Category: PM News

Senator Ned Nwoko has called for tougher legal and institutional measures against companies that fail to meet their obligations to host communities, urging authorities to consider litigation and a review of the operating licences of erring firms.

Nwoko made the call during a meeting of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where discussions centred on the responsibilities of companies operating in oil-producing communities.

The lawmaker argued that merely condemning companies that neglect their host communities was no longer sufficient, stressing the need for concrete actions to ensure accountability.

According to him, Nigeria should explore legal options that extend beyond its borders by pursuing litigation against defaulting companies in jurisdictions where their parent companies are headquartered.

‘It is not enough to simply condemn companies that fail in their obligations to host communities. We must begin to explore stronger legal and institutional measures that ensure accountability,’ Nwoko said.

He also advocated a comprehensive review of the operating licences of such companies, questioning whether firms that consistently neglect their statutory and social responsibilities should continue to enjoy the privilege of operating in Nigeria.

‘We must also examine the operating licences of these companies to determine whether they continue to deserve the privilege of operating in our country while neglecting their responsibilities,’ he added.

The senator’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of extractive activities and longstanding complaints by host communities over inadequate development, environmental degradation and the failure of some companies to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities.

Nwoko maintained that stronger enforcement mechanisms would not only protect the interests of host communities but also encourage greater corporate responsibility and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and other resource-producing areas.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed delight over the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, describing their release as welcome news for their families and the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday night by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors also congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful outcome of the operation.

‘The Forum received with joy and relief the news of the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community in Oyo State,’ the statement said.

According to the NGF, the operation was made possible through ‘months of high-level coordination, intelligence gathering, and disciplined execution.’

The governors said the safe return of the victims had brought comfort to their loved ones.

‘The Forum also rejoices with the families of the victims on the successful rescue which have now reunited them with their precious children and relations,’ the statement added.

The Forum praised the cooperation between the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government, noting that the partnership played an important role in securing the victims’ freedom.

It also paid tribute to the security agencies involved in the operation.

‘We are especially proud of the commitment and professionalism of our security forces throughout the operation. We are confident that this impressive multi-agency collaboration will yield more successes as the security forces do more to neutralise all threats and rescue our citizens who are still trapped in the den of kidnappers,’ the statement said.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the governors acknowledged the pain of families still affected by kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The NGF appealed to Nigerians to continue working with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent attacks and secure the release of other victims.

‘While we sincerely share in the grief of families and communities impacted by kidnapping and related incidents, we appeal to citizens to continue to support government’s efforts to protect lives and property in every part of the country, including giving timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies,’ the statement said.

Forty stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in the sixth phase of the Federal Government’s evacuation exercise aimed at assisting distressed citizens abroad.

The returnees, who landed on July 10, were received by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other security agencies.

According to NiDCOM, the returnees expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving their evacuation, as well as to Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, for facilitating the process.

They also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose officials received them on arrival and announced financial assistance to support their reintegration.

Several individuals, state governments and private organisations also pledged various forms of support to help the returnees rebuild their lives.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State announced a ?1 million grant for each returnee from the state, while telecommunications giant MTN provided free SIM packs loaded with data valued at ?50,000 and pledged an additional ?100,000 cash support for every returnee.

Officials from Edo and Delta states also unveiled reintegration packages for returnees from their respective states, while the JAAL Foundation promised empowerment support for 50 female beneficiaries.

Founder of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, offered free accommodation to about 52 of the returnees and pledged to provide vocational training for affected families as well as free education for their children up to university level.

Similarly, the Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, donated ?100,000 to each of 66 returnees, while real estate firm Cruxstone also provided financial assistance to an earlier batch of evacuees.

NiDCOM said the returning Nigerians expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the various donations and reintegration support packages announced by government agencies, faith-based organisations and private sector partners.

The latest evacuation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to assist Nigerians stranded overseas and facilitate their safe return and reintegration into society.

Media and military sources over recent months have pointed to a common thread linking the growing militarisation and arms transfers in both Somalia and Sudan: Saudi support in the form of funding, weapons, and foreign mercenary personnel operating in both countries.

In Somalia, reports have highlighted what they describe as suspicious Saudi military activity following the visit of a Saudi military delegation to two Somali military training camps in the Guri Jabal area of Galguduud region in Galmudug State, where Riyadh is financing the training programme.

Local reports further claimed that Saudi Arabia secretly recruited mercenaries from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, and Colombia through unofficial channels to train forces loyal to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite growing public opposition to his administration.

A total of 5,107 Somali soldiers are reportedly undergoing training, including 2,000 recruits enlisted from Somalia’s Northeastern State. The programme is scheduled to run for nine months following the Saudi military delegation’s visit to Somalia at the end of last June. However, concerns have grown that some of those foreign mercenaries are being covertly transferred to Sudan to support the Sudanese army and its Islamist allies.

Concerns among Somali and Sudanese observers intensified after Africa Intelligence reported in February on a covert mission led by Sudanese officers to train Somali militias. According to the report, ‘a team of Sudanese military personnel trained 1,000 Somali recruits in Galmudug State,’ adding that the mission was conducted under the supervision of intelligence services affiliated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose constitutional term expired in May, amid tensions between Somalia’s federal member states.

