Category: PM News

All Progressives Congress chieftain, Senator Ali Ndume, has described the ongoing debate over President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials as a distraction ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Ndume stated this in a statement on Monday, while reacting to renewed questions from opposition parties following the publication of presidential candidates’ academic qualifications by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The senator argued that Tinubu had already satisfied the constitutional requirements to contest for the presidency, dismissing claims that the President’s eligibility should depend solely on the presentation of a secondary school certificate.

Citing Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution, Ndume said the law only requires a presidential candidate to be educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent, rather than specifying a particular document as the only proof of qualification.

According to him, the provision states that ‘a person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.’

Ndume urged opposition parties to shift their focus from Tinubu’s academic history to his policies and performance in office, insisting that the President’s eligibility had already been addressed through legal proceedings arising from the 2023 presidential election.

‘The narrative around his certificate, in my opinion, is distracting,’ he said.

The debate over Tinubu’s academic credentials resurfaced after INEC released details of the qualifications submitted by presidential candidates and their running mates ahead of the 2027 election.

The 2027 general elections, insecurity and Nigeria’s economic challenges will take centre stage at the seventh annual lecture of Freedom Online, scheduled for September 3 in Lagos.

The organisers said the event would examine the security and socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria, with particular attention to the threats posed by insecurity before, during and after elections.

In a statement, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, said the decision to focus on insecurity was driven by its growing impact on the country’s stability and development.

He described insecurity as a ‘monster’ threatening the Nigerian state, while stressing the need for stakeholders to examine its connection with electoral violence, poverty and underdevelopment.

Akinadewo said the lecture would also raise critical questions about Nigeria’s political future after the 2027 elections, including the credibility of the electoral process and whether its outcome would provide a strong foundation for national development.

He said the conduct of politicians, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before, during and after the elections would be critical to determining the country’s future.

According to him, electoral thuggery and other forms of insecurity contribute to poverty, underdevelopment and wider social problems, threatening Nigeria’s political, economic and social stability.

‘Obviously, insecurity, part of which is thuggery during elections, leads to poverty, underdevelopment and other social vices,’ he said.

Akinadewo added that the consequences of the 2027 elections would extend beyond the ballot box, potentially influencing Nigeria’s position and influence in global affairs.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to serve as the Special Guest Speaker at the lecture.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, will chair the event, while former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard, Eze Anaba, will serve as the Chief Host.

The lecture is expected to bring together political leaders, journalists, security experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections and discuss possible pathways towards a more secure and stable country.

The Nigerian Army has begun efforts to rescue persons abducted by terrorists in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

An operational report on Sunday indicated that troops had been deployed to the area following the abduction of several residents on Friday.

The report said that Dekara, located along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border, is one of the communities on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park.

It said the area was also regarded as a difficult-to-reach terrain reportedly used as a mobility corridor by terrorists operating within the park forest.

The report said the Army had earlier directed the deployment of troops to Dekara to establish a blocking position ahead of a planned clearance operation in the park.

It said some newly inducted troops from another axis were being prepared for the clearance operation aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the forest.

‘However, while the troops were moving towards the community on Friday, the terrorists launched an attack on the village and abducted several persons.

‘The terrorists also killed some residents before troops eventually arrived at the community later that day and took up positions.

‘The terrorists subsequently attacked the deployed troops but were repelled by the soldiers.

‘No casualties were recorded on our side, while one AK-47 rifle and other items were recovered from the terrorists,’ the report said.

The Army said it was yet to ascertain the exact number of persons abducted or killed during the attack, as some residents fled into neighbouring Benin Republic before the troops arrived.

It said efforts were ongoing to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons and determine the full extent of the attack.

The Army assured that updates on the rescue operation and other developments would be communicated as they emerge.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced an online service allowing candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to verify and upload their O’Level results from home.

The service, initially available for results issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is designed to reduce pressure on Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, particularly during busy periods.

In a statement on Monday, JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the initiative would make the process ‘easier, faster, safer and more convenient’.

He said the system would also reduce cases involving fraudulent or unverified results, misplaced certificates and errors in manually entering subjects and grades.

Under the new arrangement, JAMB’s e-Facility platform will electronically verify candidates’ results with the relevant examination bodies before uploading them to their profiles.

Candidates must obtain a Verification Code through the designated portal by providing their National Identification Number, O’Level details, email address and GSM number and completing the required payment.

After entering their examination number, series and year, candidates whose results are successfully verified will receive a Verification Code.

They must then send ‘VERIFY’ followed by the code to 55019 or 66019.

