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The factional National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, has appealed the ex parte order of the Ibadan High Court, which gave the nod to the Umar Damagum faction to proceed with the proposed convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on November 15 and 16.

On Tuesday, Justice Ladiran Akintola, who gave the order for the Damagum-led NWC, adjourned till November 10 when the motion would come up for hearing.

Mohammed suspended indefinitely the elective National Convention in obedience to the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which halted the preparation for the convention because it violated the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act.

Following the ex parte order, the Damagum faction announced the continuation of the preparation for the convention.

The camp got the backing yesterday of the Board of Trustees (BoT), after its meeting in Abuja.

Muhammed made the appeal filed against the ex parte order known yesterday.

He said: ‘The national leadership of the PDP, under me as Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, in collaboration with our National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hereby formally informs the Nigerian public that we have received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

‘Furthermore, we are pleased to confirm that our esteemed National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN, has provided a thorough legal opinion on the implications of the judgment.

‘In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to fairness, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members and Nigerian democracy.

‘Consequently, having filed an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the PDP, we hereby suspend and cancel the proposed Ibadan National Convention, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal. Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.’

Muhammed added: ‘The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the suit and is fully aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court. Nevertheless, we have deemed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgment

‘We are also aware of an ex parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State. While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘As a responsible, law-abiding, and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and internal party democracy.

‘Our actions will continue to be guided by legal advice, by respect for our members, and by our duty to protect the integrity of our party.’

Anyanwu, who paired with Muhammed at the press conference, said that although both the Federal High Court in Abuja and the State High Court in Oyo are equal, the Federal High Court has more power.

He said the Oyo State High Court order is just an ex parte order, which lasts only seven days, adding that before that ex parte order, the party had already filed an appeal at the Appeal Court.

Anyanwu said: ‘When a new motion is filed in a new court, that means everything will stay, pending the outcome of the appeal. So, we shall wait for the appeal’.

The BoT, which set up another reconciliation committee to resolve the protracted crisis, hailed the Ibadan court ruling and gave its backing to the Damagum-led NWC to proceed with the convention.

Also, the former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, told reporters in Lagos that the Abuja Federal High Court judgment halting preparations for the convention has aggravated the crisis.

He said Justice Omotosho’s ruling contradicted the earlier verdict of the Supreme Court that congresses and the National Convention are internal affairs of political parties.

But the factional Acting National Chairman told reporters in Abuja that going ahead with the convention would be a violation of the judgment of the Abuja Federal High Court.

Muhammed, who noted the ex parte order by the Ibadan High Court, said the ruling does not invalidate the Abuja court judgment since an exparte order cannot override a valid judgment.

Anyanwu complained that he was not invited to the Board of Trustees meeting, which held earlier in the day, despite being a member.

He said the BoT held ‘a one-sided meeting.’

Anyanwu added: ‘As we speak, we have invited the Board of Trustees to a meeting. Most of those people. Those you see today are not members of the Board of Trustees. Some of them were just newly recruited. And they have not been confirmed by the party. So, that is a meeting of friends and associates compared to the Board of Trustees.

‘What makes a nuclear family is father, mother, and children. So, if you have founding fathers, we are the founding children. So, we are all members of PDP.

‘I am a member of the Board of Trustees. I am a member of the NEC in my position as the National Secretary of this party. And I am the custodian of the secretariat of the PDP. As we speak, the certificate of PDP is with me. So, I don’t see any founding father who would do anything without me being present in that meeting. That meeting is a nullity.’

‘You will recall that on the 1st of November, because of what happened on the 31st, where the former chairman, Illiya Damagu, took some members of the NWC to the Legacy House to pronounce the suspension of the national secretary, the national legal adviser, and the deputy national legal adviser.

‘They did not come to Wadata House to do that, because we had the information that they intended to attack the secretariat. On the 1st of November, I wrote a letter to the IGP, the Nigerian Police, and the director of SSS, informing them of the information we got, that they wanted to attack the PDP. Based on that, they deployed security.

‘As a matter of fact, PDP is a law-abiding party. We love peace. We want everyone to come together. That is what the acting chairman is doing now, reaching out to all leaders of the party. I am sure in the next few days, I am going to write a letter to BOT members, for us to really meet and discuss this issue.’

BoT sets up reconciliation panel

A seven-man reconciliation committee was set up by the BoT to resolve the crisis tearing apart the main opposition platform ahead of the proposed National Convention.

The committee was set up after an emergency meeting of the highest advisory organ held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoto, Abuja.

It is headed by Ambassador Hassan Adamu from the Northeast, while former Edo State Deputy Governor Mike Ogiadomhe will serve as secretary.

The committee is expected to submit its report on Tuesday, November 11, for further action, according to the communique issued at the end of the meeting.

The BoT appealed to the warring gladiators to jettison their personal interests and work for the survival of the party.

