Category: PM News

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, signalling what appears to be a new phase of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government after months of political tension in the state.

Fubara, who described the budget as a ‘breath of fresh air’, said the development marked the beginning of a healthier relationship with the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The governor signed the budget on Thursday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

He expressed optimism that the ?1.85 trillion budget would drive development across the state while strengthening cooperation between the two arms of government.

Fubara thanked God for making the occasion possible, describing the event as the start of a new working relationship with the Assembly.

He also acknowledged the role of former Rivers governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the meeting and the events that led to the passage and signing of the budget.

The Majority Leader of the Rivers Assembly, Major Jack, described the appropriation bill as an ambitious financial plan, saying lawmakers subjected the proposal to thorough scrutiny before approval.

However, the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, disclosed that the lawmakers made adjustments to the budget before passing it.

Amaewhule said the Assembly reduced the proposed ?6 billion allocation to PAMO University of Medical Sciences after concerns over the utilisation of previous funds and the institution’s failure to provide satisfactory explanations.

He said part of the money was redirected to the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Development Board as part of efforts to ensure accountability in public spending.

The 2026 budget, tagged ‘Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development’, was initially presented by Fubara in July with a total estimate of ?1,854,248,734,475.76, representing a 24.5 per cent increase over the revised 2025 financial figures.

The signing of the budget comes amid renewed efforts to restore political stability in Rivers State, following the prolonged disagreement between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations and to the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye gave the assurance on Tuesday when the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, according to the minister’s media office.

The Minister welcomed what he described as a shift in strategic thinking within the United Nations system and commended the Organisation for its sustained and altruistic support to Nigeria through its agencies, funds, and programmes over the years.

He described the UN as a strategic partner in humanitarian action, development cooperation, and peacebuilding, noting its impactful interventions, particularly in difficult and vulnerable communities across the country and around the world.

‘For us as a country, we value our relationship with the United Nations. We participate actively in the maintenance of international peace and security and in advancing the other purposes for which the UN was established. We are always pleased to engage with the UN because your work supports our people and contributes to Nigeria’s success. I wish to pledge our total support for the United Nations,’ the Minister stated.

On the challenge of dwindling resources, Ambassador Enikanolaiye called for innovative thinking, including stronger partnerships with the private sector, to mobilize alternative funding mechanisms for sustainable development and humanitarian response

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Fall, who is due to conclude his assignment in Nigeria later this year, described Nigeria as his second home, having served in the country for nearly a decade, first with UNICEF and subsequently as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

He commended Nigeria’s enduring contributions to the United Nations, not only as a committed member state but also as a rallying force for the Organisation’s ideals.

He recalled Nigeria’s historic role in regional peacekeeping, particularly through ECOMOG, as a testament to its leadership in promoting peace and security in West Africa and beyond.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a fresh attack on ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar over his promise to reduce fuel prices ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the proposal as unrealistic and a ‘phantom’ promise.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the remark while appearing on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines programme on Wednesday, where he criticised opposition plans to reverse some of the economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Morka described Atiku as ‘Nigeria’s political Scooby-Doo’, arguing that the former vice-president’s promise to make fuel cheaper lacked a clear explanation of how it would be achieved.

‘The promise of the opposition is phantom. It’s like Scooby-Doo,’ Morka said.

‘Atiku Abubakar is Nigeria’s political Scooby-Doo. And so, that’s all he has to offer.’

The APC spokesman accused the former vice-president of changing his position on fuel subsidy for political reasons, insisting that Nigerians should demand details on how any proposed subsidy plan would be funded.

The comments come amid renewed debate over fuel subsidy and economic reforms as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku and other opposition figures have criticised the impact of subsidy removal, arguing that Nigerians have continued to face rising costs of living and increased economic pressure.

However, Morka defended Tinubu’s reforms, saying the administration had taken difficult decisions aimed at stabilising the economy and improving Nigeria’s financial position.

He said the government’s policies had contributed to improvements in areas such as foreign reserves, oil production, economic growth and government revenue.

According to him, returning to the previous subsidy system without a sustainable plan could worsen the country’s financial situation.

Morka warned that Nigerians should be cautious of political promises that, according to him, do not explain the economic realities behind proposed policies.

He argued that the opposition was presenting quick solutions without addressing the long-term consequences of such decisions.

‘They know that if you distort this programme, if you disrupt this massive programme of reform, we will go back to an era that is pre the worst period we’ve already gone beyond in our country,’ he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the National Land Transport Policy during the 19th National Council on Transportation and the National Land Transport Policy in Abuja.