Candidates with two O’Level sittings can log into their JAMB e-Facility dashboard, select ‘2026 UTME O’Level Upload’, enter the Verification Code and choose between five and nine required subjects.

JAMB said the innovation was part of its renewed customer-focused service agenda under its sixth Registrar, Prof Segun Aina, aimed at reducing physical visits, queues and paperwork.

The Board said it would continue to deploy technology to simplify its processes and improve candidates’ experience.

Seven people have died and two others were injured in a three-vehicle crash near Kara on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The accident occurred at about 12:03 am on Monday and involved a white HOWO CNG/CIMC ENRIC truck, a white MACK trailer and a Mitsubishi Canter with registration number JJJ920YA.

The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi.

According to the FRSC, all nine people involved in the crash were male.

‘Preliminary information indicates that nine persons, all male, were involved in the crash. Sadly, seven persons were killed, while two persons sustained injuries,’ the statement said.

The agency said its Ibafo Outpost Command received the distress report at about 12:04 am and reached the scene five minutes later.

The FRSC classified the incident as a fatal multiple road traffic crash, with preliminary findings pointing to a speed violation as the likely cause. It said further investigation would determine the exact circumstances.

The bodies of the deceased were evacuated by the Ogun State Ambulance Service, while the injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment.

The vehicles involved were subsequently handed over to the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Ibafo, for further action.

Ogun State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to exercise greater caution on the road.

He warned against excessive speed and urged drivers to maintain safe distances from other vehicles.

‘Motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, should avoid excessive speed, maintain safe following distances and remain vigilant at all times,’ Ogunjobi said.

He also advised motorists to take extra care when driving at night, stressing that poor visibility and fatigue could heighten the risk of accidents.

Ogunjobi expressed condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has accepted his appointment as Secretary I of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, assuring Nigerians that the political assignment will not interfere with his duties as the nation’s chief defence minister.

Musa, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said he would carry out his campaign responsibilities with diligence and administrative discipline while maintaining his commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The minister stressed that his primary responsibility at the Ministry of Defence remained the protection of lives and property, as well as ensuring the security of the nation.

‘National security remains our highest imperative,’ Musa said.

He assured Nigerians that ongoing military operations, strategic reforms and collaborations among security agencies would continue without interruption despite his new role in the APC campaign structure.

Musa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the confidence placed in him, describing the appointment as a call to greater service.

He urged members of the ruling party and Nigerians supporting the administration to remain united, expressing confidence that the APC would succeed in the 2027 election while continuing to deliver on governance and security.

The appointment comes as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with campaigns and mobilisation activities expected to increase in the coming months.

Two suspected kidnappers were killed as security operatives rescued a kidnapped victim and foiled demand for N15m for his release in Imo State, the Department of State Services, DSS, has said.

Operatives of other security agencies and local vigilante group also joined the DSS in the operations to rescue the victim identified as Ibeabuchi Adibenma.

According to a statement by the DSS issued to newsmen in Owerri on Sunday, 29-year-old Adibenma was abducted in Orlu Local Government Area.

Adibenma was kidnapped at about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, around Afor-Ogidi Market in Isiala Amaifeke community.

The victim was reportedly returning from Umuna, Orlu market, when the armed assailants intercepted his vehicle near the market.

The attackers operated on two motorcycles and double-crossed the victim before forcing him to an undisclosed location.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted Adibenma’s family and demanded N15 million ransom for his release.

However, on Aug. 20, security operatives launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victim from his abductors.

According to the DSS, the operation led to Adibenma’s rescue at Ihioma Community in Orlu.

‘Two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were neutralised during the operation, while two high-calibre weapons and ammunition were recovered.’

The rescued victim was subsequently taken into protective custody before being reunited with his family.

The DSS commended the coordinated efforts of the participating security agencies and local vigilantes in securing the victim’s safe release.

The successful operation also highlights ongoing security efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities in communities across Imo.

Violent crime in the United States fell by 9.3% in 2025, the largest year-to-year decline recorded since the FBI began estimating national crime trends in 1936.

Newly released FBI data showed broad reductions across major categories, including an 18.1% decline in murder and non-negligent manslaughter, an 18.5% fall in robbery, a 7.6% decrease in rape and a 7.2% drop in aggravated assault.

The estimated murder rate also fell to 4.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, matching the rate recorded in 1955 and 1956 and representing the lowest level since the FBI began producing national estimates.

FBI Director Kash Patel attributed the historic decline to cooperation among law enforcement agencies at federal, state, local and tribal levels.

