Category: PM News

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other prominent political figures for standing with his family following the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.

Rhodes-Vivour, the ADC flagbearer for the 2027 Lagos governorship election, expressed his appreciation in a post on X, describing the support his family received across political divides as a source of strength.

He said losing a loved one creates a certain vulnerability, changes one’s perspective on life and brings attention back to what truly matters.

‘There is a certain vulnerability that comes with the loss of a loved one. It changes one’s perspective on life and reminds us of what truly matters,’ he wrote.

Rhodes-Vivour thanked former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and Kashim Imam for their empathy and comforting presence.

‘I am particularly grateful to H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, H.E. Rotimi Amaechi, H.E. Peter Obi, and H.E. Kashim Imam for their support, empathy, and comforting presence during this difficult period,’ he said.

The ADC flagbearer also appreciated Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Ken Pela, Olumide Akpata and Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, for extending kindness to his family.

‘My sincere appreciation also goes to H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, H.E. Obafemi Hamzat, Ken Pela, Olumide Akpata, and Jandor for extending a hand of kindness and standing with my family in our time of grief,’ he added.

Rhodes-Vivour also thanked members of his political family across different platforms for their prayers, encouragement and unwavering support over the past two weeks.

Paying tribute to his mother, he said her greatest testament was the love she gave and the lives she touched within her family, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ECOWAS, her church and among her friends.

‘Her legacy reminds me that the true measure of a life is not in what we accumulate, but in the love we share and the positive impact we make,’ he said.

Rhodes-Vivour urged Nigerians to honour his mother’s memory by loving more deeply, standing for what is right and making a positive difference wherever they have the opportunity.

P.M. NEWS reported on 13 July that Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour had died, with her family describing her as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother who would be greatly missed

Gov. Hyacinth Alia has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new division of Nigerian Army with headquarters in Makurdi, the Benue state capital to boost security and stability nationwide.

Alia gave the commendation in a statement signed by Mr Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

According to the governor, the division will strengthen military operations through improved command and control, quicker responses to security threats, and enhanced protection of lives and property regionally.

The governor said the approval demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and addressing security challenges nationwide.

He stated that the new division, created through expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational structure from eight to 12 divisions, would cover Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

Alia expressed confidence the development would complement his administration’s efforts to combat criminality, safeguard farming communities, and restore lasting peace in parts of Benue facing security challenges.

He also applauded Tinubu for approving recruitment of 28,000 additional Nigerian Army personnel while sustaining investments in military equipment, troop welfare, and operational readiness across the country.

The governor said the measures reflected the President’s determination to build a well-equipped, highly motivated armed forces capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens from security threats.

Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies toward achieving lasting peace, improved security, and sustainable development across Benue State for all.

Stakeholders at the public hearing on the proposed Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Law, 2026, have commended the State House of Assembly for initiating the bill.

They described the bill as a well-conceived legislation aimed at reducing maternal mortality, protecting healthcare professionals and providing a clear legal framework for safe pregnancy management in the State.

The stakeholders included a former Chairman of the State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Azeem Adekunle Ashimi, the representative of the State chapter of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Nurse Bello Adejoke, the Onitafin of Otafin, Oba Morufu Alani Adebayo.

Others were representatives of Civil Society Advocacy for Human Rights, Social Development, Alhaji Adesina Adefolahan, the League of Imam and Alfa in the State, Dr. Tajudeen Usman, the State chapter of the Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Dr. Shorounmu Tessie, representative of the State Command of the Nigeria Police, ACP Glory Agbor Otonko, that of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Comrade Yinka Folarin and that of the Centre for Economic Empowerment and Gender Activities, Oduntan Bunmi amongst others.

They also advocated the need to address the legal ambiguity surrounding safe termination of pregnancy.

They noted that such ambiguity in the legal provisions often resulted in dangerous delays in patient care while demanding adequate indemnity for qualified medical practitioners to prevent unjust penalties.

They also sought the need to put machineries in place to prevent the victims of rape and incest from patronizing quacks, by ensuring that only the licensed professionals provide such medical services.

In her remarks, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said the proposed legislation would establish a framework around safeguarding the lives and health of women; while also safeguarding health practitioners offering the services.

