Author: GANUX

The President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former President of Buhari Youth Organisation, Dr Jibril Mustapha, on Sunday urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

 

Mustapha, who made this call in a statement released on Sunday in Lagos, said Jonathan should heed the calls to run for the office of the president again.

 

“As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and support a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians.

 

“We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider this call and to step forward as a candidate who can unite our country and lead us towards a brighter future.

“This appeal comes in light of the numerous challenges currently facing Nigeria, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rampant banditry,” Mustapha said.

 

According to him, there is an urgent need for a leader who embodies integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to national unity.

 

Mustapha added, “Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are grappling with significant issues that threaten our stability and progress.

 

“We need a leader who can bring all Nigerians together, regardless of their background.”

 

He said that the former Nigerian leader, during his tenure, demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and governance that prioritised the welfare of all citizens.

According to him, the group believes Jonathan has the vision and experience necessary to lead Nigeria.

 

“His leadership style is one that fosters inclusivity and economic advancement, which is exactly what our nation needs at this critical juncture.

 

“Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory on the international stage and within our borders.”

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that BYO is a youth-based supporters group of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan lost his second term ambition to Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.

 

NAN recalls amidst the debate on whether Jonathan was eligible to run again or not, having taken the oath of office twice as President, the Federal High Court in Bayelsa had in 2022 ruled that Jonathan could still contest the presidential election.

The presiding judge, Justice Dashen, who gave the judgment, held that Jonathan’s right could not be stopped by any retroactive law.

 

According to him, the 2007 general election produced the late Umaru Yar’Adua as president and not Jonathan, stressing that Section 137 could not have a retroactive effect to stop him from contesting for the presidency.

 

Dashen ruled that there was no presidential election conducted in the country in 2010 and Jonathan could not be deemed to have been sworn into the office of the president that year.

 

(NAN)

Liverpool have officially secured the Premier League title after a commanding 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

 

The match, played at Anfield, saw Liverpool come from behind after Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke opened the scoring in the 12th minute, assisted by James Maddison.

 

However, it took only four minutes for Liverpool to draw level, with Luis Díaz firing home in the 16th minute following a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai.

 

Liverpool continued to dominate proceedings with Alexis Mac Allister giving the Reds a 2-1 lead in the 24th minute, assisted by Ryan Gravenberch.

Cody Gakpo added a third in the 34th minute, shortly before picking up a yellow card.

 

At halftime, Liverpool led 3-1 and showed no signs of slowing down after the restart. Mohamed Salah scored in the 63rd minute, again with Szoboszlai providing the assist, to extend Liverpool’s lead to 4-1.

 

The victory was sealed when Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie scored an own goal in the 69th minute, pushing the scoreline to 5-1 in Liverpool’s favour.

 

The match also saw late yellow cards for Harvey Elliott and Tottenham’s Richarlison deep into added time.

The Federal Government has sympathised with the people and government of Iran following the tragic explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port, located near the Strait of Hormuz, on Saturday.

 

The explosion resulted in the loss of at least 28 lives, with more than 800 others injured.

 

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Sunday, FG conveyed its solidarity with Iran, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

FG also commended the swift actions of emergency responders in the wake of the disaster and urged continued support for those affected by the tragic event.

 

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with Iran during this difficult time and shares in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident. We commend the swift response of emergency services and urge continued efforts to assist the injured and affected communities.

 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire nation of Iran,” the statement read.

A member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Audu Lauya, has urged ethnic groups to translate the national anthem into their mother tongues to promote patriotism and development in the country.

 

Lauya (PDP – Lau/Karim Lamido/Ardo Kola Federal Constituency) said this at the first edition of the Sungki Yandang Cultural Carnival in Mayo-Lope, the Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State

 

He said that translating the reintroduced national anthem into different dialects would promote understanding and foster unity.

 

Lauya advised other tribes to emulate the Yandang tribe, who sang the three stanzas of the national anthem in Yandang language.

 

He promised to support the youths to secure employment at the federal level, urging those who were qualified to apply in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment.

 

The lawmaker also eulogised the Yandang community as a peace-loving and dependable set of people.

 

Sen. Shuaibu Lau (PFP-Taraba North) pledged to facilitate the connection of the Abbare Mayo-Lope to the national grid.

 

Lau said the power would serve as a source of employment generation for the Yandang teeming youth population.

The senator, while commending the Yandang people for their support during the 2023 general election, said that their vote ensured development, peace and stability.

 

He urged the Yandang people to continue to live in peace with one another.

 

Governor Agbu Kefas also promised to rehabilitate, reconcile and reintegrate the Yandang communities displaced by the farmers/herders conflict in 2018.

 

Represented by Timothy Kataps, the Secretary to the State Government, Kefas commended the Yandang community for organising the cultural festival.

