Category: cover

 

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has stated that his administration’s recent political realignment is aimed at advancing the state’s development, not destroying the Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Speaking through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a press briefing in Asaba, Oborevwori said the decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress was informed by the political realities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

“Our desire is not to kill PDP but to move Delta forward, and so we changed our driving pattern.

 

“It was obvious that PDP won’t make headway in the forthcoming 2027 election, and so [there was] need to move to APC,” Aniagwu said.

 

Highlighting the administration’s performance, Aniagwu added, “In almost two years, we can see very bold and remarkable achievements by Governor Oborevwori and his team.

 

“We have provided roads in various communities, reducing travel time from Asaba to Ughelli to just one hour and forty-five minutes.”

 

He dismissed concerns raised by critics about the government’s capacity to deliver, stating, “Anyone suggesting that the administration is losing grip is far from the truth.

 

“We remain committed to delivering results.”

Aniagwu also revealed plans to mark the administration’s second anniversary with the commissioning of several completed projects, though the governor may not be able to personally inaugurate all of them due to the volume.

 

“Some of the key projects include the Beneku Bridge, Ishiagu-Ewulu Road and Bridge, Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads in Warri, erosion control in Okpanam, Olomoro-Igbide Road, Otolokpo to Boji-Boji Owa, Akumazi-Owere-Olubor Road, and Obi-Ibabu Road, among others.

 

“We have also installed medical equipment at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Warri Central Hospital, and Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery and reducing medical tourism,” he said.

 

On security, Aniagwu stated that the state government has taken proactive steps. “The Inspector General of Police was in the state recently to commission operational vehicles.

 

“We have also improved street lighting across urban centres,” he said.

 

Addressing concerns about rising house rents in Asaba and other towns, the commissioner said the state government is implementing a housing scheme to expand livable spaces.

He noted that 50 residential units are being constructed in each local government area, with the pilot phase ongoing in Ozoro, Owa-Oyibu, and Kwale.

 

The scheme features 30 three-bedroom flats and 20 two-bedroom flats.

 

Two opposition lawmakers on Thursday raised concerns over a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, to make voting compulsory for Nigerians of voting age in all national and state elections.

 

The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Daniel Asama (Plateau), scaled second reading during plenary.

 

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Asama said the proposed legislation aims to enhance democratic participation by mandating eligible Nigerians to vote during elections.

 

Asama said, “Voting is not only a right but a civic responsibility, and in many democracies across the world, it is treated as such.

 

“This bill proposes to introduce mandatory voting for all Nigerians of voting age in general elections, both at the national and state levels. It seeks to amend the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, to reflect this obligation, while also allowing for limited and justified exemptions where necessary.”

 

He pointed to low voter turnout as a major concern, noting, “In the 2023 general elections, less than 30% of registered voters participated.

 

“This trend undermines the legitimacy of elected governments and weakens democratic institutions.”

 

The lawmaker argued that mandatory voting would foster greater civic engagement.

 

“By making voting a legal obligation, it will instil in citizens a sense of civic duty and shared responsibility in the governance process.

 

“Several democracies, including Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, have adopted mandatory voting with positive outcomes in terms of political participation and public accountability,” Asama said.

 

Asama also stated that the bill would help reduce electoral malpractice. “Mandatory voting can significantly reduce the influence of vote-buying, as more citizens will be participating,” he added.

He highlighted other objectives of the bill, including:

 

Amending the Electoral Act, 2022, to introduce compulsory voting for all citizens aged 18 and above.

Providing a legal framework for enforcing mandatory voting, including appropriate sanctions for unjustified failure to vote and valid grounds for exemption such as illness, religious objection, or residency outside the country.

Empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission to develop systems for tracking voter compliance and managing exemption requests without infringing on fundamental rights.

Promoting electoral education and awareness to deepen democratic participation.

Asama also noted that INEC’s dual role in regulating political parties and conducting elections creates structural inefficiencies.

 

“This challenge is not merely administrative; it is structural.

“When a single body is tasked with both organising elections and regulating the participants in those elections, questions arise about the independence, neutrality, and operational capacity of that institution,” Asama said.

