Category: PM News

The Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan, has awarded bursaries to more than 200 indigent students as part of efforts to expand access to tertiary education and ease the financial burden on families.

The bursary presentation, held on Tuesday, forms part of the council’s education support programme aimed at promoting academic excellence and human capital development within the local government.

Under the initiative, undergraduate medical students received ?100,000 each, while beneficiaries studying Social Sciences and Management Sciences were awarded ?50,000 each.

The exercise followed the inauguration of a five-member bursary committee tasked with screening applicants to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Represented at the event by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Arulai Folami, Oyekan said the bursary scheme reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education.

He noted that the intervention is expected to reduce school dropout rates, support parents and guardians struggling with rising education costs, and encourage academic excellence among students from Lagos Island.

According to him, the initiative complements the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) while aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises improved access to education.

Oyekan urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and justify the confidence reposed in them through academic excellence and exemplary conduct.

‘You must remain committed to your education and become worthy ambassadors of Lagos Island,’ he said.

Chairman of the Bursary Committee, Hon. Moshood Maiyegun, also encouraged the students to maintain discipline and strive for outstanding academic performance, describing education as the foundation for personal and national development.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adediran Habideen Adeyemi expressed gratitude to the council chairman for the financial support, saying the bursary would ease the burden on students and their families while enabling recipients to concentrate on their studies.

The bursary programme is one of several education-focused initiatives introduced by the Oyekan administration. Other interventions include the provision of free school buses, distribution of learning materials, free summer coaching classes, and the distribution of free JAMB/UTME and GCE registration forms.

The latest intervention also comes amid the council’s broader social investment drive aimed at improving education, youth development and community welfare across Lagos Island.

Oyekan reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in education, describing it as a critical pillar for sustainable development and the future prosperity of the local government area.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Catholic bishops against declaring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is biased, saying such a conclusion could make Nigerians lose confidence in the electoral process.

Wike gave the warning on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a media chat, while reacting to comments from the bishops concerning the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.

The former Rivers State governor said influential groups must be careful with sweeping statements about electoral institutions because of the impact such remarks could have on public perception.

‘If you come to general conclusions and say INEC is biased, you are sending a signal to the public because they will think, ‘For the entire Catholic bishop to say INEC is biased, then something is wrong,” Wike said.

He added that such claims must be handled cautiously, stressing that the authority and reputation of religious leaders could influence how Nigerians view the electoral system.

‘We must be very careful about it, and that’s why President (Bola Tinubu) said, ‘No, no, you can’t say they are biased,” he stated.

Wike’s comments come amid ongoing debate over electoral credibility in Nigeria, with concerns being raised by different groups over the conduct of elections and the role of INEC.

The FCT minister said criticism of the electoral body should be based on specific issues rather than broad accusations that could weaken public trust in democratic institutions.

He maintained that while concerns about elections could be expressed, declaring INEC biased without clear justification could send the wrong message to citizens.

Operatives of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have arrested one Ouattra Adama, a Burkinabé national alleged to be leader of QNET/IGNITE organised criminal syndicate alongside 11 other suspected facilitators of the fraudulent scheme in various parts of Lagos.

The other suspects include eight Liberians and three Cameroonian, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the spokesperson of NIS said in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja

He added that the NIS operatives also rescued two Liberians who are victims of illegal activities of the transnational organized criminal syndicate active in Lagos and Ogun States.

He added that the 12 suspects and the two victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The statement by Akinlabi reads ‘As part of the ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and transnational organized crimes in the country, the Nigeria Immigration Service has dismantled a fraudulent network marketing ring linked to the QNET/IGNITE group, a transnational organized criminal syndicate active in Lagos and Ogun States.

‘The operational breakthrough was based on actionable intelligence on the activities of Trafficking Syndicates across Lagos and Ogun States. Consequently, the Service intensified its operations, leading to the arrest of one Ouattra Adama (M), a Burkinabé national and alleged leader of the QNET/IGNITE syndicate, alongside eleven (11) other suspected facilitators, comprising eight (8) Liberians, and three (3) Cameroonians in various parts of Lagos. The operation also led to rescue of two (2) Liberians who are victims of their illegal activities.

