Killings Spark calls For Emergency Rule In Benue

  A growing number of Nigerians on social media are demanding that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State following the killing of a reported number of 200 people in a two-day rampage by suspected herders. Many users are comparing the silence over the Benue massacre to the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025. Nigerians have described the Rivers situation as a heavy-handed response to a political crisis that has claimed no lives. A report by The PUNCH revealed that at least 45 people were confirmed dead in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, with local leaders claiming the true figure could be more than 200, including security officers and entire families burned alive. Despite the scale of the killings, President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency have yet to officially address the incident as of Monday morning, sparking widespread anger online. “My heart goes out to the people of Benue. 200 is a lot!!!!!! And the govt didn’t declare a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders hate Nigerians!” a user with the handle @1creeknation wrote. Referencing the recent political dispute in Rivers, an X user, Alphabet, with the handle @Alphabet_ABCD_ said, “Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue and no state of emergency has been declared. The presidency hasn’t even addressed the incident 48hrs after. “But a minor misunderstanding occurred between a boy and his Oga in Ph and a state of emergency was declared. Na country be this?” Human rights activist Rinu Oduala also weighed in. Tweeting with the handle, @SavvyRinu, she said, “Zero deaths in Rivers state – State of emergency. 200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue and other states – No state of emergency. Tinubu, please resign. The evil you have done is enough.” Some users said the government’s reaction showed a prioritisation of political control over human lives. “Israel and Iran at war each other don’t even have this number of casualties yet. The President declared state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructures were targeted, but couldn’t care less about humans being killed in Benue,” Kunle, tweeting as @Soulmedika, wrote. Another user, KHAN, with the username @khanofkhans11_, said, “The first thing I expected was a state of emergency and heavy military presence. Comb every corner of the state and fish them out. But no, it’s I have been briefed coupled with pandering to terror!sts. Gross incompetence.” In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu expressed concern over the killings and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to unite all stakeholders to end the violence. Tinubu said, “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings. This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.” A Facebook user, ‎Diliba Shalom, reacting to the President’s statement, wrote in pidgin, “‎Reconciliation between who and who? When it was Wike and Fubara he declared state of emergency… Now e reach Benue turn na reconciliation between farmers and herders” Nigerians continue to criticise the absence of a state of emergency or visible military crackdown in Benue State. Punch

Elect Leaders For Their Ability, Not Their Tribe — Obi Tells Nigerians

  Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s leadership selection, urging citizens to prioritise competence, capacity, character, and compassion when choosing leaders. In a statement on Monday via X titled “What Cannot Be Hidden in Leadership,” Obi said leadership is either succeeding or failing, and the results are always visible. “There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do,” he said. He reiterated his long-held position that tribal and religious considerations in leadership choices have severely harmed the country. “We must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country.” Obi emphasised that competence is vital for understanding and solving Nigeria’s complex challenges, while capacity ensures the stamina and mental strength needed to lead effectively. “Leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over,” he added. “But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored.” Citing recent tragedies, Obi condemned the federal government’s apparent lack of response. “Recently, we witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, with many still missing. Yet, not even a single presidential visit,” he said. “Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning.” Contrasting this with international examples, Obi said, “In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours. In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility.” “That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life,” he said. “But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face.” He concluded by stating that Nigeria needs more than just a president. “Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue,” he said.

US Embassy In Tel Aviv Damaged By Iranian Missile Strike

  The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, on Monday said an embassy building in Tel Aviv sustained minor damage from a nearby Iranian missile strike, reporting no injuries to US personnel. Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles on Israeli cities early Monday, after Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran, with both sides threatening further devastation. AFP images showed gutted buildings in the coastal hub of Tel Aviv, after Israel’s army warned people to take cover from incoming Iranian missiles. “Some minor damage from concussions of Iranian missile hits near Embassy Branch in @TelAviv but no injuries to US personnel,” Huckabee said on X. He said the US embassy in Jerusalem would remain closed on Monday as orders to “shelter in place (are still in effect. After decades of enmity and proxy wars, Israel’s assault on Iran last week has touched off the most intense fighting yet and triggered fears of a lengthy conflict that could engulf the entire Middle East. Israel says its attacks have hit military and nuclear facilities and killed many top commanders and atomic scientists. But a senior US official said Sunday that US President Donald Trump told Israel to back down from a plan to kill supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump has urged the foes to “make a deal”, but told reporters Sunday that “sometimes they have to fight it out” first. AFP

