Category: PM News

Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest child of late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti has revealed that his father repeatedly told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart from the world upon attaining the age of 100.

Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), disclosed this when Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader at his residence in Akure on Tuesday night.

Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening in his house in Ijapo, Akure.

He celebrated his centenarian anniversary earlier in the year.

‘Baba often told us that he had a covenant with God that whenever he got to 100, he would go. He repeatedly told us that when he died, we should not cry.

‘We are not mourning Baba. We are rejoicing.

‘Baba has left us a big pair of shoes to step into, but we can only thank God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love that he left us with,’ he said.

The SSG described his father as a devoted parent who was actively involved in the upbringing and education of his children.

He said the family would greatly miss the wise counsel of the late nationalist, whom he described as a man of few words who communicated his thoughts ‘quietly but effectively.’

He appreciated Aiyedatiwa for identifying with the family during the period, while appealing for prayers to enable the children to sustain their father’s legacies.

Speaking, Aiyedatiwa described the late Pa Fasoranti leader as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain indelible.

‘Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,’ he said.

Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a great educator whose positive influence extended across generations, producing prominent personalities within and outside Nigeria.

‘We cannot but celebrate his life and times. We are not mourning. We are just celebrating and thanking God for a life that was well lived,’ he said.

The governor said the late nationalist lived a fulfilled life characterised by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to the service of humanity.

Aiyedatiwa urged the family and other Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the deceased and continue to make meaningful contributions to society.

The Presidency has rejected Peter Obi’s clarification of his controversial advice to Nigerians in the United Kingdom to refuse financial requests from people back home, insisting that his original remarks were neither misunderstood nor distorted.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, dismissed Obi’s explanation in a post on X, describing his statement at a Manchester town hall meeting as callous.

‘Mr Peter Obi, you failed to clarify your Manchester callous statement. Nobody twisted your statement. Thank you for affirming it again,’ Onanuga declared.

The presidential spokesman’s response followed Obi’s attempt to clarify remarks he made on Sunday, October 18, while addressing supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had urged Nigerians abroad to reject financial appeals from people at home and instead encourage them to support leaders with proven records of financial discipline.

‘You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!’ Obi had told the gathering.

He argued that Nigeria’s persistent economic difficulties were largely caused by poor leadership and corruption, which had left many citizens dependent on financial assistance from relatives overseas.

The remarks sparked controversy, prompting Obi’s media office to issue a clarification denying that he had asked Nigerians abroad to abandon their families.

Obi subsequently issued a personal statement titled ‘My Message Has Been Twisted’, accusing political opponents of deliberately misrepresenting his position.

‘Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents,’ he stated.

The former Anambra State governor acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that their remittances helped families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and other essential expenses.

‘I never asked them to abandon their loved ones. My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,’ Obi explained.

He maintained that his message was about building a country capable of providing jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities.

‘Political opponents may twist my message, but the truth remains clear: I am not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people,’ he added.

Onanuga, however, rejected the explanation, maintaining that Obi had failed to clarify his original remarks.

The exchange adds to the controversy surrounding Obi’s comments as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has put politics aside to congratulate his erstwhile political godfather, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Yusuf in a statement by his media aide, Sunusi Bature, on Tuesday described the 70th birthday milestone as an important occasion to celebrate Kwankwaso’s life, leadership and contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.

Yusuf also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s role in the state’s political development.

The governor said that the birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on Kwankwaso’s years of public service and his contributions to governance, infrastructure development and the growth of democratic participation in Kano State.

Yusuf prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Kwankwaso good health, long life and renewed strength to continue contributing to the development of the state and the nation.

He also wished him more years of peace and happiness as he celebrates this important milestone.

Kwankwaso was a former governor of Kano State, an ex-Minister of Defence, and the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections.

He supported Governor Yusuf’s emergence and election as Kano governor on the platform of New Nigeria’s People Party, NNPP in the 2023 elections.

However, both men have fallen out of ahead of the 2027 elections with Yusuf defecting to the All Progressives Congress to contest for re-election.

Kwankwaso defected to NDC and has emerged the running mate to the presidential candidate of the party while he is supporting another candidate for the Kano 2027 governorship election.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the condition of the Ebola patient in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has worsened.

The Director of Public Health Laboratory Service at the NCDC, Olajumoke Babatunde, disclosed this during an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

She said the patient, a diplomat, had developed multiple organ failure.

According to Babatunde, tests confirmed that the patient was infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. She added that three rounds of molecular tests were conducted to identify the strain.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also confirmed the strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

The patient is a woman who travelled from Uganda to Abuja on October 3, 2026. She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT after developing symptoms similar to malaria.