 

He announced plans by his administration to enlist the carnival under the state’s cultural calendar.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event attracted the people of Yandang from all walks of life as well as traditional leaders from Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba.

Real Madrid midfielder, Fede Valverde, has apologised to fans following the team’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the final at Estadio de La Cartuja.

 

In a message on Sunday via Instagram, Valverde admitted his disappointment and pledged his continued commitment to the club.

 

“It happened again. And it will surely happen again many more times, because it is the road we are building and it is normal that one falls after so many miles,” he wrote.

 

“It makes me sad, it makes me angry, impotent. I feel like I failed you,” Valverde added, acknowledging the emotional toll of the defeat.

 

Reflecting on a challenging season, the Uruguayan said, “It’s been a difficult year, physically and mentally very tough, but one day I was clear: ‘until my legs don’t give up anymore’. This club doesn’t deserve less.”

 

He assured fans of his dedication, stating, “We’ll be back, we’ll continue and there I’ll be leaving everything for the respect Madrid deserves, its people and everything that involves playing in the most winning team in history.”

Valverde concluded his message by thanking the supporters: “Thank you.”

 

The match itself was a dramatic encounter, with Barcelona emerging victorious thanks to goals from Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Jules Koundé.

 

Real Madrid had fought back through strikes from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, pushing the contest into extra time before eventually succumbing.

 

Tensions flared late in the game, leading to a series of dismissals. According to the referee’s report, Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, and Lucas Vázquez were all shown red cards and are now set to serve suspensions.

Rwanda has arrested three top officials from the country’s Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board along with four businessmen suspected of corruption and abuses of power, the investigation bureau said on Sunday.

 

Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau said the trio — Augustin Rwomushana, John Kanyangira and Richard Niyongabo — were being jailed in the capital, Kigali, without giving a date for their arrests.

 

It was unclear whether the officials were linked to the illicit traffic in minerals from the resource-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda is accused of backing anti-government fighters to syphon off its neighbour’s rich veins of key minerals.

 

Kanyangira was in charge of traceability at the board, which is tasked with regulating mining activities, while Niyongabo was in charge of mining and Rwomushana took responsibility for strategy and the minerals market.

 

“They were arrested along with four business men suspected to be accomplices in crimes of corruption, abusing power entrusted to them by using their offices for their personal interests, unlawful amassing of wealth and money laundering,” the bureau’s statement said.

 

The announcement comes after the European Union in March slapped sanctions on the board’s head, Francis Kamanzi, over Rwanda’s backing for the M23 armed group.

Kamanzi, accused of using the conflict to engage in the illicit exploitation and trade of the eastern DRC’s mineral resources, has had his assets frozen and has been banned from travelling to the EU.

 

A report by United Nations experts found that Kigali exerts de facto control over the M23 and has maintains 4,000 Rwandan troops in the DRC to support the armed group.

 

The DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 as a way of stealing the valuable minerals including gold and coltan present in the country’s restive east.

 

Rwanda denies offering the M23 military backing.

 

But it insists that it faces a persistent threat from armed fighters present in the DRC’s east linked to ethnic Hutus involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide of Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

 

AFP

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 16-year-old boy, Solomon Ibiwoye, after he was found in possession of a firearm in the Ebute-Ero area of the state.

 

Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in an X post on Sunday, commending vigilant residents whose alert led to the arrest.

 

“Kudos to observant Lagosians who noticed 16-year-old Solomon Ibiwoye with a firearm and discreetly alerted Ebute-Ero Police Division,” Hundeyin wrote.

 

He added that a subsequent search of the teenager’s residence led to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm and an unexpended cartridge.

One more firearm off the streets,” he said, assuring all that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

 

The police spokesperson also reiterated the importance of public vigilance in crime prevention.

 

“See something, say something!” he stated.

 

Hundeyin did not disclose the circumstances under which the teenager came into possession of the weapon or whether he was linked to any criminal gang, but assured that the matter was being thoroughly investigated.

The National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, the North East Development Commission, and the Chairperson of Song Local Government Area, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of communities affected by recent windstorm and fire incidents in Adamawa State.

 

According to a statement posted on X by NEMA on Sunday, the assessment, which took place on Saturday, covered Ndubande, Angwan Madaki, and Sabo Geri communities in Song LGA, where residents were left counting their losses after the natural disasters destroyed homes and livelihoods.

 

Leading the delegation, Mr. Musa Yakubu of the Planning, Search and Rescue Operations (PSARO) said the evaluation aimed to determine the extent of damage and gather data to guide emergency response efforts.

 

“We are here to see things for ourselves and ensure that the appropriate authorities get firsthand information about what the people have suffered.

