Category: PM News

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed sadness over the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi, mother of former Governor of Rivers State and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

In a condolence message, Dr. Jonathan extended his heartfelt sympathies to Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, and all those mourning the late matriarch.

The former President described the death of a mother as a profound loss, noting that although death is inevitable, the enduring legacy of a life dedicated to faith, family and service continues to inspire and comfort those left behind.

Dr. Jonathan observed that the late Mrs. Amaechi’s profile reflected a life of exemplary devotion to God, family and community. He noted that her reputation as ‘a woman of faith, compassion and quiet strength, as well as her commitment to promoting peace, unity and service, earned her the admiration and respect of all who knew her.’

He prayed that God Almighty would grant Rt. Hon. Amaechi and the entire family the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging them to ‘draw solace from the cherished memories of her exemplary life and the enduring values she imparted to her family and community.’

The former President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed matriarch.

The Federal Government has denied reports that it plans to stop the export of raw cocoa beans.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the government has no intention of banning cocoa exports. Instead, it wants to encourage more local processing of cocoa into products such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate.

In a statement released on Friday, Kyari said the government’s goal is to add more value to cocoa production and help Nigeria earn more money from the sector.

He explained that reports claiming the government plans to ban raw cocoa exports are false.

According to him, the government’s priority is to create an environment that attracts investment in cocoa processing, increases farmers’ incomes, creates jobs and boosts export earnings.

‘Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,’ the minister said.

Kyari added that the policy is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build a stronger and more competitive cocoa industry in Nigeria.

He noted that raw cocoa exports will continue while the country gradually expands its local processing capacity.

The minister also said the government is working to improve product traceability and ensure compliance with international standards. This, he said, will help Nigerian cocoa maintain access to premium global markets and improve its competitiveness.

Nigeria’s agricultural exports recorded a decline in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

Agricultural exports stood at N1.17 trillion during the period, down from N1.7 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025. The figure also fell from N1.32 trillion reported in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Despite the decline, cocoa products remained among Nigeria’s top agricultural exports. Natural cocoa butter generated N41.69 billion in export earnings, accounting for 3.56 per cent of total agricultural exports.

Raw cocoa beans continued to dominate the sector. Superior quality cocoa beans generated N596.9 billion in export earnings during the first quarter of 2026, representing about 51 per cent of Nigeria’s total agricultural exports.

When cocoa butter, standard quality cocoa beans and roasted cocoa beans are added, cocoa-related products contributed more than N643 billion to agricultural export earnings.

The Federal Government said its strategy is to encourage more local processing so that Nigeria can earn greater value from cocoa exports through finished and semi-finished products, while still maintaining its position in the global raw cocoa market.

Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has said he did not know his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, before she was selected by the party.

Hamzat made this known during the screening of the documentary Who Is She? at the Syrian Club Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to him, the decision to choose a deputy governorship candidate followed consultations within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after President Bola Tinubu asked party leaders in the state to resolve the issue.

Hamzat said he suggested that the running mate should be a young woman, and the President supported the idea.

He recalled that Tinubu told party members to settle the matter among themselves.

Hamzat said he then proposed a female candidate and also recommended that the person should be young, a suggestion the President accepted.

The APC candidate explained that the party also considered Lagos State’s zoning arrangement before making its choice.

He noted that since he is from Lagos East and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is from Lagos Central, many party members expected the deputy governorship slot to go to someone from Lagos West.

Hamzat said he had never met or spoken with Sonayon-James before her selection.

He revealed that he did not even have her phone number and had to obtain it from another person after she was chosen.

According to him, Sonayon-James, who serves as the Lagos APC Deputy Woman Leader and is from Badagry, was selected because of her competence and qualifications.

Hamzat said her emergence was based on merit and the confidence the party had in her ability to serve the people of Lagos State.

A teacher has been declared wanted for allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student to death at a school in Adazi-Ani community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Anambra Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Awka.

According to him, the Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit of the Police Command has launched a manhunt for the teacher over the incident which occurred on July 16.

He said the Command has activated its SSI operations led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of operation, Harrison Oruruo to fish out the teacher.

