Category: Politics

ADC inaugurates LGA coordinators, begins membership revalidation in Sokoto

SOKOTO, NIGERIA — (Agency Report) March 17, 2026 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sokoto state chapter, has inaugurated 23 local government coordinators to commence membership revalidation across the state.

Inaugurating the coordinators on Monday in Sokoto, the State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Keegan, said the party registration was a significant step in the effort to strengthen the party tentacles.

He said the exercise would also reshape its structure and grow its grassroots base for the upcoming general elections.

Keegan said the party had conducted statewide stakeholders meeting on Sunday and met with some chieftains ahead of the mass rally to be organised as a mark of strength.

Also, speaking at the event, the National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Akibu Dalhatu, said the exercise would be conducted in all the 244 political wards of the state.

Dalhatu further said the exercise would run concurrently with both e-registration and physical exercise.

“The ADC introduced e-registration exercise with the aim to make it easier for the people willing to join the party

“The ADC is well prepared to dislodge the All Progressive Congress (APC) administration at all levels because Nigerians are yearning for an alternative platform to send the APC government parking

“ADC is the perfect platform to serve as an alternative to the ruling APC which plunged the country into untold hardship courtesy of its bad economic policies,” he said.

Dalhatu called on youth and women and all Nigerians to embrace the ADC for the desired change(NAN).

March 17, 2026
Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, thanks President Tinubu after swearing-in

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his swearing-in today.

In a statement on Monday, Oyedele said his appointment is not merely a personal milestone but a call to greater service at a time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges alongside immense opportunities. He pledged to make sound decisions in public finance that will shape the nation’s prosperity, stability, and well-being.

He noted that in his new role, he will focus on strengthening revenue mobilisation, promoting fiscal discipline, and ensuring that public resources translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Oyedele said: “I look forward to working more closely with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, colleagues across government, the National Assembly, private sector, and development partners to advance the mission of financing Nigeria for sustainable development. Public service demands integrity, humility, and dedication. I step into this responsibility with a deep sense of duty and commitment to Nigeria and the Nigerian people.”

March 16, 2026
Governor Radda condoles Bindawa Community over passing of Dan Yusufan Katsina

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State in Nigeria’s northwest, has condoled with the family, the people of Bindawa, the Katsina Emirate, and the entire traditional institution in the state over the passing of Alhaji Muhammad Bello, Dan Yusufan Katsina and District Head of Bindawa, who died last night.

The governor described the late traditional ruler as a respected leader who served his people with dedication, promoting unity, peace, and development in Bindawa District and across the Katsina Emirate. He noted that his passing during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, is a reminder of the mercy and wisdom of Almighty Allah.

Governor Radda prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

A part of the statement issued by the governor on March 16, 2026, reads: “He was a respected traditional leader who served his people with dedication, promoting unity, peace, and development in Bindawa District and across the Katsina Emirate. His passing during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, reminds us of the mercy and wisdom of Almighty Allah. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Bindawa, the Katsina Emirate, and the entire traditional institution in the state. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”

March 16, 2026
Effium–Ezza conflict claimed NELAN Engineers, Umahi denies allegations

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has denied any involvement in the disappearance of NELAN Consulting engineers who went missing during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State.

Families of the deceased engineers have recently suggested that Umahi has questions to answer. However, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Francis Nwaze, on March 16, Umahi stressed that he treated the incident of November 3, 2021, with utmost seriousness. He explained that the disappearance was linked to the Effium–Ezza Effium communal conflict, which claimed lives and properties, noting that the engineers were victims of the wider violence rather than being singled out.

Umahi said his administration worked closely with security agencies, launched intensive search and investigative efforts, visited the site of the incident, and directly participated in recovery operations. “These efforts led to the arrest of individuals involved in the dastardly act. Those arrested confessed to committing the crime, and they have remained in custody since then. The matter is still before the court, and the judicial process continues even after Senator Umahi left office as Governor,” the statement read.

