Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidency has announced significant progress towards the establishment of state police, revealing that a constitutional amendment to provide the legal framework for the initiative is expected soon.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House Correspondents after a high-level consultative meeting on state police held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, deliberations on the proposed state police framework commenced several months ago following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila said the discussions have advanced considerably, with stakeholders now focusing on the constitutional amendments required to pave the way for the creation of state police.

“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President,” he said.

“Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction.

“Hopefully, the amendment will come shortly, and the details of the amendment will come after that.”

He explained that the current stage of discussions centres on constitutional reforms, after which enabling legislation would be introduced to operationalise the new policing structure.

According to the Chief of Staff, there is now broad consensus among key stakeholders on the need for state police, with conversations shifting from whether it should exist to how it should be structured and implemented.

Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu, a long-time advocate of state policing, would be presented with a comprehensive report on the outcome of the consultations.

The Federal Government has continued consultations with the National Assembly, security agencies and other stakeholders as part of efforts to develop a workable framework for decentralised policing.

Advocates of state police argue that it would strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering and enhance the capacity of state governments to tackle emerging security challenges more effectively.

President Tinubu has repeatedly maintained that state police remains a critical component of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and other senior government officials.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong disclaimer over a purported list of senatorial candidates currently making the rounds on social media and some online platforms.

In a statement signed by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary, the party described the publication titled “Concluded List of APC Senatorial Candidates So Far” as false, misleading, and unauthorised.

The APC stressed that the document did not emanate from its leadership and urged members, stakeholders, the media, and the general public to disregard it in its entirety.

The ruling party emphasised that only its National Working Committee (NWC), acting through duly recognised communication channels, has the constitutional authority to announce candidates emerging from primaries or other legitimate processes. It warned that circulating unverified information could mislead the public, sow confusion, and undermine the integrity of its democratic procedures.

Reiterating its commitment to transparency, the APC cautioned members and supporters against lending credibility to fake publications.

The party assured Nigerians that official announcements regarding candidates will continue to be made exclusively through its authorised platforms.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians to resist attempts to divide the country along ethnic and religious lines, warning that politicians often exploit such sentiments when they are unable to compete on ideas, performance, and vision.

In a statement titled, “One lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten,” Obi reflected on the period following the 2023 presidential election, saying public discourse gradually shifted from issues of governance, competence and national development to ethnic and tribal considerations.

According to him, many Nigerians unknowingly became participants in narratives designed to create division and suspicion among citizens.

“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people,” he said.

Obi warned that similar efforts are resurfacing, often through carefully crafted narratives amplified by individuals who may not fully understand the broader agenda behind them.

The former Anambra State governor also defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost spiritual leaders who has consistently promoted peace, prayer, reconciliation and national unity.

“Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom and grace,” Obi said.

He argued that at 84 years old, Adeboye should not be burdened with responsibilities that rightly belong to younger Nigerians, stressing that the task of building a better nation rests largely with the younger generation.

Obi, pushing the “A New Nigeria is Possible” mantra, urged young people to remain vigilant against attempts to manipulate them through ethnic, religious or political sentiments.

“Do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders,” he said.

He further advised Nigerians to question narratives, verify claims, follow facts and reject divisive campaigns, insisting that national progress can only be achieved through unity and a shared commitment to the country’s future.

“The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” Obi stated.

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — A media aide to the Political Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Osborne Ubong Okon, has been relieved of his appointment following a social media post in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allegedly over the handling of the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State.

Okon, who served as Media Aide to the Political Adviser, drew attention on his Facebook page, Osborne Ubong Snr, to images of the kidnapped pupils and teachers reportedly seen lying helplessly on the ground in a forest.

Reacting to the incident in a post dated June 2, 2026, he wrote: “In a sane clime, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”

His dismissal was conveyed in a letter dated June 2, 2026 — the same day the post was published.

The letter, referenced POL/GO/ADV.2/0041 and issued from the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, stated that the decision followed actions considered inconsistent with the expectations of the office.

“Following actions bordering on disloyalty and considering the necessity to always keep the Office of the Political Adviser purified, it has become compelling that you, Mr Osborne Ubong Okon, be and are hereby relieved of your engagement as Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect from today, June 2, 2026,” the letter read.

The document, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, PhD, further cautioned members of the public against conducting official business with Okon on behalf of the office following his disengagement.

The development has generated reactions on social media, with observers linking the dismissal to Okon’s criticism of the President and his comments on the handling of the Oyo abduction incident.