She added that the bill would help reduce maternal mortality and provide access to mental health services for women and girls experiencing emotional trauma arising from unwanted pregnancy.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna, explained that the bill was conceived because ‘too many of our mothers, sisters and daughters lose their lives or suffer serious harm from complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth, many of which are preventable.’

He urged the stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to the bill, assuring that their inputs would be given the necessary legislative consideration in the process leading to the passage of the bill.

Earlier, while declaring the stakeholders’ forum open, the speaker of Ogun Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide said the proposed legislation was designed to provide ‘a legal and institutional framework for the safe termination of pregnancy under the defined circumstances.’

He noted that the Assembly considered the increasing incidence of unregulated abortions and considered the resultant deaths of adolescents and women as unacceptable before coming up with the bill.

The Speaker added that the bill would ensure the provision of a legal framework that would not only safeguard the livelihoods of genuine medical practitioners but also deter criminal elements who exploited the absence of rules and regulations to perpetrate evils in the society.

According to him, the legislation seeks to entrench safe motherhood, reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and establish the conditions for the safe termination of pregnancy.

The Speaker also assured participants that every submission made would be meticulously considered in ensuring that the bill takes care of the stakeholders’ interest.

He expressed confidence that the engagement would produce a comprehensive legislation that would strengthen safe pregnancy management in the State.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday revealed details of the process that led to the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire local government area of Oyo State, affirming that government refused to yield to ransom demands of the abductors.

President Tinubu made the revelation while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the terrorists had requested for ransom and release of their members in custody of the security operatives to free the abductees.

However, Tinubu reiterated that his administration’s refused to negotiate with criminal groups or accede to their demands.

He said instead, the security operatives piled pressure on the terrorists because they know their location.

‘We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested.

‘That was one of their conditions outside the money they were looking for, and we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals,’ he said.

According to him, many of the criminals had committed murder and other serious crimes and must face justice.

The President insisted that that Nigeria will intensify intelligence-driven operations to defeat terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

He also commended the armed forces for their role in recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in strengthening security efforts.

‘I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance.

‘On behalf of them, I accept your message, and I will forward the same message to them.’

Tinubu said recent security challenges had prompted a review of the country’s security architecture and operational strategies.

‘That event (Oyo school abduction) teaches us new methods, opens our eyes and challenges us to examine and re-examine our security architecture, strategy, map and operations,’ he said.

The President said the Federal Government approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and strengthen operational effectiveness.

‘From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry.’

The President said insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had compounded Nigeria’s security challenges.

Tinubu said that the Federal Government was strengthening forest guards and pursuing the establishment of state police with safeguards against abuse.

‘There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuses. We will protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play more.’

He assured that forest guards would be equipped and empowered to confront criminal elements operating in forests nationwide.

‘They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests.’

The President emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and urged traditional rulers to encourage vigilance among their subjects.

‘The mention of intelligence is very important, and I want you to take it to our people to be extra vigilant, know their neighbourhoods, know their areas and report strange people.’

Tinubu also urged governors to deploy increased federal allocations to infrastructure and security-enhancing projects.

He assured the delegation that security conditions were improving and pledged to continue investing in security agencies.

‘The security challenge is getting better. We are getting a hang of it much better. Any time you come across some of our soldiers and police officers, please pat them on the back and say thank you. They are doing a good job,’ Tinubu said.

Earlier, Ladoja commended Tinubu for his handling of the recent abduction incident in Oyo State, particularly the decision not to pay ransom.

‘The fact that you did not pay ransom, the fact that you stood your ground shows that we now have a government that knows what is to be done. We cannot thank you enough for that feat,’ he said.

The traditional ruler also urged the Federal Government to sustain security presence in forest reserves and continue ongoing infrastructure projects across Oyo State.

The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, has expressed worry over alleged upsurge in the number of women involved in drug trafficking offenses in the State.

Ofoyeju stated this on Thursday in Benin at the decoration of 73 newly promoted officers of the NDLEA.

He lamented what he described as a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability.

‘We have observed that females top the list of persons arrested, with 29, while males are 20. This is concerning, as it highlights a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability,’ he said.

Ofoyeju who disclosed that the Command is strategizing on re-orientation of family values to address this negative development, however noted the assessment of the seizures clearly shows that NDLEA is winning the war against narcotics with unprecedented harvest of arrests and seizures in the State.