‘The team will, amongst others, commence a manhunt for a teacher that allegedly flogged a 12-year-old student, resulting in the victim’s death at a school, in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha LGA of the state,’ he said.

According to him, on receipt of the report in the evening of July 16, 2026, police operatives attached to Neni Division responded promptly and rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.

He said that the body had been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

‘Photographs of the deceased were taken, and preliminary observations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the victim’s body,’ he said.

Anambra Police spokesperson added that the case was under investigation, and all necessary steps were being taken to ensure that anyone found culpable would face the law.

The Command expressed deep concern over the tragic incident and assured the family of the deceased and members of the public that it would conduct a thorough, diligent, and transparent investigation on the matter.

The Command further reiterated its commitment to the protection of school children through the SSI.

It urged members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency line; 07039194332.

Two men identified as Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu has been sentenced to death by hanging in Anambra State for conspiracy, rape and the murder of a 17-year-old girl, Jennifer Anene.

The two men were convicted and sentenced by Anambra High Court sitting in Ogidi Judicial Division.

While delivering his judgement on Friday the presiding judge, Justice U. I. Ndigwe held that the prosecution had proved the three counts charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge condemned the acts of the convicts, describing them as a violation that demanded accountability and had desecrated societal values.

Leading the prosecution, Principal State Counsel, Mrs Florence Abadom-Igweike, told the court that the deceased, said to be mentally impaired, was reported missing on Nov. 25, 2020, by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene.

She said that three days later, the 1st defendant’s wife told the family that she had witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the deceased as she screamed for help.

According to her, when confronted, the 1st defendant denied the allegation and claimed he had last seen the deceased in the company of the 2nd defendant.

She said a mutual friend of the defendants, identified only as Akpuchukwu, later brought the deceased home unconscious and fled the scene; he remains at large.

The prosecution counsel said the victim was rushed to hospital on police instruction but was confirmed dead on arrival.

She added that a postmortem examination revealed bruises, vaginal tears and other signs of aggravated sexual assault.

She said two witnesses, the victim’s grandfather and the investigating police officer, testified for the prosecution, while the postmortem report, police investigation report, and photographic evidence were also tendered in court.

The prosecution also told the court that the eyewitness, the 1st defendant’s wife, declined to testify in spite of being served with a court summon.

The defendants, who testified in their own defence, denied the allegations.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ndigwe held that the evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts and sentenced them to death by hanging.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday awarded N140 million against the Sen. Adolphus Wabara-led factional Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for filing a frivolous suit against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a judgment, also dismissed the leadership tussle suit for being ‘an abuse of court process, unmeritorious and lacking in merit.’

Justice Ibrahim, who agreed with the arguments of the defendants that ‘cost follows event,’ held that the fine was in line with Section 83(6)(b) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Justice Ibrahim also ordered counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, to pay N10 million in order to ensure that frivolous suits are not filed when the case borders on the internal affairs of political parties.

Members of the Wabara-led BoT had filed the fresh suit seeking an order of the court compelling INEC to recognise the PDP interim National Working Committee (NWC)’s faction led by its National Chairman, Kabir Turaki, SAN, in its official website, among others.

They said the names of members of the Kabir Turaki-led NWC was forwarded to the electoral umpire via their letters dated May 4.

The originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.

The BoT members, who are plaintiffs in the suit, are ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary, former Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger; ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and PDP chieftain, Olabode George as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.

Others are former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; also an ex-Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; member of BoT and NEC, Dame Esther Uduehi and PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs respectively.

They sued INEC as sole defendant in the suit.

The PDP faction, loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, approached the court and challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

Although Uche had announced his appearance for the first to eighth plaintiffs in the suit, another lawyer, Sunday Ameh, SAN, who came from Wike’s camp, also announced his representation for the eighth plaintiff (PDP).

Besides, the the Wike-backed PDP executives led by the National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman; Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary and Kamardeen Ajibade, National Legal Adviser, all sought to be joined in the suit as 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

They were represented in court by Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, appeared for Austin Nwachukwu, Imo PDP chairman; Abraham Amah, and Goerge Turner, who sought to join the suit as 5th to 7th defendants respectively.

