Category: PM News

Nigerian veteran comedian Ali Baba, has made a controversial statement about polygamy and how it helps marriages.

The comedian in an interview, stated that having multiple wives help manage households and maintain order and discipline.

Ali Baba also claimed that women become more respectful when the man has other wives.

‘Some people believe that if you have only one wife, you may not be able to control her. But if the wife knows you have more than one, she’ll calm down because she knows that if she misbehaves, another person will take her place,’ he stated.

The comedian further argued that traditionally, polygamy was encouraged by women as it helped prevent men from having concubines. He added that polygamy is a system that he believes in because it is practical and grounded.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic, commending the team for keeping the nation’s hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the team for their hunger, passion, and determination, describing the performance in Uyo as one that has reignited national pride.

‘The President praises the Super Eagles for the hunger, passion, and determination displayed on the field in Uyo, noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians’ football pride,’ the statement read.

While acknowledging that more work remains to be done, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify for the World Cup.

‘While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,’ he said.

‘The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host,’ the President added.

‘As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.

‘We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage,’ President Tinubu affirmed.

The Nigerian civil society community is in mourning following the death of Comrade Biodun Aremu, fondly known as Aremson, a revered organiser, movement builder, and tireless advocate for social justice, democracy, and public accountability.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Robert Egbe, the organisation described his passing as a monumental loss, not just to his family and close allies, but to all progressive movements across Nigeria and beyond.

‘A true people’s general,’ CAPPA wrote. It said, ‘Comrade Aremu lived and breathed struggle. His consistency and depth earned him several leadership roles that helped shape the foundation of Nigeria’s popular movement.’

As Secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF), Aremu played a pivotal role in uniting the voices of workers, students, and communities in resistance against oppression, inequality, and corporate overreach. He was instrumental in building platforms for political education, coalition-building, and grassroots organising, ensuring that movements were not only loud in protest but strategic in action.

His activism extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. Guided by a deep belief in international solidarity, Aremu saw the struggle for Nigerian liberation as inextricably linked to global movements of oppressed peoples. This perspective earned him widespread recognition and respect from global civil society networks.

CAPPA particularly highlighted his unwavering support for its campaigns against corporate capture, privatisation of essential services, and erosion of public welfare. He was a staunch ally of the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC), a continent-wide effort to resist water privatisation.

‘He often reminded us that water is not a product to be sold but a right that belongs to every human being,’ the statement read.

Despite facing health challenges in recent years, Aremu remained active, mentoring younger activists, attending meetings, and offering strategic guidance. His resilience, according to CAPPA, was a testament to his unshakable faith in collective struggle and the power of people united in purpose.

‘His passing is a painful reminder of how much the Nigerian state and people owe to those who have given their lives to the fight for a better society,’ the statement noted.

‘But as we mourn, we also take courage in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire every campaign for accountability, public ownership, and people’s power.’

CAPPA pledged to honour Aremu’s memory by continuing the fight for the values he held dear: public ownership of essential services, democratic accountability, and the dignity of all people.

‘Rest in power, Comrade Aremu. Your struggle lives on in ours.’

The Nigerian Army has declared that there is a decline in the number of applicants into the Army from South West region, which was too low when compared with the number from other regions of the country.

The Team Lead, Army Headquarters Recruitment team, Brig.-Gen. Adeleye Lawal, stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Lawal who was speaking during a sensitisation exercise on Army recruitment described the situation as worrisome .

He therefore urged the people of the region to change their mindsets and apply for the profession.

Specifically, Lawal noted that about 2,070 applicants from South-West region had so far applied since the opening of the portal for army recruitment on Oct. 2 adding that Oyo State was having the highest number of 544 applicants.

He also revealed that about 14,000 applicants had so far applied from the North-West from the commencement of the exercise, 13,000 from North-East, 10,000 from North-Central and South-East had 1,000 applicants.

He said that every state in Nigeria was allocated 180 slots each in the ongoing Army recruitment exercise, emphasising that any region that failed to fill its slot, the remaining would be allocated to other states.

