Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has embarked on a working visit to Niamey, the capital of the Niger Republic, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and its northern neighbour.

Tuggar was received by his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Sangaré. The visit was confirmed in a statement posted on Thursday via the minister’s official X handle.

“Rebuilding trust and fostering regional stability remain central to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts,” the minister said.

He noted that the visit aimed to renew bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and energy. Tuggar also disclosed that discussions covered shared concerns including migration management, the fight against desertification, and the revitalisation of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC).

“Nigeria and Niger remain united in their commitment to advancing regional peace and development,” he added.

Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been tense since the July 2023 military coup in Niger. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, imposed strict sanctions on Niger and demanded a return to constitutional rule, including threats of military intervention.

These actions led to a deterioration in diplomatic ties, including border closures and the suspension of joint initiatives.

Tensions escalated further last month when the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso introduced a 0.5% import duty on goods from ECOWAS member states, deepening the rift within the region.

The Leader of the Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra State, Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, has revealed that only 200 youths from the South-East have registered for the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.

Ekeator made the disclosure during a sensitisation programme held for youth leaders and President-Generals of various communities in the state.

He expressed concern over the low turnout from the region compared to other parts of the country, where no fewer than 4,000 applicants have registered per state.

“This sensitisation is necessary because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other states, not less than 4,000 persons have registered,” Ekeator said.

He urged youth leaders and community heads to return to their respective communities and mobilise more young people to participate in the exercise.

“Increased youth participation will enhance the representation of the South-East in the force, ensuring that the region’s quota is fully utilised,” he added.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has pledged to immortalise former Nigerian footballer and coach, Christian Chukwu, who passed away at the age of 74.

Chukwu, a former captain and coach of both Enugu Rangers and the Super Eagles, died on Saturday at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu.

During a condolence visit to the late football icon’s family in Enugu on Thursday, Governor Mbah assured them of the state government’s support, describing Chukwu as a national legend who inspired millions of young people through his dedication and achievements in football.

“We have come here to commiserate with the family and also to express our devastation,” the governor told reporters after signing the condolence register. “His death is not just a loss to the family alone; it is a loss to all of us, particularly the government and people of Enugu State.”

He described Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” as a household name and a symbol of excellence in global sports. Mbah said the government and the people of Enugu are united in mourning his passing and will stand by the family during this period of grief.

“We are going to be with them all through this period. This loss is our collective loss,” he said, adding that plans are underway to immortalise the late football legend.

The governor also prayed for the peaceful repose of Chukwu’s soul and strength for the family to bear the loss.

He was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uchenna Ugwu, and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu.

Farouk Aliyu, a close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has refuted claims that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is planning to exit the ruling party.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Wednesday, Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, dismissed the speculations, stating that the CPC remains firmly rooted within the APC.

“It’s not true; there is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC,” he said. “Our certificate, the certificate of CPC, was part of what formed APC. So, how can we leave? To go where? This is our party.”

Aliyu, who described himself as a member of Buhari’s inner circle, also addressed the recent defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He said former President Buhari did not endorse El-Rufai’s move, adding that the former governor should not seek to destabilise the party due to his exclusion from the ministerial list.

He further called on the APC leadership to strengthen internal engagement with all party blocs to reduce internal conflict ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Politics is about engagement. Politics is about the interests of groups, people, and so on. That is what we are saying: engage more—not only with people from the defunct CPC, but even from the PDP. So that in 2027, there will be less competition,” Aliyu stated.

On the opposition’s coalition, he said the APC would not allow the alliance led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to unseat the party in 2027. “They are strange bedfellows,” he said, expressing confidence that the selection of a presidential candidate would destabilise the Atiku-led coalition.

An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday struck out the defamation suit filed against Instagram celebrity Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkblackman (VDM).

The suit was instituted by Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and his son, Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, following an audio recording by cross-dresser Bobrisky which accused the Falanas of perverting justice.