‘Accordingly, the twelve (12) suspects and the two (2) victims have been transferred to the Service Headquarters for further investigation and necessary legal action.

‘The Service wishes to advise members of the public to verify all employment, educational, business, and other migration offers through appropriate channels before making financial commitments or embarking on international travel.

‘The arrest of the syndicate leader and other facilitators demonstrates Nigeria Immigration Service’s commitment to intelligence-driven Border Management. It also underscores the Service resolve to rid the country of all forms of irregular migration and transnational organized crimes, in tandem with the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.’

Troops of Nigerian Army have arrested four suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborators and intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists in separate operations conducted in Yobe and Borno States.

Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI revealed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

According to the statement, troops of 159 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested two of the suspected terrorist collaborators during a successful cordon-and-search operation in Geidam Town, Yobe State, on 3 August 2026, following credible intelligence.

Goni said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in supply of hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram terrorists, thereby facilitating insurgent activities.

He listed the items recovered from the suspects to include a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, multiple mobile phones of different brands including Tecno, Itel, Maxfone and Android devices, power banks, scissors, knives, torchlights, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, National Identity Card, Permanent Voter’s Card, ATM cards, and the sum of ?14,530.

Goni revealed that the other two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested on the same day by troops of Sector 3 Garrison, in conjunction with 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, during intensified logistics strangulation operations in Monguno Town, Borno State.

According to the statement, the suspects confessed to conveying food items and other supplies to ISWAP terrorists operating in Kwatan Dowoshi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.

Items recovered from the suspects were listed as 11 cartons and 192 sachets of assorted biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags and 16 rolls of sachet garri, three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, one assault knife, one charm belt, four prayer beads, six packs of herbal medicine, the sum of ?6,600, and other sundry items.

Goni further informed that the 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists were intercepted by troops of 222 Battalion (Main) during routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

He said the family members who fled their enclave following intense military pressure comprised nine women, two men, eight female minors and one male minor.

‘During preliminary investigation, they disclosed that they escaped from Gezuwa after military offensive against their settlement. The individuals have since been handed over to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for further profiling and necessary action,’ Goni said.

He added that the arrested suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation and exploitation.

‘These successful operations underscore the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven approach in disrupting terrorist logistics, dismantling support networks, and denying insurgents access to critical supplies.

‘The military remains resolute in sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements and urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate ongoing counter-terrorism operations and the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North East Theatre,’ Goni concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 15 August 2026 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has alleged that at least 25 members of the party were killed during the political crisis that rocked the state in 2022.

Oyebamiji made the claim during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, where he raised concerns over what he described as the worsening political violence in Osun.

The former commissioner for finance accused the state government of being responsible for attacks against APC members, alleging that the violence was aimed at intimidating voters ahead of the governorship election.

He said the APC had been a victim of repeated attacks, despite claims in some quarters that the opposition party was behind the violence.

‘During the 2022 governorship election, more than 25 members of our party were allegedly murdered by members of the political party in power in Osun,’ Oyebamiji said.

He cited the killing of the chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Hon. Remi Abass, at the council secretariat as one of the incidents recorded by the party.

Oyebamiji said the APC had documented several politically motivated attacks and killings and was seeking justice through the courts.

He also alleged that recent developments in the state showed that political violence was continuing, citing claims surrounding the activities of suspected criminals and attacks on some APC members in Ede, the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The APC candidate said the opposition party, rather than being responsible for political violence, had suffered from it.

‘Therefore, the ongoing political violence in the state shows that the government in power is involved in it,’ he alleged.

Oyebamiji, who served twice as commissioner for finance in Osun, also used the occasion to highlight his campaign manifesto, tagged ‘Prosperity Agenda’.

He described the plan as a roadmap for economic growth, improved governance and sustainable development through investment and private-sector participation.

The APC candidate promised that if elected, his administration would review outstanding salary and pension obligations within its first 100 days and begin payment.

