Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is “not happy” that Real Betis have been given an extra 48 hours to prepare for the UEFA Conference League final.
Maresca was frustrated to discover Betis have changed their last match of the La Liga season from Sunday to Friday.
Chelsea have to wait until Sunday for their Premier League finale at Nottingham Forest.
With Chelsea facing Betis in the Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, Maresca believes the Spanish side have been given an unfair advantage.
The Italian’s concern is exacerbated because Chelsea need to beat Forest to ensure they qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing in the Premier League’s top five.
Fourth-placed Chelsea are one point ahead of seventh-placed Forest and sit above fifth-placed Aston Villa on goal difference.
In contrast to Chelsea’s do-or-die clash, Betis have nothing to play for when they face Valencia, with Manuel Pellegrini’s team already certain to finish sixth.
“I’m not happy, one hundred per cent. You cannot allow a team 48 hours more than the other team when you play a European final,” Maresca told reporters on Tuesday.
Asked whether Chelsea should be allowed to play Forest on Friday, he said: “Or Betis play Sunday, like us.”
Despite Maresca’s complaints, UEFA have limited jurisdiction over the scheduling of domestic fixtures.
The Premier League has a long-standing policy that all 10 final-day games kick off simultaneously on a Sunday afternoon.
La Liga has no such tradition and Betis’ game is the only one of the final round of games brought forward to Friday.
“I don’t know if it’s from La Liga, from the Premier League or from UEFA,” Maresca said.
“If I ask you is it normal to play a final where a team has 48 hours more than the other team? It’s not normal. It’s not something correct.
Asked whether UEFA needed to apply clearer rules, he replied: “Absolutely yes.”
The final showdown in Poland pits Maresca against former Manchester City manager Pellegrini, who he describes as his “professional dad”.
The Betis boss managed Maresca during his time as a player at Malaga before employing him as an assistant when he was in charge at West Ham between 2018 and 2019.
Maresca revealed he sought the advice of Pellegrini before he accepted the Chelsea job last June.
“I spent four years with Manuel,” said Maresca. “He’s a reference for me because of his career and especially because in terms a human being, he is a top person.
“I define him like a professional dad because many times when I’ve needed to take a big decision, we are in contact.
“I spoke with Manuel yesterday. We are so close.”
Maresca confirmed that goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen would start the final instead of the error-prone Robert Sanchez as he has played throughout the entire European season.
“Filip is going to play the final because he played all the competition so it would be unfair not to play in the final,” he said.
People’s Democratic Party Women Leaders in the 10 local government areas in Osun West Senatorial District have pledged their support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as the race for the 2026 governorship poll gathers momentum.
Rising from their meeting held in Iwo on Tuesday, the Osun PDP Women Leader, Alice Otunla, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed readiness of the women’s arm of the party to work for Adeleke’s re-election.
Otunla, who declared that Adeleke had paid adequate attention to issues affecting women and children in the state, said the governor should be encouraged to continue his developmental achievements across the state beyond his current tenure of office.
She added, “The endorsement is a reflection of the collective will of Osun West women. Governor Adeleke’s exemplary performance in governance, inclusive leadership, and steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment should be rewarded with another term of office.
“Under Governor Adeleke’s leadership, we have witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure, economic development, healthcare, education, agriculture, and human capital development. We stand solidly behind him as our sole candidate for 2026.”
In his remarks, Osun West PDP Senatorial Chairman Adesoye Oyetunde lauded the unity and strategic mobilisation efforts of the women, emphasising their crucial role in past electoral successes and the party’s future prospects.
Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ayo Fadeyi-Awolowo, emphasised the need for sustained campaign and empowerment initiatives to broaden the party’s reach.
“We know God is on our side and believe 2026 is already won, but we must not be complacent. Our goal is to empower more women and expand our base ahead of the next elections,” Fadeyi-Awolowo said.
Energy sector leaders have been discussing how Nigerian states can develop commercially viable electricity markets, following the reforms introduced by the 2023 Electricity Act.
The experts convened in Abuja for Nextier’s 105th Power Dialogue, hosted by The Electricity Hub and titled “State Electricity Markets: Unlocking Commercial Viability,” which was moderated by Osefan Anegbe, a lawyer and energy consultant.