Since the first week of June, Somalia has experienced heightened instability following clashes between federal government forces and armed groups aligned with opposition leaders rejecting the extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s tenure, while militant organisations such as Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS have reportedly continued operating across different regions of the country.

In Sudan, reports describe similar Saudi support. Gulf Post, citing Intelligence Online, reported that ‘images, video footage, and intelligence sources consulted in Kyiv showed the use of howitzers on the Sudanese battlefield after they had been delivered by Saudi Arabia to Sudan between 2023 and 2024.’

According to Intelligence Online, it established that Ukrainian mercenaries ‘trained artillery units of the Sudanese Armed Forces under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’ and their Muslim Brotherhood allies to operate the artillery systems.

The publication further reported that ‘during 2023 and 2024, Saudi Arabia shipped three batteries of 155mm M777 artillery systems, together with large quantities of ammunition, to the Sudanese army. Several pieces of evidence dated to 2023 allegedly show Ukrainian fighters operating towed M777 howitzers in an environment matching the Sudanese theatre, identified through architectural and vegetation indicators.’

According to the report, Saudi Arabia had previously faced accusations of providing military assistance to the Sudanese army, and these documents are described as ‘the first tangible evidence directly linking Saudi military systems to operations conducted in the Sudanese theatre.’

The reported overlap between military activities in Sudan and Somalia comes as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has, according to SudanLeaks, ‘made explosive remarks reinforcing international and regional accusations directed at the Sudanese army and its Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated militias regarding their extensive use of foreign fighters and mercenaries from multiple African countries to fuel the ongoing conflict.’

SudanLeaks further states that ‘Abiy Ahmed’s official remarks are consistent with intelligence and international reports indicating that Muslim Brotherhood militias in Sudan, foremost among them the Al-Baraa ibn Malik Battalion-affiliated with the Islamic Movement and designated under U.S. sanctions-have increasingly relied on recruiting mercenaries from Ethiopia and other African countries, in addition to employing Iranian and Ukrainian personnel.’

Oyo State Governor and Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has warned that the opposition will reject any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections.

Makinde said the outcome of the polls must reflect the choice of Nigerians, warning against any action capable of suppressing the will of voters.

The governor spoke in Bauchi while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

‘They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that does not happen,’ Makinde said.

He added that the opposition would not accept electoral malpractice, insisting that the final result must represent the voice of Nigerians.

‘We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians,’ he stated.

Makinde described the current political atmosphere in the country as toxic, but expressed optimism that Nigeria was approaching a new political phase.

‘Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is the darkest moment, I can say that to you. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point,’ he said.

Speaking on the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde said the party remained confident because Nigerians would ultimately determine the direction of the country.

He recalled his victory in the 2019 Oyo governorship election, when he defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress despite the party controlling both the federal and state governments at the time.

‘In Oyo State in 2019, as an opposition party then in the PDP, APC was ruling at the federal level and also at the state level, but we won,’ he said.

Makinde also addressed concerns over recent security challenges in Oyo State, saying the incidents occurred after years of relative peace.

He said the state experienced stability for most of his seven years in office before recent security concerns emerged.

The governor also linked the timing of the crisis to his presidential declaration, saying some incidents occurred shortly after he announced his ambition.

Meanwhile, Bala Mohammed said his meeting with Makinde focused on governance, security challenges, and strengthening the APM as an opposition platform.

Mohammed praised Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State, describing him as a leader whose developmental projects had attracted national attention.

Five persons, including four children, have lost their lives after landslides triggered by 48 hours of torrential rainfall devastated Ikot Anwatim Community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State.

The disaster also left two residents injured and destroyed two houses, according to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).

CR-SEMA confirmed the casualties on Saturday during a rapid damage assessment of the affected community conducted in collaboration with officials of the Disaster Management Unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, leading the assessment team, the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, described the tragedy as heartbreaking, particularly the deaths of the four children, and conveyed the condolences of the Cross River State Government to the bereaved families.

He assured victims that the government would provide humanitarian support while undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the disaster to guide emergency response and long-term interventions.

‘This assessment will document the extent of the disaster and provide the information needed to support government decisions on emergency assistance and long-term disaster risk reduction,’ Nyong said.

He urged residents of communities vulnerable to landslides and erosion to remain vigilant, promptly report signs such as land cracks and comply with evacuation directives issued by relevant authorities.

Nyong warned that climate-related disasters were becoming increasingly frequent, stressing the need for greater public awareness and stronger collaboration between communities and government agencies to minimise risks.

He added that the rapid assessment reflected CR-SEMA’s commitment to proactive disaster management, coordinated emergency response and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Following the inspection, the assessment team recommended the immediate provision of humanitarian relief for affected families and continued medical care for those injured in the incident.

The team also called for a comprehensive geotechnical investigation of the affected area to determine its long-term stability and identify appropriate mitigation measures.

It further recommended intensified public awareness campaigns on landslide risks and the possible relocation of residents living in high-risk areas as heavy rainfall continues across the state.