Signatories to the communiqué included BoT Chairman and former Senate President Aldophus Wabara, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (Southeast), Senator Zaynab Kure (Northcentral), Prince Onyinlola Olagunsoye (Southwest) and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (Northwest).

However, the BoT pledged its support for the Damagun-led NWC while dismissing the appointment of Acting National Chairman Muhammed as a ruse.

It was not the first time reconciliation committees were raised by the party to resolve the protracted crisis.

But the previous panels failed to restore peace to the platform.

BoT hails Ibadan court ruling

The BoT hailed the ruling of the Ibadan court, describing it as a victory for democracy.

The communique reads: ‘BoT reaffirms that the PDP remains a united, formidable and focused political party under the leadership of the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).

‘The BoT solidly stands with and commends the Ambassador Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors Forum, the National Convention Organising Committee and other critical organs of the Party for their collective roles in stabilizing our party, especially as we progress towards the conduct of the Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

‘The BoT welcomes the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A.L. Akintola, which affirmed the Constitutional right and liberty of our party to manage its internal affairs, including holding our 2025 Elective National Convention as scheduled. This landmark Ruling is a victory for democracy, the rule of law and political development in our country.

‘The BoT, however, expresses worry over the recent developments within our ranks that have caused understandable concerns. The tensions, misunderstandings, and regrettable incidents that have played out in public, including the invasion of our National Secretariat, are not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.

‘As the conscience of the party, the BoT cannot and will not take sides but remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of the PDP and ensuring dialogue over discord. The decision for reconciliation is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of maturity and responsibility.

‘Against this backdrop, the BoT sets up a high-powered committee to immediately reconcile all conflicting sides and restore unity of purpose in our party as we head to the Elective National Convention in Ibadan.’

George: Court order can’t cancel convention

George said no court judgment can halt preparations for the proposed National Convention.

He described the Federal High Court judgement delivered by Justice Omotosho as a recipe for anarchy.

George, a former Military Administrator of Ondo State, said the Supreme Court declared in a historic judgment that such an exercise is an internal affair of the political party.

He said the Abuja High Court judgment that the PDP flouted its own rules and constitution by not holding congresses in some states shows the jurist’s ignorance about the party’s procedure.

George told reporters in Lagos that Justice Omotosho clearly acted beyond his legal powers or authority, adding that he had interfered in the internal affairs of the main opposition party.

He said: ‘In a case between Mutfwang and Nentawe, the Supreme Court position on the matter, which was expected to be interpreted by the learned judge, is very clear.

‘The apex court had ruled that no court has jurisdiction over matters relating to administration of political party and election of its officers and matters about a political party’s congress to elect officers at any level of its executive committees, the constitution of such executive committees, and matters related to the administration of the party, are its internal affairs and not within the jurisdiction of courts.’

George also said party leadership and membership are domestic affairs of political parties and non-justiciable, insisting that the issues cannot be entertained by a court.

He clarified that ‘only a primary election congress is open to litigation as a pre-election action by virtue of Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.’

George emphasised that ‘a congress to elect officers of any level of the executive committee of a political party has to do with the internal management of the political party.’

He stressed: ‘It is non-justiciable. Therefore, a court or tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain any dispute arising therefrom. In this case, the preponderance of evidence adduced at the tribunal was that the 4th respondent complied with the order of the High Court of Plateau State by conducting a repeat congress on 25th September 2021.’

No fewer than 146 students of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State bagged First Class Honours as 1,064 graduated at its 20th convocation ceremony.

Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Babalola, said for the 20th Convocation of Bowen, 1,064 students graduated across various disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. ‘These graduands have been nurtured intellectually, socially and morally in line with our vision of raising godly leaders who combine character with competence.’

He highlighted that ‘143 bagged First Class, 394 Second Class Upper Division while 221 graduated with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 69 students got Third Class Honours and five have Pass.

‘In Physiotherapy and Nursing Science, 30 students achieved Distinction, 80 students earned Credit, and three students obtained a Pass, successfully meeting the academic standards required for graduation. Sixty-six students from the College of Health Sciences are being awarded the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB; BS) degree.’

He also disclosed that 26 students are being conferred with Master’s degrees and 9 scholars have earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Babalola urged the Federal Government to include students of private institutions to benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) programme.

He lamented over the discrimination against research outputs of Nigerian scholars, hence urging Western research suggestions and recommendations to be embraced in the process of policy formulation in the country.

Also, he pleaded with the Osun State Government over the taxation of the institution’s radio station, saying: ‘The mast meant for radio programmes for educational purposes is being taxed, when you are looking for money you don’t look for it anyhow – this is a very serious appeal. This radio is just for community service and it should not be taxed.’

Ministers and a cross-section of Nigerians rose in defence of the country against the allegation of targeted killings of Christians made by the United States President Donald Trump.