He also pledged to work towards the operation of the Dagbolu Dry Port, train at least 10,000 young people in information and communication technology, and introduce security and infrastructure reforms across the state.

Oyebamiji further promised to establish regular State Security Council meetings involving security agencies, traditional rulers and local government leaders, while conducting reviews of the state’s finances and infrastructure needs.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alwan Hassan, has dismissed arguments that academic qualifications determine leadership ability, saying the educational credentials of opposition figures have not translated into better governance for Nigeria.

Hassan made the remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he argued that the PhD of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the university degree of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had not produced any significant transformation for the country.

‘Tell me what Jonathan’s PhD has done to Nigeria. Tell me how Obi’s degree (BSc) has helped improve his communication skills.

‘Tell me what it has done to Atiku to help him navigate and know the time to contest or when to concede for the best person of the time,’ Hassan said.

The APC member argued that leadership should be assessed based on performance and results rather than academic qualifications.

He said opposition parties had failed to provide strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, choosing instead to focus on debates surrounding the President’s academic background.

Hassan also defended Tinubu against allegations concerning his academic records from Chicago State University, saying there had been no official declaration from the institution that the certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was forged.

‘There is nowhere that Chicago State University says the certificate President Tinubu submitted to INEC is forged. What the Constitution says is a school certificate or its equivalent.

‘An equivalent of a school certificate is the ability to read and write,’ he said.

He maintained that possessing academic qualifications alone does not guarantee effective leadership, insisting that the focus should remain on a leader’s ability to deliver results.

The Acting Head of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Dr Olabanji Ahmed Surakat, has been admitted into the prestigious Takemi Fellowship in International Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, United States, for the 2026-2027 fellowship year.

The fellowship is one of Harvard University’s flagship international programmes, attracting accomplished scholars, researchers and public health professionals from across the world to advance research, leadership and policy on critical global health issues.

In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, Dr Surakat was described as an accomplished public health parasitologist and entomologist whose admission followed his remarkable contributions to implementation and operational research on neglected tropical diseases and malaria.

According to the statement, his research has contributed significantly to onchocerciasis elimination programmes in Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Ethiopia, with particular emphasis on community-based health interventions.

As a Takemi Fellow, Dr Surakat will participate in high-level seminars, receive mentorship from leading global health experts and collaborate with an international network of researchers on cutting-edge public health initiatives. The fellowship will be undertaken remotely, enabling him to continue his teaching, research and administrative responsibilities at UNIOSUN while engaging with one of the world’s foremost institutions of public health.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the feat as another milestone in the University’s growing record of international academic recognition.

He congratulated Dr Surakat on the achievement, noting that it reflects the quality of scholarship at UNIOSUN and the institution’s unwavering commitment to producing globally competitive academics whose research addresses pressing societal challenges.

‘The latest recognition further reinforces UNIOSUN’s position as a centre of research excellence and international relevance. It also demonstrates that our academics are making meaningful contributions to knowledge production and policy development at the highest global level,’ the Vice-Chancellor said.

Professor Adebooye expressed confidence that the fellowship would strengthen the University’s international collaborations, enrich its research ecosystem and create new opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building in public health and related disciplines.

He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for teaching, research and innovation, adding that the Management would continue to support initiatives that enhance the institution’s global visibility and academic reputation.

The Vice-Chancellor wished Dr Surakat a rewarding and successful fellowship, expressing optimism that the experience, knowledge and international networks he would gain would further enrich scholarship at Osun State University and contribute meaningfully to global efforts at addressing public health challenges.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has emerged as the leading contender to direct the 2027 presidential campaign of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensifies preparations for the election.

Tambuwal’s emergence is attracting attention because of his previous role as Director-General of Atiku’s 2023 presidential campaign on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to reports, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives is being considered to lead Atiku’s campaign structure, although the party is yet to make an official announcement.

The ADC has continued consultations over the composition of its campaign organisation ahead of the commencement of presidential campaigns on August 19, as political parties move from internal arrangements into full election mobilisation.

