Category: PM News

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Dr. Lasisi Taiwo Abideen as the new substantive Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The governor also appointed Dr. Olajide Taiwo Sherifat as the institution’s Registrar, Mr. Adegbola Abiodun Kolawole as Bursar, and Mr. Osunrinade Olukunle Akinbola as Librarian.

The appointments were announced in a statement by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, following an approval signed by Governor Makinde.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, said the appointment process followed all laid down procedures and regulations for selecting principal officers in state-owned tertiary institutions.

He explained that the process started with the advertisement of the vacant positions in national newspapers.

Qualified applicants were later screened and interviewed by the institution’s Governing Council, led by Professor Lanre Nassar.

According to Adelabu, the appointments took effect from July 31, 2026, and each officer will serve a single five-year term.

He congratulated the newly appointed officials and urged them to provide strong leadership that would promote academic excellence, improve stability and support the continued growth of the institution.

The appointments also end the long period during which the key leadership positions at the polytechnic were occupied by acting officials.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the accounts of the state government and some top officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, alleged that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze the state’s accounts as well as those of key government functionaries.

The governor described the alleged move as an attempt to cripple government activities ahead of the election, warning that such action, if carried out, would amount to ‘the height of lawlessness.’

Adeleke said there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of a state government, insisting that the EFCC lacked the authority to take such action.

He alleged that the reported plan was politically motivated and aimed at creating disruption in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.

‘The plot to freeze the state government accounts is meant to paralyze government activities ahead of the August 15th governorship election,’ the statement said.

The governor maintained that his administration had continued to operate within the law and would resist any attempt to undermine the smooth running of the state.

The EFCC has not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of filing this report.

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.

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has denied reports claiming that he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would lose his bid for a second term in office.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele said his comments had been deliberately twisted and misrepresented by political actors for their personal interests.

The cleric explained that the misrepresented prophecy was made during a live church service on Sunday and stressed that he never said Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, what he actually said was: ‘If Tinubu loses the election, it will be painful for him.’ However, he alleged that the statement was distorted and reported as ‘Tinubu will lose the 2027 election.’

‘I have read several reports claiming that I said President Tinubu will lose his re-election bid in 2027. I would like to state clearly that there is nowhere I made the statement being attributed to me.

‘It has become a pattern for political actors and some media organisations to twist and misrepresent my prophecies for their personal gains, and this latest incident further proves that these actions are deliberate.

‘During a live service on Sunday at our headquarters church, I spoke about the 2027 presidential election, as I always do, and clearly stated that if Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election, it will be painful for him. I have video evidence of this, which is already available on several platforms. Therefore, I am shocked that my statement was intentionally misrepresented.’

Primate Ayodele further stated that it is not yet time for him to reveal who would win the 2027 presidential election, adding that he would make that known when the time is right. He, however, warned political actors against misinterpreting or misrepresenting his statements for personal gain.

He also urged media organisations to seek clarification from his media office whenever there is doubt about his statements instead of disseminating false information to the public.

‘When the time is right, I will certainly reveal who will win the upcoming presidential election. Until then, it is wrong to attribute statements I never made to me. Such conduct is highly unprofessional and irresponsible. I urge everyone involved in this act to desist from it.

‘Likewise, some media organisations have become channels for spreading these falsehoods across the country, which is deeply concerning. The media is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Whenever there is any doubt, my media officer is always available to provide clarification. Sadly, some prefer to publish false reports instead of seeking the truth. I call on every media organisation involved in this to desist from such practices and continue to uphold the integrity of the profession.’

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested nine people over separate incidents involving alleged murder, attacks on security personnel and violent disturbances linked to unrest at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, Shi’isu Adam, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday in Dutse, saying the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and maintain public order across the state.

Giving details of the Gujungu Market incident, Adam said police had taken two suspects into custody following the violence that broke out on July 26.

‘On July 26, 2026, the command arrested two suspects in connection with the violent unrest that erupted at Gujungu Market.’

He explained that the crisis began after an altercation involving a soldier and a trader.

‘The disturbance reportedly began following a misunderstanding between a soldier and one Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, 25, of Miga Local Government Area, at the market,’ he stated.

According to the police, the disagreement turned deadly.

‘During the altercation, the soldier allegedly stabbed Biniya with a knife, resulting in injuries from which the victim was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor,’ the PPRO said.

The spokesman said the incident later spiralled into wider violence, with hoodlums targeting security personnel and property.

