Prior to his appointment, he served as Managing Partner of a reputable tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance of the National Assembly, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, among other significant engagements in both the public and private sectors. Nwabueze holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA; a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.; and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Nigeria. While congratulated Nwabueze on his appointment, President Tinubu expressed confidence in his capacity to discharge the responsibilities of his office with integrity, diligence, and utmost professionalism.