If eventually appointed, Tambuwal would bring experience from the 2023 presidential race, where he coordinated Atiku’s campaign machinery in a contest that ended with President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging victorious.

Party insiders believe his familiarity with Atiku’s political structure, extensive national network and experience in managing a presidential campaign make him a strong candidate for the role.

The Punch disclosed that Tambuwal had become the leading choice to coordinate the campaign organisation, adding that he would work closely with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is expected to serve as Atiku’s running mate.

‘Tambuwal,’ the source said when asked who was being considered for the position.

The source added that Amaechi would work alongside Tambuwal in developing and executing the party’s nationwide campaign strategy.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Lagos-based Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, questioning his basis for criticising corruption while raising questions over the ownership of his Abuja mansion.

Wike made the remark on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a media chat in Abuja, where he responded to criticisms of his political style and administration.

The former Rivers State governor challenged Bode George to explain the source of funds for the house he occupies in Maitama, alleging that the property was linked to money from Rivers State.

‘This man from Lagos, Bode George, when they talk about corruption, ask him about the house he is living in Maitama, is it not Rivers State money?’ Wike said.

Wike argued that those accusing others of wrongdoing must also be ready to answer questions about their own past and assets.

The FCT minister has in recent weeks remained vocal in defending his political decisions, including his approach to governance and his relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During the same media chat, Wike also defended his infrastructure strategy in the FCT, saying he would not be pressured into awarding contracts without guaranteed funding.

He said his administration was more interested in completing projects than announcing numerous contracts that could later become abandoned.

‘Awarding contract is easy but cash-backing it is another thing,’ Wike said.

Wike maintained that projects without proper funding often become abandoned structures that create problems for communities, adding that governments should be judged by completed projects rather than the volume of contracts awarded.

He said he would continue to approve projects only when there is a realistic plan to fund and complete them.

Justice Mohammed Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit filed by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), seeking an order striking down Sections 138 and 77(5) of the new Electoral Act, 2026.

The Court, in its judgment, held that the suit by the NDC, lacked merit.

NDC, in the suit, argued that the two sections, recently passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The NDC, which was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Feb. 5, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/635/2026.

The party, in the originating summons, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

It also joined the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and INEC.

Vicent Ottaokpukpu, who filed the suit on March 27, on the party’s behalf, prayed the court to grant their reliefs.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Umar held that the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act complement, rather than conflict with, the 1999 Constitution.

The judge also upheld the preliminary objections challenging the competence of the suit.

He held that the plaintiff was merely inviting the court to interpret constitutional and statutory provisions.

‘The plaintiff is invoking the interpretative jurisdiction of this honourable court in respect of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 on the one hand and the 1999 Constitution on the other hand.’

He said that the mere attachment of INEC’s election timetable to the originating summons did not transform the case into a pre-election matter.

‘The fact that the defendant’s timetable is attached cannot make the case within the contemplation of Section 285″ he said.

The judge added that there was no deposition in the affidavit that raised the questions as to the election timetable.

On the objection raised by the clerk of the National Assembly, Justice Umar held that the plaintiff failed to comply with the statutory requirement of serving a pre-action notice before commencing proceedings.

He ruled that the implication of non-service of a pre-action notice on the 2nd defendant ‘makes this suit incompetent against the 2nd defendant.’

He subsequently struck out the action against the clerk of the National Assembly.

On the substantive issue, the judge rejected the NDC’s argument that Section 138 of the Electoral Act was inconsistent with constitutional provisions governing qualification and disqualification for elective offices.

Justice Umar held that the constitution prescribes the qualifications and disqualifications for elective offices, while the Electoral Act merely provides the procedure and timeline for ventilating disputes arising from party primaries.

‘Any aggrieved party who intends to challenge any candidate that emerged at the primary election of a political party on grounds of disqualification must do so at the pre-election level,’ he said.

He further held that when read together with other provisions of the Electoral Act, Section 138 was not inconsistent with the constitution.

‘The provision of Section 138 of the Electoral Act 2026 complements the provision of the Constitution but is not in conflict with it.

‘The contention of the plaintiff that Section 138 is inconsistent with the constitution is of no merit,’ he ruled.