The power dialogue featured a panel of experts, including the Vice-Chairman and Commissioner for Market Competition and Rates at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Musiliu Oseni; Chairman and CEO of the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chijioke Okonkwo; and Ujunwa Ojemeni, Senior Policy Advisor for Energy Transition and Technical Assistance Delivery at E3G.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oseni noted that Nigeria’s power sector reform began in 2003, distinct from the regulatory regime initiated by NERC in 2005.
These efforts culminated in the 2013 reform, where major segments of the power value chain were handed over to private investors.
He highlighted the significance of the March 2023 constitutional amendment under President Muhammadu Buhari and the subsequent signing of the new Electricity Act by President Bola Tinubu, which now empowers states to regulate electricity within their jurisdictions.
He emphasised that this devolution grants states advantages such as regulatory oversight, consumer complaint resolution, and decentralised tariff review processes.
He, however, noted that these reforms are not prerequisites for state-level investments, citing examples like Ibom Power, owned by Akwa Ibom State, which existed before the amendments.
Oseni explained that NERC is working to transfer its regulatory learnings, including successes and mistakes, to state regulators to support their development.
NERC has held three engagements with state regulators this year alone.
States are also adopting existing NERC regulations, such as embedded generation and mini-grid frameworks, to suit their local contexts.
He pointed out that while the 2023 Electricity Act allows franchising arrangements between distribution companies and private investors, state regulators can now oversee these agreements to ensure high-quality power supply.
Speaking on subsidies, the NERC vice-chairperson stated that while they are essential for supporting vulnerable customers, “the most sustainable subsidies are those driven by market mechanisms, not government funding.”
On his part, Chijioke Okonkwo lauded the constitutional amendment and 2023 Electricity Act, which offer states a real opportunity to take control of their energy futures and address their energy needs. He reiterated Enugu State’s commitment to the reforms.
He noted that, historically, investments by state and local governments, communities, and progressive actors were transferred to distribution companies, limiting states’ ability to operate actively in the sector.
The current reforms, however, allow states to create enabling environments and facilitate competitive electricity markets.
Okonkwo outlined Enugu State’s vision to decentralise power generation and open opportunities for new players, particularly in medium-voltage distribution and last-mile infrastructure.
As outlined in its policy document, Enugu state aims to move from an inherited capacity of approximately 70MW in 2023 to 700MW. To achieve this, the state has simplified its licensing processes and tariff model, enabling developers to project returns on investment over a 20-year licensing period.
He explained that, “Enugu’s electricity law established a regulatory commission and an electrification agency.
“The latter served as the state’s investment arm, providing funding guarantees, land access, and right-of-way support for developers.”
Furthermore, Okonkwo revealed that the government is leveraging 260 ongoing smart code projects across the state’s wards as anchor loads to electrify remote communities, including the 113 communities in the state that remain unserved or underserved.
In her remarks, Ujunwa Ojemeni reinforced that electricity is foundational to national development, describing the decentralisation of electricity regulation as a transformative opportunity for states to craft their solutions.
Speaking on strategies for unlocking financial stability, she emphasised that “commercial viability must balance consumer affordability and profitability for producers and distributors.”
Ojemeni identified key constraints to maintaining a stable market, including tariffs, technical losses, collection inefficiencies, currency risks, and regulatory instability. To create a viable electricity market, she urged states to ensure regulatory independence, data-driven decision-making, and clear accountability mechanisms.
She shared models that have catalysed decentralised investment, including clear risk allocation, community ownership, and innovative financial mechanisms.
She recommended public-private partnerships, dedicated state electricity agencies, and result-based financing models where grants are disbursed based on verified performance.
She also highlighted the importance of consistent regulatory frameworks that survive political transitions and build investor confidence. She advocated for streamlined permitting processes, ideally through a one-stop shop, to help investors understand demand clusters, project processes, and investment opportunities.
Also, Osefan Anegbe explained that the electricity market operates as a platform where electricity is bought and sold between generators and retail distributors, serving end-users.
She added that, “Nigeria now has the potential for 37 state-level electricity markets, one for each of the 36 states and the FCT, alongside the Federal market. As of January 2025, 10 states have received regulatory transfer orders from NERC, and four have already completed the transition.”
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one suspect in Awka, the state capital, after an exchange of gunfire with security operatives, amidst the kicking off of the annual ‘Imoka cultural festival’ in the city.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the spokesman for the state Police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police also recovered one locally made Berreta pistol, one live ammunition and other incriminating items from the suspect.