Nigerian Healthcare Worker Jailed In UK For Kissing Patient

  A Nigerian Healthcare worker, Adewale Kudabo, accused for sexually assaulting a female patient has been jailed to 12-month imprisonment. According to The Press (Yorkpress.co.uk) on Wednesday, Kudabo was working as a health care worker at York Hospital when the sexual assault offences happened, as stated by the prosecutor, Henry Fernnandez. Judge Alex Menary said Kudabo had “abused the trust” placed in him as a medical professional. The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs York Hospital, said it offers its “sincere apologies” to the victim, adding that Kudabo had left his job at the hospital soon after the offences. Mr Fernnandez said Kudabo, 47, was allocated to bathe a patient who was in a lot of pain. He said the offences did not relate to the bathing but what happened afterwards. When finished bathing the patient, Mr Fernnandez said Kudabo leant down and kissed her on the lips. The victim, despite being in considerable pain, was able to move away slightly but could not avoid the kiss, Mr Fernandez said. She was “left in a state of confusion and felt uncomfortable” by the incident, he added. Days after the incident, Mr Fernnandez said Kudabo asked the victim if she wanted another “bed bath” and again tried to kiss her. The victim attempted to “get away”, Mr Fernnandez said, but was unable to avoid Kudabo kissing her on the lips for a second time. He said the victim later reported the incident to police. The Press reports that the court heard that the offences had led to the victim suffering with anxiety and experiencing flashbacks to what happened at the hospital with Kudabo. Kudabo, of Count De Burgh Terrace in South Bank, York, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on the first day of his trial in April. Judge Menary said the victim had “placed her trust” in Kudabo and told him: “You abused that trust.” He jailed Kudabo for one year on Tuesday (June 10) and said he must serve half of the sentence before he is eligible for release. The judge said the seriousness of the offences meant only an immediate jail sentence was suitable. Jerry Sodipe, defending, said Kudabo, who has no previous convictions, had shown remorse for his actions. “He has held up his hands to say, yes he is guilty, he shouldn’t have done that,” the defence barrister said. Mr Sodipe said Kudabo was “moved to sympathy” due to the pain experienced by the victim and thought he was showing her comfort by kissing her. But Mr Sodipe said Kudabo accepted his actions were “inappropriate and unacceptable”. Mr Sodipe said Kudabo had moved to the UK from Nigeria with his family for work but had now lost his job. The Press reported that after the hearing, a York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “We offer our sincere apologies to the patient affected. “Patients should always feel safe and respected while in our care, and we deeply regret that this was not the case. “We acted swiftly and decisively, and the individual involved left our employment soon afterwards.” Punch

Oyo State NG-CARES Continues Farm Inputs Distribution to Smallholder Farmers in June 2025