Different ministers took to different fora to highlight ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, which they stressed affects all faiths.

Ministers Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation) and Oladele Alake (Solid Minerals) spoke at a press conference; Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) met with diplomats in Abuja.

Festus Keyamo (SAN) (Aviation and Aerospace Development) made his views known in an open letter to President Trump.

Eminent Nigerians such as human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) and one-time federal lawmaker Ita Enang also rejected the religious bias claim.

The government blamed the claim on foreign lobbyists.

It said their projections of the insecurity in Nigeria were behind the wrong perceptions of the country.

Admitting that insecurity is a serious concern affecting many communities in the country, the government said Nigeria remains a good example of ‘religious plurality” and democratic endurance.”

‘The government has been able to see a correlation between some of the lobbyists operating, especially in the US, and the activities here,” Idris said.

‘We have seen that some of the influencers of these criminal activities have a direct relationship with lobbyists in the US, who have a direct relationship with some of these people who are shouting about this issue outside this country,” he added.

Idris highlighted counter-terrorism efforts by the Tinubu Administration and described the U.S. stance on Nigeria as a product of ‘misrepresentation and misinformation.’

‘Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike.

‘Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on faulty data,’ he said.

The minister added that security agencies had, since May 2023, ‘neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists’ and arrested more than 17,000 suspects.

‘More than 9,850 abducted persons,’ according to him, were reunited with their families within the same period after their rescue.

Tuggar told the diplomatic community that it was inaccurate to characterise Nigeria’s security challenges as manifestations of state-sanctioned religious intolerance.

Tuggar, represented at the event by his Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, described Nigeria as ”a global exemplar of religious plurality and democratic endurance.”

He assured that the government was doing everything possible to contain terrorism.

He said: ‘National security remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration, which has adopted a comprehensive approach combining military strength, intelligence, diplomacy, and community engagement.

‘Sustained operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity have degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed vast territories and facilitated the return of millions of displaced persons.

‘Advanced surveillance technologies are being deployed to combat banditry and kidnapping, while community-based peace building and the National Early Warning and Response System (NEWS) enhance conflict prevention.

‘Civil-military cooperation has strengthened trust, improved intelligence gathering, and reduced the recruitment of extremists.

‘Nigeria remains a global exemplar of religious plurality and democratic endurance. The 1999 Constitution guarantees complete freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and prohibits the adoption of any state religion.

‘The Nigerian state is secular in both structure and function; policies and institutions operate without religious bias, ensuring that Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions across all levels.

‘Recent external claims suggesting systemic religious persecution in Nigeria are unfounded. The recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) based on speculations of religious persecution is fundamentally misinformed.

‘It misrepresents Nigeria’s secular constitutional order and its record in protecting religious freedom. Nigeria’s demographic balance, approximately equal Christian and Muslim populations, its interwoven communities, and its functioning multi-religious democracy stand as clear evidence of our coexistence.

‘Nigeria’s judiciary has consistently demonstrated its independence, protecting freedom of expression and religion.

‘The state continues to wage a comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign against groups that target Nigerians of all faiths.

‘It is therefore inaccurate to characterise Nigeria’s complex security challenges as manifestations of state-sanctioned religious intolerance.

‘Nigeria’s national legal framework contains no offence of blasphemy. The existing public-order laws are religion-neutral and protect all communities equally from incitement to violence.

‘Sharia laws, limited to some northern states, apply only to Muslims and remain under the oversight of the secular judiciary. Christian and Muslim institutions operate freely, promoting peaceful coexistence.

‘Interfaith harmony is sustained through institutions such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NREC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA.

‘Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its openness to dialogue and cooperation, and constructive engagement, which should remain the standard in the engagement between and among sovereign states in the international system.”

He added that while Nigeria notes with grave concern the unfounded and disparaging rhetoric over the security situation in the country, ‘it is our firm conviction that the international community will continue on the path of mutual respect and cooperation that fosters peace, prosperity, and harmony.”

‘No religious colouration in attacks’

Alake said data show insecurity in Nigeria has dropped to its lowest level in a decade.

He cited major reforms in the security architecture and ongoing prosecution of suspects behind the Owo Church and Benue massacres.

Alake stressed that terrorism in Nigeria is driven mainly by economic and political motives, not religion, warning against framing attacks as faith-based.

He reminded the media of its ‘responsibility to society,’ urging balanced reporting that supports peace and stability.

‘If there is no society, there is no press,’ he cautioned.

Alake said: ‘We all know that this insecurity did not start yesterday. But from the actions taken so far, if one is unbiased, one would know that from the plethora of actions taken in the last three years, if we had taken those actions in the last ten years, we would probably not be where we are today.

‘These range from the changes in the security architecture, the top brass of various security agencies changed in 2023, and again, a few days or so ago, to reinvigorate the security system.

