Category: PM News

The In a statement issued on Saturday by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, According to the Army, preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation into a possible breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy revealed that the soldiers engaged Chidiebere in discussions covering a wide range of issues, including matters considered sensitive within the military.

The statement alleged that some of the exchanges suggested attempts to incite dissatisfaction within the ranks, including conversations described as bordering on subversion.

“It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the Army said.

The military confirmed that Chidiebere was apprehended alongside the soldiers involved in the discussions as part of the investigation.

The Army said while the soldiers remain in military custody, the influencer has since been handed over to civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Army maintained that its actions were in line with established procedures and emphasised its commitment to upholding discipline within its ranks, as well as safeguarding national security.

By Stephen Adeleye

Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi, has abandoned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) less than two weeks after a viral video in which he was admonished by the presidency not to leave the neck of those who allegedly hijacked the party.

Indeed, Abejide in a statement on Friday said he decided to leave the as a result of its hijacking by coalition leaders.

The lawmaker, who was at a time, the only elected lawmaker on the platform of ADC said the party has been overtaken by vested interests.

He accused David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu of hijacking the platform.

Abejide said he joined the party in 2019 and invested personal resources in strengthening its structures.

He described his resignation as “painful but necessary” to safeguard his political future.

According to him, the party had been infiltrated, destabilised and stripped of its constitutional foundations.

Abejide disclosed he instituted legal action in 2025 against the coalition leaders over the leadership dispute.

He said although the court granted accelerated hearing, the defendants allegedly delayed proceedings until electoral timelines were released.

He said: “My counsel later advised me to seek another platform.

“The ADC was structurally compromised and lacked recognised leadership required for INEC compliance.”

Abejide alleged the coalition had no genuine intention of strengthening the party.

“Their mission was to undermine loyal members like myself,” he said.

He dismissed reports of his expulsion in April, insisting he had resigned earlier under the party’s constitution.

Abejide also clarified remarks by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, describing them as light-hearted and misunderstood.

He said consultations had led him to pursue his political future on “a more stable and progressive platform.”

Abejide said the platform aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The lawmaker is serving his second term representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. (NAN)

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring his move to the Allied Peoples Movement after consultations with political allies and stakeholders.

The decision was made public on Saturday after a high-level meeting convened to assess the fallout from the Supreme Court ruling on the PDP’s prolonged leadership crisis. The gathering also examined possible pathways for political realignment.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Mohammed revealed that he had spent over a week in Abuja holding discussions with key figures in an effort to salvage unity within the party. He said the court’s judgment, which invalidated parallel conventions organised by opposing factions, had reshaped the party’s structure.

According to him, the ruling effectively removed the legitimacy of both factions, leaving the Board of Trustees to take temporary control. He noted that events following the verdict had only worsened uncertainty within the PDP.

“After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results,” he said.

While acknowledging the PDP’s role in his political journey, the governor stressed that governance and stability must take precedence.

“However, as responsible leaders, we cannot allow our people to be left without a credible and effective political platform,” he stated.

Mohammed described his defection as a calculated step aimed at maintaining political relevance and ensuring future electoral success. He said the APM offers a stable alternative without legal complications.

Reaffirming his emotional ties to his former party, he added: “We remain PDP at heart. We are leaving not out of bitterness, but out of necessity to continue the struggle for good governance.”

Formally announcing his new affiliation, he declared: “Consequently, after extensive consultations, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied Peoples Movement.”

To manage the transition, the governor outlined several steps, including setting up a compliance committee, launching online membership registration, facilitating formal resignations, engaging APM leadership, and establishing a liaison team with the electoral commission.

He appealed for calm among his supporters, emphasising that the move was deliberate and carefully planned.

Dantalle praised the governor’s leadership, noting that Bauchi reflects inclusive governance and active democratic participation. He also highlighted the party’s recent gains in local government elections, including councillorship victories.