One of the affected residents, Bassey Patrick, commended the emergency response team for its prompt intervention despite the challenging conditions.

He appealed for urgent government assistance, saying many families had lost loved ones, homes and means of livelihood and would require substantial support to rebuild their lives.

Businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has called on FIFA to improve the quality of refereeing at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, saying poor officiating could hurt the reputation of the tournament.

In a post on X, Elumelu praised the African countries that took part in the competition, saying they represented the continent well and showed the growth of African football on the global stage.

He congratulated the teams for their efforts and said they made Africa proud with their performances.

‘Well done to all the African countries that represented our continent at the World Cup. You made Africa proud and showed the world what African football is capable of,’ he wrote.

However, Elumelu expressed concern over some refereeing decisions during the tournament. According to him, several controversial calls have raised questions among football fans and stakeholders.

The Chairman of Heirs Holdings warned that FIFA must address the issue to protect the integrity of the game.

‘But FIFA needs to improve the standard of refereeing because if poor officiating continues, it will damage the game,’ Elumelu stated.

His comments come amid growing discussions about the quality of officiating at the World Cup, with some fans and analysts criticizing decisions made by match officials in several games.

Elumelu’s remarks have added to calls for FIFA to ensure higher refereeing standards and greater consistency in decision-making at future tournaments.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday visited victims of the recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area who are receiving treatment at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division Medical Centre in Ibadan following their rescue.

The governor was accompanied by a senior medical officer in the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Moses Azuoru, during the visit to assess the condition of the rescued victims.

Sharing details of the visit on his Facebook page, Makinde assured the victims of his administration’s continued support until they fully recover and are reunited with their families.

He wrote: ‘Earlier today, we visited the victims of the Oriire LGA kidnapping incident where they are receiving treatment in Ibadan. We will continue to provide the necessary support needed for their full recovery and reunite them with their families.’

The governor also paid tribute to the civilians and military personnel who lost their lives during efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.

‘We also remember civilians and military personnel who lost their lives during this process, our administration will ensure that they did not die in vain. May their souls rest in peace and may God continue to comfort their families,’ he added.

The visit came a day after security forces successfully rescued the abducted victims following coordinated operations involving troops and other security agencies. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.

A social media influencer, Abiodun Ademola, popularly known as DJ Chicken, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Friday over alleged threats to kill Seyi, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The 37-year-old of Tafodi Estate, Royal Park, Lekki, Lagos, was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on threat to life, offensive online publication and conduct likely to breach peace.

The prosecution, led by SP Okunuga, Officer-in-Charge, Legal, Command Headquarters, Ikeja, alleged the offences occurred on July 5 at about 9:00 a.m. in Lekki, Lagos.

According to the charge, DJ Chicken allegedly posted a video on his Facebook and Instagram accounts, @djchicken, threatening to kill Seyi Tinubu.

The prosecution alleged the defendant intended the message to reach Seyi Tinubu and create fear through the publication circulated on social media platforms.

Police further alleged DJ Chicken posted a grossly offensive and menacing video on Instagram intending to cause alarm, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The prosecution also alleged that DJ Chicken threatened to kill Seyi Tinubu if President Bola Tinubu contested or won the 2027 presidential election.

According to prosecutors, the defendant’s conduct was capable of causing a breach of public peace and disturbing public order.

The prosecution said the alleged offences contravened Sections 232 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

It added that the alleged online publication also violated Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

When the charges were read, DJ Chicken pleaded not guilty before Magistrate M.F. Onamusi.

The magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of ?1 million with two sureties in like amount.

Onamusi ruled that one surety must be a blood relation bearing the defendant’s surname, while the second must be a recognised community leader or clergyman.

The court also directed both sureties to provide evidence of three years’ tax payments and LASTRA verification before perfecting the bail conditions.

The magistrate adjourned the matter until Aug. 3 for further hearing.

While families of the rescued Oyo pupils and teachers celebrate their return after 56 days in captivity, the family of slain teacher Michael Olugbade Oyedokun is mourning the loss of a loved one who will never come home.

Oyedokun’s niece, Oluwabukolami, who has been speaking on behalf of the family since the abduction, expressed mixed emotions following the release of the victims on Friday.

In a post shared on Instagram, she congratulated the rescued victims and their families but said their own joy remained incomplete because her uncle was brutally killed by the abductors.

‘They are finally home,’ she wrote.

‘My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear and uncertainty. Welcome home.

‘But as others celebrate, my family mourns.

‘My uncle, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short.’

Oluwabukolami said the rescue of the remaining victims could not erase the pain of losing Oyedokun, adding that his absence would always be felt by the family.

‘Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever,’ she said.

She added that while the nation celebrates the safe return of the pupils and teachers, her family continues to remember the teacher whose life was taken during the ordeal.

‘Today, we celebrate those who returned while remembering the one who never did,’ she wrote.

Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, was killed a day after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier expressed joy over the rescue operation, saying security agencies successfully freed the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.

The President also vowed that his administration would ensure justice for the rescued children, their teachers, and the family of Oyedokun, whom he described as having been ‘gruesomely murdered’ by the terrorists.