‘The Command’s efforts have not gone without recognition, as it successfully secured convictions in four notable drug cases during the month. Additionally, in its commitment to addressing drug abuse, 24 individuals with drug use problems were counselled and reunited with family members, illustrating the agency’s holistic approach towards combating drug-related issues within the community,’ he said.

Commenting on the decoration of the newly promoted operatives, Ofoyeju noted that promotion in the NDLEA is not automatic, but earned as a reward for diligence, integrity, and outstanding performance in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

‘This yearly promotion culture established by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohmed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON has optimised the operational results of the agency. The morale of officers is now high as they are enthusiastically poised to take on the most daring drug cartels,’ he said.

A security guard, Mohammed Ahmed, has been arraigned before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State over the alleged theft of workshop equipment and supplies valued at N5 million.

Ahmed, 34, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him on Thursday.

The prosecution, led by E.O. Adaraloye, told the court that the alleged offences took place on July 15 at a mechanic workshop in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ota, where the defendant worked as a security guard.

According to the prosecutor, Ahmed allegedly joined forces with other suspects who are still at large to remove six adaptors, eight containers of hydraulic oil, three pumping cartridges and other workshop items with a combined value estimated at N5 million.

Adaraloye said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

The magistrate O.O. Fadairo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in the same amount.

She directed that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payment to the Ogun State Government.

The matter was adjourned until 10 August for further hearing.

A 19-year-old Kano woman, Saudat Jibrin has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of her 30-year-old husband, Salisu Idris, nine days after their wedding

Jibrin, who lives in Kumbosto Local Government Area of Kano, was charged with culpable homicide.

Delivering judgment, Justice Maryam Sabo of Kano High Court held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

‘I hereby sentence Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging for culpable homicide. You have 90 days to appeal,’ the judge ruled.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki told the court that Jibrin committed the offence on May 5, 2025, at Farawa Quarters in Kano.

He said that at about 9p.m Jibrin laced her husband’s ‘Zoho’ drink and slashed his throat with a knife nine days after their wedding.

Abba-Sorondinki presented two witnesses to prove its case against the defendant.

The convict denied committing the offence.

The prosecutor said the offence contravenes the provision of Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Abdulfatah Muhammad, presented the convict to testify in her own defence, Muhammad pleaded for leniency on behalf of his client, saying she had become a changed person while in custody, having memorised the Holy Qur’an.

He also urged the court to consider that the convict was the oldest child of her parents and that her siblings depend on her for their survival.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, over his recent comments against the party’s leadership, insisting that the era of a few influential figures determining its direction has ended.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP described George’s television interview as the reaction of someone unwilling to accept the party’s current direction.

It said the party had moved beyond what it called the era of ‘self appointed power brokers.’

According to the statement, George’s remarks reflected frustration over the emergence of a leadership focused on internal democracy, transparency and generational renewal.

The party argued that his appearance on television was marked by anger, resentment and personal attacks instead of constructive contributions to national and party affairs.

The PDP said a politician of George’s age and experience should have demonstrated restraint and statesmanship, adding that his comments fell below the standard expected of an elder statesman.

Defending its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, the party said he had provided inclusive and transparent leadership despite inheriting political and legal challenges.

It also credited the current leadership with conducting what it described as one of the smoothest primary election processes in the party’s recent history, creating opportunities for thousands of members seeking elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition party dismissed George’s criticism as an attempt to undermine efforts aimed at repositioning the PDP.

On the lingering legal disputes within the party, the PDP maintained that the courts had already settled the issues surrounding its leadership.

It said judgments delivered by the trial courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court remained valid and binding, adding that the recognition of Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) followed compliance with existing court decisions.

The party stressed that while George and others were free to pursue lawful legal remedies, they could not overturn judicial pronouncements through media appearances.

‘The facts remain sacred, and no amount of rhetoric can alter the settled legal position,’ the statement said.

The PDP also accused George of resisting generational renewal within the party, arguing that every enduring political institution must create opportunities for younger leaders instead of allowing a few individuals to dominate its affairs indefinitely.

It further questioned George’s political record in Lagos State, claiming that despite spending more than two decades in the PDP, he failed to deliver electoral victories for the party in the state.

It added that he was eventually expelled from the party for misconduct, a decision it claimed he acknowledged during the television interview.