He added: “It must therefore be clearly understood that the government under Senator Umahi did not abandon the matter, suppress it, or fail to act. Swift investigative actions were taken, arrests were made, and the suspects were handed over to the justice system, where the case continues to be prosecuted.” Umahi reiterated that he never wished for such tragedy, describing the communal violence as a devastating conflict that claimed many innocent lives, including the engineers.

The Effium–Ezza crisis, though formally addressed by the current Ebonyi State Government by the creation of Alaoma Community, remains largely unresolved. Effium, once a bustling agrarian and trading hub, is still desolate, scarred by perennial land disputes, battles over motor park control, and competition for economic resources such as forests and mineral deposits. Hundreds have died, many remain missing, and arms proliferation continues to fuel sporadic attacks. Analysts warn that disarmament may be the next critical step toward lasting peace after the government’s peace plan implementation.

Recall that the ring road running through Effium to Iziogo, Nwofe, Iboko, Nwezenyi, and eventually connecting to Abakaliki was constructed in the heat of the crisis, as the then-governor vowed to press ahead with his electoral promises despite the war. It remains unclear whether the engineers were victims of mistaken identity, caught in the crossfire of a conflict that has shown little signs of abating.

March 16, 2026
Tinubu swears in Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister, showers him with praise

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, following his confirmation by the Senate last week.

Tinubu praised Oyedele, who previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, describing his appointment as a vote of confidence. In a statement by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Oyedele’s expertise in tax policy, which helped shape reforms aimed at simplifying Nigeria’s tax system, expanding revenue, and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Tinubu said: “We are very proud of your knowledge, your simplicity, ambition, and excellence. I congratulate your wife for standing up to our challenge of time management and long hours of absence. This is additional responsibility, and I hope you will encourage and support him. Thank you for accepting to serve your country, especially for reforming the entire tax policy of this country that was obsolete and fundamentally against every progressive thinking. You are a very dedicated and highly determined individual. It didn’t take much for me to decide where you fit and where you need to be to further help with the economy. It is a very challenging job because we look at the fiscal policy and responsibility that come with it at the time that economic stability is being experienced, but without exponential growth. It’s always very difficult, but you are fit to be there.”

Oyedele brings a strong academic and professional background to the role. An alumnus of the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and Harvard Kennedy School, he spent 22 years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He is also a professor at Babcock University and a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

March 16, 2026
Zelenskyy congratulates Portugal’s António José Seguro on election victory, counts on additional contributions

LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Portuguese leader António José Seguro on his victory in the 2026 presidential election, held in two rounds: the first on January 18 and the decisive second round on February 8, where Seguro of the Socialist Party won with nearly 67% of the vote.

In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy said: “I personally congratulated President of Portugal António José Seguro on his election victory and wished him success.” He noted that Portugal has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and welcomed assurances that defence, financial, humanitarian, and political assistance will continue under Seguro’s leadership.

Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for Portugal’s participation in the PURL initiative (a defense cooperation mechanism through which Portugal contributes funds to help Ukraine purchase U.S.-made weapons. Portugal pledged €50 million to the program in late 2025, making it a key part of its military support for Ukraine) and said Ukraine counts on additional contributions.

He added: “We discussed the possibility of joint arms manufacturing, the participation of Portuguese businesses in the recovery of Ukraine, and our path toward EU membership. Thank you for the clear position on our European future!”

March 16, 2026
Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Nigerian government to investigate what it described as a horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Ojantele Community of Apa Local Government Area, Benue State.

In a statement issued on March 15, Amnesty alleged that those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. It added that many people remain missing, and two women were abducted during the incident. The attack came just ten days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Kwande LGA.

The human rights body criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated claims of directing security agencies to end the killings, noting that the death toll continues to rise. Amnesty said villagers told its investigators that the government has left them “at the mercy of their attackers.”