He assured the new entrants that the APM remains free of internal disputes and operates strictly in line with its constitution.

The chairman later presented Mohammed with his membership card and party insignia, marking his official entry into the party. He explained that the party’s symbol, the cassava plant, represents resilience and economic value, aligning with its broader vision for national development.

The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians against a fraudulent recruitment message circulating online, warning that it is a deliberate scam aimed at defrauding the public.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, authorities dismissed the message as entirely false. The misleading communication claims to offer job opportunities within Nigeria’s Diplomatic Service, specifically under the consular units of embassies abroad.

According to the ministry, the message goes further by informing recipients that they have been shortlisted for diplomatic roles and instructs them to pay certain fees for the processing of a so-called “credence note”. Officials described this as a tactic used by fraudsters to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.

The ministry made it clear that no such recruitment exercise is ongoing in any Nigerian mission overseas. It stressed that employment into the foreign service does not take place through emails, WhatsApp messages or unsolicited contact.

Instead, all legitimate recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is handled strictly by the Federal Civil Service Commission through official procedures.

The statement firmly emphasised that no payments are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic posting. It also warned that no individual or organisation has been authorised to collect fees on behalf of the ministry.

Authorities further noted that the fraudsters attempted to make the message appear credible by referencing security clearance processes and falsely attributing the information to the ministry’s spokesperson.

Describing this as a calculated attempt to mislead, the ministry urged Nigerians to ignore such messages and remain vigilant. Members of the public were advised to report anyone requesting money for diplomatic appointments or recruitment to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and the protection of citizens, urging Nigerians to rely only on official channels for enquiries and verification.

Brentford strengthened their push for European qualification with a convincing 30 win over West Ham United, who were left sweating over their Premier League survival.

The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute after a moment to forget for defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, whose attempted clearance ended up in his own net.

West Ham tried to respond and came close on several occasions, hitting the woodwork more than once, but they were unable to find a breakthrough.

Brentford doubled their advantage early in the second half when Igor Thiago calmly converted from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge inside the box.

The game was put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute as Mikkel Damsgaard finished off a fine move to seal all three points for the home side.

The result lifts Brentford to sixth place, keeping their European ambitions firmly on track, while West Ham remain just two points above the relegation zone.

Their situation could worsen if Tottenham Hotspur secure victory in their next match.

Brentford will now turn their attention to a tough away fixture against Manchester City, while West Ham face another stern test at home to Arsenal as they battle to avoid the drop.

Former Kano State Governor, In a statement issued on Saturday, Kwankwaso described ongoing narratives about his alleged plans within the ADC as misleading, stressing that consultations are still underway among key stakeholders.

He, however, acknowledged that recent legal developments have placed the party in a difficult position.

According to him, a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), while simultaneously remitting the matter back to the High Court, has created uncertainty within the party structure.

“We have commenced wide-ranging consultations, including with leaders from the NDC, PRP and others to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests,” he said, adding that a formal decision would be communicated in due course.

Reflecting on his political trajectory, Kwankwaso reiterated his longstanding commitment to party unity and national interest.

He recalled placing second in the 2014 presidential primary of the He also cited his participation in the 2019 presidential primary of the On speculations surrounding the 2027 presidential race, Kwankwaso clarified that the ADC had neither zoned its presidential ticket nor selected a candidate, stressing that he had not declared any intention to run or endorsed any aspirant.

“All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded,” he said.

The former defence minister also explained that his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments, noting that he had formally communicated his apologies to the party leadership.

Kwankwaso assured that he would continue engaging with political actors across platforms, emphasising that any definitive position on his political direction would be announced through official channels at the appropriate time.

Recently the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) set off a revolution in the sports sector with the inauguration of the Olympafrica Centre and the groundbreaking of the integrated Olympic city project.

“There’s no doubt that these initiatives have unlocked several key benefits,” noted Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), is the owner and driver of the project.