The party also criticised George over his widely publicised promise to relocate to Ghana if President Bola Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election, noting that although he made the declaration repeatedly before and after the election, he never fulfilled it.

According to the PDP, the inconsistency weakened the credibility of his criticism of both the party leadership and national issues.

The statement also reminded George of what it described as an existing court order awarding costs of ?10 million against him and his co plaintiffs in a lawsuit the party described as frivolous and vexatious, insisting that compliance with the order remained a legal obligation.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal discipline, the PDP said sanctions or expulsions could only be reviewed through the constitutional processes of the party and not through media campaigns or public criticism.

The party said it would continue to defend the integrity of its decisions, the authority of its duly constituted organs and the rule of law while focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections.

‘History is moving forward. The PDP is moving forward. Those unwilling to embrace that reality are free to remain behind,’ the statement concluded.

Some residents of Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa have revived the traditional practice of harvesting rainwater to supplement their household water supply.

The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that many families now collect and store rainwater during the rainy season for cooking, washing and other domestic purposes.

They said the practice had become important in helping households cope with water shortages when other sources were inadequate.

Mrs Rabi’a Musa, a resident, said many households had returned to rainwater harvesting because it provided an affordable and readily available source of water.

She said families usually kept containers ready to collect rainfall, adding that the stored water helped ease the burden of sourcing water.

‘Rainwater is very useful because it is readily available during the rainy season and reduces the difficulty of getting water from other sources,’ she said.

Similarly, Zainab Abdullahi said rainwater harvesting had become common because of its value in supporting household activities.

She advised residents to ensure proper storage and handling of harvested rainwater to maintain its cleanliness and safety.

Another resident, Maryam Muhammad, said rainwater harvesting was an age-old tradition that many families were reviving due to growing water challenges.

She said many households now kept large containers and other storage facilities to preserve rainwater for future use.

‘Rainwater harvesting was practised by our forefathers, and many people are returning to it because it helps during difficult times,’ she said.

Also, Malka Ibrahim said she collected and preserved the first rainfall of the season because of her belief in its traditional medicinal value.

She said the water was kept for use whenever the need arose.

The residents urged relevant authorities to expand access to sustainable water facilities while promoting safe rainwater harvesting as a supplementary source of water for households.

NAN reports that access to reliable and safe water remains a major challenge in Nigeria, especially in rural communities.

Recent UNICEF data shows that only about 30 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed drinking water services; water that is available when needed, accessible on premises and free from contamination.

As a result, many households rely on alternative sources such as boreholes, wells, rivers, streams, water vendors and rainwater, especially in areas where public water systems are unavailable or unreliable.

To address the challenge, the Federal Government has implemented initiatives including the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme and the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH).

The programmes are aimed at improving access to sustainable water services by supporting water infrastructure development, strengthening service delivery and promoting better management of water systems across the country.

However, the extent to which these interventions have translated into consistent and reliable water supply for communities remains a subject of concern.

The Ogun State Police Command has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of at least five students during an attack by suspected gunmen on a private hostel serving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA) in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State.

The attack occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday when the armed men stormed a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara, a community adjoining the institution, firing gunshots and whisking away several occupants after an operation that reportedly lasted about 30 minutes.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said the command immediately activated a joint security response after receiving a distress call.

According to him, tactical police teams, intelligence assets and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to secure the victims’ release and arrest those responsible.

‘The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

‘Immediately the distress report was received, the Police and other security agencies activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,’ Babaseyi said.

The police spokesman appealed to parents, students and residents to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing operation.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line (0800 000 9111) or the command’s emergency numbers.

Although the police said investigations were ongoing to verify the exact number of victims, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution confirmed that five students were abducted during the attack.

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as being in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable to criminal attacks.

The union said the assailants struck at about 7:45 p.m., firing several gunshots during the invasion. While some students escaped through the hostel’s POP ceiling, others were unable to flee before the attackers whisked them away.

It added that no life was lost during the incident and confirmed that the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

The student leaders also urged students, parents and members of the public to disregard false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media, insisting that misinformation would only create unnecessary panic within the academic community.

Following the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic suspended all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

In a notice to students, the institution announced the cancellation of Thursday’s examinations while retaining Friday’s examinations as scheduled, subject to further review.

‘Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled. However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned. If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be communicated promptly,’ the notice stated.