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JUST IN: National Assembly Suspends Official Visits to South Africa

September 11, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities until further notice. The House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, disclosed the decision in a statement issued on Friday. “The Leadership of the National Assembly, led by H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate, and Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to communicate to all Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, Committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff the decision of the National Assembly to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice,” the statement read. The National Assembly took the decision amid growing concerns over reports of continued xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. It expressed particular concern over reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties. “Of particular concern to the National Assembly is the persistence of these incidents despite repeated appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to the South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice,” the statement stated. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives reached the decision after consultations. The directive covers official visits by lawmakers, committees, officials and staff of the National Assembly. It also covers conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative engagements organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by South African legislative authorities. The National Assembly said the suspension applies to both physical and virtual engagements. It added that no official delegation, member or staff could participate in any such engagement during the suspension without the prior express approval of the leadership. The statement read: “For clarity and strict compliance, the directive provides as follows: “a. All official visits to the Republic of South Africa by the National Assembly, its Committees, lawmakers, officials and staff are hereby suspended; “b. All participation by the National Assembly, its Committees, lawmakers, officials and staff in legislative activities, conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, exchanges or other engagements organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa or other South African legislative authorities is hereby suspended; “c. The suspension shall apply to both physical and virtual/online engagements, including invitations to participate in meetings, programmes, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative activities hosted from or by South African legislative institutions; “d. No official delegation, Committee, lawmaker, official or staff member of the National Assembly shall undertake or participate in any such engagement during the period of the suspension without the prior express approval of the Leadership of the National Assembly; and “e. All existing arrangements, invitations or proposed programmes involving official visits or legislative engagements in South Africa shall be reviewed in accordance with this directive.” The latest move comes after the National Assembly earlier this year condemned renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa and supported diplomatic efforts to address violence against Nigerians. The National Assembly said it would maintain the suspension until further notice and could review the decision based on subsequent developments. It, however, clarified that the action does not represent a rejection of Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relationship with South Africa. “While parliamentary diplomacy and inter-legislative cooperation remain important, they must rest on mutual respect and a shared commitment to protecting life, property and lawful enterprise,” the statement noted.

JUST IN: Tinubu Presides over FEC Meeting

August 19, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu is currently chairing a Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, marking his first FEC session since June 29, 2026. The meeting began with the national anthem after Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber at 2:30 pm to chair the session. The meeting is being attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; ministers, presidential aides and heads of agencies. The council observed a minute’s silence in honour of Abubakar Alhaji, who served as Minister of Finance under the Ibrahim Babangida administration and died on July 30, 2026. It also honoured the former Minister of Science and Technology under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Prof Turner Isoun, who died on July 15, 2026. At the last FEC meeting on June 29, convened after a break of more than two months, Tinubu swore in two new Federal Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission: Amina Gamawa, representing Bauchi State, and Abdullahi Mukhtar, representing Kaduna State, shortly before the council session commenced. Details later…

Just In: Veteran Nollywood Actor Kola Oyewo Dies At 80

June 13, 2026 by admin

LAGOS — VETERAN Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and scholar, Dr Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80. Announcing his passing on Instagram on Friday, actor Kunle Afod wrote: “Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. “His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “Rest well, sir. Your work lives on. “🕊️ It’s a wrap.” The veteran actor, born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later became one of the most recognised figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian film. He was widely known for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” a role that earned him recognition across the African theatre scene. During a career that spanned more than six decades, Oyewo featured in several productions, including “Saworoide,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe,” “Super Story” and many Yoruba-language films that contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry. •Beyond acting, Oyewo was also an academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helped train and guide generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.

Breaking: 16 Reps dump ADC for NDC

May 5, 2026 by admin

At least 16 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigerian Democratic Congress. The defections were formally announced on the floor of the Green Chamber during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. The lawmakers cited “unresolved crises” as the reason for their decision to leave the party. Those who moved to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike. Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado. More details to come.

Just In: Adebayo Adelabu Resigns As Power Minister, Signals Oyo Governorship Ambition

April 22, 2026 by admin

IBADAN — THE Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally tendered his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring his intention to contest the forthcoming governorship election in Oyo State. In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu said his resignation would take effect from April 30, 2026, noting that the notice period was designed to ensure a smooth and orderly transition at the Ministry of Power. A copy of the letter was also forwarded through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. In the correspondence, the minister expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet, describing his tenure as a privilege. “It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector, one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation,” he stated. Adelabu explained that his decision to step down was driven by a long-standing political ambition to govern Oyo State, tracing the aspiration back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He added that he had previously resigned from the apex bank in 2018 in pursuit of the same ambition. The outgoing minister also cited provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which prohibit public office holders from remaining in office while contesting elections, noting that his resignation was in compliance with the law. As of the time of filing this report, President Tinubu has yet to announce a successor or an acting minister to oversee the Ministry of Power.