  The Oyo State Government,under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, proudly announced the continuation of the distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers through the Oyo State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (Oyo State NG-CARES) programme in June 2025. This initiative, supported by the World Bank, aims to enhance food security, boost agricultural productivity, and mitigate the economic challenges faced by vulnerable farmers across the state. Building on the success of previous phases, the June 2025 distribution targets thousands of smallholder farmers in multiple local government areas (LGAs), providing critical agricultural inputs such as NPK fertilizers, maize and tomato seeds, herbicides, cassava cuttings, and livestock like goats. In 2024, the fourth phase of the programme supported 3,660 farmers across 26 LGAs, significantly improving livelihoods and food production. This ongoing effort underscores the state’s commitment to empowering farmers and fostering economic resilience in the face of all challenges unleashed on Nigerians by the failed All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. The Oyo State NG-CARES programme, coordinated by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), also includes capacity-building and extension services to equip farmers with modern techniques for sustainable farming. The initiative prioritizes Farmers Community Associations (FCAs) and beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneur Agro-preneur Programme (YEAP), ensuring inclusivity and impact. Governor Makinde’s administration remains dedicated to transforming Oyo State’s agricultural sector through strategic interventions like NG-CARES, the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme, and tractorization subsidies. These efforts align with the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023–2027, aiming to reduce poverty, create jobs, and ensure food sufficiency.

(PHOTOS): Oyo Govt’ll End Illegal Mining, Activities Degrading Environment – OSMDA DG•••Calms Igbeti Resident On Rock Weathering Incident

(PHOTOS): Oyo Govt’ll End Illegal Mining, Activities Degrading Environment – OSMDA DG•••Calms Igbeti Resident On Rock Weathering Incident

  IBADAN – Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency, Mr Abiodun Oni, has warned that the state government will continue to be stern against illegal miners and individuals putting the lives of residents at risk through different activities that can degrade the environment. Oni stated this recently when the agency inspected the Ibadan Circular Road, where illegal excavation has led to the degradation of the area spanning Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas. He maintained that the inspection followed an earlier visit by the governor, during which he gave an instruction that such activities should be halted in the area, noting that though the warning had been heeded, the state would not relent in ensuring that the environment is protected. He lamented that the state government would have to spend huge resources, which could be channeled to the development of the state, on fixing the environmental damage caused by the unguided excavation activities. According to Oni, the Executive Order on the Security and Protection of Mining Communities is in force in the state and the state government would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring its enforcement despite mining falling under the exclusive legislative list. He said: “About a few weeks ago, the governor had an inspection around here and discovered the kind of illegal mining activities going on here. “We found out the kind of environmental degradation happening here. So, we have come today as a follow-up to the inspection he did. We also had a team from the Ministry and Agency that came here a few days ago as well, which met with the people causing the havoc here. “The team warned those people. So, this is just a follow-up to that visitation. So far, so good, the engagement here is yielding some results, because we have travelled about 8.5 km and we have not seen anybody excavating here. “I think they are yielding to the warning but this is going to be a continuous exercise, because illegal miners don’t give up. We will continue to make sure we come around here, because we want to put a stop to the illegal activity. “If they continue to do this, we have to take action. Though the law of the land as regards mining rests with the Federal Government, we have our own laws that give us the room to act one way or the other. The Executive Order that the governor signed in 2023 takes care of some of those consequential responses and we will put them into action. We have to get hold of these guys and enforce the law. “Though they have done what they have done, they are not going to continue doing it. We will make sure that they don’t continue to do this excavation. Just look at the land. It is going to cost a lot more to be able to reclaim it. “So, we are going to keep spending time to let people inspect this place and make sure this act stops.” In another development, the OSMDA DG and his team equally visited Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the state, where they inspected the site of the recent rock weathering, which initially caused a stir before the government explained the cause of the incident. Speaking in Igbeti, Oni reiterated the state government’s position that there is no cause for alarm, noting, however, that residents should not carry out activities near the rock until they are informed it is safe to do so. He added that the state government has been on top of the situation, as it has been coordinating the local authorities including the local government and the traditional institution on necessary actions. Oni said: “From what we have seen, the rock was subjected to extreme heat and made a weak part of the rock come down. “To the glory of God, we don’t have any casualty and this is one of the reasons why the governor sent us here to calm nerves down. “We have reassured the people of the community that there is no danger but they should steer clear of the rock. This is because there may be a recurrence. “This thing is better attended to by the local authorities that we have advised from the state. I have been in touch with the elected council chairman and the king of the town. We have also advised the people to stay away as much as they can. “As I said, it is still more like an active system and we don’t want anybody to get hurt. So, I want to implore the people of the community and the farmers farming close to the rock to stay away for now.” Also speaking, the vice chairman, Olorunsogo Local Government, who spoke on behalf of the chairman, Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, said the council had taken several actions, including working with the traditional institution to disseminate information to residents on the incident and why they should stay away from the rock. He added that the government is also working on erecting a barricade to prevent people from the axis. Similarly, the Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba (Engr) Bashir Abioye, lauded the Oyo State Government for taking necessary steps to prevent the loss of lives, adding that he had also tasked a team of experts to evaluate the situation. He said: “This incident also occurred last year and the one that just happened was the continuation of what happened last year. The government of Oyo State has taken the necessary steps to make sure that no life is lost. “We have also asked the hunters and farmers that do use the rock to stop going there temporarily. The government has asked a team of experts to come and evaluate the rock and I believe that, with the capacity of the state government, the needful would be done, because we know that the lives of our people are important to them.”

