Category: PM News

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment, with discussions set to cover key issues, including the ongoing conflict in Iran, trade relations, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

While the formal talks are scheduled for Thursday, Trump received a grand welcome in Beijing, with a military honour guard, a band, and thousands of youths chanting “Welcome” as Air Force One touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Ambassador Xie Feng, and other senior officials were present to greet the U.S. president.

Trump, in remarks made before his departure from Washington on Tuesday, downplayed any differences with Xi over the Iran conflict and suggested that “good things are going to happen” during the visit.

The U.S. president also expressed optimism about his relationship with Xi, stating that the two nations, as “the two superpowers,” would continue to work together.

With both leaders preparing to discuss a wide range of issues, the most pressing topics include the ongoing crisis in Iran, trade agreements, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which China strongly opposes. Trump indicated that trade discussions would be a major focus, and that he would address an $11 billion arms deal with Taiwan, the largest ever approved by the U.S. government.

In the lead-up to the summit, China made it clear that the Taiwan issue remains a “red line” in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing warning against further interference in the self-governing island’s defence.

The summit comes at a delicate moment for Trump, as his domestic approval has been affected by rising tensions over Iran and inflation linked to the ongoing conflict. Nonetheless, he is seeking to secure agreements with China, including the purchase of more American goods such as soybeans, beef, and aircraft, in an attempt to boost U.S. exports.

Trump’s visit is also expected to cover broader economic issues, including the potential establishment of a U.S.-China trade board aimed at resolving lingering disputes following the trade war that flared up last year.

In addition to trade and Taiwan, Trump is expected to raise the possibility of a three-way nuclear arms pact involving the U.S., China, and Russia, which would set limits on nuclear weapons across all three nations’ arsenals.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, followed months of trial initiated by the The court convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him, ruling that the EFCC successfully proved allegations of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and illegal cash transactions beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he received additional jail terms of three years and two years on separate counts. The sentences are to run consecutively, effectively amounting to 75 years behind bars.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of several assets, including foreign currencies and four Abuja properties linked to the former minister.

According to the EFCC, large sums released for the projects were allegedly diverted through Bureau de Change operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them over to the former minister.

Prosecutors also accused him of making a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about 200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

The conviction marks a major escalation in the high-profile corruption case. Earlier in the trial, the court had dismissed Mamman’s no-case submission and directed him to enter his defence after ruling that the anti-graft agency had established a prima facie case against him.

During the judgment, Justice Omotosho criticised the former minister for allegedly enriching himself instead of contributing to solutions in Nigeria’s struggling power sector.

“Rather than creating a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” the judge held.

Mamman was absent in court during both his conviction and sentencing. Following his failure to appear, the court issued a warrant for his arrest and directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure he is apprehended.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in the annual Africa CEO Forum, one of the continent’s biggest gatherings of political leaders, investors and business executives.

The Nigerian leader landed in Kigali on Wednesday shortly after concluding his visit to Kenya, where he attended the 2026 Africa-France Summit.

The summit brought together African heads of state, global investors and international partners to discuss economic growth, trade and development across the continent.

During his stay in Rwanda, Tinubu is expected to hold a series of high-level meetings with leading African and global business figures. Discussions are likely to focus on investment opportunities,

economic cooperation, infrastructure development and strengthening partnerships between governments and the private sector.

The Africa CEO Forum is known for bringing together policymakers and major industry players to explore ways of boosting economic development and attracting foreign investment into Africa.

This year’s event is expected to feature conversations on technology, energy, finance, manufacturing and regional trade.

Before arriving in Rwanda, Tinubu had travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, earlier in the week for the Africa-France Summit, which was jointly hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.

A video shared online captured the moment the Nigerian president arrived at Kigali International Airport ahead of the forum.

CAF has introduced new rules after a controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organization admitted there were problems in how the match was handled, especially with refereeing and match management.

He said these issues caused the confusion and controversy during the final.

In the final match in Rabat, Senegal originally beat Morocco 10 after extra time and were declared champions. However, the result was later overturned by CAF’s appeal committee.