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

Besides issues of joinder, all the defendants, including INEC, filed preliminary objections and counter affidavits, praying the court to dismiss the case in its entirety for being abuse of court process and incompetent.

Ameh, who also appeared for 8th plaintiff (PDP), said they were contesting the presence of PDP as a plaintiff before the court because the party did not authorise Uche to file the suit.

He said it was against the development that they filed a notice of change of counsel and a motion seeking an order striking out the PDP (eight plaintiff)’s name from the suit.

But Uche had opposed Ameh’s application.

The lawyer prayed the court to dismiss the application as being misconceived and frivolous.

He also urged the court to dismiss the application for a change of counsel.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Ibrahim found merit in the argument of Ameh that Wabara-led BoT had no legal basis to have instituted the suit on PDP’s behalf.

The judge, who struck out the name of PDP as 8th plaintiff, agreed that the first to seventh plaintiffs had no authority to have included PDP’s name as plaintiff in the case.

The judge also agreed with the applicants seeking to be joined in the suit as necessary parties.

He, therefore, made an order joining Abdulrahman, Anyanwu, Ajibade, Nwachukwu, Amah and Turner as second to seventh defendants.

On the preliminary objections filed by INEC, he agreed with the commission that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit which bordered on the internal affairs of a political party.

The judge, who also upheld the preliminary objections of the second to seventh defendants, said their objections succeeded, having struck out the name of PDP as 8th plaintiff in the suit, among other grounds.

On the substantive suit, Justice Ibrahim held that the plaintiffs had failed to prove any entitlement to the reliefs sought

The judge, who affirmed the leadership of Abdulrahman-led PDP, the faction loyal to the FCT minister, said the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs were not grantable.

He agreed with the defendants that previous court judgments, including the judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a sister court which affirmed the Abdulrahman-led leadership and gave it access to the party’s national office, had not be set aside.

He also agreed with the Abdulrahman-led faction’s argument that the March convention which gave rise to the present leaders of the Wike faction of the party, was in line with a valid court judgment which had not been vacated.

The judge held that filing the instant suit is like relitigating a settled case.

Prominent activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to widen its anti-corruption investigations to include other public officials facing allegations of financial misconduct.

Yesufu made the call while reacting to the recent forfeiture of properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties reportedly linked to Malami following an investigation by the EFCC. The ruling has attracted reactions from different quarters, with many Nigerians expressing support for efforts aimed at tackling corruption and recovering assets believed to have been acquired illegally.

Commenting on the development through a post on her verified X account, Yesufu commended the EFCC for what she described as a significant step in the fight against corruption. However, she stressed that the anti-graft agency must ensure that its actions are not perceived as selective or politically motivated.

According to her, the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases should not be limited to individuals who are no longer aligned with those in positions of power. She argued that justice can only be effective when it is applied fairly and consistently, regardless of a person’s political affiliation, status or influence.

Yesufu said the forfeiture of Malami’s properties should serve as a signal that no one is above the law. She added that there are several other allegations involving public officials that deserve thorough investigation if the country’s anti-corruption campaign is to be taken seriously.

‘Well done EFCC for this great job. Just so you know, this is the tip of the iceberg from the many reports in the media space,’ she wrote.

She further stated, ‘Go after others. Selective justice is equally injustice. Your capacity to work should not be limited to those who fall out with those who have hijacked power. The rule of law must be sacrosanct.’

The activist also urged the commission to remain independent and committed to its mandate of fighting economic and financial crimes without fear or favour. According to her, Nigerians expect the agency to investigate all credible allegations of corruption and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the consequences of their actions.

Her remarks have sparked fresh conversations on social media about the need for transparency and fairness in the country’s anti-corruption efforts. Many Nigerians have continued to call for stronger institutions and a justice system that treats all citizens equally.

The EFCC has in recent years intensified efforts to recover assets and prosecute individuals accused of corruption, financial fraud and abuse of public office. Supporters of the agency believe such actions are necessary to strengthen accountability in government, while critics often argue that anti-corruption investigations should be conducted without political bias.