‘Following the incident, some hoodlums took advantage of the situation to attack a police station, discharged bows and arrows at security personnel, and set two thatched shops ablaze within the market,’ he said.

Adam said intelligence gathering and follow-up operations led to the arrest of two suspects, while efforts to apprehend others were continuing.

‘Through sustained intelligence-led operations, police operatives arrested two suspects believed to have actively participated in the attack, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices,’ he added.

The suspects were identified as Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa Local Government Area, and Faridu Mohammed.

The police also linked six other arrests to the same episode of violence, saying the suspects allegedly attacked members of a local vigilante group.

‘In a related incident arising from the same disturbance, on August 2, 2026, six suspects were arrested for allegedly attacking two vigilante members with sticks and cutlasses.’

‘As a result of the assault, one vigilante member sustained fatal injuries and was certified dead by a medical doctor, while the second victim is currently responding to treatment at a medical facility,’ he said.

Adam added that officers recovered livestock believed to have been abandoned during the unrest.

‘The command also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the unrest,’ Adam said.

The six suspects are Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55, Yahaya Habu, 31, Ibrahim Abubakar, 30, Audu Mamman Janare, 30, Ya’u Duga, 65, and Mamman Musa, 20, all from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama and Jahun local government areas.

In a separate development, the command announced the arrest of another suspect over the fatal stabbing of a young man in Dabigel Village, Ringim Local Government Area.

‘Today, Monday, August 3, 2026, at about 10:30hrs, the command received a report of a culpable homicide incident that occurred at Dabigel Village, Ringim Local Government Area,’ Adam stated.

Police said preliminary investigations showed that an argument between two youths, both aged 20, ended in violence.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that a misunderstanding between two 20-year-old youths degenerated into violence, during which one of them allegedly stabbed the other with a sharp metal object (Danbuda) in the chest,’ he said.

The victim later died while receiving treatment.

‘The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.’

Adam said officers promptly arrested the suspect.

‘Acting swiftly, police operatives arrested one Saminu Ibrahim, 20, of Gidan Gona Village, Ringim Local Government Area, in connection with the incident.’

He added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after preliminary inquiries.

‘The case is currently under investigation, after which the suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Dutse, for discreet investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the suspect will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face the full weight of the law,’ the PPRO stated.

A wave of violence has devastated Tsamaye community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where heavily armed bandits killed scores of residents, abducted dozens and forced thousands to flee, while a desperate attempt to escape by river ended in another tragedy after overloaded boats capsized.

Residents said at least 21 people are feared dead, 37 others were abducted, and 18 people remain missing after the boats overturned, raising fears that the death toll could climb further.

The attack, which began around 9 p.m. on Monday and lasted until after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, left the once-bustling community deserted as terrified residents fled for safety.

Witnesses said the gunmen moved from house to house, setting two homes ablaze, rustling livestock and forcing villagers to identify wealthy residents and livestock owners.

As panic spread, many families attempted to cross a nearby river to escape. However, the overloaded boats capsized, throwing about 25 people, mostly women and children, into the water. Seven survivors were rescued, but 18 others remain unaccounted for and are feared drowned.

A resident told Daily Trust that bandits answered calls made to the phones of missing villagers, claiming they had 37 captives in their custody.

According to residents, many of those abducted had been sleeping on farms and in surrounding bushes to avoid previous attacks, only for the gunmen to track them down.

‘Because of frequent attacks, people no longer sleep in their homes,’ one resident said. ‘The bandits searched the farms, woke people up and marched them away. I saw three babies left behind after their mothers were taken.’

Residents accused security forces of failing to respond despite receiving distress calls before the attackers withdrew.

‘We informed them early enough, but no reinforcement came,’ another resident lamented.

A local vigilante, who requested anonymity, said the security personnel stationed in the area admitted they lacked the equipment needed to confront the attackers.

‘We also contacted our traditional ruler, but there was little he could do. When the gunfire intensified, we had no option but to hide,’ he said.

He appealed to the government to deploy Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), saying the difficult terrain makes rapid security intervention almost impossible without specialised equipment.

According to him, fewer than 20 people remain in Tsamaye, while more than 100 vehicles have evacuated displaced families since the attack.

The two houses destroyed belonged to Lawwali Ta’u Mai Chaji and Hassan Hasken Halara, a vigilante member who was reportedly away defending the community when his home was torched.

Confirmed fatalities include Kabiru Mallam Tanimu, Ayuba Mallam Hashim and Yakubu Mu’azu, while several others remain missing.