‘Collectively, law enforcement across the country-state, local, Tribal, and federal, has delivered for the American people the largest reduction in violent crime in U.S. history,’ Patel said in a video message released on August 19, 2026.

He added that rape, robbery and assault had all recorded significant declines across the country.

The latest figures mark a sharp reversal of the rise in violent crime recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and represent the second consecutive year of substantial reductions.

According to the FBI, an estimated 1,119,768 violent crime offences were recorded nationwide in 2025, translating to a rate of 327.6 offences per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with 362.9 in 2024.

Property crime also recorded a significant decline, falling by an estimated 12.4% during the year. Burglary dropped 15.8%, larceny-theft declined 9.8%, while motor vehicle theft fell 22.7%.

Several long-term crime indicators also improved. The robbery rate of 49.4 per 100,000 people was the lowest in two decades, while the rape rate of 36.1 per 100,000 was the lowest since 2012. The murder rate was also the lowest recorded in 20 years.

Law enforcement agencies made an estimated 413,991 arrests for violent crime offences in 2025.

The FBI said the figures were compiled through its Uniform Crime Reporting Programme from information submitted by more than 17,000 state, county, city, tribal, university and college law enforcement agencies. Collectively, those agencies represented nearly 97% of the US population.

The data are not limited to crime totals. Through the National Incident-Based Reporting System, participating agencies provide detailed information on offences, victims, suspected offenders, relationships between victims and offenders and locations of incidents.

The FBI said the information helps authorities identify crime patterns and understand how criminal activity changes over time.

The Bureau also credited closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies for helping tackle offenders and criminal organisations operating across jurisdictional boundaries.

Under Patel, the FBI has streamlined procedures for bringing officers from partner agencies into task forces and increased cooperation through Homeland Security Task Forces targeting transnational organised crime.

Patel said the agency would maintain its focus on reducing violent crime and protecting communities.

‘We’re going to carry forward the mission of crushing violent crime and defending the homeland,’ he said.

‘We are going to be relentless pursuers of justice. We are going to safeguard our communities. We are going to save our kids.’

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a violent attack on the traditional ruler of Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area, HRH Dagogo Brown, after gunmen invaded his palace and opened fire during a cultural event.

The monarch, also known as the Amadabo of Finima, reportedly escaped death when the attackers stormed the area during a masquerade display and fired sporadically, causing panic among residents.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, also left several residents injured, with reports of property destruction during the attack.

The police said the violence was linked to disagreements over cultural rites, masquerade displays and the right of certain families to participate in traditional activities.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said normalcy had been restored in the community while investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the attack.

Agabe disclosed that one suspect had already been arrested and was assisting the police with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the group.

‘Investigation is ongoing into the matter, while one of the gang members has been arrested,’ she said.

She added that security operatives were working to track down other suspects who remained at large.

Although no death was recorded, residents reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and machete injuries during the clash.

Following the attack, police personnel were deployed to the community to restore peace and prevent further violence.

Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Mr Abinye Pepple, condemned the attack and destruction of property, promising that those responsible would face justice regardless of their status.

‘The council assures that anyone involved in this dastardly act will face justice, no matter their position or status,’ Pepple said.

He appealed to residents who fled the area to return and remain calm, assuring them that security agencies had been deployed to protect lives and property.

Finima Community, located on Bonny Island, hosts major energy facilities including the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) gas-liquefaction plant and the Bonny crude oil export terminal.

Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has recorded progress in stabilising Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the foreign exchange market.

Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Solid Minerals and Education, said the government’s decision to allow market-driven foreign exchange policies had helped reduce the volatility that previously affected the naira.

Speaking during an interview on News Central Television, the former minister noted that the administration had made progress in achieving macroeconomic stability, describing it as a significant step in addressing some of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

She, however, stressed that the impact of the reforms was yet to fully reflect in the daily lives of Nigerians, noting that the cost of living remained a major concern for citizens.

According to her, while stabilising key economic indicators was important, the government must continue to focus on policies that improve productivity, create jobs and increase household incomes.

‘The only thing that, as I said at the beginning, we can give to them is that they are getting a handle on macroeconomic stability. So, for example, the volatility we have with foreign exchange rate is quieter because they are abiding by market principles for foreign exchange policy,’ she said.

Ezekwesili also acknowledged that inflation figures and economic indicators should not be considered in isolation from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

She argued that Nigeria’s long-term economic growth would depend on addressing structural issues affecting productivity and expanding opportunities for citizens.

The former minister’s comments come amid continued debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy and changes in foreign exchange policies.

The Federal Government has maintained that the reforms are aimed at rebuilding the economy, attracting investment and creating a more sustainable economic system.