The National Council was held under the theme ‘Developing Effective Transport System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation.’

ýRepresented by the Special Adviser on General Services, Alhaji Modibbo Umar, Shettima said ‘transportation connects Nigerians to opportunities and productions to markets.

‘When farmers produce efficiently, industries reach raw materials easily, businesses reach consumers and workers travel safely, it increases productivity.’

He said the duty of government is to provide infrastructure, ensuring that Nigerians feel the benefits through safer travel, lower cost and wider opportunity which is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

ýHe said the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge corridors demonstrate the value of modern rail, as the Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project is advancing towards completion.

Similarly, he said, the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri corridor is being pursued to restore and modernise connectivity across the eastern, central and northern parts of the country.

ýThe Kano-Maiduguri Railway project would extend rail connectivity through Kano, Jigawa and Katsina to Maradi in the Republic of Niger, he added, noting that it would strengthen cross-border trade and deepen regional integration.

Shettima explained that ‘every rail line carrying harvest to market, road shortening workers’ journey, port releasing cargo, inland and transit system returning hours to families, binds national ambitions to daily lives.’

ýShettima announced that government approved state urban light rail projects in Lagos, Kaduna and Kano and urged the minister of transportation to work with the states to establish the necessary technical, institutional, regulatory and implementation arrangements without delay.

ýHe said ‘these projects are pilot schemes whose success will guide expansion to other cities. I call on federal and state governments, the ministry and its agencies, consultants, contractors, financiers and partners to act with urgency, professionalism and national responsibility.

‘The projects are designed to ease the daily burden of Nigerians.’

Earlier, Mr Olufunso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, had said that the theme of the unveiling is relevant because it supports economic growth, national connectivity and improved quality of life for citizens.

ýAdebiyi said integration would ensure that various modes of transportation do not develop in isolation, but function as part of one national system.

He added that ‘our roads, the railways, the ports, inland waterways and urban transport systems must connect people and goods efficiently across the country and across our borders.

ý’It will strengthen cross-border trade, deepen regional integration and demonstrate how Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure can support both national and West African economic development.’

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Nigeria Transportation Commissioners Forum, Mr Gbenga Dairo, said transportation is not just about movement, it is about economic opportunities.

Represented by the Abia Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, the chairman added that ‘our greatest challenge today is not necessarily the absence of individual modes of transportation.

‘Nigeria has roads, railways, airports and seaports and inland waterways, the challenge is that these modes have not been sufficiently integrated into one seamless transportation system.’

He explained that a modern transportation system must not operate in isolation but must connect with the people.

ýThe Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adeboyega Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to work with relevant agencies ‘to build the connections required for a truly integrated transport system.’

Police have arrested 79 miscreants and hoodlums, who engaged in unlawful activities to disrupt the 2026 Takutaha celebrations (celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, SAW) in Kano state.

The Police also recovered dangerous weapons from the hoodlums.

However, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, appreciated discernable Kano residents for ensuring peaceful celebrations.

He said: ‘This peaceful outcome was made possible through the coordinated, intelligence-led, and proactive security arrangements emplaced by the Command before, during, and after the celebration, in line with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM.’

Mr. Bakori expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Kano State for their prayers, cooperation, support, and orderly conduct during the festivities.

According to him, the Command also received encomiums from all quarters within the State for providing a conducive environment that enabled residents to celebrate freely and safely.

CP Bakori further appreciated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, sister security agencies, vigilante groups, and other critical partners whose collaboration and synergy contributed immensely to the success of the security operations.

According to him, during the celebration, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police on intelligence gathering, sustained clearance operations, and enhanced community-based policing, the Command conducted coordinated operations across the State.

As a result of these operations within the period under review, the Command recorded the following: a total of 79 suspects arrested for various offences; dangerous weapons and illicit drugs recovered from the suspects.

The Kano Police boss further stated that the arrests and recoveries were made by the following Police Tactical Units: Anti Daba, Anti Kidnapping, and VCRU; and the following Police Divisions: Ungogo, Sharada, Bachirawa, Rijiyar Lemo, Mandawari, Kwalli, and Gwale.

All suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion.

He said another singular incident reported also with causality is under investigation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over recent political commentary referencing Christ, specifically pointing to remarks made by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, regarding Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential elections.

