Category: PM News

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid tribute to his predecessor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, on the 16th anniversary of his death, describing him as a “servant leader” and the “Gentleman President.”

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Jonathan reflected on the time they worked together, recalling Yar’Adua’s humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. He spoke of their strong working relationship, saying that Yar’Adua was not just his boss, but also a brother and a partner in service.

“Today marks 16 years since our nation lost a dear hero, an icon of integrity, a selfless patriot, and a man I was privileged to call not just my boss, but my brother and worthy partner in service,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan emphasized that their administration was focused on building a more inclusive and just Nigeria, grounded in the rule of law and democratic principles. He described Yar’Adua as a leader whose convictions were quiet but profound, particularly in his belief that a nation’s strength lies in its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

The former president also praised Yar’Adua for always putting the national interest above personal or political gain. He noted that Yar’Adua’s leadership style, defined by humility and selflessness, was rare in the corridors of power.

“He did not just lead; he served with a humility that is rare in the corridors of power, often putting national stability above personal or political gain,” Jonathan added.

Jonathan further highlighted Yar’Adua’s contributions to peace-building, which he called an enduring legacy. He stressed that Yar’Adua’s approach to governance was marked by the courage to confront the country’s flaws and the sincerity to address them.

“His record in peace-building stands as an enduring legacy. He understood that true nation-building requires the courage to admit flaws and the sincerity to fix them,” Jonathan said.

In his tribute, Jonathan urged today’s leaders to learn from Yar’Adua’s life, emphasizing that leadership should always be rooted in accountability, transparency, and a genuine love for the people.

“For leaders, the life of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua serves as an enduring lesson. His example teaches us that leadership is a sacred trust, and that progress is only sustainable when it is rooted in transparency, accountability, and a genuine love for the people,” Jonathan concluded.

He ended by praying for Yar’Adua’s soul and called on Nigerians to recommit to the ideals that he represented.

Yar’Adua, who served as president from May 29, 2007, until his death on May 5, 2010, is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the rule of law and for the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, which remains a key aspect of his legacy.

Hon. Kasimu Maigari, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators’ Forum, has stated that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s departure from the ADC has significantly delayed the South East’s push for the presidency.

According to Maigari, Obi’s political movement has done more harm than good for the long-standing Igbo presidency quest, pushing it “20 years backwards.”

In an interview with ARISE News, Maigari expressed his concerns about the direction of Obi’s political trajectory. He argued that rather than advancing the cause for an Igbo president, Obi’s actions have created a major setback for the region’s aspirations. “My worry is not if Peter Obi will win the presidency; my worry is that Peter Obi has pushed Igbo’s 20 years backwards from getting the Presidency,” he said.

Maigari further criticized the motivations behind Obi’s supporters, stating that many are more focused on personal political ambitions than on advancing a genuine ideological cause. “Peter Obi will not win the 2027 election; it is very obvious,” Maigari asserted, adding that those supporting Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso are doing so with the hope of leveraging their influence for personal gain.

He also claimed that a significant portion of Obi’s supporters is primarily interested in securing elective positions such as state assembly seats, governorship tickets, or House of Representatives seats.

According to Maigari, these individuals are using Obi’s popularity as a platform to further their own political ambitions. “99 percent of those running around Peter Obi have the ambition of running either state assembly, House of Rep, or governor, and the only easiest way for them to win an election is when Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso is on the ballot,” he said.

Despite these criticisms, Maigari maintained that the ADC remains united and strategically positioned for the upcoming 2027 general elections. He suggested that Obi’s influence in certain regions could inadvertently benefit the ADC. “ADC remains intact. Peter Obi is going to serve as our agent in the places Tinubu thought he was going to make it, and this is our advantage as ADC,” he stated.

Maigari concluded by reaffirming the ADC’s readiness for future political engagements, asserting that the party is focused on making a strong impact in the 2027 elections.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army has listed arrest of three terrorists, a wanted Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, drug peddlers as well as rescue of two kidnapped victims among the achievements of troops deployed from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

Sani Uba, a Lieutenant Colonel who is Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Giving a breakdown of the operations, Uba said troops apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20) in Ngamdu town, Yobe State.