 

Opposition Lawmakers Raise Concerns

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mark Esset (Akwa Ibom) and Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Rivers), questioned the practicality and fairness of enforcing compulsory voting.

 

Esset said, “We are trying to put something on nothing. When citizens have lost confidence in voting, there is a lot of work to be done. If we make a law to make voting compulsory, we should make another law to make the votes count.”

 

Abiante added, “I agree that every adult man and woman should participate in deciding their leaders, but there are certain questions we need to ask. What are the incentives to make them go out and vote? Have they been assured of their security? We are talking of a country where the name Mike Tyson is still on the voter register. Do we have an authentic voter register?

 

“If you make voting compulsory, there are Nigerians in Ghana, the United States, and everywhere. How do you bring them back to vote?”

 

Support from Other Lawmakers

The bill received support from Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Tijani Ghali (NNPP, Kano), and Amadi Akarachi (APC, Imo), who echoed the need for reforms to boost civic participation.

 

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.

 

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, has announced ADC as Nigeria’s coalition party in preparation for the 2027 election.

 

Nwosu also voiced his worries about the nation’s ongoing decline, highlighting the growing difficulties of daily life and stressing that good governance is crucial for enhancing citizens’ well-being.

 

ADC National Chairman also voiced his concern while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, expressing distress over the sharp rise in the number of Nigerians living in poverty.

 

On March 20, 2023, presidential candidates Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of the Social Democratic Party unveiled a coalition formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

 

This move has ignited an ongoing debate about whether opposition parties should unite and the best platform to use in confronting President Tinubu’s administration, with various political leaders expressing differing opinions.

 

Speaking through the Chairman of the ADC, Board of Trustees, Mani Ahmed, Nwosu stated, “This consensus building, though very painstaking, has taken some time in the pipeline. I can categorically today, by the grace of God, inform you that the African Democratic Congress is the coalition party in Nigeria. What remains to be done is nothing other than dotting the I’s and crossing the G’s.

“For us, this is a momentous occasion. This is a great opportunity for the party to involve and accommodate all Nigerians. And by this gesture, we are inviting every Nigerian that has the love of this country in their heart to join us in this new crusade to bring about an enduring democratic change in our country by coming into our party, the African Democratic Congress, which can easily be seen as the African Democratic Coalition.”

 

He assured that ADC will remain dedicated to the development of Nigeria as a unified and indivisible nation, where every citizen has the right to live in any part of the country and pursue lawful economic activities.

 

Nwosu stated, “We have watched over the years how things have gradually deteriorated to the extent that normal existence is becoming more and more difficult.

“Statistics have indicated that about 5 million Nigerians have been added to the list of poverty-stricken people in the world on an annual basis. Now this is sad for a country that is richly endowed with enormous resources.

 

“There cannot be any other way to bring about change in the lives of our people that is better than providing good governance. And this governance can only happen when you have the right people playing their part in the political process. ADC has over the years remained a formidable platform in the process of re-engineering Nigeria.

 

“Within the past 20 years of our existence, we have shown commitment to national growth. We have exhibited the highest levels of nationalism and patriotism. And we have made several sacrifices to ensure that we bequeath to our next generation a country better than the one we have met.”

 

He lamented that the ADC has never had the chance to lead the country but expressed optimism that 2027 will bring better prospects for the party.

 

ADC National Chairman stated, “The journey that created this opportunity started a very long time ago. And we have had several meetings at the party in order to open up the party, re-engineer our processes, and be able to accommodate the teeming members of the political class that are willing and have lined up to join our great party, the African Democratic Congress.

“Within this month that we are discussing, the party has gone through lots of transformational phases, part of which has resulted in what we are going to actualise today, which is the final phase of the opening up of our party to accommodate the new people that are coming in.”

 

Nwosu acknowledged that politicians alone cannot change Nigeria’s course and called on civil society organisations to actively participate in the nation-building process.

 

He continued, “The politicians can’t do it alone and as such, in this process and this journey, we have also involved the civil society organisations as well as grassroots organisations. Because ADC strongly believes that all politics is grassroots politics.