The core gains of the project are the grassroots sports development initiatives, including talent discovery, and the successful integration of a residential estate within a sports environment.

The Olympafrica Centre, according to Alassane Thierno Diack, the Chair and CEO of the Olympafrica Foundation, provides a structured platform for identifying and nurturing young local talent.

The Olympafrica Foundation is designed to use sports as a tool for youth development and community transformation across Africa. The foundation works in concert with the International Olympic Committee, from which it essentially draws its funding.

It also aims to build a strong foundation for the country’s talent supply chain, preparing children to represent Nigeria in the future Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, as well as other national and international sporting competitions.

“This type of project is the first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria,” stated an Olympian and Third Vice President of the NOC, Olumide Oyedeji, who was the chairman of the implementation of the launch of the project.

This will also enable many Nigerians who are now becoming aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to practice the new, innovative “Live-Train-Play” integrated lifestyle.

The 6.7-hectare plot has been split into two zones: 40% for the sports centre and 60% for the residential estate. This creates an integrated community that brings athletes, coaches, and support systems closer together, enhancing lifestyle balance and training outcomes.

Upgraded, Modern Facilities

The centre includes comprehensive infrastructure to engage the youth and support both indoor and outdoor activities.

Current outdoor features include a renovated cultural centre, a multi-purpose court, a covered spectators’ pavilion, and the ongoing reconstruction of a standard football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track.

### Indoor Facilities

The indoor complex includes dedicated halls for combat and strength sports such as karate, taekwondo, wrestling, and weightlifting. Alongside these are courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

### Financial and Environmental Sustainability

There have been decades of environmental and funding hurdles that stalled the development of this land, which was granted by the Lagos State Government in 1990. The build-and-sell residential estate will now attract investment and allow the NOC to generate independent, sustainable revenue for the long-term maintenance of the sports facilities.

Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment

According to Engr. Habu Gumel, the sporting infrastructure in the community would be dedicated to engagement and youth empowerment.

The complex will serve as a secure, functional environment to keep young people productively engaged. With its added security outpost and overhead tanks at boreholes, the facility also directly benefits the surrounding Amuwo Odofin community.

For the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NOC has successfully revitalised a 35-year-old underutilised landholding. Mallam Dikko was represented at the occasion by Barrister Musa Ahmadu, a Special Assistant at the NSC and a former NFF official.

For Mr Dan Ngerem, a former President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), who made a surprise brief appearance at the epoch-making event, the highlight was that the committee could still retain the land allocation even after 35 years.

The two companies involved in the estate are Ampharco Real Estate, managed by Mr Joseph Chime, and

Numero Homes, also managed by Mrs Omowunmi Olalere.

Olalere, who spoke on behalf of her partner, assured that they have set a target of 24 months to deliver the project.

By Jagun Oodua Tola Adeniyi

His father gifted him a Qalam, which in Arabic means Pen, at a time in his tender age when he did know what a pen symbolized or that his entire future career and prospects in life were going to be shaped by the powers of the Pen.

Yakubu did not find himself in journalism or the Pen profession, he walked into it. He worked his way into it. He wanted to be there, he prepared for it, he laboured for it and in the often-quoted aphorism of the late charismatic preacher Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa, he ‘desired, aspired, perspired and acquired’ journalism’s feats.

The personality of Journalism is bold, aggressive, flamboyant and loud. Journalism is intrusive, self-imposing, irreverent and oftentimes unapologetic.

But by nature, Yakubu was not flamboyant. He was not loud. He was not irreverent. And he was not intrusive. He minded his own life and stayed in his own lane.

And yet he was one of journalism’s best, both in content, context, and boldness.

We all are aware of his legendary exploits in Kaduna radio, in Campus Journalism at the University of Lagos, in the New Nigerian newspapers where he rose to become a star and latterly at his crowning jewel, the trail-blazing, innovative, inimitable and unforgettable Newswatch which he co-founded.