He listed items recovered from the two suspects who, according to him, fled from Zamfara State into Yobe State to include a smartphone, keypad phone, power bank, identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.

“The suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation,” Uba said.

The Army spokesperson also revealed that troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30) who had been on the watchlist at Ngamdu Market. The suspect, he said was arrested with cash, a keypad mobile phone, a wallet containing identification cards, charms, a knife, and an exercise book containing phone numbers of suspected terrorist contacts.

According to him, the arrest of the suspect who has been over to Sector 2 Headquarters for detailed interrogation is considered a major disruption to the intelligence network of terrorist elements operating within the area.

Also, Uba said troops arrested five suspected drug peddlers found in possession of various items, including ammunition during a night operation around Mubi general area of Adamawa State.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he said

The Army spokesperson also revealed that troops in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded swiftly to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“The joint team successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10). Efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of other abducted persons still in captivity.

“Also, troops of OPHK deployed in Kukareta area of Yobe State, recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The explosive device was safely secured in line with established procedures,” Uba added.

By Naomi Sharang

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm two ministerial nominees and a chief executive officer for Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in line with constitutional and statutory provisions.

The requests were contained in letters ready by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.

The first request from the President is for the confirmation of Mr Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“In compliance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Mr Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The president added: “while I hope this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

Following the reading, Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate legislative consideration.

He assured lawmakers that the Senate would act promptly, noting the importance of executive collaboration in governance.

Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier confirmed the nomination in a statement.

He described Tegbe as a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience across the public and private sectors.

According to him, Tegbe previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation.

Onanuga also noted that the nomination follows the resignation of former Minister Adebayo Adelabu, who left office to pursue a governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a separate development, President Tinubu also requested Senate confirmation of Amb. Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 147(2) of the Constitution.

The President, in the letter, wrote:

“In compliance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Amb. Olusola Enikanolaiye, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He urged the Senate to give the request expedited consideration, adding: “Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.”

The request was similarly referred to the Committee of the Whole for urgent action.

In another correspondence, the President also sought confirmation of Mr Rabiu Umar as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in line with Section 41(6) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The President stated: “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Mr Rabiu Umar as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).”

He added: “Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.”

The nomination was referred to the Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas for further legislative action.

Lawmakers noted that the request would be given urgent attention due to the strategic importance of the petroleum regulatory sector to Nigeria’s economic stability and energy governance.

(NAN)

David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has signed the nomination form for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, calling the move a “victory form” and a step toward ensuring the continuation of national development.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi explained that the endorsement signifies a commitment to the consolidation of the achievements made under the current administration.

He described the signing of the nomination form as a “defining moment” in Nigeria’s ongoing development, highlighting the importance of stability and continuity in leadership.

Umahi praised President Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in the area of infrastructure development, noting that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects are vital to the nation’s economic growth.

He said these projects are part of the administration’s effort to deliver tangible results, providing a strong foundation for sustained national transformation.

The minister also emphasized that Tinubu is well-positioned to complete current initiatives and further deepen development across all sectors. He called for continued public support, asserting that consistent leadership is essential for achieving long-term national goals.

James Faleke, the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, had earlier collected the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on behalf of President Tinubu. The forms, valued at N100 million, officially marked the start of Tinubu’s campaign for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027. With Umahi’s endorsement and continued support from key political figures, Tinubu’s re-election bid is now fully underway

Two people have been killed and several others injured after a car drove into a crowd in the eastern German city of This prompted a major emergency response and raising fresh concerns over public safety in busy urban centres.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in a crowded area of the city, where pedestrians were struck by a vehicle under circumstances that remain under investigation.

Police said emergency services were quickly deployed, with paramedics treating victims at the scene before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.

Local authorities confirmed that two victims died from their injuries, while several others were reported to be in varying conditions, including some described as serious. The exact number of casualties has not yet been finalised, as officials continue to assess the situation.