The Incident Manager of the National Ebola Response, Dr Odianosen Ehiakhamen, said the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and visited the hospital on October 11.

The NCDC said 44 people who had close contact with the patient had been identified. They include health workers, other patients, caregivers and people who travelled with her or may have been exposed during her journey.

The agency said the patient is being kept in isolation and receiving medical care.

It added that surveillance had been increased to monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus and prevent further spread.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the tanker crash and inferno beneath Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the directive following the incident, which occurred at about 4:10 p.m. on Monday.

The incident involved a diesel-laden tanker that plunged into the underpass beneath the bridge on the outward section of the expressway.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri, on Monday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the crash triggered a raging inferno, raising concerns about the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly by operators of heavy-duty vehicles transporting petroleum products.

He, however, said no fatalities were recorded in the initial report, while two adult male occupants of the tanker sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical attention.

According to him, preliminary findings forwarded by the Lagos Sector Command identified excessive speed as the cause of the crash.

‘The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene at about 4:20 p.m., following a report received at 4:15 p.m., and joined other emergency responders in efforts to contain the fire, manage traffic and prevent further casualties.

‘The agencies involved in the response included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Police and other emergency responders.’

The corps marshal described the crash as a grave reminder that irresponsible driving could have consequences extending far beyond the driver and the vehicle, especially when hazardous cargo and heavily trafficked public infrastructure were involved.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, adding that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the findings.

He also emphasised that transporting petroleum products required exceptional discipline, professional competence and strict adherence to safety standards.

He noted that tanker drivers must understand that the size of their vehicles, the weight of their cargo and the potential consequences of losing control left little room for error.

‘Speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to comply with prescribed safety requirements can turn an ordinary journey into a disaster with devastating consequences,’ Mohammed said.

Mohammed also warned fleet operators and tanker owners against placing commercial considerations above human safety.

He said unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate driver supervision and poor maintenance practices must not be used as excuses for exposing Nigerians to preventable danger.

He called for stronger driver training, effective monitoring of driving behaviour, regular vehicle inspections and strict compliance with applicable speed limits and other road safety regulations.

He commended the emergency responders for their coordinated intervention, noting the importance of prompt and collaborative action in containing emergencies and preventing additional casualties.

The corps marshal urged motorists to exercise extreme caution around emergency scenes and obey traffic control instructions to allow emergency personnel to carry out their duties effectively.

He particularly cautioned members of the public against approaching burning tankers to collect spilled petroleum products or take photographs and videos of such incidents.

He warned that such actions could expose members of the public to potentially fatal consequences, urging motorists and other road users to avoid obstructing emergency responders.

The FRSC boss said the corps would continue to intensify public education, operational surveillance and enforcement to promote responsible driving and protect all road users.

He added that the corps remained committed to preventing avoidable crashes, investigating incidents and ensuring that negligence was held accountable wherever established.

Mohammed reiterated that road safety was not merely a regulatory obligation but a collective national responsibility, stressing that every driver, fleet operator and road user had a duty to ensure that individual decisions did not become a source of tragedy for innocent Nigerians.

He urged tanker operators and other motorists to prioritise safety, exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has claimed that traditional rulers in the state have pledged their loyalty and support to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the President as a son of the soil.

Radda made the disclosure on Monday while receiving a delegation led by former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari.

The delegation had visited the emirs of Katsina and Daura as part of consultations with traditional institutions ahead of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to Radda, the traditional rulers expressed support for the President because of his longstanding political relationship with Katsina and its prominent leaders.

‘They have shown their support, and they have pledged their loyalty to Mr President. They consider Mr President as the son of the soil,’ the governor declared.

He explained that Tinubu’s political ties with the state dated back several years, citing his support for former President Muhammadu Buhari and his relationship with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

‘He has been a political friend to our late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. So Katsina State is his home, and he has come to reassure us,’ Radda said.

The governor maintained that Yari’s delegation had embarked on the visits to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

‘He was here to canvas for votes. He has gone around to visit the traditional institutions to explain to them the mission and vision of Mr President and his intention for this country,’ he stated.

Radda expressed confidence that the engagements would strengthen the APC’s chances in Katsina, assuring the delegation of his administration’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election.

‘We assured them of our efforts to ensure the victory of Mr President come 2027 election, Insha Allah,’ he said.

However, Yari, in a separate account of the consultations, maintained that the delegation’s visits to traditional rulers across northern Nigeria were intended to seek prayers, blessings and wise counsel rather than political endorsements.

Radda nevertheless insisted that the reception accorded to the delegation demonstrated growing support for Tinubu in the state.

‘It was very interesting, and they have seen it themselves. Katsina has responded positively to supporting Mr President,’ he said.