Yesufu’s comments highlight the growing public demand for a more comprehensive and impartial approach to tackling corruption, as many Nigerians continue to seek greater accountability from public office holders.

President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is changing for the better under the leadership of Nyesom Wike as its minister, 50 years after creation.

Tinubu said this in Abuja on Friday night, during a special thank you dinner to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT in 28 days.

Represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the president commended Wike and his team for all the sacrifices to ensure that the nation’s capital works for everyone.

He further commended the minister for demonstrating that ‘leadership is not measured by how loudly one announces plans, but how clearly the people can see the results of the plans’.

He said that the FCT belonged to every Nigerian, describing it as a city where unity resides, where diversity meets, and where the hope of every citizen finds a common address.

‘Every new road run here shortens somebody’s journey, every new bridge connects more than communities; it connects friendship, it connects love, it connects unity, and also connects opportunities for Nigerians.

‘Every completed project quietly tells Nigerians that the government can still work when vision meets determination,’ he said.

Mr Aliyu Modibbo, a former minister of the FCT and current Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Office of the Vice President, said that Wike was among the ministers of the territory that had performed well.

Modibbo, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, expressed optimism that Wike would return as FCT minister in Tinubu’s second tenure saying, ‘four years is not enough to complete what you have started’.

In his remarks, Wike said that when he assumed office as FCT minister in August 2023, he met depressed civil servants with no motivation to drive Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that he and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud turned things around,by ensuring the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

According to hom, the commission allows civil servants to rise to the position of a Permanent Secretaries and Head of Civil Service.

He said that Tinubu gave the approval to motivate the workers so that they could give in their best for the development of the FCT.

The minister said that with the motivated workers, nine projects were inaugurated in the first year of Tinubu in office, 19 projects in the second year and 31 projects in the third year.

He said that the removal of FCT from the Treasury Single Account also contributed to the feat, by enabling the administration to access funds from commercial banks to execute projects.

He commended the contractors for quality and timely delivery of projects across the territory and promised to continue to work with them to give residents the best.

‘Comparatively, what Tinubu has done and will continue to do in the FCT is unprecedented. Most of the projects we completed were not initiated by the current administration and 70 per cent of them were abandoned projects.

‘The only project that was not completed is the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX),’ Wike said.

Also, Speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, described Wike as the ‘best performing minister of the FCT so far’, and commended the minister for the drive to change the landscape of the FCT.

Abbas, who was represented by the Majority Leader of the House of Representative, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, said that the nation’s capital had undergone monumental and unprecedented transformation under Wike’s stewardship.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Dr Peer Lubasch, said that some of the contractors had seen more ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the past days than in the previous years.

Lubasch commended Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure, economic growth and national development.

He also applauded Wike for the vision, planning, and sustained investment that is transforming Abuja into Africa’s finest, purpose-built capital.

‘We are proud that we have been an integral part of Abuja’s story from its formative years to the present day,’ he said.

The Presidency has expressed satisfaction with the scale and quality of infrastructure development in Imo State, describing the projects inspected during the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Tour in the state as clear evidence of purposeful leadership, and effective collaboration between the Federal and State Governments.

The Tour is an initiative of the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Team.

Tunde Rahman, Director of Media and Publicity, Renewed Hope Ambassadors in a statement listed said the delegation, which included members of the Presidential Communications Team and over 40 senior journalists, toured several completed and ongoing projects across Imo State.

They also applauded Governor Uzodimma for driving an infrastructure revolution that is transforming the state into a major hub for innovation, healthcare, education and economic development.

Among the projects inspected was the Imo Digital City, where smartphones and laptops are being assembled, providing employment opportunities to young people while positioning Imo as a growing centre for digital technology and innovation in Nigeria.

The team inspected the ongoing construction of 2000-bed capacity ultra modern infectious disease centre in partnership with the NNPCL, expressing the hope that the facility would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s public health preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Also inspected were the ongoing construction of a world-class Heart Transplant Centre at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, in Orlu Local Government, the ongoing expansion of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre in Owerri into a modern facility with over 2,000-seating capacity, and the construction of a five-star hotel comprising more than 110 rooms by the state government.