Oruche had in a viral video that has been generating controversies and condemnations claimed Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress, NDC will defeat Jesus Christ if both are on the ballot for the 2027 election.

But the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed the concern over the invocation of the name of Jesus Christ for political contest in a press statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.

He cautioned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ to advance partisan interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

?While acknowledging the passionate nature of political discourse, the CAN President emphasised that the name of Jesus Christ is sacred and must not be dragged into political rivalry.

?’Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan, or a weapon to advance one politician against another.

‘His name is sacred and should not be dragged into partisan contests in ways that elevate human beings, however popular or admired, to a place that belongs to God alone,’ he said.

?The cleric clarified that citizens remain fully entiled to support or criticise any political figure, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, or President Bola Tinubu, but cautioned against excessive partisan zeal.

?’Our political loyalty must never become so intense that we begin to speak of politicians in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ.

‘Let us argue about competence, character, policies, performance, and the future of Nigeria. Let us disagree passionately if necessary, but let us leave Jesus Christ out of our partisan quarrels.’

?He stressed that no candidate or political platform represents spiritual salvation or the ultimate solution to human needs.

?’No politician is the Messiah. No political party represents the salvation of the human spirit that Christ epitomises. And no electoral victory is worth compromising the honour due to His name,’ he added.

?Okoh urged political actors, campaign teams, and the electorate across the country to exercise restraint, responsibility, and mutual respect as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reacted to the news of Uber’s exit from Nigeria, clarifying that it has nothing to do with airport protocols.

Mr. Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, while speaking during an interview, explained that false narratives about Uber’s exit being linked to the airport should be addressed and challenged.

He said Uber has expressly stated that its decision followed a review of its ‘evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.’

‘More significantly, the company has clarified that its exit is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports. That should settle the central question. FAAN did not drive Uber out of Nigeria. Uber says so. But there is a bigger story Nigerians should consider. This did not begin with FAAN. Uber’s challenges in Nigeria did not suddenly emerge at the airport. Investigations reveal that for years, the company and the broader ride-hailing industry have faced questions around regulation, driver welfare, data sharing, passenger protection, accountability and operational control,’ he stated.

Agbebire also noted that Nigerians should be asking a more important question pertaining to how Why did Uber decide that Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities?, rather than claiming FAAN chased Uber away.

‘Perhaps we should stop asking, ‘Why did FAAN chase Uber away?’ The more appropriate question is: ‘Why did Uber decide that Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities?’ Uber has answered that question. It reviewed its business priorities. It reviewed its investment focus. It made a corporate decision to leave Nigeria and Uganda while maintaining operations and investment elsewhere in Africa. That decision belongs to Uber,’ he added.

World football governing body, FIFA, is set to visit Nigeria to assess the proposed restructuring of the country’s football administration before giving its final approval to the process.

The development followed a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

The meeting focused on the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the proposed roadmap to reposition Nigerian football following the resignation of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led board.

Gusau, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the Executive Committee resigned from their positions last week amid growing criticism of the state of Nigerian football.

Following the resignations, the Nigerian government moved to begin a major restructuring of the football administration.

The National Sports Commission proposed the establishment of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the transition, implement reforms and prepare the ground for a new NFF leadership.

However, FIFA has not simply given an immediate approval to the proposed arrangement.

Instead, the football governing body wants to continue discussions with Nigerian authorities and send a delegation to the country to examine the situation and ensure that the proposed restructuring complies with FIFA rules and regulations.

The FIFA visit is therefore expected to be an important step before the international body gives its final backing to the restructuring process.

At the Zurich meeting, FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the NSC and the NFF administration discussed the proposed reform roadmap.

The parties agreed to continue their engagements and fine-tune a plan covering short, medium and long-term reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive, stable and credible football administration in Nigeria.

The process is expected to go beyond simply replacing the resigned NFF officials. The aim is to address deeper problems in the administration of Nigerian football and establish a new structure capable of improving the game both on and off the pitch.

FIFA is also expected to have a major say in the composition of any Normalisation Committee that may eventually be approved.

Potential members of the committee will have to meet FIFA’s integrity and eligibility requirements before being cleared to serve.

The proposed committee is expected to operate temporarily while the reforms are carried out and preparations are made for a fresh NFF election.

There have been different projections about how long the committee could remain in place, with estimates ranging from a few months to as long as one year, depending on the scope and progress of the reforms.

The Nigerian delegation’s meeting with Infantino is being seen as an important step because FIFA has accepted the resignations of the former NFF officials and is now engaging with Nigerian football authorities on the way forward.