The violence has also emptied several neighbouring communities, including Borai, Tsululu, Garin Tudu, Bukka Hamsin, Turkawa, Rumbukawa, Dutsin Na Umma, Zangon Mu’azu and Arawa, as residents fled in fear of further attacks.

Displaced families have appealed to the Federal Government and Sokoto State Government to strengthen security in the area and provide the equipment needed to halt the escalating violence.

Sabon Birni Local Government Chairman Ayuba Hashimu confirmed the attack but said authorities were still verifying casualty figures.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Police Command spokesman DSP Ahmad Rufai said additional security personnel had been deployed to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

The Coalition of Ilaje Ravaged Communities, with advocacy support from the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) will on Thursday, hold a peaceful protest to draw attention to the worsening environmental and humanitarian crisis threatening coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The protest, tagged ‘Operation Save Ilaje: Protect Our Coastal Communities from Extinction,’ will bring together affected residents and members of no fewer than 20 communities, including Ayetoro, Awoye, Mese, Gbagira, Jiringho, Ilowo, Ilepete, Idiogba, Oroto, Alagbon, Erunona, Olotu, Yaye, Womitenren, Ogboti, Lepe, Ehinmore, Abetobo, and Abereke to demand urgent and concrete action from the Federal and Ondo State Governments to address the devastating impacts of ocean surges, coastal erosion, oil spills and environmental degradation in the region.

The event will hold at the Ilaje Local Government Headquarters, Igbokoda, Ondo State

For decades, communities along the Ilaje coastline have watched their homes, farmlands, fishing grounds and other sources of livelihood disappear under the combined pressures of rising seas, coastal erosion and pollution. The situation has become particularly critical in communities including Ayetoro and Abereke, where residents are increasingly confronted with displacement and the loss of their ancestral homes.

The communities are demanding, among other measures: Urgent and effective intervention to halt further coastal erosion and sea incursions; Construction of scientifically designed and fit-for-purpose coastal protection infrastructure; Comprehensive environmental assessments and clean-up of oil-polluted areas; Accountability and remediation by companies responsible for environmental damage; Adequate compensation and livelihood restoration for affected residents; Immediate action to protect fishing grounds, aquatic ecosystems and other community livelihoods; and Greater transparency and community participation in all government interventions affecting the Ilaje coastline.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, raising pay by between 30 and 80 per cent in what is one of the most significant welfare packages for military personnel in recent years.

The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 officers and men across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Under the approved package, senior officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Officers from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, the category comprising most junior enlisted personnel, will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.

The pay review will raise the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from ?660 billion to ?924 billion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.

Announcing the approval, the Presidency said the salary increase reflects President Tinubu’s recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

‘The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,’ the President said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen troop welfare alongside ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and cutting-edge technology.

According to him, national security remains the foundation for economic growth and sustainable development.

‘Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,’ he stated.

The President stressed that no nation could attain greatness without a secure environment, pledging to continue deploying all available military and law enforcement resources to combat insecurity and safeguard lives and property nationwide.

He also urged military personnel to see the salary review as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their patriotism, courage and dedication to national service.

‘I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,’ Tinubu said.

The salary increase comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to boost troop morale and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The candidate’s information for Edo South Senatorial District recently uploaded on the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has heightened tension and confusion in the State chapter of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to information on the INEC portal, the photograph of Sunny Aguebor was uploaded as the NDC candidate for Edo South Senatorial District, while the name and particulars of another aspirant, Epelle-Asemota Brigiditte Osayuki, appeared alongside Aguebor’s photograph.

The conflicting information has resulted in both aspirants being associated with the party’s senatorial ticket, raising questions over who is the authentic NDC candidate for the Edo South contest.

Aguebor, however, insisted that he remained the ‘only authentic candidate’ of the party for the Edo South senatorial election.

He described the discrepancy as ‘an anomaly’, blaming what he called possible mischief or an error in the uploading of the candidate’s information.

‘The party’s position on its candidate is clear. The appearance of another aspirant’s name and particulars alongside my photograph on the INEC portal does not alter my status as the party’s candidate,’ Aguebor said.

But Asemota, whose name and particulars appeared on the document uploaded on the electoral commission’s portal, declined to comment extensively on the controversy.

‘I am not really disposed to making comments on it now because the party is handling it and INEC is handling it as well. I will leave it at that,’ Asemota stated.

The confusion has heightened tension within the NDC in Edo South, as party stakeholders await clarification from both the party leadership and INEC on who will be recognized as the authentic candidate for the election.