Neither the Akwa Ibom State Government nor the Presidency had publicly commented on the matter at the time of filing this report.

AKURE, Nigeria (NPA) — Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a series of infrastructure, healthcare, education and water projects aimed at improving living standards and accelerating economic development across the state.

Aiyedatiwa disclosed this in a statement issued after the State Executive Council meeting, where several strategic projects received approval.

According to the governor, one of the flagship projects is the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover in Akure to ease traffic congestion along the busy Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor.

The Executive Council also approved multiple road projects across several communities, including Idoani, Oke Agbe, Irele, Ilaje, Owo and Akure, among others.

The governor said the projects are designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and enhance access to critical services.

In the water sector, Aiyedatiwa announced that the state had secured counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the Owena Multipurpose Dam.

He noted that the project would improve access to potable water in Akure and neighbouring communities.

The governor also unveiled plans to strengthen healthcare delivery through the procurement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) Scan and other specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH).

According to him, the investment will boost healthcare services and support medical training in the state.

In the education sector, the Executive Council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology.

Aiyedatiwa said the upgrade would position Ondo State for greater advancement in science, technology, innovation and agricultural development.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that improve the welfare of residents, stimulate economic growth and drive sustainable development across the state.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has flagged off the Community Investment Fund (CIF) and commenced the disbursement of grants to Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots economic development.

Oyebanji said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance and inclusive economic growth.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor said the past 48 hours had demonstrated the unity and shared vision of Ekiti people towards building a more prosperous state.

According to him, he held strategic engagements with tricycle and motorcycle operators, as well as leaders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), private sector operators and artisans.

He said the meetings focused on sustaining industrial harmony, improving welfare and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“These are the men and women who keep Ekiti moving every day. Our discussions focused on protecting our industrial peace, improving welfare, and creating an environment where every local business can thrive,” he said.

The governor explained that the Community Investment Fund was designed to empower women at the grassroots by providing direct financial support to expand their businesses and improve household incomes.

“To back our commitment with immediate action, we flagged off and disbursed the Community Investment Fund to various Women Affinity Groups across the state,” he said.

“This financial boost goes directly into the hands of our grassroots women, giving them the economic power to scale up their businesses and support their families.”

Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to a people-first approach to governance, noting that development efforts would continue to focus on improving the welfare and livelihoods of residents.

He added that the support and cooperation received from various sectors of the state reflected public confidence in the administration’s development agenda and commitment to sustainable progress.

Newpost Africa reports that the Ekiti State governorship election is on June 20, 2026, when the voters will decide to renew Oyebanji’s mandate for a second term in office or go with the opposition. The governor is the flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Freddrick Agbede, has defended the emergence of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate, describing him as the right person to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges.

Agbede spoke on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he dismissed criticisms trailing Jonathan’s emergence as the PDP flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Before addressing party matters, he expressed sympathy over the security situation in Oyo State, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers who have reportedly remained in captivity for more than two weeks.

On Jonathan’s candidacy, Agbede alleged that critics of the former president were being sponsored to attack his nomination.

According to him, the PDP’s decision to field Jonathan reflects its commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s economic and governance challenges.

“If President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will not sacrifice for the progress of Nigeria, where do you expect him to make that sacrifice?” he asked.

Agbede also dismissed reports of divisions within the PDP, insisting that those laying claim to the party outside the recognised leadership structure were impostors.

“I can authoritatively tell you that the other group you describe as a faction of the PDP are impostors,” he said.

The PDP stalwart expressed confidence that Jonathan possesses the political experience and leadership capacity to unite the party and lead it to victory in the next general election.

“I think the PDP and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan have the capacity to fix this country. He can strengthen this party and lead it to victory,” he said.

Responding to questions about Jonathan’s silence since the announcement of his emergence as the party’s candidate, Agbede said the PDP was carefully planning his formal presentation to Nigerians.

“Because President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a peculiar brand, the PDP is strategically organising the process in such a way that presenting him to the public will be a big bang,” he said.

He added that Jonathan remained actively involved in the affairs of the party and was fully aware of decisions being taken by the PDP’s interim leadership.

Since the announcement of Jonathan’s candidacy, political observers have awaited an official response from the former president.

The development has also attracted reactions from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and activist Deji Adeyanju, who separately urged Jonathan to distance himself from the PDP’s declaration, citing ongoing legal disputes and leadership challenges within the party. Both men argued that doing so would help preserve the former president’s reputation as a respected statesman and global leader.