 

“And we are happy that most of our grassroots and civil society partners are here with us and they’ve been part of this journey and they have exhibited great commitment and resilience over the months. And that has certainly reassured that the objective is very much achievable. We are building consensus.”

 

Members of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, on Thursday took to the streets in protest over alleged unethical practices by staff of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, accusing them of exploiting customers and hijacking their professional duties.

 

Chanting protest songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Band is a fraud’, ‘Enough of IBEDC Exploitation on Transformers’, and ‘Make meters available to all customers’, the protesters marched through Osogbo/Ibokun road to press their demands.

 

Addressing journalists, the state chairman of LECAN, Kayode Adebayo, accused IBEDC staff of flouting the Electricity Act of 2013 and usurping the responsibilities of licensed contractors.

 

“First, the Electricity Act of 2013 stipulates the roles of DISCO workers, electrical contractors and consumers. Unfortunately, IBEDC workers have usurped the responsibility of licensed contractors only to turn into tormentors who wickedly exploit residents/customers,” Adebayo said.

 

“As ordinary residents, we are now at the mercy of IBEDC workers to get an electricity metre, which ordinarily should be the duty of licensed contractors. IBEDC workers have become a barrier to residents joining the grid through excruciating conditions. They have made ordinary account generation a problem in a bid to exploit innocent and unsuspecting customers.

 

“IBEDC fraudulently exploits customers as those given new accounts are usually charged a minimum debit of N100,000 on newly created accounts—even before joining the grid. This unknown debt would even be transferred into the customer’s prepaid meters, thereby making them pay for services never rendered, contrary to the Electricity Act.”

 

He also claimed that IBEDC fails to replace faulty meters, often forcing customers to either buy new ones or be subjected to estimated billing.

 

“Also, some customers whose electricity meters required that their cards be submitted for upgrade have not had them returned by IBEDC. This is illegal,” Adebayo said. “We are also of the opinion that the Band system is not working; therefore, the concept of Band A is a fraud.”

 

He further alleged that IBEDC staff were involved in extorting residents under the guise of helping them acquire, replace, or repair transformers.

“In some cases, installed transformers are not powered because IBEDC workers are not given adequate ‘PR’ to connect them to the national grid. We thereby declare that this act of fraud is enough and demand that it must stop,” he added.

 

Responding, IBEDC’s Osogbo Regional Communication Officer, Kikelomo Owoeye, denied the allegations and reiterated the company’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

 

“Contrary to some claims, customers are not billed before connection. However, instances where electricity is used during building construction may result in billing after the customer consents to connection through the submitted form. Such cases can be addressed through available resolution and adjustment windows,” Owoeye said.

 

On metering issues, she added, “IBEDC continues to meter customers with verified proof of payment. We encourage customers with genuine documentation to come forward. Unfortunately, there have been attempts to fraudulently use a single receipt for multiple meters, which are being thoroughly investigated.”

Addressing concerns about the discontinued card reconfiguration program, Owoeye explained, “It was an amnesty initiative with a clearly communicated deadline. That window has since closed.”

 

She added that faulty meters are replaced by IBEDC depending on the cause. “If it results from customer misuse, the customer is responsible for replacement. If due to a manufacturing defect, IBEDC replaces the meter within a given timeline. To maintain electricity supply during the replacement process, the customer’s billing is temporarily based on NERC-approved capping.”

 

The chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), has said that there are three factions of the Labour Party in Lagos.

 

She made this known during a stakeholders forum in Ikeja on Thursday.

 

She said three factions of the party invited LASIEC to observe their primaries in respect to the upcoming July 12 local government elections in the state.

 

“Three factions of the Labour Party in Lagos invited us to observe their primaries,” the chairman said.

According to her, LASIEC officials did not honour the invitation due to the perceived division in the party.

 

Ighile said the state electoral body would be waiting for the advice of the Independent National Electoral Commission on the next step in the development of the LP.

 

Details later…

 

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he did not expect progress on Ukraine until he meets his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, who did not show up to talks with Kyiv in Turkey.