Morocco was then awarded the title after disciplinary actions were taken against Senegal, following a protest during the match over a late VAR penalty decision.

The match also had serious problems, including security clashes in the stadium and accusations of unfair behavior, such as claims that Senegal’s goalkeeper was distracted by ball boys and opposing team officials.

Motsepe said CAF has completed a full review of what happened and has now introduced new rules to prevent similar issues in the future.

The reforms focus on improving VAR use, better referee training, stronger security planning, and clearer disciplinary procedures.

CAF also said it wants African football to be judged by high standards of fairness and integrity.

The situation has caused criticism from some football figures. Former England international Nigel Reo-Coker said the incident made African football look bad internationally.

Senegal’s football authorities called the decision to strip them of the title unfair and described it as “robbery.”

They have taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which will make the final decision. CAF has said it will accept whatever ruling CAS gives.

CAF says the new changes are meant to ensure such a chaotic final does not happen again.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Former Deputy Governor of Kano state Abdullahi Gwarzo has bowed to pressure by Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and other All Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders and chieftains to step down his senatorial ambition for the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Barau I. Jibrin.

Governor Yusuf resolved the lingering political dispute within the APC in Kano North Senatorial District after a series of meetings with party stakeholders, at Government House, Kano.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The reconciliation effort received the intervention and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The meetings led to a consensus arrangement between Hon. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo (ATM) and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

As part of the agreement reached, ATM Gwarzo officially withdrew his senatorial ambition in support of Senator Barau ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a formal withdrawal letter submitted to the party leadership, ATM Gwarzo reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the APC.

Speaking after the meeting, ATM Gwarzo described himself as a loyal party member who would always respect the collective decision of the party leadership.

He said he could not reject the appeal and intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to him, the three leaders worked tirelessly to ensure peace and consensus within the APC in Kano State.

Responding, Senator Barau said ATM Gwarzo had demonstrated maturity, respect and a strong sense of mutual understanding.

He added that they had always remained friends and political associates.

The Deputy Senate President assured that they would continue to work together for the unity and progress of the APC.

Governor Yusuf commended both leaders for showing sacrifice, understanding and commitment to the unity of the party.

He said the resolution would further strengthen the APC in Kano and across the country.

The Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive leadership among party members and stakeholders.

Confirming his withdrawal on his verified Facebook page, ATM Gwarzo who is the immediate-past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development wrote: “In deference to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GCFR, and His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and following extensive consultations with all concerned, as well as critical stakeholders at the National, State, and Zonal levels, I have reached the decision to step down my senatorial aspiration in the overall interest of unity, progress, and the comprehensive success of our great party in the 2027 general elections.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support, goodwill, prayers, and encouragement extended to me throughout this journey by constituents, political stakeholders, youths, women, elders, the Ulama, and the resilient members of our new media support community. Your loyalty, sacrifices, steadfastness, and belief in our shared vision have been deeply inspiring and profoundly appreciated.

“I remain humbled by the confidence reposed in me and profoundly grateful for the solidarity demonstrated at every stage of this aspiration.

“May I also specially acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, and Hon. Baffa Babba Danagundi, whose wisdom, guidance, experience, and counsel have remained invaluable throughout this period.

“Their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to the growth, unity, and stability of our great party continue to serve as a source of inspiration and direction.

“I remain fully committed to the ideals and aspirations of our party, and shall continue to contribute toward its growth, stability, and electoral success at all levels.”

Earlier, Governor Yusuf had resolved the Kano Central Senatorial tussle where former Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, emerged as the APC consensus candidate for the zone.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police operatives have arrested 24 suspected members of the dreaded Aiye Confraternity cult gang during a planned initiation ceremony in Ile-Oluji town, Ondo State.

Ondo Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimon announced the arrest of the suspected cultists in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the suspected cultists were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command on Saturday, 10th May, 2026

The operatives, he said, acted on credible intelligence that the suspects, all males, had converged from different parts of the State and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting in a bush concealed within Ile-Oluji town.

Jimoh said the operation to arrest the suspected cultists was executed professionally and without incident, thereby preventing what could have posed a serious threat to public peace and security in the area.