‘These are not political texts; these are policy actions emanating from very exhaustive planning and strategising, and they are yielding results.

‘As the minister said, a global organisation recently published the fact that globally, in the last decade in Nigeria, the last two years have recorded the lowest incidences of insecurity.

‘Locally, to us, even one incident is an anathema. But when you look at the various figures in the last ten or more years, and you do a comparative analysis with the last two years, you will see the tremendous efforts that this government has put in place and the actions so far taken to stem the tide of this insecurity.

‘Except one is deceiving himself, nearly everybody in this country knows that there is no deliberate targeting of any religion for persecution. There are facts.

‘Sometimes, when these terrorists go to attack, they don’t go to attack because of the religion of those inhabitants.

‘They go to attack for different reasons, largely economic. Some may be political, but largely economic.

‘So, to use the faith of the inhabitants as a motive for the attack is totally off the mark. It does not reflect the reality of that, and we all know it.’

Keyamo writes Trump

Keyamo dismissed claims of mass killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing them as false and misleading.

Keyamo stated that as a Christian and long-time human rights lawyer, it would be impossible for him to serve in a government that persecutes Christians or targets any group based on religion.

‘I was born and raised as a Christian in Nigeria,’ Keyamo said.

‘Because of my strong Christian background and ethical pedigree, it would have been most unconscionable for me to associate with – let alone continue to serve – a government if truly there is any scintilla of truth in the assertion that Christians are specifically targeted in Nigeria for persecution, killings or harassment on account of their faith. It is simply not true.’

The minister recalled that he had practised law for over three decades, much of it devoted to defending human rights, and was honoured with the Global Human Rights Award by the U.S. Global Leadership Council in 2017 for his advocacy work.

Keyamo said Nigeria’s security challenges, including attacks by Boko Haram, herdsmen, and bandits, were inherited problems that had affected both Christians and Muslims, not one group in isolation.

He stressed that the Tinubu Administration is tackling insecurity without religious bias.

‘Most of the security chiefs appointed by the President are Christians, so it would be unthinkable to imagine them being complicit in the killing of fellow Christians,’ he said.

He also described President Tinubu as a ‘moderate Muslim’ whose wife is a pastor and whose children are practising Christians.

‘He will be the last person to either adopt the killing of Christians as a state policy or condone such acts,’ he added.

Keyamo reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a secular state with constitutional guarantees for freedom of religion and equal protection for all citizens, regardless of faith.

Appealing directly to President Trump, he urged him and the U.S. government to seek balanced information about Nigeria and work with the Tinubu Administration to combat terrorism.

‘President Trump, the Nigerian people ask for deep and sincere understanding from your government at this point.

‘We ask for support, cooperation and collaboration to confront this decades-old menace of terrorism,’ he said.

Falana: no evidence of Christian genocide

Falana said there was no evidence of Christian killings in Nigeria.

‘Mr Trump has lied to the whole world by alleging Christian killings in Nigeria without any evidence to back it up,’ he said during a live TV programme.

The senior lawyer argued that the allegation by Trump should be a wake-up call for the Federal Government to address the issue of killings in several parts of the country by gunmen.

He said the government has the Constitutional mandate to secure lives and properties.

‘Those who are killing are either killing to expropriate land or killing to feed their animals.

‘Instead of losing sleep over Mr Trump’s statement, the government has a duty to look inward about where errors have been made,’ Falana said.

UN: why violent extremism persists in West Africa, Sahel

The United Nations (UN) Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Mohammed Chambas, attributed the persistence of violent extremism in the region to the absence of dialogue and social interaction among communities.

Speaking at the maiden West Africa Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in Abuja, with the theme: ‘The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel,’ Chambas said the radicalisation of youths is fuelled by isolation and intolerance.

He defined radicalisation as the process of brainwashing individuals to become intolerant of other experiences and views.

‘The unwillingness to appreciate the existence of others among communities across the world has bred gross intolerance, extremism, violent agitations, conflicts, and oppression,’ he said.

Chambas, who also serves as the African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns under Agenda 2063, noted that the Sahel accounted for 19 per cent of all terrorist attacks globally and 51 per cent of terrorism-related deaths in 2024.

‘Our West Africa sub-region has been under fire due to a lack of effective interaction and dialogue among diverse ethnic and religious communities,’ he added.

He called for deliberate peace education and awareness initiatives that promote positive relationships and sustainable development, stressing that religious leaders and traditional rulers are ‘uniquely positioned to guide communities towards peace and counter extremist ideologies.’

Similarly, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, urged Islamic organisations to focus on educating the youth against extremist ideologies.

Enang: speak with one voice

Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, urged the Federal Government to present a unified stance in response to the U.S. designation of Nigeria under its religious freedom watchlist.

