Category: PM News

By Ibukun Emiola

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has threatened to stage peaceful protests and picket South African businesses in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The coordinator of the zone, Mr Kayode Adeyemo, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Adeyemo expressed outrage over what he described as a fresh wave of attacks that reportedly claimed the lives of two Nigerians.

“The recent killing of two Nigerians is not just an isolated tragedy, but a painful reminder of a recurring pattern of hostility and violence against our people.

“The continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end,” he said.

According to him, the student body is mobilising its members to embark on peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African firms operating in Nigeria.

Adeyemo described it as morally unjustifiable for such companies to operate profitably in Nigeria while Nigerians were allegedly being subjected to violence abroad.

“It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” he said.

The NANS coordinator called on the South African government to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and ensure justice for victims of the attacks.

He added that the association remained open to dialogue with business representatives, diplomatic channels and other stakeholders to address the situation.

According to him, Nigerian students will not remain passive while the safety and dignity of their compatriots are threatened.

“This is a moment for accountability, responsibility and decisive action,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IBK/KOLE/MAS

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele has affirmed that the Federal Government is not contemplating bringing back fuel subsidy.

Oyedele said this when he joined President Bola Tinubu at a meeting with global investors in Paris, France on Tuesday.

He added that the Nigerian government will also not introduce price control.

The Minister said this in reaction to calls by some Nigerians for reintroduction of subsidy following astronomical hike in price of petroleum products as a result of the ongoing Middle East dispute involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

“We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions for the economy, and we won’t introduce price control because we believe in the market, Oyedele said.

He added that the situation in Iran presents new opportunities for Nigeria as the world looks to diversify sources of energy and invest in new markets.”

Oyedele also highlighted Nigeria’s strong economic performance under the Tinubu’s administration.

Oyedele told the investors that Nigeria recorded a strong GDP growth rate of 11.2% in US dollar terms in 2025 reinforcing the country’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The minister outlined government’s priority of translating reforms into tangible benefits for citizens and pledged quarterly publication of financial data to strengthen transparency.

Speaking earlier at the event, President Tinubu said his administration’s reform programme were targeted at ensuring macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.

He noted that measures were being implemented to remove economic distortions and strengthen policy credibility.

“The focus remains on policy stability and diligent execution to ensure these strategic shifts translate into concrete benefits for all Nigerians,” he said.

The President also reiterated commitment to transparency in the oil sector and a multi-pronged security strategy.

He said the strategy includes decentralisation of policing and efforts to curb terrorist financing.

Some of the investors who spoke at the meeting commended the reforms and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook.

Responding to a question on his post-2027 agenda, Tinubu pledged to sustain fiscal discipline, transparency and policy consistency.

According to the Presidency, investors at the meeting included representatives from Citibank, Amundi, BlueCrest, Ninety One, Kirkoswald Capital, Principal Finisterre, Prudential Global Investment Management and Mesarete Capital.

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By Tolulope Oke

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to banks that assist the Turaki-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with opening accounts for the sale of nomination forms, threatening to seal off any such institutions.

Wike, known for his no-holds-barred approach to political conflict, made the statement while speaking about the controversial decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to form an interim National Working Committee (NWC) for the PDP despite a Supreme Court ruling against such a move.

“I will seal off any house that allows them to use it as the PDP headquarters. Any bank that allows them to open an account for the sale of nomination forms will be in trouble,” Wike declared, underscoring his intent to block any actions that go against the court’s decision.

The minister’s comments came after Makinde, who is leading the interim NWC, defied the Supreme Court’s ruling that disqualified the formation of such a committee. Wike didn’t mince words when responding to the ongoing PDP crisis, accusing Makinde of being involved in a “fraudulent” scheme and claiming that his actions were purely self-serving.

“I never knew Governor Makinde was involved in this fraud thing,” Wike said, pointing to the disregard for the Supreme Court’s authority and the ongoing internal divisions within the opposition party.

Wike also responded to claims that the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was attempting to consolidate power into a one-party system. “I heard Peter Obi and Kwankwaso have left the ADC. Is it the ruling party that made them leave the ADC? Were they sponsored by the APC to leave? I think the ADC will collapse on its own,” Wike quipped.

The FCT Minister’s remarks come amid growing tension in the opposition, with defections and infighting threatening the unity of the PDP. While

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Activist and prominent supporter of Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu, has announced her resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared her decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Yesufu disclosed the move in a statement shared on her X account on Wednesday, where she linked her political decision to what she described as the need to support a movement capable of redefining Nigeria’s future.

According to her, the coming days would be crucial in shaping the direction of the country, stressing that her decision was driven by conviction and loyalty to Obi’s political vision.

“The next couple of days will define the future of this nation,” she wrote.

“This deeper understanding is why I resigned from the African Democratic Congress to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress as I follow the leadership of His Excellency Peter Obi, who today embodies the hope and aspiration of a Nigeria that works.”

Yesufu stated that her earlier support for Obi was what initially led her into the ADC and that her latest move was aimed at remaining consistent with that commitment.