Historic Reunion: Ogundoyin Brings Together Past Oyo Legislators, Proclaims 8th Assembly Forum

Historic Reunion: Ogundoyin Brings Together Past Oyo Legislators, Proclaims 8th Assembly Forum

  IBADAN – In a landmark gathering that blended nostalgia with renewed purpose, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin hosted members of the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly to a dinner in Ibadan, where he formally proclaimed the 8th Oyo Assembly Forum, a platform aimed at fostering unity, welfare, and continued collaboration among past legislators. The event, attended by over 20 former Oyo State House of Assembly lawmakers of the 8th Assembly, was more than a reunion, it was a reaffirmation of shared values and a commitment to collective progress. It is worth recalling that the 8th Assembly holds special significance for the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, as it marked the beginning of his legislative journey. He served as a member during that tenure before ascending to the position of Speaker in the 9th Assembly and now the 10th. The newly inaugurated forum will serve as a non-partisan body, bringing together former members of the 8th Assembly regardless of their political affiliations. The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin used the occasion to announce that the present administration will look into the possibility of introducing a comprehensive health insurance program and other support packages for past members. He also pledged to advocate for pension and gratuity reforms for former legislators at the national level through the Conference of Speakers, aiming to push for constitutional amendments that would secure the rights of past lawmakers. “With this inauguration and inaugural dinner, I am not only honouring my roots but also laying the foundation for a more connected and empowered legislative community in Oyo State. The 8th Assembly Forum now stands as a symbol of continuity, unity and shared responsibility” Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said. The forum’s executive committee was also unveiled, with Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo, former Speaker of the 8th Assembly, named as Chairman. Other officers include Hon. AbdulWasi Musah as Vice-Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola as Organizing Secretary, Hon. Bolaji Badmos as Secretary, and Hon. Fatai Adesina as Treasurer. In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo praised the initiative, saying, “This forum is a timely and noble idea. It reminds us that our service to the people doesn’t end with our tenure. We are a family, and this platform ensures we continue to support one another and contribute meaningfully to the state.” The gathering paid solemn tribute to four late members of the 8th Assembly: Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo (Ibarapa East), Hon. Kehinde Subair (fmr Majority Leader), Hon. Gideon of Oorelope, and Hon. Jimoh of Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central. The forum resolved to meet quarterly in order to continue to strengthen the bond amongst past Oyo State House of Assembly lawmakers. Members also agreed to use the forum as a springboard to integrate other past Oyo State Assembly members, so as to create a broader network of legislative alumni committed to mutual support and institutional development.