Yakubu Mohammed had to compel journalism to bend to his own image. He shunned flamboyance, he rejected ‘in-your-face’ intrusiveness, he chose not to be irreverent, and never for once in his 75 years sojourn on the planet earth exhibited the ‘notice-me’ peculiarity of media super stars.

He did not talk much, he did not pontificate, but he allowed his works to speak for him.

He did not force himself to be noticed, but his quietude in the little corner of a room accorded him unmistakable and respectable notice. His boldness is asserted by his dignified comportment. His silence is as loud as the sound of Gbedu drum.

Journalism is, without a doubt, the most influential profession on earth. It gave Yakubu a million miles in its reach and spread. And he used its blessings not to enrich himself but to seek help and assistance from those in power, for his people who were hitherto disadvantaged and ignored.

In the end, Yakubu’s simple flamboyance showed in his sober sartorial elegance while the house he lived in and the family he raised gave a statement of his, again, silent opulence.

The unequalled influence which journalism commanded exposed Muhammed to men and women of power and means, and he was made popular, famous, courted by the high and mighty. And in all this, he lived a life of uncommon humility and moralistic piety, admired and respected by peers and subordinates and loved by his creator.

What did Mohammed teach us as journalists:That we must be hardworking and enterprising. We should be focused. We must put our foot on the ball and keep our eyes on the goalpost.

We must dress well at all times. Your appearance determines the reception you receive everywhere. Read his autobiography again and see he always took care of his shirt!

We must be knowledgeable as journalists. If you are to inform and educate, you must be at least one step ahead of your ‘student’.

We must be responsible, self-confident and self-respecting in order to become respectable.

We should never be subservient to people in authority. Again, read his autobiography, ‘Beyond Expectations’

We must write well as reporters, feature writers, and columnists and draw creatively as cartoonists.

If we write well, he said, we shall be noticed and admired by society. MKO Abiola sought him out. Authorities at the New Nigerian newspapers looked out for him.

He taught us to never run after riches, fame and people of means- all of these will run after us if we make a success of our calling.

He taught us a lot more lessons in the improvement of the practice of journalism and the upliftment of its practitioners.

His legacies, indelible and noble, will forever remain evergreen.

Yakubu Mohammed, erstwhile National Vice President of the League of Nigerian Columnists, rebranded journalism and its practice in his own image- journalism of knowledge, of dignity and simplicity, and of irreproachable integrity.

Muhammed lives in us and in journalism’s imperishable Hall of Fame.

Jagun Oodua Tola Adeniyi, National President of League of Nigerian Columnists delivered the remarks as Chairman of the memorial lecture in honour of Yakubu Mohammed in Lagos on April 30, 2026.

By Deborah Coker

Chief Franklin Edonkumoh, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, has called on Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to halt the continued representation of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency by Nicholas Mutu after a seventh term.

Edonkumoh made the call in an open letter to the governor on Saturday in Abuja.

Mutu, from Bomadi Local Government Area, has been representing the federal constituency since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Edonkumoh, in the letter, stressed the need for fairness, equity and democratic integrity in the federal constituency, ahead of the 2027 general election.

“As a leader who believes deeply in justice, fairness and long-term stability of our federal constituency, I find it necessary to lend my voice in support of the principle underlying this agitation, which is anchored on equity, inclusion and the rightful expectation of rotational representation.

“My intervention at this time is compelled by a recent development of significant democratic importance.

“I was made aware of a recent civil protest in Patani Local Government Area, where concerned residents gathered to advocate for a change in legislative representation.

“They were specifically calling for the opportunity for Patani to produce the next member of the House of Representatives for Bomadi/Patani federal constituency.

“It is important to note, and I do so with a strong sense of responsibility, that the protest was conducted peacefully, without any record of violence or breakdown of law and order.

“This alone reflects a commendable level of civic maturity and democratic consciousness among the people,” he said.

According to the APC chieftain, democracy thrives on participation, inclusion, rotation of leadership and the continuous renewal of representation.