The consultations followed Saturday’s inauguration of the APC campaign council in Katsina, during which Radda called for party unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Edo State House of Assembly has approved a supplementary budget of ?939.85 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approval was granted during Monday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, following the consideration of a report by the House Committee on Supply.

Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Sunday Fada, outlined its findings to the lawmakers, after which the House dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the bill clause by clause.

The lawmakers subsequently adopted the committee’s recommendations, paving the way for the bill to scale third reading and secure passage.

Under the supplementary appropriation, ?351.5 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ?588.3 billion is allocated to capital projects, bringing the total proposed spending to ?939.85 billion.

Following the passage, Speaker Idiaye directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Yahaya Audu Omogbai, to forward clean copies of the bill to Governor Monday Okpebholo for assent.

In a related development, the lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of the Oluku fire incident.

The House adjourned plenary until November 9, 2026.

President Bola Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension of the tenures of the heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), allowing both service chiefs to remain in office until 2028.

Under the approval, the tenure of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has been extended until May 26, 2028, while that of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, will now end on June 30, 2028.

The presidency said the extensions followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to address a succession gap in the two services and give their respective boards sufficient time to appoint successors.

Tinubu commended both officials for the reforms recorded under their leadership and charged them to consolidate the gains made in their respective agencies.

The development was announced on Monday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Nwakuche was nominated by Tinubu as Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service in December 2024 and was confirmed by the Senate in March 2025.

Similarly, Nandap was nominated as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on February 21, 2024, and received Senate confirmation on March 1, 2024.

The extensions will allow both officials to continue overseeing their respective services while the process of appointing their successors is given additional time.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking to compel the release of records of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order when the matter came up for hearing.

The Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation had filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1812/2026.

The group prayed the court to compel the NYSC to disclose documents supporting the minister’s claim that he completed the mandatory one-year national service.

The foundation also sought an order of mandamus directing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the 2nd respondent, to produce records showing that the minister did his primary assignment at the FCTA.

When the case was called, counsel to the applicant, Chief Solomon Akuma, SAN, told the court he was ready to proceed with the hearing.

However, Abiola Olaniji, who appeared for the minister, said he had filed an application for Tunji-Ojo to be joined as the 3rd respondent.

Olaniji said the applicant (foundation) had responded with a counter affidavit raising serious issues, to which he needed time to reply.

The lawyer stated that the minister was ready to take part in the proceedings as an interested party.

But Akuma opposed the application, arguing that the minister was not a proper party.

He said the suit only sought an order of mandamus compelling the respondents (NYSC and FCTA) to produce documents that are not in the minister’s custody.

Justice Ibrahim directed the minister to file and serve his reply to the applicant’s counter affidavit, which opposed his application to be joined as a party in the suit before the next hearing date.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Oct. 18 for hearing.

The applicant had sought from the NYSC the mobilisation or call-up letter issued to Tunji-Ojo in 2006 or any other year; the posting letter to the FCTA in 2006 or any other year; and his application for mobilisation.

It also sought the evidence of approval of his remobilisation by the NYSC’s Director-General; evidence of payment of allowances to him; the record of his Community Development Service and his discharge certificate.

The foundation equally sought from the FCTA, the mobilisation or call-up letter, the posting letter, his attendance record during the service year, evidence of any allowance paid to him, among others.

It said the application was brought under Section 14 of the Federal High Court Act, Order 34 Rules 1, 2 and 5 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

It also cited Sections 20, 21 and 25 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

Another confrontation erupted around human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after a lawyer allegedly described him as a ‘tout’, provoking an angry reaction from his supporters.

The incident occurred before proceedings began in Sowore’s ongoing cybercrime trial over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’.

The lawyer, identified only as Yakubu, reportedly made the derogatory remark, triggering a heated exchange with Sowore’s supporters.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a shouting match, with some supporters allegedly threatening to teach the lawyer a ‘lesson’ after the day’s hearing.

The incident unfolded ahead of proceedings presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar.

Monday’s confrontation follows a similar incident on March 24, 2026, when Sowore engaged in a heated argument with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musibau Adetunbi at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Adetunbi had challenged the activist for granting an interview to journalists inside a courtroom, insisting that the venue was not meant for press briefings.

Sowore rejected the objection, accusing the senior lawyer of attempting to intimidate him.

The confrontation subsequently drew criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which backed Adetunbi and called for respect for courtroom decorum.

Another heated exchange occurred on August 3 during Sowore’s trial, when his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, clashed with prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, over allegations that the defence was deliberately delaying proceedings.

Justice Umar cautioned both lawyers over their conduct before adjourning the case.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations arising from his social media criticism of President Tinubu.