JUST IN: Impeachment of Fubara, Deputy’ll Continue – Rivers Lawmakers

January 16, 2026 by admin

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have insisted that the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, will continue, describing it as the only solution to the political crisis in the state. The lawmakers made this known on Friday while briefing journalists, after the Assembly failed to reconvene on Thursday as scheduled. Taking turns to address the media, the legislators maintained that the impeachment proceedings were constitutional and in line with their legislative responsibilities. They dismissed criticisms of the process, insisting that the Assembly was acting within the provisions of the law to address what they described as a political impasse in Rivers State. The briefing came a day after the Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, exactly one week after adjourning its last sitting. The House had, at its sitting last week, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. The allegations included the demolition of the Assembly complex and spending public funds without legislative approval. However, the impeachment move has faced political pushback, with four lawmakers between Monday and Wednesday formally withdrawing from the process and calling for an amicable resolution of the crisis. Despite expectations that the Assembly would reconvene on Thursday, there was no indication that plenary held, fuelling speculation about internal divisions within the House. The lawmakers, however, said on Friday that the impeachment process remained on course. More details later…

JUST IN: Tinubu Meets Service Chiefs in Aso Rock

December 15, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu is holding a closed-door meeting with the Service Chiefs at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Our correspondent observed that the meeting began about 06:01pm (local time) as the security chiefs arrived at the forecourt and were ushered into the President’s office. It is Tinubu’s first meeting with the military high command since he swore in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence on December 4. Although the agenda of Monday’s meeting is not yet public, the engagement is coming as 115 students kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in November remain in captivity. On November 26, Tinubu declared a national security emergency and ordered fresh recruitment into security agencies. He also ordered the withdrawal of all police personnel from VIPs The meeting also comes days after Nigeria’s Senate approved Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin Republic following an attempted coup in the neighbou ring country.

JUST IN: Police Declare Sowore Wanted Over Planned Protest in Lagos

November 3, 2025 by admin

The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge. Jimoh said that Sowore, who leads the “Take It Back Movement,” ignored earlier warnings from the police not to mobilise protests over the recent demolition of houses in the Oworonshoki area. “We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace. “Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” he said. He cautioned that anyone attempting to cause disturbances or block public roads would “face the full weight of the law.” According to the commissioner, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at strategic locations such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. Describing the alleged plan as “criminal,” Jimoh warned that it could cause severe traffic disruptions and endanger lives. “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he added. The police chief revealed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore allegedly fled. He said investigations were ongoing to uncover the sponsors and collaborators behind the plan. Jimoh disclosed that police officers had been deployed across major highways and bridges, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been mounted. “The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he stated. Addressing concerns over the recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly Oworonshoki, Jimoh maintained that affected residents had been compensated. “The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he said. He urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear, assuring that the police and other security agencies were on top of the situation. “We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh declared. The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, emphasising that “freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives.” Sowore had threatened to stage a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworoshoki following the controversy surrounding the demolitions. Sowore made this known shortly after he was granted bail in Abuja alongside Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor; Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and other protesters. But the commissioner cautioned Sowore against mobilising protests over the demolitions. He said that the command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder. Jimoh emphasised that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.

JUST IN: Tinubu Decorates New Service Chiefs

October 30, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday decorated the new service chiefs with their respective ranks at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The ceremony, which began shortly after 2pm saw the President perform the decoration alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the decorated officers, each dressed in their respective service uniforms. Those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and Chief of Naval Staff. The Senate had, on Wednesday, confirmed the four nominees after a two-hour closed-door screening session where they were grilled on strategies to strengthen national security and improve coordination among the armed forces. Tinubu had earlier written the red chamber, seeking an expedited confirmation process “to ensure continuity in the nation’s security leadership.” Our correspondent observed that the ceremony was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers family members of the service chiefs and top officers from the various arms of the military. The President, Vice President and the officers’ spouses took turns pinning the new ranks on each of the decorated chiefs. The decoration came barely one week after the Presidency announced a sweeping reshuffle in the military hierarchy. In the statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, it said the shake-up was part of efforts to inject new direction into the nation’s defence architecture. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retained his position. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, later told our correspondent that the changes were not connected to recent rumours of a coup plot, saying, “The President acted within his authority as Commander-in-Chief. Service chiefs can be hired and fired by the President.” On Monday, Tinubu had met privately with the new service chiefs at the Villa. They arrived in a black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van escorted by a green Toyota Land Cruiser, and the session lasted about 40 minutes. Presidency sources said the President charged them to take decisive action against insurgents and bandits, particularly in the North. Last Friday’s reshuffle followed an October 19 report alleging that some officers were plotting to overthrow the government — a claim later dismissed by the Defence Headquarters as “false and mischievous.” The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said the alleged arrests linked to a coup were “issues of indiscipline” within the ranks, describing the report as “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

JUST IN: NLC Begins Meeting with ASUU, Other Unions Over Strike

October 20, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress has commenced a meeting with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics among others over the ongoing strike in universities and other concerns raised by workers in tertiary institutions nationwide. The meeting is currently holding at the NLC national headquarters in Abuja. Recall that the NLC in a letter invited all union leaders across various tertiary institutions of learning nationwide to a meeting to find lasting solutions to issues stemmed from failed negotiations with the Federal Government. Nigerian higher education system has been faced with chronic instability, the latest leading to closure of universities nationwide due to the ongoing strike by ASUU. Recall that ASUU National President Professor Chris Piwuna announced the strike at a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday, following the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues relating to staff welfare, infrastructure, salary arrears, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. Negotiations in recent weeks failed to avert industrial action. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said two weeks ago that talks had reached a final phase, noting the government had released N50bn for earned academic allowances and allocated N150bn in the 2025 budget for a needs assessment to be disbursed in three instalments. However, ASUU rejected these measures as insufficient. The union is demanding full implementation of the 2009 agreement, release of three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for universities, protection against victimisation, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and release of withheld deductions for cooperatives and union contributions. The NLC emphasised its full solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary education unions, calling for robust participation from all union leaders. It also highlighted the principle of a converse stance, “No Pay, No Work”, urging the government to honour collective agreements and respect the rights of workers. The emergency meeting is expected to chart the next steps for industrial action and explore strategies to safeguard the welfare of university staff, as well as the quality and continuity of public tertiary education in Nigeria.