“When I give my word, I keep it. My decision to support HE Peter Obi first led me to the ADC. To continue to honour the promise, I am joining the NDC,” she said.

Beyond announcing her defection, the activist also revealed her intention to contest for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat under the platform of the NDC.

“This time, I am joining the NDC not just as a member but as one running for the FCT Senatorial seat,” she added.

Yesufu noted that she had formally concluded all obligations with the ADC before making the transition, describing her experience in the party as rewarding.

She disclosed that she previously served in various capacities within the ADC, including as sub-committee chair, deputy committee chair and secretary at different levels.

“I was fortunate to work with great and amazing people whose goal was a better country. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served,” she stated.

By Christy Dike

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday ordered that a 32-year-old man, Israel Friday, should be remanded in a corrections facility for allegedly stabbing his neighbour.

The police charged Friday with attempted culpable homicide.

Trial judge, Justice M. S. Idris, gave the order after the Prosecution Counsel, Donatus Abah complained that the defendant will be a threat to the victim.

Justice Idris after hearing submissions from parties, adjourned until May 13 to rule on the bail application and for trial.

Abah told the court that Friday, who lives in Angwan Tiv, zone 7, Lugbe stabbed his neighbour, Theophilus Edache during an argument.

Abah said the stabbing caused a grievous injury to Edache whose left hand was later amputated.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 229(1) and 248 of the Penal Code law.

The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defendant’s counsel, Noah Abdul, urged the court to release his client on bail on liberal terms.

He said the offence is not a capital offence and therefore attracts a bail.

Objecting, Abah told the court that he filed a counter affidavit opposing the bail application and attached the amputated arm of the victim.

” When the victim had the two hands, he could defend himself against the defendant. What will happen now that he has become vulnerable.

‘If the defendant is released on bail, there is every likelihood that he will end the life of the victim,” he argued.

He urged the court to dismiss the bail application.

(NAN)

The APC explained that Tinubu’s exemption from the screening process was based on his status as the incumbent President and leader of the ruling party, noting that he had already undergone screening and clearance ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries.

The party described any fresh appearance before a screening panel as unnecessary and redundant.

“The National Working Committee resolved to waive, and has waived, screening requirements for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and deemed him as duly screened in accordance with the Constitution of the Party for the purpose of participation in the upcoming primary elections,” the statement read.

The APC further stated that Tinubu had continued to enjoy overwhelming endorsements and votes of confidence from major stakeholders within the party.

These, according to the party, include the The ruling party recalled that Tinubu also received strong backing during the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, alongside endorsements at other statutory meetings and gatherings of the party.

Davido has sparked mixed reactions after being seen throwing cash at a crowd during his visit to Osun State.

The Afrobeats star was cruising through the state in a convoy of luxury SUVs on Tuesday when fans scrambled to grab the money thrown from one of the moving vehicles. The moment, caught on video, quickly went viral, with some praising his generosity while others criticized the safety risks involved.

Davido, who is from Osun State and whose uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, currently governs the state, often draws large crowds wherever he goes. However, the money-spraying incident has divided opinions, with some arguing that it could encourage disorder, especially in a country facing widespread poverty.

Media personality Daniel Regha was quick to criticize the singer for his actions. In a social media post, Regha called the act “foolish” and performative, arguing that it served no long-term purpose. “Spraying money like that doesn’t solve any problems,” Regha wrote. “A few people might go home with a couple of thousand naira, but what does that really change?”

Regha further pointed out that if Davido genuinely wanted to help, he should consider investing in local communities, supporting businesses, or funding sustainable initiatives rather than resorting to a fleeting show of wealth. “It’s just for show, a way to get people to cheer louder while looking generous on camera,” Regha added.

Fans of Davido, however, have defended the singer, arguing that he was simply showing love to the people and spreading joy. Many pointed out that money spraying has long been a cultural practice in Nigeria, especially at celebrations, and shouldn’t be vilified. “Nigerians always complain, whether the celebrities do nothing or do something,” one fan commented.

Despite the controversy, Davido has not publicly responded to the criticism, which continues to dominate discussions on Twitter. The debate over the legitimacy and impact of money spraying in Nigeria’s celebrity culture shows no signs of dying down, as more people weigh in on the topic.

The coroner at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Lagos Island has suspended the hearing into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who is overseeing the inquest, announced the suspension of proceedings, pending further directives from the chief coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada. The suspension came after a request from the Attorney General’s office to delay the hearing.

When the matter was called, counsel from the Attorney General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed the court that the AG had directed him to request the postponement until after a scheduled meeting between the AG and all involved parties. The meeting, set for May 12, 2026, was cited as the reason for the delay.

Araba told the court, “I have been directed to inform the court that a meeting between the AG of Lagos State and all counsel in this matter has been fixed for May 12, 2026. We urge the court to suspend the hearing of today and reschedule for after the meeting.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Aderemi, who represents the parents of the deceased, confirmed that a letter from the AG’s office, dated April 23, 2026, had indicated the meeting would take place on May 5. However, the letter was updated to reflect the new date of May 12. Aderemi expressed frustration, explaining that the change came late, and the parents were expecting the hearing to continue as planned.