He advised government officials to avoid public comments that could misrepresent Nigeria’s official position, suggesting that the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and National Assembly leadership should coordinate a harmonised diplomatic response.

‘This is a diplomatic issue that must be handled with utmost caution. Not every government official should make statements capable of inflaming the situation or misrepresenting the country,’ Enang said.

All Progressives Congress’ (APC) National chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has added his voice to those urging Nigerians not only to focus on what is happening at the federal level of governance, but rather look more in the direction of their local government chairmen and governors. This is because, unlike before, the state governments now have more funds to play with, courtesy of the removal of fuel subsidy and merging of the foreign exchange markets in 2023, when President Bola Tinubu was sworn in.

Yilwatda spoke on Monday, at the launching of a book, ‘Vicious Red Circle’, written by Alex Ugochukwu Oriaku, in Abuja.

According to the party chair, ‘Governors now receive two to four times more than before. They can focus on bigger projects, but they must also improve the daily lives of the people,’ he said.

Yilwatda added that ”we know that two years ago, what they used to share was about N400 billion per month. But today, the last they shared was N2.2 trillion. No governor in Nigeria today collects less than three times, four times of what they used to collect before. None.

‘They can do more for their people. They are focusing now on bigger projects. And to me, this is a turnaround that we need in governors. I would say, talk to your governors. Talk to your local government chairmen. Let them do more. Talk to the APC governors to do more.”

To this extent, Yilwatda is right. The governors now have more cash in their hands. Before the advent of the Bola Tinubu administration, all the three tiers of government used to share an average of N400billion monthly. Today, this has ballooned to about N2.2 trillion, a significant increase, if you ask us.

Unfortunately, there is not much to show for this in many states, as some of the governors embark on grandiose projects that have little bearing to the needs of the people, rather than concentrate on essentials.

This explains why many Nigerians are wondering where the much-talked-about extra cash the governors are getting is going into.

There is no doubt that the removal of fuel subsidy and merging of the exchange rates have caused some dislocation to prices of virtually all items, including foodstuffs, the least the people would have expected was for the governors to show compassion by making some of these monies percolate to the mass of the people who are directly bearing the harsh effects of the economic reforms.

It would seem the Federal Government is not oblivious of this harsh reality, hence its several initiatives to cushion the effects of the economic reforms.

We are here talking about schemes under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, like the Consumer Credit Scheme that was launched in February, 2024. The aim is to enable Nigerians purchase essential goods and build credit histories.

We also have the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Initiative to provide an alternative to rising transportation costs after the fuel subsidy removal, with public transporters paying only half of the cost of installation.

Then the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, (NELFUND) from which about 1,000,000 students have benefited, with the Federal Government paying the tuition fees of students in tertiary institutions whose parents cannot bear the burden, as well as giving each of the beneficiaries N20,000 monthly upkeep allowance.

If only many state governments had complemented the efforts of the Federal Government, the effects of the economic reforms would have been somewhat minimal on the people.

We urge a change of heart in this regard, and Yilwatda has a major role to play. With his party, the APC controlling about 24 state governments out of 36, he should use his influence to get the state governments to be more sensitive to the plight of the people. That is the only way the party can have it easy at the polls, especially as we are gradually approaching the build-up to the 2027 General Elections.

The Senate on Thursday, cleared Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, of allegations of negligence and drug use by its pilots over the July 13, 2024 runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

This followed an investigative hearing by the Senate Committee on Aviation, which reviewed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)’s preliminary report and found ‘serious inconsistencies and uncoordinated findings’ in its conclusions.

Committee Chairman, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said after the hearing on Thursday that the Senate’s review showed that the NSIB’s report contained contradictions that could damage Nigeria’s aviation reputation before international regulators if left unaddressed.

‘You can see that, unfortunately, most of those allegations are not true,’ Buhari said. ‘The report was disjointed and not coordinated. You don’t accuse people wrongly, especially in aviation, where ICAO and other international laboratories are monitoring us closely.’

The lawmaker disclosed that the NSIB had initially alleged drug use by several members of the Air Peace crew before later revising the claim to only two individuals, describing the process as ’embarrassing and poorly handled.’

Buhari commended Air Peace and other indigenous airlines for maintaining strict internal safety standards, including regular random drug and alcohol tests for crew members.

‘Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines are our own,’ he said. ‘We need to support them, not damage their reputation with unverified claims. The most important thing is that no lives were lost, and the aircraft suffered no damage. It was towed and later flown back safely to Lagos.’

The senator added that the committee’s forthcoming report would recommend reforms to improve the quality and coordination of aviation investigations in the country, emphasizing that the Senate’s objective was not to witch-hunt any operator but to strengthen public confidence and ensure aviation safety.

Buhari also hinted that the Senate might soon consider legislation compelling federal agencies and government officials to patronize Nigerian airlines for official trips as part of efforts to boost the local aviation industry.