Ikenga added that during the gunfire, a police officer sustained a gunshot injury and was taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.
He said operatives from the Rapid Response Squad of the state police command carried out the operation aimed at dislodging criminal elements suspected to be using the cover of the festival to perpetrate crimes and disrupt public peace.
According to him, the police intensified a raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and environs, late on Monday, after intelligence gathering indicated that some miscreants were engaging in criminalities under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, acting on information received overtime on how miscreants, under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival, engaged in criminal activities, become unruly, and make life unbearable for the good people of the State, especially residents and indigene of Awka, have intensified raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs.
“This is aimed at ensuring a crime-free celebration of the festival. Given the above, police operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad, Awka sector, in the late evening of May 19, 2025, arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years.
“They have also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka. The suspect, in a bid to escape, started shooting indiscriminately but was subdued by the Police team that fired him on his right leg.
“Unfortunately, one of the police operatives sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment. The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety. Further developments shall be communicated accordingly.”
The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the proposed compulsory voting bill under consideration by the House of Representatives, describing it as unconstitutional and draconian.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), on Tuesday, the NBA emphasised that citizens cannot be punished for choosing to abstain from voting.
PUNCH Online reports that the House of Representatives recently passed for the second reading, a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians of voting age.
The bill, first introduced in February and sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, was presented last week by co-sponsor, Daniel Asama, for a second reading.
The proposed legislation includes a provision for a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ₦100,000 for Nigerians of voting age who fail to vote during elections.
According to the bill’s sponsors, the penalties aim to address persistently low voter turnout, which they claim undermines democratic institutions.
Asama argued that mandatory voting could reduce the influence of vote buying, electoral apathy, and voter inducement.
He also pointed to global precedents, noting that countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have adopted mandatory voting with positive outcomes in political participation and public accountability.
However, the NBA rejected the bill, describing it as a violation of civil liberties and democratic principles.
In its statement, the NBA asserted that the bill is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.
“Section 39(1) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to remain silent, dissent, and abstain.
“In a democracy, voting is a civil liberty, not a legal obligation. Compelling citizens to vote through coercive measures infringes on their fundamental rights,” the statement read.
The NBA further cited Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association, including the right not to associate, stressing that, “Compelling individuals to vote, regardless of their faith in the electoral process or the choices available, violates their personal convictions and political freedoms”.
The association criticised the bill for attempting to criminalise non-participation in an electoral process plagued by voter apathy, mistrust, insecurity, and systemic flaws.
It urged the government to address the causes of low voter turnout, such as electoral violence and vote buying, instead of imposing punitive measures.
“Democracy thrives on consent, participation, and trust, not coercion.
“Forcing citizens to vote under threat of imprisonment undermines the essence of free and fair elections,” the NBA stated.
The association warned that passing the bill would set a dangerous constitutional precedent, allowing the government to punish citizens for non-participation in its processes.
“This would pave the way for further erosions of civil liberties under the guise of electoral reform,” it cautioned.
The NBA called on the National Assembly to immediately halt any legislative processes advancing the bill.
It stressed that Nigeria’s democracy requires trust, transparency, accountability, and inclusive reforms—not coercion.
The statement also urged the government and political actors to focus on restoring the integrity of the electoral system, ensuring security on election days, guaranteeing the independence of electoral bodies, and conducting robust voter education to inspire confidence in democratic participation.
“No citizen should be compelled to vote under threat of prosecution.
“The NBA will resist any attempt to enforce such draconian provisions and will challenge any law that seeks to weaponise civic participation against the people,” the NBA vowed.
Former National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has revealed that he and the late former Governor of Kano State, Abubakar Rimi, rejected a N160 million bribe from late Abba Kyari intended to secure their support for Olusegun Obasanjo’s vice presidential slot.
In an excerpt from his autobiography, ‘Being True to Myself’, launched on May 13, Sule Lamido shared that those considered for the vice presidential slot included Jibril Aminu, former Central Bank Governor, Adamu Ciroma, and Abubakar Rimi.
The former governor said Kyari, who later served as Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, came to them with a N160 million bank draft.
In Chapter 9, titled ‘Abdulsalami’s Transition and Formation of the PDP,’ Lamido recounted that Kyari left quietly and embarrassed after they refused to accept the money.