He listed items recovered from the suspects to include two Aiye confraternity crested caps, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations.

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal as commending operatives involved in the arrest of the suspected cultists for their swift response, professionalism and commitment to duty.

“He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy and all forms of violent crimes capable of undermining the safety of residents in the State.

“The CP further praised the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his visionary leadership, unwavering support to Commands nationwide, and sustained investment in intelligence-driven policing strategies that continue to enhance operational effectiveness across the country.

“He warned all criminal elements and individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, noting that the Command remains resolute in identifying, tracking and prosecuting those involved in activities capable of disrupting public order.

The Command assured that investigation is ongoing with a view to uncovering the full scope of the network of the suspected cultists and bringing all culpable persons to justice.

The Command also urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to ensure lasting peace and security throughout Ondo State.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Sule revealed that the state government had doubled the monthly stipends paid to facilitators, instructors and external coordinators involved in adult literacy programmes.

According to him, facilitators who previously earned 25,000 monthly now receive 50,000, while stipends for instructors and external coordinators were increased from 30,000 to 60,000 monthly.

He added that payments covering all four quarters of 2025 had already been fully settled following a verification exercise conducted for facilitators, instructors and coordinators.

The commissioner also highlighted efforts by the state to improve adult education through literacy programmes, digital learning integration and assessment exercises targeted at measuring academic progress among adult learners.

Sule disclosed that the government increased bursary awards from 50,000 to 60,000, while scholarship grants rose from 200,000 to 225,000.

“Under the bursary scheme, 3,138 undergraduate students received 60,000 each, bringing the total disbursement to 188.28 million.

“The state also paid 26.77 million to 119 Nigerian Law School students who received 225,000 each under the scholarship programme.

“In addition, three beneficiaries under the One-Day Governor initiative received 225,000 each, amounting to 675,000.

“For postgraduate education, the state awarded 35.55 million to 79 PhD students who received 450,000 each, while 133 Master’s degree students received 350,000 each, amounting to 46.55 million,” Sule said.

The commissioner said the scholarship board also introduced a Special Scholarship for Inclusion targeted at Persons Living With Disabilities, vulnerable groups and economically disadvantaged residents.

According to him, the board has continued to automate its operations to improve transparency and efficiency in scholarship administration.

Sule further disclosed that the state entered into partnerships with private organisations and foundations to expand educational support for outstanding students.

Among the partnerships highlighted was an arrangement with RETECH to reward the top 20 scorers in the Basic Education Certificate Examination annually.

By Jethro Ibileke

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, has reiterated the Board’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and examination administration nationwide.

Mohammed gave the reassurance on Wednesday in Benin, in a statement by the Board’s Assistant Director (Media/Protocol), Uchechukwu Olisah, to announce the commencement of the registration for the 2026 May/June In-School Certificate Examinations and the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), across the country.

The registration for the 2026 May/June In-School Examinations will close on Sunday, 31st May, 2026, while registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) will close on Sunday, 24th May, 2026.

Dr. Mohammed advised schools, parents, guardians, and prospective candidates to take advantage of the registration window and complete all necessary procedures before the stipulated deadlines to avoid last-minute challenges.

He further disclosed that the registration process has been simplified through designated online portals to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for candidates and schools.

According to him, for the May/June (In-school) registration, schools are required to request slots through their respective State Offices, capture candidates using the NABTEB Biometric Software, and complete registration via the official portal at mayjune.nabteb.gov.ng.

“For the May/June (In-school) registration, schools are expected to obtain login details through the State Office, log into the School Portal, make payment, and complete registration through school.nabteb.gov.ng.

“Similarly, candidates seeking registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) are to request Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) through the State Offices, complete registration on the Common Entrance Portal, and finalize the process through commonentrance.nabteb.gov.ng.

“For the online NCEE registration, candidates may create accounts independently, log in, and complete registration online. Schools may also obtain login details through the State Office to facilitate bulk registration. Payments and registration completion are to be carried out through student.nabteb.gov.ng,” Mohammed said.