NCDC Confirms Surge In Lassa Fever Cases

  Lassa fever is surging again across Nigeria, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirming a higher death rate and more infections despite ongoing public health interventions. In its latest Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 22 (May 26 to June 1), on Friday, the NCDC said eight new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states, representing a slight rise from six cases reported in the previous week. It said that so far in 2025, Nigeria has reported 747 confirmed cases and 142 deaths, marking a case fatality rate of 19.0 per cent a concerning increase from 18.1 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024. The disease has now spread across 18 states and 96 local government areas, with five states Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, accounting for a staggering 91% of all confirmed infections.   Although the agency said there were no new infections among healthcare workers in the reporting week and no probable cases, challenges persist. Meanwhile, experts continue to raise concerns over late presentation of cases, poor sanitation in endemic communities, and limited health-seeking behaviour, all of which hamper effective containment. Health authorities said that the response efforts have been intensified. The NCDC said it has deployed rapid response teams, launched community sensitisation campaigns, and activated an e-learning platform to train health workers on infection prevention and control. Speaking on the resurgence, a public health expert, Dr Solomon Chollom, noted that the rise in cases signals a need for more grassroots surveillance and environmental hygiene education. “We can’t fight Lassa with hospital efforts alone. The communities must be empowered to understand how this disease spreads, mainly through contact with rodent urine or faeces and what they can do to prevent it,” Chollom said. He said that Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness, is endemic in Nigeria and typically spikes during the dry season “However, the year-round transmission pattern seen in recent years suggests a shift in the disease’s behaviour, likely linked to urbanisation, climate factors, and persistent gaps in sanitation,” he said. The agency also noted that young adults between 21 and 30 years remain the most affected age group, indicating the need for targeted public education in schools, marketplaces, and workplaces. In response, experts were urging state governments and local councils to invest in waste disposal systems, community health surveillance, and early case reporting mechanisms. The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that as Nigeria continues its battle against multiple public health threats, including cholera and Mpox, the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak is a stark reminder of the country’s fragile health security infrastructure and the need for collective, coordinated action. Meanwhile, Lassa fever can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings. (NAN)