Earlier, Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Onyema, appeared before the committee to defend the airline’s safety record.

He described the NSIB’s preliminary report and the public speculation it triggered as ‘unfair and damaging’ to the reputation of a proudly Nigerian airline that adheres to global safety standards.

‘I initially did not want to honour this invitation,’ Onyema said. ‘But on second thought, I came because the Senate members are our customers and have every right to be concerned about safety. I must, however, correct certain impressions created by the NSIB’s handling of this matter.’

He clarified that the aircraft involved in the incident suffered no mechanical faults and that the runway excursion resulted from human error.

‘The aircraft in question had no single damage. It flew back to Lagos the same day,’ Onyema said. ‘The pilot has flown for nearly 40 years-one of the most experienced in our fleet. He simply had a bad day. Unfortunately, the early report created confusion that made it seem as if the aircraft was faulty or the pilots were intoxicated.’

The Air Peace boss added that his company maintains a self-regulating culture even stricter than many foreign airlines, often grounding entire fleets when a potential anomaly is detected.

‘I once grounded eight aircraft in one day after discovering that a maintenance planner made a mistake on one of our ERJ planes,’ he recalled. ‘We could have hidden it, but we reported it ourselves to the NCAA. That is how seriously we take safety.’

Onyema warned that misleading narratives and sensational reports could harm Nigeria’s image before international aviation regulators and make local carriers targets of undue scrutiny abroad.

‘What we say here is being monitored globally,’ he said. ‘We must be careful not to impugn the integrity of our aviation agencies or destroy public trust in Nigerian airlines. Air Peace is one of the safest airlines in the world, not just in Nigeria.’

The session, which occasionally grew emotional, later went into a closed-door meeting to review confidential safety documents.

Before adjourning, Senator Buhari assured Onyema that the Senate’s interest was to safeguard travelers and Nigeria’s aviation image, not to indict any operator.

‘We are not here to destroy any business,’ he said. ‘Our concern is the safety of Nigerian travelers and the reputation of our aviation industry. The Air Peace incident has shown the need for coordinated reporting and factual communication. Once the final report is ready, it will be presented before the full Senate.’

With this, the Senate appears set to recommend a more transparent and collaborative framework for accident investigations, one that promotes accountability while protecting confidence in indigenous airlines regarded as vital to Nigeria’s transport and economic development.

Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has revealed that infidelity has never been a deal-breaker in her relationships.

During a recent interview, the singer and mother of one opened up about her romantic history, stating she has never cheated on a partner nor ended a relationship over cheating.

According to her, she only leaves relationships for grave issues like theft, drug abuse, or similar misconduct.

Tiwa acknowledged that people have indirectly stolen from her but emphasised that cheating alone does not justify ending a relationship.

She explained that partners who cheat often return with apologies and efforts to reconcile, which she typically accepts.

Being a public figure, her calm and non-confrontational personality, she said, makes it easier for partners to stray without public backlash.

She said: ‘No, never. And I have never left someone for cheating. I didn’t even leave him; he left me. Well, indirectly, yes. Even when they cheat, they’ll come back and apologize. That’s not a deal breaker for me. They get away with it because of my personality. I can’t come online to rant, and when I see them, I can’t react’.

The arrival of online gaming to the internet was groundbreaking in casino gaming and other gaming and took off massively. Today, thousands each day log into an iGaming app or website to play one of the many popular niches in the industry, whether it’s sports betting, casino table games, fantasy sports betting, or other iGaming. Online slots are especially popular.

Past research in the UK has indicated iGaming is incredibly popular amongst 18- to 34-year-olds. Below is a look at why people in this age group enjoy iGaming so much, with a focus on online slots, and how the slots market could grow even bigger.

An age demographic that loves iGaming

Advances in technology are a huge driver of the popularity of slots and other iGaming. Three-quarters of the 18-to 34-year-old demographic in the UK conduct their iGaming on smartphones, compared to just 14% of players aged 65 and over. Mobile technology offers players major convenience, allowing them to play while on the move or wherever they are. This age demographic also uses a wider range of devices for their iGaming than the average.

Improved design and development

Mobile technology isn’t the only advance in technology that has made slots so appealing to younger players. Slots don’t just feature simple, spinning reels anymore. Technological innovation has allowed designers and developers to incorporate high-definition graphics and thrilling music into the slots. These make slots more engaging and a popular form of instant on-the-go entertainment, precisely what this demographic is looking for.

Variety

The wide variety of online slots available is another major factor in the popularity of slots with this demographic. Online slot themes draw from a pool of pop culture, including movies, TV shows, music artists, historical periods, artistic designs, and more. The huge variety of slots helps them appeal to different tastes and makes the demographic feel seen.