He stated, “The young man greeted me in the traditional respectful salutation for elders, Ranka ya dade (May you live long), Sule! He then continued, gesturing to his companion, who extended his hand for a handshake, saying: ‘This is Abba Kyari, my companion. He wants to be allowed to serve as the running mate to Obasanjo on the PDP platform. He has brought a bank draft for the sum of N160 million as a contribution to the party, to meet the campaign expenses.’
“Rimi and I were stunned. We couldn’t believe what we just heard. We were both in shock as we stared at the two men, who also stared back at us with a straight face. ‘What?’ I reacted. ‘I beg your pardon. Are you coming here with money to buy us? So, you are giving us N160 million for Kyari, whom we have never met before, to be allowed to be the running mate to Obasanjo, as the Vice President of Nigeria?’
“My eyes were red with anger. ‘You aren’t serious, are you? You idiot!’ They went away, sheepishly.
“The young man had brought Kyari to meet us because he thought Rimi and I were very crucial in the selection process. It was quite incredible that Abba Kyari, at that time, could offer so much money to buy the position of vice president!”
Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, has confirmed that no fewer than five people have been reportedly killed by bandits in Saturday’s attack.
DSP Abubakar, while confirming the attack on Gobirawa Community of Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Tuesday, said the hoodlums also set two vehicles ablaze.
“Five persons fatally shot and two vehicles set ablaze. Investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the perpetrators and forestalling further occurrence”, he told PUNCH.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness from the community, Sani Abdullahi Kuki, confirmed in a telephone conversation with newsmen on Monday that bandits have reportedly killed no less than 19 people at the community on Saturday night.
The PUNCH learnt that the hoodlums, armed with dangerous weapons, reasonably coming from the neighbouring Danmusa forest, invaded the community at about 9:00 pm and started shooting sporadically, killing several people on the spot as several others were still unaccounted for with residents demanding more security presence in the community, calling on relevant authorities to assist them as war, according to them, is gradually moving closer to the Local Government Headquarters.
He explained that, during the attack, an unspecified number of persons, mostly women, children and the elderly, were abducted; and entire shops belonging to residents were burnt down; and over 20 houses were set ablaze.
“This is totally out of control. I couldn’t even stay till the end to witness the entire burial process of one of the deceased because I couldn’t control my anger. I left the cemetery at the time when personnel were digging graves for the five other victims who were burnt to death.
“Some of the residents who sought refuge inside grain silos were set ablaze by the hoodlums. Some were burnt beyond recognition and were recovered on Sunday morning for burial.
“Some of the victims were sent to Dutsinma General Hospital; others were referred to Katsina Hospital after the incident.
“The bandits killed 19 persons on the spot. Several others were still unaccounted for. As of now, I don’t think there are at least 20 women staying in the community. Many people were evacuated to safer places in 20 vehicles.
“All the shops in the community were burnt down. Over 20 houses set ablaze. The hoodlums, reasonably coming from the neighbouring Danmusa forest, also abducted an unspecified number of persons, mostly women, children and the elderly.
“Upon sighting the Armoured Protective Carrier Vehicle approaching the community, the hoodlums ran away.
“We are calling on relevant authorities to assist us, please as war is coming closer to the local government headquarters. We also need more security presence,” he said.
Nigerian music star David Adeleke, aka Davido has responded to a controversial social media post that criticised his association with the Igbo community, declaring that he shares Igbo heritage himself.
The post, made by user @Yakbel on X on Tuesday, cautioned the singer against maintaining close ties with Igbos, suggesting that they would eventually betray him.
“Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest,” the user wrote. “Yoruba boy dey frolick with Ibos in 2025, they want your head and everything you have to belong to them. You can never satisfy Ibos ooo. IBOs are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man.”
In a swift and clear response, Davido dismissed the tribal sentiment, replying, “Lol, I AM IGBO by blood.”
The singer’s statement has since sparked widespread reactions, with many praising him for rejecting divisive rhetoric and affirming unity across Nigeria’s ethnic lines.
Earlier, Davido on Monday hosted Elder Bright Chimezie after acknowledging him for inspiring his verse on ‘With you’ few days ago.
The National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, revealed that he directly asked former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), to step down during the June 12 crisis after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by MKO Abiola.