 

“The disasters led to the loss of livelihoods, including the destruction of residential buildings, food items, food banks, and motorcycles,” Yakubu said.

He assured the affected communities that relief would follow.

 

“NEMA sympathises with the affected victims and assures the residents that their plight will be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for immediate support and intervention,” he added.

 

The visit also had in attendance officials from ADSEMA and NEDC, who jointly inspected the affected sites and interacted with community members impacted by the disaster.

 

The assessment is expected to pave the way for a coordinated distribution of relief materials in the coming days.

An 80-room new hotel in Victoria Island Lagos used as cover for distributing illicit substances has been raided by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency who after hours of combing the rooms recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a total weight of 417.3Kg kilograms worth ₦1,042,500,000 in street value.

 

At least, three suspects: Eze Ayitu; Ofuokwu Samuel; and Emmanuel Ameh were arrested in the course of the operation at the five-storey hotel building between April 25 and 26, 2025 while two other suspects: Noble Philip and his partner Kenneth are currently at large.

 

In a statement on Sunday, the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said items suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trade recovered from the premises housing The Hook Hotel also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, off Elsie Femi Pearse street, Victoria Island, Lagos, include: Toyota Prado Landcruiser Jeep (Lagos AKD 472 OZ); Toyota Sienna Vehicle (Lagos KJA 79 HJ); Volkswagen Delivery Van (Lagos AAA 525 JE); Kia Ceranto Car (Lagos BDG 860 GQ); Grand Caravan Dodge (Lagos APP 847 YF); 74 new TV sets; 10 used TV sets; and 13 refrigerators, among others.

 

In another major interdiction in Jigawa State with a follow up operation in Kano, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence on April 23 seized consignments of opioids being moved from Kano to Niger Republic and Yobe State through Jigawa.

 

The psychoactive substances were being moved in a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked ABJ 182 NW at about 2:30am on Wednesday along Kano- Ringim road, Gumel town, when anti-narcotic officers on patrol intercepted them with two suspects: Abba Ibrahim, 28, and Shuaibu Umar, 29, arrested.

 

Recovered from the Sienna vehicle were 200,000 pills of tramadol 250mg and 217,500 capsules of pregabalin. A swift follow up operation in Kano led to the arrest of the supplier, 41-year-old Jamilu Muhammad, at his residence located at Mil Tara, Layin Technical area of Kano while additional 1,584,000 pills of tramadol 250mg stacked inside a Nissan 18-seater bus marked DAL 372 XA and a room in his house were discovered and evacuated.

This brings the total number of recovered opioids to 2,001,500 pills.

 

According to Babafemi, a total of 3,814.9kg skunk was destroyed on two farms in Ugbodu community, Ovia North East LGA, Edo state on Thursday April 24 when NDLEA operatives raided the plantations where three suspects: Samuel Samson, 26; Daniel Peter, 20; and Abel Edah, 31, were arrested.

 

He said the War Against Drug Abuse, social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands, equally continued across the country in the past week.

 

“Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture delivered to students and staff of Dan-Doro Community Arabic Secondary School, Doro, Katsina; St. James Anglican School, Badariya, Kebbi; Federal Government Girls College, Tambuwal, Sokoto; and members of Oganiru age grade, Onitsha, Anambra, while the Lagos State Strategic Command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, among others,” he added.

 

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Jigawa, Edo and Seme Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

 

Speaking in an interview with Arise Television on Saturday, the ex-militant leader said it would be unfair to demand a power shift to the North after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

 

The Niger Delta chieftain disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television.

 

He said, “We don’t want anybody to cause problems. He should be allowed to complete his two constitutional terms, then we will vote for another person to take over in 2031.

 

“Tinubu is a good person. He has the experience to do everything and carry this country to a higher level.”

 

Tompolo appealed that Tinubu’s four-year mandate, with the possibility of re-election for another four years, should be respected.

 

While describing Tinubu as a seasoned leader who can elevate Nigeria to greater heights, he also revealed plans to embark on a nationwide campaign, including visits to northern states, to garner support for his second term.

“We will do our part, even go out of our boundary to the northern part of Nigeria to talk to our brothers and compatriots so that he will get a second tenure,” he stated.

 

Tompolo added that traditional rulers across the region have endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence that widespread support will ensure the president’s continued leadership.

 

He added, “We are appealing to everybody, and by the grace of God, everybody will support us.”

 

When asked on his position concerning the Rivers State political crisis, Tompolo expressed optimism about the resolution of the ongoing rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

 

According to him, their relationship was not different from that of “Oga and his boy,” signalling Fubara’s return to the office with the help of the President.

 

“The duly elected governor of Rivers State is coming back. Our president is someone who has been protecting democracy for a very long time. There is no way he will truncate it,” he assured.