Police in Witnesses described scenes of panic as the vehicle sped into the crowd, with people scrambling for safety amid the chaos. Emergency responders were seen working across a wide perimeter, securing the scene and assisting victims.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue, noting that preliminary findings are still being reviewed.

Security services are also examining whether the incident has any links to broader threats, though no confirmation has been made.

City officials in Leipzig have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support for those injured, while promising a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has revealed a major increase in the state’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rising from about 400 million to 3 billion.

Radda attributed the gain to leakages control and adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system.

Governor Radda made this known, while receiving a delegation of Commissioners and management staff of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, led by Saad Ibrahim Bello, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Katsina.

Governor Radda noted that the significant growth was instigated by targeted fiscal reforms introduced by his administration, “particularly, the blocking of revenue leakages and the adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system.

“Through deliberate reforms, especially the blocking of leakages and the introduction of the Treasury Single Account, we have significantly improved our revenue performance.”

He further stated that the reforms have strengthened transparency and accountability across government institutions, ensuring more efficient management of public resources.

“These measures have enhanced transparency and accountability across all government institutions,” he added.

The governor further disclosed that his administration has so far, fulfilled nearly 90 percent of its campaign promises to the people of the state.

“We have achieved close to 90 percent of the commitments made to the people of Katsina State,” he said.

Governor Radda explained that the achievements cut across key sectors, including agriculture, education, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), public service reforms, and security.

On security, he said sustained government investments have yielded positive outcomes, leading to a noticeable reduction in insecurity across the state.

“Our investments in security have produced tangible results, with a significant decline in insecurity across the state,” he noted.

He, however, urged the visiting delegation to consider the peculiar challenges facing Katsina State, particularly those relating to internally displaced persons (IDPs), limited access to basic services, and malnutrition.

Governor Radda revealed that the prevalence of malnutrition compelled the state government to invest over 3 billion in establishing stabilization centres and Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres to support affected children and their mothers.

“The challenge of malnutrition forced us to commit over 3 billion to establish stabilization and OTP centres for affected children and their mothers,” he explained.

He added that the state is collaborating with development partners, including UNICEF, to strengthen ongoing health interventions.

Governor Radda also directed the Head of Service, the Secretary to the State Government, and all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to provide the visiting team with the necessary data and support to ensure a smooth exercise.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Saad Ibrahim Bello, said the team was in Katsina to commence a nationwide data verification exercise.

“We are in Katsina to begin a nationwide data verification exercise aimed at ensuring accuracy in revenue allocation,” Bello said.

He explained that the exercise is designed to verify data used in revenue allocation among states and local governments nationwide.

Bello noted that the assignment aligns with the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Paragraph 32(b) of Part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

“This exercise will enhance accuracy, transparency, and fairness in the distribution of national revenue,” he added.

Former Minister of Education and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his ongoing foreign trip and return to address the reported killings and attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

In a statement shared on her X page on Monday, Ezekwesili criticised the President’s decision to embark on visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda while Nigerians in South Africa face violent attacks.

She described the move as a failure of leadership, stressing that the government must treat the situation as a serious national concern rather than routine diplomacy.

The former World Bank vice president argued that the Federal Government’s current response such as summoning envoys, issuing advisories and evacuating some citizens was inadequate. According to her, Nigerians abroad require concrete protection measures, not symbolic actions or repeated expressions of concern.

Ezekwesili called on the government to demand a comprehensive report from South African authorities detailing the number of attacks, casualties, arrests and ongoing prosecutions, as well as compensation for victims and unresolved cases.

She maintained that anything short of a transparent and time-bound justice process would encourage further violence.

She also urged the government to strengthen consular services across Nigerian embassies, ensuring that citizens abroad have clear channels to report threats, access emergency support and receive decisive intervention from authorities.

Highlighting Nigeria’s historical role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle, Ezekwesili said the continued attacks on Nigerians undermine a shared legacy between both countries.