Lawal said that joining the military didn’t amount to signing one’s death warrant, saying people die in their houses and on the road while travelling.

‘Death is part of life and we are not saying come and join the military and die. Many people have joined the military and succeed far more than expectations.

‘The Army make people the best they can be and increase their exposures. As a Soldier in the military you can be come a doctor, pharmacy and even driver, if that is your wish,’ he said.

Lawal, while disabusing the mind of the people on suffering in the Nigerian Army, said nothing comes easy in life, adding that the system has a way of paying back those who work tirelessly for the profession.

He appealed to those who have what it takes to apply to join the Army profession, assuring that the standard in the Nigerian Army would not be lower for anyone and would be merit based.

Lawal urged those applying for the profession to ensure they are Nigerians, don’t have any criminal records, and were physically and medically fit among others.

Also speaking, the Executive Assistant to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya, urged the people of Oyo State to apply to join the Nigerian Army in order not to waste the slot of the state.

Odukoya urged the people to change their orientation about the military and disseminate the message to the youths on the reason they should join the military.

President Bola Tinubu has learned with profound sadness that Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who was 79, has passed away.

A former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Ogwu represented Nigeria at the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017.

A skilled diplomat and scholar, she served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made invaluable contributions to developing Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations scholarship.

With inspiring dedication and skill, she presided over the UN Security Council twice, first in July 2010 and again in October 2011.

President Tinubu extols the late Ambassador for projecting Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and working tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s five children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, the entire Ogwu family, and the diplomatic and academic community, mourning the passing of the distinguished diplomat.

‘Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work,’ he says.

President Tinubu prays for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who mourn the diplomat.

Security officers at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have forcefully removed some lecturers and senior staff from their campus apartments while the nationwide ASUU strike continues.

Several affected staff members accused the university management of abusing power.

However, the management said the decision was taken by the school’s Governing Council.

One of the affected lecturers, who spoke anonymously, said security personnel broke into the Boys’ Quarters of their residences and threw out belongings, even of those who were away on sabbatical or official duty.

‘Some of our colleagues returned to find their doors broken and their belongings outside.

This is unacceptable in a university environment,’ he said.

Another lecturer, Dr. Benard, described the eviction as harsh and humiliating.

He explained that the Boys’ Quarters were originally built to house domestic workers and dependents of senior staff, but management had recently reassigned them to junior staff.

He asked, ‘Is management saying our house helps should now stay in our bedrooms because the BQs have been taken over?’

Some senior staff warned that the action could cause unrest on campus if not properly handled.

The university, however, defended its decision, saying it followed due process and was meant to solve accommodation shortages for junior staff and stop unethical practices.

UNICAL’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Eyo Effiong, said investigations showed that many of the Boys’ Quarters had been rented out to students and outsiders for between ?80,000 and ?350,000 per year.

He added that the Governing Council instructed all staff to vacate the quarters after official notices were issued.

‘Council decided that staff should give up their Boys’ Quarters. Letters were sent asking occupants to move out on or before April 30, 2025,’ Effiong said.

As the controversy continues, many are calling on the education authorities to step in and mediate between the affected staff and the university management to prevent further unrest on campus.

South Africa have officially booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dominant 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.

Bafana Bafana went into their final Group C clash knowing that a win coupled with Nigeria’s triumph over Benin would secure top spot and direct qualification. And that’s exactly how the night played out, as both results went their way.

Thalente Mbatha set the tone early, firing home a composed finish that sent the home crowd into raptures. Moments later, Iqraam Rayners Appollis doubled the lead with a stunning strike that left Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, rooted to the spot.

The second half saw Hugo Broos’ men turn up the heat, dominating possession and carving out wave after wave of attacks. Makgopa and Nkota came close, while Mudau’s curling effort narrowly missed the post. Appollis continued to torment the visitors down the flank, drawing fouls and keeping Rwanda under constant pressure.

Their dominance finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Evidence Makgopa rose highest to meet Appollis’ pinpoint corner, heading home from close range to seal the win and with it, South Africa’s long-awaited return to the World Cup.