June 12: Gani Adams, Falana, Others Call For True Federalism, New Constitution

  National Co-ordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, a pan-Yoruba group, Chief Gani Adams, on Thursday, called for true federalism in Nigeria to achieve accelerated development of the country. Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, made the call while speaking at the 25th OPC June 12 Lecture in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lecture was titled “June 12 as a Catalyst for National Development: True Federalism and Nigeria’s Integration.” Recalled that the June 12 presidential election which was won by late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was annulled on June 23, 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Adams, also Convener, Oodua Progressive Union Worldwide, said without true federalism and proper restructuring ,it would be difficult for the country to take its rightful place in the comity of nations. While describing the June 12,1993 election as a watershed in the country’s political history, Adams noted that 32 years down the line, Nigeria had not made desired progress owing to what he called absence of true federalism According to him, to transform a country, the shape of the polity must change periodically. Adams said: “We are all gathered here today not only to honour the memory of Aare Abiola and others who died between 1993 and 1998, but to also tell ourselves some bitter truth. “Nigeria is going through various crises today because some leaders are stubbornly against restructuring. “In honour of Abiola and other martyrs, I want to say it pointedly that whether anybody likes it or not, this country will be restructured. “And the earlier this is done, the better for all of us because there is no way we can guarantee peace and security if this country is not restructured. “If this country is restructured in a way that every locality controls the instrumentality of security, backed by intelligence, the wanton killings of Nigerians will stop automatically. According to him, June 12 should be catalyst for national development, hence need for political, economy, electoral and judiciary reforms, without delay, in honour of Abiola Decrying increasing insecurity, poverty and judicial compromise, Adams added: “We must wage intelligent war against kidnapping in cities, towns and villages and the time for that fight is now through restructuring. According to him, to honour Abiola, Nigeria’s electoral system must be restructured and decentralised. “Nigeria is destined to be great but if the attitude of leaders to restructuring and development is negative, Nigeria is going nowhere,” Adams added. Delivering the keynote address, Mr Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, said that the 1999 constitution remained the major setback for the country. Falana, who was represented Mr Wale Adeoye, noted that June 12 meant a lot of things to a lot of people, but to the majority of Nigeria it was demonstration of courage, resilience and iron- cast determination of the people of Nigeria. “It means the ability of Nigerians to organise beyond their ethnic division, triumph of good over evil. It means if a system is bad, Nigerians can defeat that system. June 12 means life and death. Nothing that many pro-democracy individuals were shot dead by the enemies of democracy during the June 12 struggle, Falana commended Adams for giving his vigour and life for the actualisation of June 12. He said the 1999 constitution drafted by the military could not actualise the aspirations of the Nigerian people in a democracy. “This is a major setback for Nigeria and there is no way we can talk about stability, progress and development.”he said. On poverty, insecurity bedeviling the Nigeria, Falana said that there was the need for Nigeria to answer the national question. Speaking, the President, Women Arise and Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said that June 12 symbolised ballot integrity and free choice . She said the election was memorable as it was when Nigerians put aside primordial interests and voted across ethnic and religious lines. Okei-Odumakin, who highlighted electoral malpractice as one of the problems facing Nigeria, said that many leaders lacked legitimacy, hence could not inspire desired progress. The activist, while applauding leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, said, “if Abiola had been allowed to become the President, we would have had fiscal federalism, restructuring and other policies to end the groanings of ordinary Nigerians. “Honesty, if Abiola was the President of Nigeria, there would have been a pro -people constitution as against the decree branded as constitution for us by the military.” On integration, Okei-Odumakin who noted that Nigerians must agree to live together, called on President Bola Tinubu to make post humous declaration of MKO Abiola as a past President of Nigeria Quoting her late husband and activist, Mr Yinka Odumakin, she said that the only vehicle for the revival of Nigeria was restructuring. “Our experience now is motion without movement. Our constitution has to be considered. Restructuring does not mean balkanisation of the country. Our security architecture has to be restructured “People who paid the supreme price must not be allowed to die in vain. “As we force it down the throat of the government to accept June 12 as our Democracy Day and not May 29, we must retain our battle cry that Nigeria must be restructured,” she said. Also, the Executive Director, Centre for Anti Corruption and Open Leadership Mr Debo Adeniran, and National President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights said June 12 should be renamed MKO Abiola Day rather than Democracy Day. Adeniran said that revisiting the foundation of Nigeria, the restructuring being advocated by many would not be sustainable. Speaking, President-General of Igbo Speaking Community, Chief Sunday Udeh said Nigeria still had a long way to go to in reaping from what democracy and Abiola stood and died for. Udeh said, “Igbo community aligns with the call for true federalism and restructuring, it is the way forward. It is not yet well with Nigeria. We must keep singing it until the right thing is done.” Also, the Vice President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Kudu Abubakar, who commended … Read more

FCT Traders To Shut Shops As Tinubu Commissions Abuja Road Friday

  Residents and commuters in the Federal Capital Territory are advised to brace up for temporary traffic disruptions on Friday, as the Apo-Wasa Road will be closed from 11am to 4pm ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to inaugurate a major infrastructure project in the city. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, traders, mechanics, and shop owners at the Apo Mechanic Village have voluntarily agreed to shut down operations for the day. Olayinka confirmed that the road closure is necessary for the security and smooth flow of the event. According to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the move is to enable them “give President Tinubu a rousing welcome and participate fully in the commissioning ceremony.” The project slated for commissioning is the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway Stage II, stretching from the Ring Road I Junction to Wasa Junction. The event will take place at 2:30pm on Friday with Tinubu expected to personally perform the inauguration. “The Apo-Wasa Road, which is to be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu tomorrow, will be closed to vehicular movement between 11am and 4pm,” Olayinka said. He added that traffic enforcement personnel would be deployed to critical areas to ease movement and redirect motorists to alternate routes. “Motorists are therefore urged to use other routes between 11am and 4pm tomorrow, when the Apo-Wasa Road will not be accessible. “We appeal to road users that will be affected by this temporary closure to bear with the government while using alternative routes,” the statement read. Punch