In an excerpt from his autobiography, Being True to Myself, launched on May 13, Lamido recalled Babangida’s response, saying no Nigerian would dare tell him to resign to his face.
In chapter 7, titled ‘June 12 Consumes IBB’, Lamido revealed, “I was at the Nicon Noga Hilton hotel suite (now Transcorp Hilton) when my phone rang one early morning. The voice identified itself as Col. Bamalli and said that the C-in-C wants to see you now. Being unfamiliar with the nomenclature, I asked, Who is C-in-C? to which he replied, Mr President.
“I said, but I am just waking up, I haven’t even had my bath. Unknown to me, Babangida was on the parallel line. I heard his voice, Kai Sule, ka zo yanzu (Hey Sule, come over right now”). I said, Yes Sir!”
The former Jigawa State Governor recalled that he was not convinced by Babangida’s justification for annulling the election.
He said during their meeting at the Presidential Villa, Babangida’s claim that Abiola couldn’t take office because the government owed him money came across as mere moralising.
Lamido stated, “As the National Secretary of the SDP, I told him, No, the SDP is done with any discussion with the federal military government concerning the June 12 elections. We shall not participate in any new election, as far as we are concerned. It must be June 12 or nothing else.
“I was adamant against any form of arrangement for a new political transition that he was now proposing. However, the actions and utterances of the self-appointed champions of June 12. The National Democratic Coalition and others compelled the leadership of the SDP to reconsider their position. In my discussion with Babangida, being the first time we met, he found me genuine, with no pretensions and even maybe naïve.
“Then he asked me, Sule, what do I do? In my naïve and innocent way, I told him frankly, Sir, you must resign and leave office. Immediately, I said that his countenance changed. I saw fire in his eyes; for some minutes, he was speechless.
“He (Babangida) looked at me straight and said, Sule, no Nigerian can dare say that to me, and I know Nigerians very well. I never thought you could be that daring. You are very lucky. I see in you someone who is godly. I know whatever you have been saying or doing was genuine and not induced. Whatever you say or do, right or wrong, is your personal understanding of issues. Even if it were madness, it is original, a reflection and a reflection of your true self.”
The former Jigawa State Governor said Babangida admitted he wished he had met him earlier, acknowledging that his previous impressions of him were mistaken.
Lamido explained that the intense meeting between the National Republican Convention and SDP negotiators and Babangida’s team led to the creation of Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Interim National Government in 1993.
He stated, “Before Babangida could announce the formation of the Interim National Government, he must have felt that he needed to have a suitable person to head it from the Southwest, someone who could be accepted by the Yoruba, as a kind of consolation and a person that had good connections with the British Government, which had been piling diplomatic pressure on the military government.
“As a former chairman of the United African Company (UAC), one of the oldest British companies in Nigeria and a very strong pillar in the country’s economy, Chief Earnest Shonekan fits the bill.
“Mr. Shonekan was well respected in the corporate world; he has the stature and national acceptance and was not controversial.
“Although none of their prominent politicians had played any role in the elections, the Yoruba now wanted to hijack the victory of the SDP and its presidential candidate, Chief Abiola, and make it their own affair.
“The choice of Shonekan, a Yoruba, was to demonstrate that the annulment of the June 12 election was not because Abiola was a Yoruba.”
Lamido stated that, contrary to speculation, the NRC and SDP were not involved in selecting Shonekan as the head of the Interim National Government.
The Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State has expressed its deep sadness over the passing of one of its priests, Reverend Father Anthony Udogu, who died in the early hours of Monday, while playing lawn tennis.
The deceased, until his death was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish, Awka and Dean of Awka Il Deanery.
He was born on December 24, 1964, was ordained on August 19, 1995, and died on May 19, 2025.
The news of his death was disclosed in a short press statement released on Tuesday by the Diocesan Chancellor, Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, Awka, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi.
The statement read, “With faith in the resurrection of the dead, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu, whose sudden death occurred, in the early hours of today(Monday) May 19.
“He slumped while playing lawn tennis, and was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital.
“All efforts to save his life proved abortive. Until his demise, he was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish Awka and Dean of Awka Il Deanery.”
He said the Catholic Diocese of Awka condoles with the family, parishioners and all those who mourn his death.
“Please note that the funeral arrangement will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen,” the statement added.
