Category: cover

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the covert establishment of a one-party system in Nigeria, cautioning that such a move could destabilise the nation’s fragile democracy.

 

Speaking at a memorial lecture held in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, in Abuja on Wednesday, Jonathan emphasised the dangers of political manipulation aimed at sidelining opposition parties.

 

The former President noted that while countries like Tanzania practise a one-party system, it was properly planned for, stressing that Nigeria’s complex ethnic, religious, and political landscape necessitates a more inclusive political framework.

 

“Yes, a one-party state may not be evil after all, because Julius Nyerere of Tanzania used a one-party state to stabilise his country in the early days of independence.

 

“He felt that the country, just like Nigeria, had too many tribes and tongues, and two principal religions—Christianity and Islam. If we allow multiple parties, some may follow religious lines, others tribal, and unity will be difficult. But it was properly planned; it was not by accident.

 

“If we must, as a nation, adopt a one-party system, then it must be designed, planned by experts—and we must know what we are getting into. But if we arrive at it through the back door by political manipulations, then we are heading for a crisis,” he said

Jonathan’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for opposition politics, with an increasing number of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress and complaints from civil society about creeping authoritarianism.

 

He also urged Clark’s family to institute an annual memorial lecture in honour of the late nationalist, saying it would help sustain his vision for a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

 

Also speaking at the event, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, lamented that the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers and nationalists like Edwin Clark were “already in vain”.

 

“The labour of our heroes past is already in vain.

 

“The state of insecurity, poverty in rural communities, and the rising cost of living have all betrayed their sacrifices,” Obi said.

 

In his remarks, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, reiterated the importance of unity in the country, noting that “Nigeria can only make progress when national interest is placed above personal ambition.”

 

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Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has secured release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

 

His release was confirmed on Wednesday by his legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, who simply told our correspondent, “He has been released.”

 

Otse has been in EFCC custody since Friday, May 2, following his arrest over multiple petitions alleging serious financial crimes.

 

The EFCC, in a statement on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the controversial online figure was granted administrative bail but remained in custody pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions at the time.

Oyewale stated that Otse was invited for questioning multiple times through known addresses and communication channels but failed to honour the invitations, prompting the commission to secure a lawful remand order for his arrest.

 

“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions,” the agency said.

 

His arrest sparked widespread protests, with a large crowd storming the Guaranty Trust Bank headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

 

Chanting “#FreeVDM” and holding placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” demonstrators accused the authorities of targeting Otse for his outspoken criticism of public figures and institutions.

 

Some protesters also drove through the city in solidarity, amplifying calls for his immediate release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has demanded adequate maintenance for the state’s firefighting equipment and vehicles to prolong their lifespan.

 

Adeleke also disclosed plans to buy at least one fire truck for each of the 9 Federal Constituencies in the state at the commissioning of three newly bought fire trucks in Osogbo on Wednesday.

 

He recalled that the last procurement of fire trucks for the state had occurred over 14 years back, saying the situation made him channel more resources towards an overhaul of the state firefighting facilities and vehicles.

 

On some of the steps he took to correct the situation he inherited regarding the firefighting facilities in the state, Adeleke said, “Today, I am proud to announce that this administration has taken decisive steps to revive the Osun State Fire Service. We have so far procured seven (7) modern fire trucks and one (1) water tanker to significantly boost our emergency response capacity.

 

“In addition, we have supplied essential firefighting equipment, including protective gear to ensure our brave officers are well-equipped, well-prepared, and adequately protected in the line of duty. We have also prioritised the training of our fire officers so they can respond to emergencies with professionalism and efficiency.

 

“The commissioning of these additional three (3) fire trucks underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. These assets will greatly improve the responsiveness and efficiency of our fire service, giving our citizens peace of mind and renewed confidence in the system.”