The NABTEB Chief Executive also urged candidates and school authorities to strictly comply with all registration guidelines and ensure accurate submission of candidates’ data.

He advised members of the public to contact the nearest State Office or visit the Board’s official registration portals for further clarification and support.

Speaker of the The endorsement took place during a strategic breakfast meeting held at Adekanmbi’s residence in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, where party stakeholders and lawmakers deliberated on preparations for the next governorship election in Oyo State.

The gathering focused on strengthening party unity, early political mobilisation and building structures aimed at positioning the APM strongly ahead of the 2027 polls.

At the meeting, the lawmakers unanimously backed Adekanmbi as the party’s preferred governorship candidate, describing him as a seasoned administrator with the capacity to provide purposeful leadership for the state.

Addressing the gathering, Ogundoyin said the endorsement reflected the lawmakers’ collective confidence in Adekanmbi’s leadership qualities, political experience and understanding of governance.

“We believe Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi possesses the experience, exposure and political understanding required to move Oyo State forward. Our gathering here today is not just symbolic; it reflects our confidence in his ability to unite stakeholders and provide inclusive leadership for the people of the state,” the Speaker stated.

He added that members of the Assembly remained committed to supporting leaders and initiatives capable of promoting political stability, strengthening democratic institutions and sustaining developmental progress across the state.

Ogundoyin also stressed the importance of early consultations and grassroots mobilisation, noting that strategic planning and internal cohesion would be critical to the success of political parties ahead of the elections.

In his response, Adekanmbi expressed appreciation to the lawmakers and party stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, describing the endorsement as both an honour and a call to greater service.

He pledged to pursue inclusive and people-oriented leadership if elected governor, while promising to build on the achievements of Governor “I am deeply honoured by this show of confidence and solidarity from the lawmakers and party leaders. This endorsement is not just about me as an individual; it is about our collective aspiration to build a more prosperous, united and progressive Oyo State,” Adekanmbi said.

Adekanmbi also advocated issue-based politics and urged political actors to avoid divisive actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within the political environment.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

What analysts have described as a looming titanic tussle for the All Progressive Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Kano North senatorial District has been averted.

This followed the decision of former Deputy Governor, Muhammad Tijjani Gwarzo to abandon his quest to wrestle with the incumbent and Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin for the ticket.

Gwarzo, the immediate-past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, had vowed to challenge Senator Barau at the APC primaries for Kano North senatorial ticket.

Before now, the two political heavyweights were believed to be political enemies.

But the latest development confirmed a twist to the calculations of some pundits, as Gwarzo has officially withdrew his intention to contest for Kano North senatorial seat and declared total support for Senator Barau.

Gwarzo’s latest decision has put to an end what many described asa fierce political contest over the Kano North Senatorial District seat.

Our Correspondent learnt that Gwarzo’s latest decision followed a series of closed-door meetings, involving prominent political figures, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other key stakeholders in the state.

The political rivalry between Senator Barau and Gwarzo had generated political tension within the APC in Kano, with supporters of both camps engaged in a open confrontation and struggle for control of the party’s Kano North structure.

Announcing his decision to withdraw from the race, Gwarzo said the move was made, ” in the interest of unity and stability within the party ahead of future elections.

“After several meetings with stakeholders and interventions by our leaders, especially Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, I have decided to step down for my brother, Senator Barau Jibrin.”

Gwarzo further stated that, “preserving peace within the APC is more important than personal ambition. Party members must remain united to strengthen our electoral chances across all levels.

“We must continue to see ourselves as one family. Our collective interest should be the success of the APC and the progress of Kano State.”

Gwarzo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a fatherly role in the reconciliation process, while appreciating Governor Yusuf and other party leaders for their efforts in resolving the dispute.

Responding to the development, Jibrin commended Governor Yusuf, Dr. Ganduje, and other stakeholders for facilitating the reconciliation, saying the outcome would further strengthen the APC in Kano.

The Deputy Senate President said the party would remain united and focused on ensuring victory for President Tinubu, Governor Yusuf, and other APC candidates in the 2027 general election.

Senator Barau is now the sole aspirant for APC Kano North Senatorial District ticket for the 2027 general election.