The claimants had sought N500 million each in damages over a video posted by VDM on his social media platforms.

When the matter was called, neither the claimants nor the defendant were present in court. Counsel to the respondent, Mr. Niyi Alagbe, appearing on behalf of Mr. Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that an application for stay of proceedings had been filed before Justice Fimisola Azeez.

Responding, counsel to the Falanas, Mr. Omotayo Olatunbosun, confirmed receipt of the application at about 4:15 p.m. on Monday but argued that the court should proceed with hearing the preliminary objection, which he said was ripe for determination. He described the new application as a tactic to delay proceedings.

Justice Matthias Dawodu, in his ruling, noted that the application was not before him and questioned why the case was brought to his court when the substantive matter was already before another judge.

He ruled that continuing with the case would amount to an academic exercise and struck out the suit.

“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,” Justice Dawodu declared.

The Anambra State Government has called for national legislation to prohibit the use of industrial oxygen in hospitals, citing serious public health risks.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Ms. Nwamaka Arinze, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Oxygen Production Plant in Awka.

Dr. Mefor expressed concern over the continued use of industrial oxygen in medical facilities, warning that it poses significant dangers to human health. He emphasized that industrial oxygen is unsuitable for human consumption and should be banned through legislation.

“Since it has been proven that industrial oxygen is not good for human consumption, it should be a legislative issue. There should be a law against it, with clear punishments outlined for its usage,” Mefor stated.

He noted that without a legal framework, individuals and institutions may continue to opt for cheaper but hazardous alternatives, despite the potential health consequences.

Highlighting the widespread use of industrial oxygen, the commissioner urged for strict legislation and severe penalties to deter the practice. He also referenced recent actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), including the shutdown of the Bridgehead Drug Market over the sale of fake, expired, and banned drugs.

Mefor criticized profit-driven practices that endanger lives, stressing that effective legislation and enforcement are essential to tackling the issue. He acknowledged existing challenges in law enforcement, particularly in Anambra State, but pledged the Ministry of Information’s support in driving awareness and collaboration with relevant authorities to address the problem.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), of his constitutional duty to report to the National Assembly in the course of administering the state.

Abbas gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State.

The development follows the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on 18 March 2025, amid a political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

President Tinubu had suspended both the governor and the lawmakers for six months and appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The appointment was subsequently approved by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 21-member committee, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for objectivity, urging members to avoid bias and partisanship in carrying out their responsibilities.

“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.),” Abbas said.

He further clarified that Ibas’s role is limited to maintaining law and order and ensuring the basic functions of governance until democratic structures are restored.

“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state, as prescribed by the constitution,” he added.

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, has warned that the party risks collapse if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as its 2027 presidential candidate.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, George said Atiku’s candidacy would mark the end of the PDP, especially if secured through alleged manipulation as in 2023.

George criticized Atiku’s leadership, stating he has failed to address internal party crises and is pursuing personal ambitions rather than the party’s interests. He also backed the recent rejection of an opposition coalition spearheaded by Atiku by PDP governors, praising them for “putting on their thinking caps.”

Citing the PDP’s zoning arrangement, George insisted the presidency should return to the South after eight years in the North. He said while Atiku has the constitutional right to contest, he should not be the PDP candidate in 2027.

George also expressed his desire to see the PDP win the next election with a southern candidate, adding that he does not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Gunmen have reportedly abducted several worshippers during a night vigil at a remote mountain location in Kogi State.

The incident occurred on Friday at Egbola, along Agbaja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area.

According to reports, the assailants stormed the prayer site and began shooting sporadically to cause panic before abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.

A source said the Kogi State Vigilante Service, after receiving information on the attack, mobilised to the scene and engaged the gunmen in a shootout.

One of the abducted victims, identified as Mary Adams Gure, was reportedly rescued during the operation. It was gathered that she escaped amid the confusion and was later secured by the vigilantes.

“A search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to locate the remaining abducted persons,” the source said.

Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him went unanswered.