She called on President Tinubu to engage directly with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to secure firm action against the perpetrators.

Ezekwesili further warned that failure to protect Nigerians abroad weakens the government’s credibility and authority, urging the President to prioritise his constitutional duty to safeguard citizens both at home and overseas.

Nigeria’s telecom companies are entering a new phase of competition where the focus is shifting from simply gaining new subscribers to improving data quality, network strength, and infrastructure.

With about 185.5 million active subscriptions as of March 2026 and teledensity at 85.67%, the market is nearing saturation, leaving operators to find new ways to grow.

MTN Nigeria remains the industry leader with 95.7 million subscribers and a 51.62% market share, after adding 2.6 million users in the first quarter of 2026.

Airtel Nigeria follows with 63.6 million subscribers and 34.3% market share, recording the highest growth by adding 2.7 million new users in the same period.

Globacom is a distant third with 22.6 million subscribers, growing slowly after losing millions of users during the 2024 NIN-SIM verification exercise. T2 trails behind with 3.4 million subscribers despite recent efforts to expand.

Industry experts say competition is now driven more by network performance than subscriber numbers. With internet usage rising to over 1.42 million terabytes in March, customers are increasingly choosing networks that offer faster, more reliable data services.

As a result, telecom operators are investing heavily in expanding 4G coverage, preparing for 5G, deploying fibre infrastructure, and increasing network capacity.

MTN invested about 1 trillion in 2025 to expand its fibre network, add base stations, and improve capacity, and it plans to continue this level of spending.

Airtel has also grown its network footprint to nearly 17,200 sites nationwide, up significantly from about 13,000 three years ago, helping to reduce congestion and improve service quality in busy areas.

Globacom has upgraded its network nationwide to deliver faster 4G services, while T2 has partnered with Huawei to rebuild its core network as part of efforts to regain market share.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is increasing pressure on operators to improve service quality by requiring them to compensate customers when standards are not met.

The regulator says reliable telecom services are essential for economic activities, communication, and access to digital opportunities, warning that poor service can affect productivity and public confidence.

Overall, Nigeria’s telecom market is shifting from a race for more subscribers to a battle for better data services, with operators competing to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity.

Emmanuel Antswen

The Benue State Government has refuted claims that the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ reconciliation meeting endorsed automatic tickets for political office holders.

The disclaimer was signed by Deputy Governor/Chairman Communique Drafting Committee Dr Sam Ode and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Makurdi.

According to Ode, the resolutions circulating in some national dailies did not originate from the official communique drafting committee.

The deputy governor explained that the committee only prepared a draft for review by Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.

He stated that the draft did not contain any provision for automatic tickets.

“The resolutions published in some national dailies did not emanate from the communique-drafting committee headed by the Deputy Governor of Benue State.

“The committee only produced a draft for the governor and the secretary to the government of the Federation for their input and approval.

“There was nowhere in the draft where automatic tickets for any category of aspirants were mentioned,” he said.

He added that any valid communique arising from the meeting must be authorised and signed by the governor and the SGF, not the drafting committee.

Ode further clarified that the signatures used in the advertorial were misrepresented, noting that they were merely signatures of attendance at the communique drafting committee meeting.

“The authorising signatures for any communique would be those of the governor and the SGF. The signatures used in the advertorial were those of attendance and not approval,” he said.

The deputy governor described the publication as misleading and potentially harmful to ongoing reconciliation efforts within the APC in the state.

He reaffirmed that the party’s agreed position was to adopt direct primaries for candidate selection, stressing that the drafting committee had no authority to issue an official communique.

“Whoever sponsored the publication is doing a disservice to the governor, the SGF, the APC family, and the spirit of the ongoing reconciliation process.

“It is on record that at the meeting, the National Vice Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Muhammed Muazu Bawa, clearly stated that the party would adopt direct primaries for nominating candidates,” he said.

Ode reiterated that only the conveners of the meeting, Gov. Alia, and the SGF, Sen. Akume, have the authority to approve and sign any official communique (NAN)