Justice Umar also declined to invalidate Section 77(5) of the Electoral Act, holding that the issue had already been determined by the Court of Appeal.

According to him, the appellate court has made pronouncement on the provisions in an earlier decision, stressing that the implication was that ‘courts, generally, are bound by precedence.’

The NDC had sought an order striking down the provisions of Section 138 for being inconsistent with the compulsory provisions of Sections 65 (2) (a), 106 (1) (c), 131 (1) (d), 177 (1) (d) and 66 (1) (i), 107 (1) (i), 137 (1) (j) and 182 (1) (j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It sought an order directing the defendants to amend and re-enact a new provision of the Electoral Act, 2026 to restore ‘qualification’ as a ground of challenging the return of any candidate into the seats of the House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, president and governor.

The party said this is in line with the provisions of Sections 65 (2) (a), 106 (1) (c), 131 (1) (d), 177 (1) (d) and 66 (1) (i), 107 (1) (i), 137 (1) (j) and 182 (1) (j) of the constitution.

The party equally sought an order striking down Section 77 (5) of the Electoral Act, 2026 for being inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 40 and 65 (2) (b), 106 (1) (d), 231 (1) (c) and 177 (1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution, among others.

In the affidavit in support of the suit, Ezechi Adaobi, a litigation secretary in the law firm of V-C Ottaokpukpu and Associates, said NDC, as a stakeholder in the Nigerian electoral process, will in future elections field candidates for elections, including the

Adaobi said from experience, members who are dissatisfied by the conduct of primaries in their respective parties usually seek refuge in other parties to enable them to participate in the general elections.’

Adaobi, therefore, urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice.

But INEC, in its counter affidavit filed on April 27 by Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, disagreed with the NDC.

The commission argued that the constitutional and statutory roles of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants are provided by the constitution and the relevant enabling statutes, and not as characterized by the plaintiff.

INEC submitted that the Electoral Act, 2026 was validly passed by the National Assembly on Feb. 18 and duly assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

It said that the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act, 2026, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.

The commission stated that President Tinubu assented to the Electoral Act, 2026 and that the same is now law within the federation.

It stated that the provisions of Section 77 of the Electoral Act, 2026 does not infringe upon the constitutional right of any person to form, participate in, or belong to any political party.

It stated that the period allotted for the conduct of party primaries, being from April 23 to May 30 (inclusive of resolution of disputes arising therefrom), is a period of 38 clear days in strict compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026 and the constitutional framework.

INEC, therefore, averred that by its timetable, political parties have a window of not less than the period prescribed by the timetable for the conduct of party primaries.

It prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

The electoral umpire, in its preliminary objection, also challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

The AGF, through his lawyer, Japhet Opawale, in a counter affidavit, argued that the Electoral Act, 2026 as enacted, is not inconsistent with any of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Rather, the lawyers submitted that ‘same complements and reinforces the constitutional provisions regarding qualification of candidates for any of the elective offices.’

He argued that Section 77 (5) of the Electoral Act, 2026 has not eroded or in any manner circumscribed the citizens’ freedom of association as enshrined in Sections 40; 65 (2) (b); 106 (1) (d); 131 (1) ( S ); and 177 (1) (c.) of the constitution.

‘That the provisions of Section 77 of the Electoral Act, 2026 do not infringe on the rights of any person to associate with, form, or belong to any political party of his choice,’ Opawale said.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, in his counter affidavit filed by Charles Yoila, also submitted that the Electoral Act, 2026 was validly passed by the legislature, duly assented to by President Tinubu and gazetted.

Yoila said ‘the Electoral Act, 2026 is clear, unambiguous and straight.’

According to him, the Electoral Act, 2026 operates under the constitutional framework of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

‘The plaintiff is trying to turn the court into the legislature,’ he said, adding that NDC also ‘desires to operate as a political party without regulations.’

The Senate President, Sen. Akpabio, also backed the clerk’s argument.

Akpabio, through his lawyer, George Itodo, said the suit was misconceived and lacked merit.