On the maintenance of the trucks, the governor said, “Beyond procurement, I must emphasise the importance of proper management and regular maintenance of these fire trucks. These trucks must be kept in optimal condition to ensure their longevity and reliability.

 

“As such, I am directing the Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs and the leadership of the Osun State Fire Service to establish a comprehensive maintenance schedule and accountability framework to ensure that these vital assets continue to serve our people effectively and without interruption.”

 

Earlier, Osun State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdulrosheed Aderigbigbe, said despite paucity of funds facing the state, Adeleke administration had so far procured at least one fire truck for 7 Federal Constituencies out of 9 in the state.

 

Noting that Adeleke had not only provided fire trucks, Aderibigbe further said the governor had also procured firefighting equipment and accessories, including protective gadgets to safeguard the firefighters, regular training and retraining of firefighters.

 

“Hence, all these provisions have tremendously improved our response capacity and capability to fire incidents and emergencies in order to ensure the protection of lives and properties in the State. At this juncture, we at the Ministry of Home Affairs applaud your leadership and commitment to keeping our citizens safe,” Aderibigbe said.

 

Public health researcher and advocate, Doyin Olatunji, has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s poor maternal health insurance coverage, calling it a “silent crisis claiming the lives of thousands of women annually.”

 

Olatunji, who leads the Maternal Health Insurance Advocacy campaign under the Non-Governmental Organisation, The Public Health Place, said the lack of affordable and accessible health insurance for women is both a public health emergency and a national shame.

 

Over the past two months, Olatunji and a team of 50 volunteers embarked on a nationwide advocacy and data-gathering campaign aimed at uncovering the real-life consequences of inadequate maternal health coverage. The campaign, tagged MHIA, revealed heartbreaking stories of women forced to choose between healthcare and household survival, often with fatal consequences.

 

According to the MHIA campaign findings, only a small percentage of Nigerian women are enrolled in any form of health insurance.

 

This leaves a majority to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum complications without financial protection. The result, Olatunji said, is a tragic cycle of preventable deaths and deepening poverty.

 

“In our outreach, we encountered women who delayed hospital visits during pregnancy due to fear of bills, and others who were turned away from clinics because they couldn’t pay,” Olatunji told our correspondent on Wednesday.

“This is not just about insurance—it’s about survival, dignity, and justice for Nigerian mothers. Many women told us they don’t understand how insurance works or believe it won’t help them. This is a gap that education can fix, just like we saw during the COVID-19 public awareness efforts.

 

“We are not asking for luxury; we are demanding the basics. Maternal insurance should be as common and accessible as mosquito nets or malaria drugs. Women shouldn’t fear getting pregnant because they can’t afford to survive it.”

 

Olatunji and her team are now urging the government to implement several key reforms: the creation of low-cost, flexible insurance packages tailored for reproductive-age women; comprehensive education campaigns on health insurance; and investment in community-based insurance models that consider cultural and economic realities.

 

The MHIA team is also advocating for policy changes that ensure coverage includes postpartum care and high-risk pregnancies. They argue that true maternal care must go beyond delivery to encompass the full spectrum of a woman’s reproductive health journey.

 

Although the data collection phase of the MHIA campaign has ended, Olatunji said the advocacy will continue, adding, “We’re preparing to take our findings to federal and state lawmakers, health ministries, and HMO stakeholders. Our goal is to turn research into reform.

 

The campaign encourages Nigerians to engage with the ongoing conversation via @ThePublicHealthPlace and the hashtag #MHIAForMothers. As Olatunji puts it, “This is not just a health issue—it’s a human rights issue. And the time to act is now.”

 

The outgoing Director of the National Orientation Agency in Oyo State, Olukemi Afolayan, on Wednesday, commended the state governor, Seyi Makinde’s administration for supporting the agency through the establishment of the state Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development which has helped to ease the agency’s operations and infrastructural development.

 

Afolayan gave this commendation during a send-off ceremony held in her honour at the state agency’s headquarters in Ibadan, the state capital.