Part of this greater variety includes progressive slots, where the jackpot increases indefinitely until someone wins it. The stakes in progressive slots are higher, but anyone looking for a chance to win big may consider them. The rise in the popularity of online slots across Canada has resulted in a very saturated market, so Casino.org Canada review them and help their readers to find the best slots, considering plenty of criteria, including payout times, bonuses and win rate.

Simplicity for newcomers to iGaming

Whereas games such as Texas Hold’em poker are more strategic and involve lots of number crunching, and live table games in general are quite intimidating, online slots are straightforward. Although players can implement betting strategies to improve their chances of winning, games entail betting, pressing a button and waiting to see how the reels land. The outcome of spins is completely random, which adds to the engagement.

Social connections

Engagement from slots doesn’t just come from the game itself, but also the facility to share slot gaming experiences with friends or family. Today, slot players don’t have to just play slots. They can participate in challenges and more.

Online casino operators understand the power of iGaming to engage and connect people and have focused on integrating more social features into their offerings to facilitate communication and engagement between players. Leaderboards, scoring systems, and even chats can boost interactions, which benefits the casino because these features can increase the lifetime value of the player to the operator.

Bonuses, rewards and promotions

The bonuses, rewards, and promotions players can receive for playing slots are numerous. Players can receive free spins for signing up, and slots themselves feature bonus elements that can increase players’ winnings, such as bonus games, multipliers, scatter symbols, and more. Players can even receive rewards for sharing on social media or multipliers for crediting their accounts.

The future of online slots

The accessibility of online slots themselves, combined with the prowess of technology for driving growth in the market, means online slots will grow even bigger in both popularity and revenue.

The tech world is innovating constantly, and slots operators are keeping up with the trends. Although it’s relatively early still, virtual and augmented realities have begun to enter the online slots world as service providers try to meet players’ demands for more immersive experiences. VR offers real-time experiences, 3D graphics, and realistic environments, and players can play against other players and feel as if they were in a traditional casino.

This isn’t the only development. Online casinos are implementing AI and machine learning to understand player preferences, which allows them to personalize offerings and promotions for players and to recommend similar games players might enjoy. This will build further engagement with online casinos.

Online slots and other iGaming services are popular with the 18- to 34-year-old demographic because of their variety, convenience, and, in the case of slots, simplicity and the bonuses available. Advances in technology help slots to meet the demands of this tech-savvy demographic for instant entertainment they can enjoy while on the go, and further innovation is sure to happen and trigger extra growth in the online slots market as time goes by.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved two major external loan facilities totalling $396 million to support critical humanitarian and health projects in Nigeria’s northern region.

FEC also approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on ‘Detty December’, a new federal initiative aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading global destination for end-of-year tourism and entertainment festivals.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed the approval for the loans while briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the first facility is a $300 million World Bank credit to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities across several states in northern Nigeria.

The second approval is for a combined $96 million credit from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB); $50 million and $46 million respectively, for the Sokoto Health Infrastructure Project, to which the Sokoto State Government will also contribute counterpart funding.

‘The $300 million World Bank credit is for internally displaced and host communities in various states in the North. The second approval is for the credit from the Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank for a total of $96 million to fund the Sokoto Health Infrastructure Project’, Edun explained.

The Minister described the projects as critical to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at addressing regional disparities, improving access to healthcare, and rebuilding communities affected by conflict and displacement.

Edun also briefed the Council on the state of the economy, noting that the latest data show a strong turnaround driven by reforms in the fiscal and monetary sectors.

‘As at the second quarter, the economy was well and truly turned around in terms of growth. Growth was accelerating – over 4.2 percent – while inflation was down to 18 percent,’ he said.

He attributed the recovery to the correction of market distortions, exchange rate stabilization, and improved investor confidence.

According to him, critical consumer spending indicators show that Nigerians are spending less of their income on essentials such as food, health, and transport than before.

‘People are now spending about 50 percent of their income on basic needs compared to 90 percent before. There is more affordability, and the cost of living is inching downwards,’ the minister noted.

Edun further highlighted Nigeria’s recent delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a ‘major institutional achievement’ that restores Nigeria’s standing in the global financial community and lowers the cost of cross-border transactions.

He said this milestone, combined with the recent oversubscription of Nigeria’s $2.35 billion Eurobond offer, which attracted $13 billion in bids, reflects global confidence in the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.

‘Despite recent political headwinds, investors focused on the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy. We were prudent in our borrowing, not exceeding what was approved or budgeted. The oversubscription shows a resounding vote of confidence in Nigeria’, Edun said.

The Minister also cited Nigeria’s digital identity milestone as a tool for efficient social investment delivery, revealing that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has now issued National Identification Numbers (NINs) to 125 million Nigerians.

‘This gives the President and government the flexibility to directly reach and support citizens when needed, using verified biometric and digital systems,’ Edun explained.