With FIFA preparing to visit Nigeria, attention will now shift to what the delegation finds and whether the proposed restructuring will meet the conditions required for FIFA’s final approval.

The outcome of the visit could determine the shape of the Normalisation Committee, the scope of the proposed reforms and the pathway to a new NFF leadership.

A cleric also known as Alfa and a paternal aunt are in police custody in Edo State over alleged sexual abuse of a pregnant 16-year-old girl.

Edo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah confirmed this in Benin on Thursday,

She noted that the aunt who had earlier been granted bail, was re-arrested by the police.

Abdallah noted that the girl was placed in the care of her paternal aunt, her father’s younger sister, following the separation of her parents and subsequent family circumstances.

According to the commissioner, the aunt regularly visited the Alfa’s residence for prayers and sometimes left the girl there while she went to the market.

She said the aunt also repeatedly sent the girl alone to the Alfa’s residence on errands, including having her mobile phone repaired, in spite of having sons she could have sent.

Abdallah said the girl was allegedly rendered sleepy or incapacitated during some visits and subsequently sexually assaulted by the Alfa, according to the information received.

She said the girl later complained to her aunt about physical discomfort, but her concerns were dismissed as delayed menstruation or possible hallucinations by the caregiver.

The commissioner said the girl, who was still attending secondary school, did not initially know that she was pregnant until concerns were raised by others.

She said some of the girl’s friends later became suspicious and reported their concerns to the school’s headmistress, who subsequently contacted the Ministry of Women Affairs.

According to Abdallah, further enquiries by the ministry revealed that the girl was already more than five months pregnant when the situation came to official attention.

She said that after the pregnancy was discovered, the aunt allegedly attempted to force the girl to terminate it, prompting the girl to contact her parents for assistance.

The Edo commissioner said the matter was subsequently reported to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), leading to the arrest and arraignment of the Alfa and the aunt.

She said the aunt was initially released on bail but was later re-arrested and remained in police custody alongside the Alfa as investigations continued into the allegations.

Abdallah said the girl was currently being cared for at a government shelter, where arrangements were being made for her to complete the pregnancy safely under appropriate supervision.

She said discussions were ongoing on options available for the baby after delivery, including possible adoption, subject to required procedures and the best interests of the child.

The commissioner added that the girl’s mother was making arrangements to relocate her to Lagos after delivery, where she could continue her education and rebuild her life.

Edo Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, continues to respond to sexual and gender-based violence through psychosocial support, counselling, protective care and referral services.

The ministry also collaborates with security and justice agencies to strengthen responses to reported cases, protect survivors and ensure appropriate referrals and support services were provided to affected children.

The ministry had earlier disclosed that more than 70 cases of incestuous defilement were recorded between January and July 2026 in Edo, with fathers allegedly responsible for about 50 per cent of cases.

The cases involved children aged between two and 10 years, according to the ministry, highlighting concerns over sexual violence against children and the need for stronger protection mechanisms.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has alleged that Uber’s exit from Nigeria resulted from exploitative business model that disregarded workers’ rights and collective bargaining.

UATON National Spokesperson, Mr Jossy Adaraniwon said this in a statement on Wednesday while condemning Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria.

Adaraniwon described the exit of Uber as unprofessional, alleging that the company left Nigeria’s ride-hailing market without prior notice to drivers.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adaraniwon described the development as irresponsible and a disregard for thousands of Nigerian drivers who built Uber’s platform.

He alleged that Uber’s exit resulted from what AUATON described as an exploitative business model which Bolt and InDrive subsequently adopted, thus, contributing to a ‘race-to-the-bottom’ in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.

Adaraniwon said the situation had led to longer waiting times, lower driver earnings and fewer active drivers due to poor working conditions.

He warned Bolt and InDrive against exploiting drivers, urging both platforms to establish genuine collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON.

‘If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,’ he said.

Adaraniwon said AUATON’s position remained that the union should be recognised as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters.

He demanded fair pay, welfare packages, transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.

The spokesperson urged AUATON members nationwide not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support platforms willing to sign collective agreements.

‘To Bolt and InDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,’ he said.

Adaraniwon also alleged that Uber played an anti-union and anti-worker role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour against the union’s registration.

He further alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within AUATON to instigate internal crises and frustrate dialogue on drivers’ welfare.

He said AUATON would not allow foreign platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers and leave without accountability.

Uber on Wednesday announced its decision to cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.