 

She stressed that the improved road network had made it easier for the agency to carry out sensitisation assignments across the state.

 

She said, “NOA’s achievements under my leadership include 106 media orientation programmes, town hall meetings, advocacy campaigns, and the successful compensation of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag.

“Makinde’s administration has helped to ease the agency’s operations and infrastructural development.”

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, praised the agency for its critical roles in public awareness and civic engagement.

 

He described the celebrant as one of NOA’s finest ambassadors, noting that her tenure had significantly strengthened the agency’s role in mobilising citizens.

 

He said, “Since 1993, when MAMSER metamorphosed into NOA, I have followed the trajectory of the organisation and it is my submission that the residual challenges facing the agency notwithstanding, Afolayan has stood out as one of the best ambassadors of the agency.”

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has set up a special unit of the police for the protection of the elite. The unit is called the Special Protection Unit.

 

According to the Niger State head of the new unit, Hassan Sani, it is designed to meet the increasing demand for elites’ protection in the country.

 

Bago’s chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, made this known on Wednesday, a statement in which he said the Niger State government procured 25 vehicles to the Niger State command of the Nigeria Police Force, to boost patrol, especially in major towns of the State.

 

Ibrahim said the governor disclosed this during the passing out of the 50 participants of the Special Protection Unit Base 23 Minna which was held at the premises of Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi in Minna, the State Capital.

 

“Niger State government has procured 25 additional vehicles to donate to the Nigeria Police Force, Niger State command to boost patrol, especially in major towns of the State.

 

“Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this at the passing out of the 50 participants of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 23 Minna which was held at the premises of Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi in Minna, the State Capital.

“He said the State government is also partnering with the Police to build barracks in the outskirts of Minna to provide security in the four corners of the State Capital.

 

“While congratulating the 50 graduating participants of the SPU Base 23 Minna, the Governor appreciated the Inspector General of Police for establishing such a Unit and providing training for them.

He said his administration will continue to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies as it is ambitious to address the menace of insecurity in the State,” Ibrahim stated.

 

The Commander of the Special Protection Unit SPU Base 23, Minna, Nigeria Police Force, CSP Hassan Sani, in his remarks at the passing out parade, explained that the SPU is a newly established unit by the Inspector General of Police to meet the increasing demand for elite protective services in the country.

 

Sani said over the past two weeks, the 50 participants underwent a comprehensive basic training programme with a curriculum designed to instil discipline and sharpen practical skills to uphold professionalism.

 

Sani said during the 2 weeks’ training, the modules covered were VIP protection, escort and convoy movement, combat parades and formation, firearms handling and shooting range, martial arts and self-defence, first aid and basic fire fighting skills.

 

An 18-year-old apprentice has allegedly impregnated 10 girls in just five months, including his master’s daughter and a salesgirl in Anambra State.

 

Reports say he was first sent to learn a trade under a master, but within three months, he got both his boss’s daughter and a salesgirl pregnant.

 

This, however, led to his dismissal from the apprenticeship.

 

The state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this in a live video on social media on Wednesday.

 

Obinabo said the situation got worse after he returned to his village.

 

She said, “I want advice from the public because this one is beyond my capacity.

 

“This boy was sent to learn a trade at the age of 18 and three months of apprenticeship, and he impregnated his master’s daughter and his salesgirl. He was sent packing. Two months after that, he impregnated eight other girls in the village.”

Obinabo also said the boy’s mother came to her office to report the issue.

 

According to her, the mother said, “‘Anytime I see a girl coming towards our house nowadays, my heart would jump, please, I need help.’”

 

Obinabo said, “This matter is beyond me, the reason I want the public to help me come up with a solution. Is it spiritual?”

 

She said she asked the boy how he was able to convince the girls.

 

“I asked the boy the magic he uses in luring the girls to bed, but he told me he always tells them that he loves them and would like to marry them any time he acquires wealth.

