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No Tension In Anambra Over Tinubu’s Visit, Says APGA

 

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed claims of tension in Anambra State ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit on May 8.

In response to media reports suggesting a brewing conflict between APGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, the party described such allegations as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, described the reports as “baseless and part of a calculated attempt to create unnecessary panic”.

Obigwe attributed the rumours to political mischief-makers, alleging that the publication was the work of a writer allegedly paid to stir up controversy.

“It is the handiwork of ‘pay as you go writer’ who is only doing his best to justify the millions of naira he collected from the camp of the APC,” he said.

Reassuring the public, he declared, “Anambra is peaceful and calm like ice water. The people of the state are already set to welcome President Tinubu to the state to commission signature projects of our beloved governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.”

Obigwe emphasized that the President’s visit should not be politicized, but rather viewed as a gesture of goodwill.

“Everything must not be politicised. What the President is coming to do in Anambra is to celebrate Governor Soludo’s achievements in office with the people of the state and such Presidential gesture will serve as encouragement to other governors,” he said.

He highlighted the accomplishments of the Soludo administration, asserting that no previous leader has achieved as much in such a short period.

“The achievements of Governor Soludo’s administration are worth celebrating because since the history of our state creation, no governor can boast of doing what Soludo did in the state within a short space of three years and two months,” he noted.

Obigwe further accused the APC of attempting to influence public opinion with financial incentives.

“Like we already know, the APC camp is busy buying people with money and we are saying it authoritatively that the writer peddling the false rumour of ‘tension in Anambra’ is among the people they bought to promote their dead-on-arrival governorship ambition,” he alleged.

Concluding his statement, the APGA spokesman reiterated the public’s overwhelming support for Governor Soludo.

“As at today, the words on the mouth of Anambra electorates is ‘one good turn deserves another’ and that is a declaration of overwhelming support for Governor Soludo’s second term ambition,” he said.

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Tinubu Set To Meet GenCos Over N4tn Power Sector Debt Crisis

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to hold a crucial meeting with the heads of Nigeria’s power-generating companies (GenCos) to urgently address a mounting N4 trillion debt threatening the nation’s electricity sector.

This initiative follows a recent high-level discussion in Abuja between the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the chairmen of several GenCos.

The talks come amid growing concerns over liquidity constraints that could lead to a potential collapse of the national power grid.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Power Minister, disclosed that the Federal Government intends to settle a large part of the debt immediately.

The remaining amount will be addressed using financial tools like promissory notes over a six-month period.

Adelabu stated, “There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for debt instruments in promissory notes to pay the rest.”

The minister emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling it a national emergency.

“We recognize the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilize the sector and prevent further crisis,” he said.

Representing the GenCos was Col. Sani Bello (retd), Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions and head of the Association of Power Generating Companies.

He reiterated the urgency, warning that the sector is on the brink of collapse due to the accumulating debt and ongoing liquidity issues.

Earlier reports indicated that GenCos had cautioned the Federal Government over the growing debt, now estimated at more than N4 trillion, comprising N2 trillion for electricity supplied in 2024 and N1.9 trillion in legacy arrears.

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Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Victims In Anambra

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, rescuing three abducted individuals, including a couple.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday evening when armed criminals ambushed the victims at Okacha Junction.

The kidnappers reportedly forced the victims out of their cars and into another vehicle before attempting to flee the scene.

An eyewitness described the dramatic event: “The incident happened on Saturday evening. The hoodlums who were trailing the victims suddenly double-crossed the victims’ vehicles at Okacha Junction, after which they coerced them into another vehicle and were taking them away before the swift intervention of the police.

After a hot chase, the hoodlums abandoned their victims and fled in another vehicle. It was like a commando film.”

Confirming the operation in a statement on Sunday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the prompt response of officers from the Neni Divisional Headquarters was key to the rescue.

Ikenga said, “Police operatives attached to the Neni Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly to a distress call along Okacha junction, Neni on May 3, 2025, by 8.45pm, foiled a kidnap incident, rescued three victims, including a husband and wife, and recovered one of the victim’s vehicles from the scene.”

He added that the Joint Security Force, including the Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes, had joined the manhunt for the fleeing criminals.

