Farouk Ahmed has resigned as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) amid corruption allegations levelled against him by the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
More to follow…
The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has formally endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Obinna Simon, for the position of Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) ahead of the February 2026 council election.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, said the decision followed a careful assessment of the campaign manifestos and policy proposals of candidates contesting the AMAC chairmanship.
The group said Simon’s vision and competence stood out as being well aligned with the needs of residents across the council area.
“Following a thorough review of campaign manifestos and policies, we found Obinna Simon’s vision and expertise align with the needs of the diverse communities in the FCT,” he said.
“His understanding of complex issues and mastery of tackling them is impressive.”
The Igbo Community Association said it was confident that the SDP candidate would represent the interests of all residents if elected.
“We are confident that he will be a champion for the rights and interests of all residents in AMAC,” Ellis-Ezenekwe stated.
The association further highlighted Simon’s commitment to grassroots development, social inclusion and economic growth as key factors that informed its endorsement.
“We are particularly impressed by his commitment to community development, social welfare, and economic empowerment,” he said.
“His integrity and trustworthiness are unquestionable, making him the ideal candidate for the position.”
Reaffirming its political stance ahead of the election, the Igbo Community in Abuja said it had resolved to mobilise support for the SDP candidate within the council area.
“The Igbo Community in Abuja resolves to support and vote for Obinna Simon,” the president general said while calling on “all residents of AMAC to join us in this endorsement.”
The February 2026 AMAC election is expected to be keenly contested, with several political parties fielding candidates for the chairmanship of one of the most prominent area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Former Senator slumped in his office around midday and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Eyewitnesses and officials at the Bayelsa Government House said the deputy governor collapsed unexpectedly while attending to official duties. Efforts to revive him at the hospital were unsuccessful.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60, had served as Deputy Governor since February 2020 and previously represented Bayelsa West in the Nigerian Senate.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his death are still emerging, and the Bayelsa State Government is expected to release an official statement soon.
There was panic in Yenagoa on Thursday after the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, suddenly slumped in his office and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Yenagoa, for urgent medical attention.
The incident happened in the early afternoon while he was attending to official matters.
Staff members around him were said to have raised immediate alarm as he went down, forcing a rapid medical response from security aides and government officials who were present within the complex.
Hospital sources confirmed that he was quickly moved into the emergency section on arrival.
Medical personnel were seen working swiftly to stabilize him before transferring him to the Intensive Care Unit for closer monitoring.
His condition was described as stable, though doctors are keeping a close watch.
At the moment, there is still no official clarification on what triggered the sudden collapse.
However, some insiders hinted that the episode may be linked to a possible cardiac-related issue.
A senior government source familiar with his schedule remarked that, “He’s a workaholic; he should find time to rest,” stressing that the deputy governor rarely slows down from state duties.
Security around the Federal Medical Centre tightened immediately after his arrival. Officers restricted movement in and out of the facility as top Bayelsa government figures trooped in to check on him.
Attempts to reach his media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, for comments were not successful as of press time.
Attempts to reach his media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, for comments were not successful as of press time.
Medical staff who spoke quietly with our reporter assured that the deputy governor is receiving adequate care and that doctors are confident of his recovery.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have taken former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, into custody in Abuja.
The development emerged late Wednesday, creating fresh discussions around the former Anambra governor’s recent activities and public engagements.
According to information confirmed by close associates, EFCC officials arrived at Ngige’s Abuja residence on Wednesday evening and escorted him away for questioning.
Details surrounding the arrest remain sketchy, but sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the commission is probing issues linked to his time in public office.
Officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the reason for his detention.
The incident comes barely weeks after a disturbing attack on Ngige’s convoy in Anambra State.
That attack left two people injured, including a police orderly, while a passer-by lost his life. Ngige, however, was not in the convoy when the ambush occurred, raising questions about the motive behind the assault.
Security agencies in the state later said investigations were ongoing to track those responsible.
Earlier today, confusion spread across social media with claims that Ngige had been abducted from his home.
Those rumours prompted anxiety among supporters and residents familiar with his political history.
But the speculation was later addressed by Fred Chukwuelobe, Ngige’s former media aide during his tenure as governor.
In his words, “Ngige is with the EFCC. Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC.”
His short clarification helped dispel the abduction rumours and confirmed that the arrest was an operational move by the commission.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has not provided additional information regarding the nature of the investigation or how long the former minister will remain in custody.
More details are expected as the EFCC concludes its preliminary interrogations.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to ministers and other top government officials, saying the security personnel were needed for core policing duties across the country.
The President gave the directive on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu said he would rather have police officers deployed for essential security work than assigned as personal escorts to government officials.
“I would rather offer police officers from the VIP Protection or Very Very Important Persons Unit to perform real policing duties,” the President stated. “I honestly believe in what I have said and I call on the Inspector-General of Police, and I hope the Minister for Police Affairs is here, to take note.”
He explained that the decision was driven by the need to strengthen national security and ensure that available law enforcement personnel were properly utilized.
“If you have any problem related to the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said. “The Minister for Interior, along with the IGP and the Civil Defence structure, should replace those police officers who are on special security duties so that we don’t leave people exposed.”
The President also directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide additional intelligence and form a committee to review the current security structure.
“The first challenge is here and there, kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces that we can deploy,” he said. “I know some of our people are exposed, and we must make exceptional provisions for them. The Civil Defence officers are equally armed, and I want the NSA to take it very seriously, even to the point of arming our forest guards.”
Tinubu also charged the National Economic Committee (NEC) and the Vice President to accelerate the implementation of the livestock reform initiative as part of efforts to address recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
“Especially on livestock reform, I think the Vice President should get NEC to identify which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches,” he said. “We must eliminate the possibility of conflict and turn livestock reform into an economically viable development.”