“But in Bomadi/Patani federal constituency, for over 27 years since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the constituency has been represented by a single individual (Nicholas Mutu), now serving his 7th consecutive term.

“While longevity in office is not inherently undemocratic, prolonged dominance without measurable legislative impact, inclusive representation or equitable power-sharing raises serious democratic concerns.

“I present a compelling case for equity, fairness and democratic renewal, urging the government of Delta and relevant stakeholders to allow open democratic competition and support the emergence of a candidate from Patani Local Government Area for the 2027 elections,” he added.

Edonkumoh described seven consecutive terms (19992027) by one individual as unprecedented, adding that a potential eighth term would extend representation to 32 years, effectively limiting political participation across generations.

“Such prolonged tenure risks entrenching political patronage systems, weakening accountability, discouraging emerging leaders and undermining voter confidence in democratic processes.

“Democracy must not only exist, it must be seen to be fair, inclusive and competitive,” he said.

The APC chieftain also noted that stakeholders across the constituency had raised concerns over lack of sponsored bills or motions that directly impact the constituency.

This, he said, was in addition to the absence of federal projects, whether completed, ongoing or abandoned, minimal visible legislative advocacy and constituency development outcomes.

“Representation is not merely about occupying a seat; it is about delivering measurable value to the people. After nearly three decades, the absence of tangible progress raises legitimate questions about the effectiveness of continued representation.

“Bomadi/Patani federal constituency comprises distinct local government areas, each deserving fair access to representation.

“Bomadi Local Government has held the position continuously since 1999. Patani Local Government has never had the opportunity to represent the constituency at the federal level.

“The call for a Patani candidate in 2027 is therefore not political exclusion, but inclusive rotation, a demonstration of justice, fairness and balance and a step toward strengthening unity within the constituency

“Importantly, this demand is not only from Patani, but also supported by stakeholders and opinion leaders in Bomadi, reflecting a shared commitment to fairness,” he said.

Edonkumoh further stated that the sustained tenure of a single representative was often linked to institutional patronage networks, which could distort internal party democracy, limit credible competition, prioritise loyalty over performance and alienate constituents from the democratic process.

“The Delta government must recognise that continued patronage at the expense of fairness erodes democratic legitimacy.

“True leadership requires the courage to prioritise institutional integrity over individual alliances.

“There is a growing public sentiment and civil pressure, and an increasing grassroots dissatisfaction, particularly from stakeholders in both local government areas as well as youth groups and community leaders advocating for change.

“The people are demanding a democratic reset, and ignoring these voices risks heightened political tension, voter apathy or backlash and erosion of trust in government institutions,” he added.

Edonkumoh argued that supporting a fair and open process in 2027 would present an opportunity for the state government to reinforce its commitment to democratic values, promote peaceful political transition, strengthen public trust and legitimacy, and avoid perceptions of bias or imposition.

(NAN)DCO/WAS

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled the commencement of his three-nation diplomatic trip to France, Kenya and Rwanda, shifting his departure from Saturday to Sunday, in a last-minute adjustment to his official itinerary.

The update was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the trip would now begin a day later than earlier announced.

The development marks a slight modification to a previously released State House statement, which had indicated that the President would depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2, for the high-level diplomatic engagements.

According to the earlier briefing by Onanuga, the President is scheduled to begin the tour in France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will participate in the Africa-France Summit slated for May 1112.

The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, will focus on key global and continental issues, including energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action and reforms to the global financial system.

Following the Kenya engagement, President Tinubu is expected to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 1415, where African and global business leaders will deliberate on investment, economic growth and regional integration.

The Presidency had earlier noted that Tinubu’s participation in the engagements is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s strategic partnerships with African countries and France, while also showcasing ongoing economic reforms to attract investment.

Although no official reason was provided for the rescheduling, the adjustment is not expected to significantly alter the President’s core engagements across the three countries.