 

“This problem is beyond me because of the boy’s age and the number of pregnant girls involved; that’s why I need help to solve it.”

 

Obinabo did not mention the name of the boy, his mother, or their community, but she called on the public to suggest solutions.

 

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, says 24 federal institutions have been powered by solar energy under the “Energising Education Project” of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration.

 

Alausa, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony with the vice chancellors of beneficiary institutions, added that eight more universities have signed collaboration agreements to join the fourth phase of the project.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that, before the signing ceremony, the minister undertook an inspection tour of the solar-powered facility at the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.

 

Alausa, who described the project as a “new day for Nigeria”, hailed the transformative initiative under Tinubu, aimed at providing uninterrupted power supply to Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions.

He said the projects had wide-reaching benefits for education and the economy.

 

According to him, the University of Abuja, which now boasts a solar farm comprising 6,000 photovoltaic panels, is generating approximately 3.3 megawatts of electricity daily, enough to power the campus round the clock.

 

“This project brings continuous, 24-hour electricity to our institutions.

 

“It allows for increased academic activity, powers laboratories and libraries throughout the day and night, and improves living and learning conditions for both students and faculty,” he said.

 

The minister emphasised the economic ripple effect of the initiative, explaining how reliable electricity stimulates business within campuses.

 

“Any campus is a community by itself. With constant power supply, you unleash high economic activity,” he said.

 

The minister explained that the project was backed by the Renewable Infrastructure Fund established by Tinubu to support infrastructure development across sectors.

He, therefore, challenged vice chancellors of universities on innovative and creative ways of sustaining the project, noting that by 2027, every tertiary institution would have renewable energy generation.

 

On his part, the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said that phases 1, 2, and 3 of the project have so far impacted over 600,000 students and 50,000 academic staff.

 

Aliyu said that the project had also generated over 100 megawatts of electricity to power university campuses and teaching hospitals.

He said the initiative, implemented through multiple phases, had already brought solar mini-grid infrastructure to 24 federal universities across the country.

 

“What you are seeing here is one of our interventions in the education sector, and the aim is to ensure that universities have a sustainable and affordable electricity supply,” he said

 

In addition to educational institutions, he said the Universal Public Health Project, part of phase 2, had successfully delivered clean energy to two universities and two teaching hospitals.

 

He added that Phase 3, which includes the electrification of eight more universities and one additional teaching hospital, is near completion and set to be commissioned in the coming two months.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the eight new beneficiary institutions include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.

 

Others are Federal University Dutse, University of Benin, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Lagos.

 

NAN

 

The Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Kawu Sumaila, has defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress.

 

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read the letter of the lawmaker’s defection at plenary on Wednesday.

 

According to Sumaila in his letter, his decision to leave the NNPP is anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party, which have rendered the party severely divided and dysfunctional.

 

The letter is titled ”Notification of defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

 

The letter read, “Pursuant to Section 68, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to the Senate President on behalf of the Senate.

 

“I write to formally notify the Senate through your esteemed office of my defection from the NNPP to the APC, the largest party in Africa.

 

“My decision to bid goodbye to the NNPP is anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party, which have rendered the party severely divided and dysfunctional.

“Over the past months, I have observed a growing number of litigations that have practically torn the party apart and left its structure fractured.

 

“All of which clearly centred on issues of party disunity, functional leadership, and the legitimacy of its operations.

 

“These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion but have created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party.”

 

The lawmaker added that a further manifestation of the division was the existence of multiple factions, each with its own distinct party logo.

 

This, he noted underscored the depth of the division and reflected a clear and public splintering of the party’s identity in both form and substance, as the party was divided in form and substance.

 

“Therefore, in the spirit of democratic accountability and in line with my constitutional right, I have moved to APC, a national platform, an international platform, which I believe will better support my legislative responsibilities and aspirations of the good people of my senatorial district,” he said.

 

NAN