The statement reads: “The Nigerian authorities must investigate the horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday when gunmen invaded Ojantele community of Apa LGA Benue state on Friday. Those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. Since after the attack many people are missing and two women were abducted. This is coming 10 days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande LGA. The President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killings, but the mounting death toll clearly shows nothing has changed. Most villagers told Amnesty International that the government left them at the mercy of their attackers. The government has an obligation to protect its population. The rising death toll in the north of Nigeria shows just how badly the authorities are failing in this responsibility.”

Benue State has remained the epicentre of killings by suspected terrorist herdsmen. The unchecked bloodshed prompted Agatu youths to protest on March 15, blocking the Oweto–Otukpo highway to demand government action.

This followed renewed violence in Kwande and Ushongo constituencies, where lawmakers raised alarms over escalating attacks. Together, these incidents underscore the scale of insecurity in Benue, with communities repeatedly targeted and residents demanding urgent intervention.

March 16, 2026
Nigerian Army invites media to verify IED recoveries amid IPOB manipulation claims

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — The Nigerian Army, Operation Udo Ka, and 82 Division have invited media organisations and civil society groups to a verification tour of Orsu-Eketutu Mother Valley, Orsu–Ihiteukwa in Imo State, following viral claims on social media that images of recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) released on March 12 were fake and manipulated.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, the Army clarified that the devices were recovered during ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity in Imo and Anambra states. It explained that geo-location data on the images was deliberately blurred for operational security, not deception, countering allegations spread by IPOB sympathisers online.

Recall that the army in an earlier report said troops have dismantled several IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps and IED factories in the Mother Valley area in Anambra State, Nigeria’s southeast.

The Army accused IPOB of spreading misinformation and manipulating image metadata to suggest the photos were taken in Lagos and Oyo states, while also exploiting ethnic identity to discredit operations. These tactics, the Army said, reflect attempts to sow division and undermine peace in the South-East.

According to the military statement, to counter these claims and build public trust, the Army has invited media and civil society representatives to verify recoveries and inspect operational areas without compromising security. It reiterated its apolitical, professional, and multi-ethnic character, stressing that personnel serve across Nigeria regardless of origin. The Army urged Nigerians to rely on official sources, exercise restraint on social media, and prioritise unity over divisive narratives.

March 15, 2026
Fubara inspects Abua-Agba-Ndele Bridge, highlights Rivers State’s 2026 infrastructure drive

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Saturday inspected the newly completed Abua-Agba-Ndele bridge, a project executed by the state government.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work delivered by Setraco Nigeria Limited, the contractor. Fubara noted that once the 14-kilometre road section linking Ndele-Omofor and Agba-Ndele is completed by the end of May, the entire project will be inaugurated. He emphasised that the development will ease movement for residents in the area, boost business opportunities, and bring governance closer to the people.

The Rivers State Government’s infrastructure policy in 2026 is centred on completing ongoing projects and expanding capital investments in roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and energy-related infrastructure. The ₦1.8 trillion budget approved for the year reflects a strong emphasis on economic growth through large-scale infrastructure expansion.

March 15, 2026
Trump urges global action to secure the Strait of Hormuz, all eyes on China

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the international community to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s seizure of the vital energy transport corridor. The appeal comes in the wake of a U.S. military strike on Iran’s Khagar Island.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump declared: “The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both militarily, economically, and in every other way. But the countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!”

Trump emphasised that the U.S. would coordinate with affected nations to restore safe passage for oil shipments, some of which have already been disrupted by Iranian drone attacks. “This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be,” he wrote. “It will bring the world together toward harmony, security, and everlasting peace.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy supplies, including shipments to China. Analysts note that Beijing’s response remains uncertain, given its longstanding ties with Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iran has continued launching drones and missiles at Gulf states, accusing them of hosting U.S. bases involved in the recent strikes. On Sunday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported intercepting several Iranian projectiles targeting its territory.

March 15, 2026