Speaking during the inspection tour, Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, said Imo State is aligning with the mission and vision of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the implementation of different legacy projects across the State.

‘ When you talk about the micro of the Renewed Hope Agenda, such features are like this infrastructure and the human capital development we just saw in Orlu Local Government now a 2000-bed infectious disease center at almost 85% completion.

‘ We saw the oxygen plant, we saw the revitalization of the healthcare centre that had been abandoned for several years and I think this is the kind of projects that are impactful to the people and that is what Renewed Hope is all about,’ he said.

The team also inspected the ongoing construction of the strategic 19-kilometre Orlu-Akokwa-Uga Border Road, linking Imo and Anambra States. According to the Special Adviser, the project will address the devastating menace of gully erosion while providing a critical interstate transport corridor that will improve connectivity, facilitate commerce and promote regional integration.

Dare also praised the state government’s decisive intervention in resolving the accreditation and certification challenges that previously prevented graduates of Imo State medical schools from obtaining specialist recognition, describing the achievement as a major boost for healthcare delivery and medical education.

The Presidential aide also commended the ongoing construction of a world-class Heart Transplant Centre at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, which is expected to expand access to specialised cardiovascular care and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek advanced medical treatment abroad.

The establishment of the Imo State University of Innovation, Science and Technology in Imuma also earned high praise for its focus on science, technology, engineering and innovation, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of developing a knowledge-driven economy.

Dare acknowledged that the projects inspected so far demonstrate the impact of the strong partnership between the Federal and Imo State Governments in delivering people-centred development.

‘ This wouldn’t have been possible without the increased FAAC allocation that comes monthly from the Federal Government to the state government providing extra fund for development projects.

‘We have seen in a couple of other states in the North, how APC governors have been utilizing these extra FAAC allocation funds for infrastructural development and we have seen how state and federal governments are working together in projects delivering,’ he said.

Earlier, the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Declan Emelumba, commended the fact-finding efforts of the Presidential Media Team under the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ national media tour.

Emelumba said Imo State under the leadership of Governor Uzodimma will continue to prioritise people-oriented projects by aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, over the death of Miss Mary Habila as premature.

Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said in a statement on Friday in Enugu, that the call for resignation had no sufficient justification.

Chukwu said that Habila’s death was tragic and deserved a thorough, professional and transparent investigation before any political conclusions would be drawn.

He expressed sadness over Habila’s death and extended condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Chukwu urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid comments capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or causing unnecessary public anxiety.

He also cautioned political actors, pressure groups and commentators against politicising the incident, stressing that the loss of human life should not be exploited for political or sectional interests.

The publicity secretary commended Umahi for calling for a comprehensive forensic autopsy and investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

He expressed support for the ongoing investigation by relevant authorities, urging that it should be conducted impartially, professionally and without interference.

According to him, the outcome of the investigation should be guided solely by facts, scientific evidence and due process.

On the calls for Umahi’s resignation, he maintained that such demands were unjustified at this stage.

‘The mere fact that death occurred within the premises where an individual resides or is present does not, in itself, establish culpability or warrant demands for resignation.

‘Such an unfortunate occurrence could happen in any person’s home or environment, and responsibility can only be determined through a credible investigation based on evidence,’ Chukwu said.

He added that Nigeria remained a nation governed by the rule of law and the constitutional principle that every citizen was presumed innocent until proven guilty.

‘It would therefore, be inconsistent with the ideals of justice and fairness to impose political consequences before the relevant authorities have concluded their investigations and established the facts,’ Chukwu said.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm, allow the investigation to run its full course and refrain from speculative narratives capable of undermining public confidence in public institutions or prejudicing the search for truth.

Chukwu expressed hope that the investigation would uncover the truth, provide Habila’s family with the answers they deserved and ensure that justice was served, in line with due process.

‘Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Miss Mary Habila.

‘We trust that the ongoing investigation will uncover the truth, provide the family with the answers they deserve, and ensure that justice, guided by evidence and due process, is ultimately served,’ he said.