He emphasised that the initiative should be handled within the constitutional framework that recognizes land ownership by states.
“Whichever land they can salvage, convert it to livestock villages or other viable ventures,” Tinubu added. “Let us stop these conflict areas and turn them into economic opportunities and prosperity.”
Thailand and a coalition of African nations have ushered in a new chapter of diplomatic and economic engagement with the official relaunch of the Thailand–Africa Initiative at a high-level event in Bangkok.
The ceremony, attended by senior officials, ambassadors, and business leaders, was co-chaired by Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who delivered keynote statements outlining an ambitious roadmap for strengthened partnership.
In his opening remarks, Minister Phuangketkeow described the relaunch as both a reaffirmation of longstanding ties and a forward-looking strategy to align Thailand’s foreign policy priorities with Africa’s growing global influence.
Recalling the initiative’s original launch in 2013 during his tenure as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he underscored the accelerating economic rise of Africa and the need for Thailand to broaden its engagement.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a market of 1.5 billion people,”
“Yet Thailand has not engaged with Africa to its full potential. This relaunch is a commitment to recalibrate our policies to reflect Africa’s growing importance.”he said.
Phuangketkeow outlined four strategic pillars forming the backbone of the renewed initiative which includes Political Cooperation, Economic Cooperation and Strategic Cooperation emphasizing that Africa offers real opportunities and long-term prospects.
Addressing the surge in transnational online scam syndicates, the Minister stressed Africa’s essential role in next week’s International Conference on Global Partnership Against Online Scams, hosted in Thailand with UNODC support.
In his response, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar praised Thailand’s leadership and the deepening of Africa–Southeast Asia ties.
“This initiative is a bridge connecting our shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development,” Minister Tuggar said.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging complementary strengths: Africa’s youthful population, vast markets, and natural resources paired with Thailand’s innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and sustainable development expertise.
Tuggar also highlighted the crucial roles of ASEAN and Africa’s regional economic communities, noting that interregional cooperation can “amplify the voices of the global South.”
Addressing Africa’s limited share of global exports—just 2.5% despite being home to 17% of the world’s population—he called the Thailand-Africa Initiative a key platform for boosting integration and competitiveness under frameworks like AfCFTA.
“No country is autarkic, Africa and Thailand must stand together, advocating for multilateralism, equity, and resilience.” he said.
The relaunch commits both regions to structured engagement, increased development resources, deeper political dialogue, and expanded economic ties. Officials hope the initiative will become a model of modern, mutually beneficial South–South cooperation.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially joined the Accord Party ahead of the State Gubernatorial Election coming up next year.
The governor confirmed his new political home on Tuesday, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his next move.
Adeleke’s defection comes shortly after his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the platform under which he served as Senator for Osun West and later became governor.
His exit followed deepening internal disputes within the PDP, particularly at the national level, which he said made it difficult for him to continue within the party.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde in Ede North Local Government Area, the governor stated that he was withdrawing from the party effective November 4, 2025.
He attributed the decision to the ongoing turmoil within the PDP’s national leadership.
“Due to the current crisis within the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party with immediate effect,” the letter read.
Adeleke also expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it provided throughout his political career.
He acknowledged that the party played a significant role in his rise from senator to governor, noting that he remains grateful for the support he received over the years.
With his official announcement, the governor revealed Accord Party as the new platform on which he intends to continue his political journey.
His move is expected to alter political alignments in Osun State, as several of his supporters and loyalists are believed to be preparing to join him in the days ahead.
The governor’s decision has sparked reactions across the state’s political circles. While some PDP members described his exit as a major setback, others noted that the deepening internal crisis made the development predictable.
Accord Party leaders, however, welcomed the move, describing Adeleke’s arrival as a significant boost ahead of upcoming political activities.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor announced his decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
His defection comes amid ongoing political realignments across the country.
Fubara now joins a growing list of state governors and political figures who have switched to the APC this year.
Details later…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sealed the Abuja residence of Timipre Sylva, the immediate past minister of state for petroleum.
Julius Bokuro, special assistant on media to Sylva, revealed this in a statement on Monday, while criticised the agency over the sealing of his principal’s home.
Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa, is locked in a dispute with the EFCC over the probe of the $14.8 million meant for a refinery project in Brass LGA of the state.
In the statement titled “Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home”, Bokuro said the action was carried out without a warrant and without “even the most basic adherence to lawful process”.
His words: “It is behaviour unbecoming of any institution that claims to act in the national interest. What unfolded at the Maitama residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was nothing short of an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the very principles that underpin a civilised society.”
He said officers of the commission attempted to intrude into the home and spray-painted the walls with the words “EFCC — Keep Off”.
“Officers of the EFCC attempted yet another aggressive intrusion into his home and proceeded to spray-paint his walls in stark red, emblazoning the words ‘EFCC — Keep Off’ as though marking the property of a fugitive rather than the home of a respected statesman,” Bokuro said.
He added that Sylva’s children, relatives, and staff have been effectively encircled in the house for weeks.
“To violate such a place without warning, without justification is to inflict terror upon innocent people who have no connection whatsoever to political gamesmanship.
“This latest incident bears all the hallmarks of local political rivalry being misinterpreted, or mischievously presented, as federal instruction. It is a dangerous muddling of partisan ambition with national authority,” he said.
He warned that agencies must not be used as weapons in political contests.
His words: “Government agencies and parastatals must never allow themselves to become weapons in political contest. Chief Sylva has, for decades, served Nigeria with calmness, loyalty, and an almost disarming sense of patriotism,.
“From his stewardship of Bayelsa state to his contributions at the federal level and his continued, unwavering support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has remained dignified even when confronted with provocation. His commitment to this nation has never faltered,”