The result sees Bafana Bafana top Group C with 18 points, marking their first World Cup qualification since 2010 – a triumphant moment for South African football and a testament to the team’s resurgence under Hugo Broos.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified why he was absent from the recent Council of State meeting where President Bola Tinubu nominated Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike said he had informed President Tinubu ahead of time that he would not be available for the meeting due to other official engagements.

He added that he asked the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.

According to The Punch, Wike dismissed reports that he boycotted the meeting because his preferred candidate for INEC Chairman was not chosen, describing such claims as ‘propaganda and blackmail.’

He said, ‘Last week Thursday, we had a flag-off event, and I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I already informed Mr President that I would not be available due to prior engagements. That is why I wonder when people carry unnecessary propaganda. They said I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t selected that’s not true.’

The Council of State meeting was held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, where Prof. Amupitan was nominated as INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.

Wike also reacted to reports that he had fallen out with President Tinubu, calling the claims false.

‘I work for Mr President. His focus has always been on putting this country on the right path. When you deliver results, your achievements will silence critics. Today, they have nothing more to say,’ he added.

The Minister also praised President Tinubu for his leadership, saying it has made it easier for the FCT Administration to achieve visible progress.

‘When you have the right leadership, you achieve results. Mr President has shown that, and that’s why people are talking about the achievements in the FCT,’ Wike said.

Israel’s last 20 surviving hostages released from Gaza may face lasting physical and psychological damage after more than 700 days in captivity, health experts have warned.

The men, aged between 21 and 48, were freed following the Gaza peace deal signed on Sunday. While their exact medical condition remains unclear, doctors say many are frail, malnourished, and deeply traumatized.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 24-year-old Alon Ohel lost sight in one eye due to injuries sustained while in captivity. Other freed hostages appeared emaciated, weak, and disoriented upon arrival at hospitals.

Medical experts treating them say recovery could take years, with some effects likely permanent.

‘Captivity produces deep and long-lasting psychological, somatic, and functional injuries,’ researchers wrote in a study on former prisoners of war from Israel’s 1973 Yom Kippur conflict. ‘Former captives carry their wounds for a very long time.’

One of the freed men, Avinatan Or, 32, who was taken alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani from the Nova Festival, was reportedly held in near-total isolation for two years and lost almost half his body weight.

Another freed soldier, Matan Angrest, 22, endured ‘severe torture’ and months of solitary confinement. His mother, Anat Angrest, told local media that her son ‘was alone for a long period, under special guard,’ and had ‘refused to break for the monsters who kept him captive.’

Doctors have warned that the hostages’ bodies were pushed to their limits. Severe malnutrition has weakened their immune systems, damaged muscles, and caused extreme fatigue. The loss of subcutaneous fat has left many prone to wounds and infections, while vitamin and mineral deficiencies may have harmed their teeth and gums.

Those kept underground for long periods also suffered disrupted circadian rhythms, affecting sleep, digestion, hormones, and mental balance. Research links such conditions to heart rhythm disorders and even strokes.

Each survivor is now under the care of a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

In a statement, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said:

‘The process does not end with release – it begins with it. After two years under inhumane conditions of starvation, isolation, and abuse, they need medical care, close supervision, and peace. Above all, they need to regain their identity as people, not as hostages.’

Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey, has mourned the passing of evangelist Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai. Bassey, on his Instagram page, lamented the loss, while speaking about Ukpai’s impact on his life and ministry.

Bassey also spoke about a spiritual routine he learnt from Ukpai in his emotional post.

‘Oh! Dr Uma! Oh Papa Uma! Sometimes you wish some people would never die. What a man! Just a few days ago, I was inspired to lead multitudes in an evening fast. Something I learnt from you and did mention so. You called me SON. What a privilege. A man of God indeed. One of great power and immense stature, and impact. A man who knew the ways of the spirit, who knew how to deploy praise and worship in spiritual warfare and the supernatural. We ache, but heaven rejoices. Good night, papa,’ he stated.

The news of Ukpai’s death was announced on Monday by his family. They also revealed that the reverend passed away on the 6th of October at the age of 80.