He reaffirmed that the government’s reform programme is positioning Nigeria as ‘a stable and attractive investment destination,’ noting growing international interest in multiple sectors, including aviation and infrastructure.

‘The world is interested in good investments, and Nigeria is now proving to be a stable and attractive climate for such investors,’ the minister stated.

Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced that Council has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on ‘Detty December’

Musawa said the Task Force will coordinate federal ministries, departments, and agencies to support Lagos State and other participating states in delivering world-class festival experiences during the ‘Detty December’ period – the popular month-long season of music, arts, and cultural celebrations.

She added that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for the creative and tourism industries, attracting private sector investment and branding Nigeria as a global cultural hub.

Musawa further revealed that the Council approved the establishment of Tourism and Cultural Economic Zones across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

These zones, she said, will leverage regional strengths to promote unique cultural and tourism assets.

‘Every state, working together with the federal government, will project its cultural and tourism strengths. These zones will be modeled after global success stories like Cancun in Mexico and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia,’ she stated.

The Minister also announced the adoption of national tourism brands such as Naija Season, a year-round celebration of Nigerian festivals developed by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), as official federal initiatives for tourism promotion.

Another major approval, she disclosed, was the establishment of the Presidential Council on Tourism Promotion and Investment, chaired by President Tinubu, with the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Tourism serving as vice chair.

The Council, which reactivates an earlier framework from 2023, will coordinate inter-ministerial efforts to attract investment and enhance Nigeria’s global image as a stable, peaceful, and united nation.

‘This Council will build Nigeria’s positive global image, showing our unity and stability to the world. A secretariat will be established in our ministry to drive this agenda’, Musawa said.

The minister also highlighted the FEC’s endorsement of the Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Legal Framework, developed jointly by the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Justice; and Arts, Culture, and Tourism.

The policy, she said, will enable creatives to use their intellectual property as collateral for financing and unlock private-sector funding for the creative industry.

‘This is a game-changer. It will allow our creatives to monetize their ideas, protect their works, and access credit based on their intellectual property. Bigger and better days are ahead for Nigeria’s creative economy’, Musawa said.

Former governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, has urged the INEC, the national electoral umpire, to ensure a credible governorship election in the state on Saturday.

Obi made the call on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen after a visit to the College of Nursing, Adazi Nnukwu, in Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA).

He also visited the University on the Niger Teaching Hospital, Iyienu, Ogidi, in Idemili North LGA.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate advised against vote-buying or other acts capable of compromising the outcome of the exercise.

He described the gubernatorial candidates as his friends whom he respects, but noted that his loyalty remained with his party’s candidate, Dr George Moghalu.

‘All those involved in the exercise, in one way or another, are my friends. I have respect for all of them.

‘But as a member of the Labour Party, I’m supporting my party’s candidate, though not to the extent of vote buying or any other malpractice.

‘Let everyone vote according to their conscience. All I want is a free, fair, and credible election,’ he said.

Reacting to the issue of state creation, Obi described the plan as unnecessary, stressing that what Nigeria needs is to function effectively as a nation.

‘Creation of states is not our problem. We need to make Nigeria work first, not keep creating more states, ministries, and other structures,’ he said.

Obi, who donated ?15 million each to the health institutions, said he had dedicated his life to uplifting humanity.

‘I believe life must have a purpose, and mine is to support people and uplift humanity. I go around Nigeria supporting schools because education and health are critical.

‘The key measure of development globally is life expectancy and Nigeria’s is just 54, among the lowest in the world.

‘We must invest in health and nurses are the human capital for that investment,’ he said.

Obi commended the proprietor of the College and Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has withdrawn the two-count charge filed against Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu.

The IGP had, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, accused Uba and Etu of obtaining N400million under false pretence from an Abuja businessman, George Uboh.

The IGP had alleged that Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima (said to be at large), sometimes in 2022, obtained ‘by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.’

When the case was called on Thursday, prosecuting lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi told the court that he was willing to withdraw the charge.

Abdullahi said a notice of discontinuance been filed by the prosecution on the grounds that parties have settled.

He the defendants and the nominal complainant (Uboh) have amicably resolved all the issues in dispute, adding that Uba and Etu have repaid N400m involved in the charge to the nominal complainant.

The prosecuting lawyer the notice of discontinuance was filed pursuant to Section 108(5) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

He urged the court to terminate any further proceedings in the case forthwith.

Lawyer to the defendants, C.F. Odiniru, said he was aware of the prosecution’s notice of withdrawal and was not opposed to it.

Odiniru urged the court to dismiss the charge rather than striking it out in view of the fact that parties have settled.

He said his request for dismissal of the charge was in line with Section 108(3) of ACJA, 2015.

Ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar, allowed the notice of discontinuance nd proceeded to strike out the charge and discharged Uba and Etu.