“Meanwhile, the Joint Security Force, comprising the Military, Civil Defence and Vigilantes have complimented the onslaught of operational efforts of the Police aimed at arresting the armed hoodlums and to recover one Black Lexus 350 SUV with Reg. No: ABJ 557 LD reportedly snatched from the second rescued victim and which the hoodlums used to escape from the scene.”

In response to the incident, Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, called on residents to remain alert and law-abiding.

He urged the public to support law enforcement in safeguarding the state.

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Reports On Voter Registration Resumption Date Fake, Misleading – INEC

INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed online reports suggesting it has fixed May 27, 2025, as the date for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The rebuttal was issued on Sunday through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, on the social media platform X.

According to Oyekanmi, the public should disregard a viral anonymous message that falsely claims the CVR, along with services such as voter transfer and replacement of lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), would recommence later this month.

He stated, “The Independent National Electoral Commission wishes to inform the general public that it has not yet announced any date for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration, Transfer and Replacement of lost Permanent Voters’ Cards.”

INEC emphasized that any announcement regarding the resumption of the CVR would be made through official and verified communication channels.

“The Commission therefore urges the public to disregard the fake, anonymous statement making the rounds, claiming that the CVR and other associated services will resume on 27th May 2025,” the statement added.

INEC reassured citizens that it remains committed to transparency and will provide ample notice when a decision on the resumption of voter registration is made.

“In line with its tradition, the Commission will publicly announce the date for the resumption of the CVR at the appropriate time, the full details of which will also be shared via our official social media platforms,” the statement concluded.

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Police Arrest Four Over Production Of Fake Farm Chemicals

 

The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in the illegal production and sale of counterfeit herbicides.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil.

He revealed that the arrests followed credible intelligence regarding a suspected counterfeit herbicide operation based in a residential area in Bauchi metropolis.

Wakil stated, “On May 3, 2025, at about 13:30 hours, a team of detectives attached to the Monitoring Unit of the Command upon credible intelligence regarding the mass production of counterfeit herbicides in a residential area within Bauchi Metropolitan.”

The suspects, all residents of Bauchi, were identified as 21-year-old Usman Suleman of Karofin Madaki, 20-year-old Ahmad Musa of Wuntin Dada, and 17-year-old Muhammad Nuhu of Fadaman Mada.

They were caught in the act at a house located in the Unguwan Liman area.

“A comprehensive search was conducted during this operation, yielding the recovery of Twenty-six cartons labelled ‘Force Up’, One empty carton of ‘Gobora’, Two plastic drums containing a suspicious liquid mixture, Two buckets, One hundred empty one-litre containers of ‘Force Up,’” Wakil added.

He continued, “Furthermore, the search uncovered sealing tapes, scissors, super glue, leather materials, charcoal, five welding spoons, a charcoal stove, and an assortment of cover seals.”

The police spokesperson disclosed that during interrogation, one of the suspects implicated a 36-year-old man, Muhammad Muhammad, also of Fadaman Mada.

“This individual was subsequently located and apprehended for this illegal operation,” he said.

Wakil confirmed that all suspects are currently in police custody.

He noted, “Ongoing investigations aim to thoroughly address and dismantle these illicit activities within the State.”

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Just In: Air Peace Spokesman Resigns

 

Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Nigerian airline Air Peace, has stepped down from his role less than four months after taking up the position.

His resignation was confirmed in a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday.

Although the official explanation given was a response to a “higher calling,” industry insiders suggest that growing pressure from recent unfavorable media coverage involving the airline may have contributed to his decision to leave.

A well-regarded communications expert, Dr. Ndiulo joined Air Peace earlier this year, bringing a wealth of academic and professional experience.

Sources familiar with the development told DAILY GAZETTE that he may be moving on to a high-level role in a notable organisation outside the aviation industry.

Dr. Ndiulo holds a PhD in Strategic Marketing Management from Babcock University, an MSc in Marketing from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Lagos State University.

He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

His credentials include certification in External Relations and Reputation Management from Pan-Atlantic University, as well as training in Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid in the United Kingdom.

In his resignation letter to the airline, he wrote: “I wish to resign my appointment as Head, of Corporate Communications at Air Peace Limited. My family and I are grateful for the wonderful opportunities for growth and development that I have had during my time at Air Peace.”

He added, “Your guidance and support have played a crucial role in my professional journey, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me.”

Dr. Ndiulo also expressed a desire to maintain good relations with the airline post-departure: “I look forward to maintaining a cordial relationship with Air Peace even after my exit.”