 

“I don’t believe anything’s going to happen, whether you like it or not, until he and I get together,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates.

 

“But we’re going to have to get it solved because too many people are dying.”

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky flew to Ankara on Thursday after daring Putin to show up and negotiate directly to prove he was serious about peace.

 

Putin had proposed direct talks, the first since the immediate aftermath of his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but Russia sent a lower-level delegation.

Asked if he was disappointed about the Russian level of attendance, Trump said: “I haven’t even checked.”

 

“Obviously, he wasn’t going to go,” Trump said of Putin.

 

“He was going to go, but he thought I was going to go. He wasn’t going if I wasn’t there.”

 

Trump has repeatedly said he was willing to travel to Turkey to join the talks but has not done so, although Secretary of State Marco Rubio headed there.

 

Trump’s insistence on the importance of meeting Putin, for whom he has voiced admiration in the past, stands in sharp contrast to the stance of previous US President Joe Biden, who insisted only Ukraine itself should negotiate on its future.

 

Adeola, the 41-year-old daughter of veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George, has been found in Mali after being declared missing for four years.

 

Jumoke had earlier revealed the disappearance during an interview on the Talk to B show hosted by actress Abiola Bayo. She stated that Adeola had been living with her grandmother in Ibadan and was last seen after informing the family she was travelling to Lagos.

 

According to Jumoke, Adeola later made contact, asked for forgiveness, and explained she had travelled out of the country with friends in search of better opportunities.

 

In the same interview, Jumoke disclosed that she had been battling serious health and financial issues. She said her condition had prevented her from honouring acting jobs, leading her to refund payments and borrow funds for medical treatment. She noted that further medical tests were required, with an estimated cost of N400,000.

 

She explained that any money she earned from occasional jobs was spent on efforts to find her missing daughter.

 

Speaking in tears on the TalkToB show hosted by fellow actress, Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke said she hid her predicament due to shame and fear of public ridicule.

 

She said, “There are some things that are embarrassing to say but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working but it’s not like I get jobs every time.

 

“Sometimes, it could be once in three to four months. That was before I became ill. After I became ill, I couldn’t go for a set I was invited to. Someone paid me last year, I didn’t know I would get sick, I spent the money on treatment. I had to borrow money to refund the person.

 

“I went to another location but I couldn’t work. They had to bring me back because of my health. I’ve done several tests. I was told to do some more which will cost about N400,000. I don’t know where to get the money from.”

 

“My first child, Adeola, has been missing. I’ve been looking for her for the past four years. Any small money I get from working was spent on looking for her.

 

“She was in Ibadan where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hasn’t seen Deola who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her,” Jumoke recalled.

In an update shared on Wednesday, Talk to B host Biola Bayo revealed Adeola had been found in Mali. She said she spoke with Adeola via video call and although the daughter had not yet spoken directly with her mother, Jumoke was relieved to know she was alive.

 

Biola also confirmed that Jumoke George is currently receiving treatment at a state hospital in Lagos and is awaiting further medical evaluation.

 

Sharing the details of her video call with Adeola on Instagram, Biola Bayo said “I finally got to speak with Adeola and this is what she said. She hasn’t called her mom, but Mom is happy she’s alive.

“#Jumoke George is currently at a state hospital in Lagos.

 

“Hopefully she will be discharged or admitted after all her medical tests and reports. Not sure yet. Thank you to everyone for the support”.

 

Watch video below:

 

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐚, 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢

 

Adeola, the 41-year-old daughter of veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George, has been found in Mali after being declared missing for four years.

 

Jumoke had earlier… pic.twitter.com/wAYHaKGNps

 

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) May 15, 2025

 

The Anambra State Government has banned the distribution of food items and other gifts to street beggars in public spaces, particularly under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital, and other locations.

 

The state government also banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath the bridges in Awka, insisting that the move became necessary to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which is the face of the state.

 

A statement released by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko, on Thursday, stated that the directive is part of the state government’s efforts to sanitise the capital city and maintain public order.

 

Onuko said anyone found violating this new directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

 

He, however, cautioned content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces, particularly.