Magistrate Adetunji questioned why the AG’s office failed to inform the court directly about the letter, which was not communicated in advance. Araba responded that he was unaware of the contents of the letter and had only been instructed to inform the court about the rescheduled meeting.

Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Abiodun Layanu (SAN), and counsel for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Taiwo Osiptan (SAN), also confirmed receiving the letters from the AG’s office, noting that the hearing would follow the court’s decision on the matter.

Aderemi, representing the Esege family, voiced concern over the lack of coordination and the impact on the parents, particularly the father of the deceased, who was present in court and had prepared to provide a sworn statement. “The interest of the parents is not being carried along,” Aderemi said. “If there is restorative justice, the AG should have taken action sooner.”

Magistrate Adetunji, after hearing from all parties, ruled to suspend further proceedings in the inquest until after the scheduled meeting with the Attorney General.

The inquest into the death of Master Nkanu began on February 25, 2026. Nkanu, who was initially admitted to Atlantis Paediatric Hospital in Lagos for a worsening illness, was later referred to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line. Sadly, the child passed away on January 7, 2026, following these procedures, just hours after being admitted to Euracare.

Popular TikTok content creator, Cindy of Oshodi, has broken her silence following the circulation of her leaked intimate video that has stirred widespread reactions across social media.

The 13-minute clip, reportedly uploaded on an adult website, features the influencer alongside an unidentified man. Its emergence has reignited conversations about privacy, digital exploitation, and the pressures faced by online personalities.

Rather than focus solely on the scandal, Cindy’s response has shifted attention to a broader narrative, which was her personal struggles before fame and the realities many young creators face behind the scenes.

In a video shared on her TikTok page, she explained that the footage dates back to between 2019 and 2020, a period she described as one of financial hardship and limited guidance.

“I wouldn’t have said anything at first,” she noted, “but for those who genuinely care about me, I owe you honesty. I’m sorry for letting you down.”

She added that the decisions captured in the video reflected a difficult time in her life, highlighting how desperation and lack of support can push individuals into choices they later regret.

Cindy also used the moment to draw attention to the often-unseen struggles of content creators, pointing out that public expectations rarely align with the financial realities many influencers face.

The incident has since triggered mixed reactions online. While some critics have used it to question the integrity of social media personalities, others have called for empathy, stressing issues of consent, privacy breaches, and the long-term impact of digital leaks.

By Nehru Odeh

Orhan Pamuk, Turkish writer and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006 is dead. Swedish writer and journalist Ingrid Carlberg made this known via a post on X on Wednesday.

The post reads:

“The Swedish Academy now receives from Istanbul the sad news of the sudden death of the writer Orhan Pamuk, Nobel Prize in Literature for 2006. ”

Pamuk, a novelist, screenwriter and academic, was one of Turkey’s most prominent novelists; and sold over 13 million books in 63 languages, making him the country’s best-selling writer.

His novels include Silent House, The White Castle, The Black Book, The New Life, My Name Is Red and Snow.

He was the Robert Yik-Fong Tam Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University, where he taught writing and comparative literature. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2018.

Born in Istanbu on 7 June 1952, Pamuk was the first Turkish Nobel laureate. He was the recipient of many literary award.

His bestselling novel, My Name Is Red won the 2002 Prix du Meilleur Livre atranger, the 2002 Premio Grinzane Cavour, and the 2003 International Dublin Literary Award.

Pamuk was educated at Robert College secondary school in Istanbul and studied architecture at the Istanbul Technical University, a subject related to his dream career, painting.

He left architecture school after three years to become a full-time writer, and graduated from the Institute of Journalism at the University of Istanbul in 1976.

From ages 22 to 30, Pamuk lived with his mother, writing his first novel and attempting to find a publisher.

He described himself as a Cultural Muslim who identifies with Islam historically and culturally while not believing in a personal connection to God.

Pamuk started writing regularly in 1974. His first novel, Karanlk ve Ik (Darkness and Light) was a co-winner of the 1979 Milliyet Press Novel Contest (Mehmet Erolu was the other winner). This novel was published with the title Cevdet Bey ve Oullar (Mr. Cevdet and His Sons) in 1982 and won the Orhan Kemal Novel Prize in 1983. It tells the story of three generations of a wealthy Istanbul family living in Nianta, the district of Istanbul where Pamuk grew up.

Pamuk won a number of critical prizes for his early work, including the 1984 Madarali Novel Prize for his second novel Sessiz Ev (Silent House) and the 1991 Prix de la Decouverte Europeenne for its French translation. His historical novel Beyaz Kale (The White Castle), published in Turkish in 1985, won the 1990 Independent Award for Foreign Fiction and extended his reputation abroad.

On 19 May 1991, The New York Times Book Review wrote, “A new star has risen in the east–Orhan Pamuk.” He started experimenting with postmodern techniques in his novels, a change from his early works’ strict naturalism.