 

While acknowledging that some of the “charitable acts” were for good intentions, he expressed concerns that they are inadvertently contributing to the continued loitering and congregation of destitute individuals in dangerous locations.

 

He said, “The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids.

“Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk. These children are exposed to potential harm, such as being knocked down by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.

 

“Such actions are illegal and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action.”

 

He also advised that all charitable activities be conducted through accredited institutions, such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations, where support can be provided in a more structured and secure manner.

 

Onuko further urged the general public to work with the state government to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which represents the face of Anambra State.

 

“Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered NGOs, where support can be professionally administered to those in need.

 

“Alternatively, donations can be made to private homes and spaces that do not create public nuisances,” he added.

 

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has confirmed that over 60 bandits were killed during the recent attack on Mansur Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

 

The incident, which occurred two weeks ago, also claimed the lives of vigilantes and civilians.

 

During a condolence visit to the affected village on Thursday, Governor Mohammed revealed that 21 people from the community lost their lives in the bandits’ attack, including 13 vigilante members and 10 civilians.

 

He described the incident as a serious security challenge but noted that the attackers also suffered heavy losses due to the bravery of the combined security forces.

 

“As they inflicted serious loss on us, over 60 of them died too in the fierce battle. So the loss is not only that our people have been killed. Our security forces also decimated over 60 of them. This shows the chivalry and courage of our people. Despite their superior firepower, we were able to contain them through these young and able-bodied vigilantes and security agencies,” he stated.

 

The governor extended his condolences on behalf of the state and federal governments and said he is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to prevent future attacks.

 

“We are here on behalf of the government to commiserate with this community, especially the communities of Alkaleri, Gwana, Duguri, Yelwan Duguri, and parts of Bauchi Local Government.

“I want to convey to you the commiseration of the Federal Government, especially the Office of the National Security Adviser. We are going to get a lot of assistance to enable you to work with strength and encouragement,” Mohammed said.

 

He announced financial support for the victims’ families: ₦5 million for each of the families of the deceased vigilantes, and ₦3 million for the families of the civilians. Additionally, ₦20 million will be provided to support logistics for vigilante operations in the area.

 

Mohammed also revealed plans to recruit over 2,100 vigilantes across the state before the end of the year, starting with 300 to 500 personnel from the most affected communities.

 

He stressed that the recruits will be placed under a structured minimum wage scheme and trained by security agencies to ensure discipline and avoid extrajudicial actions.

 

He called on traditional leaders to help identify informants who may be undermining security efforts in their communities.

 

Meanwhile, the governor has assured residents that the government is taking decisive action.

 

“These people have come to the wrong place. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our people to live. Definitely, we will do everything. If it comes to a point where I have to throw away this ‘Babanriga’ and join you, I will join you, In Sha Allah,” he stated.

 

US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed talk of seeking a third term in office, which is barred by the Constitution, in a highly political address to US troops in Qatar.

 

Speaking to uniformed soldiers at the Al Udeid base, Trump again falsely claimed to have won the 2020 election against Joe Biden.

 

“We won three elections, ok? And some people want us to do a fourth. I don’t know. We’ll have to think about that,” Trump said.

 

He pointed to the sales of products advertising a 2028 run, but also suggested that the effort was intended to annoy his rivals.

 

“The hottest hat is — it says Trump 2028. We’re driving the left crazy when you see that,” Trump said.

 

The US Constitution’s 22nd Amendment limits a president to two elected terms.

Trump in an interview earlier this month with NBC News acknowledged that he cannot run again and suggested Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors.

 

Trump’s speech to troops took on the tone of a campaign rally, despite the traditional understanding that the US military is a non-partisan institution.

 

Addressing the troops, some of whom smiled, Trump mocked Biden by saying the former president would not have had the stamina for a secret trip to Baghdad of the sort Trump took during his first term.

 

Trump repeatedly denigrated Biden in front of foreign officials and business people during his trip, saying earlier on Thursday in Doha that his predecessor was a “stupid person”.

 

Trump ended the address to troops with the Village People song “YMCA”, which has become an anthem at his rallies.

 

AFP