As at the time of filing this report, Air Peace had not released any official statement concerning the resignation or plans for his replacement.

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I Take Responsibility, But Biden Left A Mess – Trump

 

United States President, Donald Trump has acknowledged that he bears full responsibility for the state of the country’s economy, while also placing blame on his predecessor, Joe Biden, for what he described as inherited challenges.

In an interview aired Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said, “Ultimately, I take responsibility for everything.”

However, he added, “But I’ve only just been here for a little more than three months.”

Trump maintained that the positive trends in the economy are the result of his leadership, while ongoing difficulties stem from the previous administration.

“I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because he’s done a terrible job,” he said.

Despite public concerns over inflation and economic uncertainty, official data show some stability: unemployment stood at 4.2 percent last month, and inflation was 2.3 percent in March, slightly above the Federal Reserve’s target.

Still, economic forecasts have dimmed, with the Fed and other analysts warning of slowing growth and rising joblessness.

Trump was asked whether a recession could be on the horizon.

“Anything can happen,” he responded. “This is a transition period,” he said, while expressing confidence in an eventual turnaround: “We’re going to do fantastically,” he claimed, predicting “the greatest economic boom in history.”

On trade, Trump defended his aggressive stance toward China, including the imposition of steep 145 percent tariffs.

“We’ve essentially cut off trade relationships by putting that much of a tariff on,” he said. But he downplayed concerns over the impact, adding, “That’s okay… That means that we’re not losing.”

Trump insisted that Beijing is eager to resolve the standoff.

“The Chinese want to make a deal very badly,” he said, and hinted that tariffs might be reduced in the future.

He also reignited criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, his own appointee from 2018,  urging the Fed to cut interest rates.

“He should lower interest rates. Now is the perfect time to do so,” Trump said.

With the Fed set to meet this week, most economists expect the central bank to maintain current interest rates, which have held steady between 4.25 and 4.50 percent since December.

Although Trump previously suggested removing Powell before his term expires, he told NBC he now plans to wait until Powell’s tenure ends in May 2026 before naming a replacement.

 

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JUST IN: Missing Babcock Student Found, Mother Confirms

 

The search for Oladipupo Siwajuola, a student of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, came to a positive end on Sunday, as his mother, Fijabi Oyindamola, announced that her son has been found.

Taking to Facebook under the username Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo, she shared the good news in a brief but heartfelt post: “My son has been found,” accompanied by celebratory dance emojis.

Babcock University has confirmed the development.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the institution’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Joshua Suleiman, verified the Facebook post’s authenticity.

In a message sent via WhatsApp, he stated, “Yes, we are aware.”

At the time of this report, the circumstances surrounding Oladipupo’s disappearance and how he was found remain unclear.

His return comes days after a widely shared video showed Omotayo in deep distress, tearfully appealing to the university and the public for help in locating her son.

In an earlier post, she pleaded:
“Babcock University, please provide information about my son!
Babcock University Ilisan, could you please inform me about the whereabouts of my son, Oladipupo Siwajuola?
Can you explain why Lampard and Tobi, who were the last to see him are being shielded?”

She further expressed her anguish over the lack of updates, adding:
“It has been over 72 hours since I last spoke to my son. I personally dropped him off at school on Monday, 27 April, as I always do, and I have been unable to locate him since then.
Please provide information about my son’s whereabouts. My family and I should not suffer due to your lack of accountability. My son is not a piece of furniture,” Omotayo cried out.

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Peter Obi’s Ally, Oseloka Obaze Dumps Labour Party

 

Oseloka Obaze, a prominent associate of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, has officially withdrawn his membership from the party, citing dissatisfaction with the recent governorship primary election in Anambra State.

In a resignation letter dated Sunday and addressed to the Chairman of the Labour Party in Ochuche Ward 406, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Awka, Obaze announced his departure.

Obaze, a former United Nations diplomat and Secretary to the Anambra State Government under Obi, had served as a strategic adviser and influential figure within the Labour Party before his exit.

“By virtue of this letter, I hereby tender my resignation from the Labour Party (LP),” he wrote.

Expressing frustration over the outcome of the April 5, 2025 governorship primaries, Obaze condemned the process as deeply flawed.

“The processes, conduct and outcome of the Labour Party governorship primaries held on April 5, 2025 in Awka, were fraught with outright irregularities, bothering on fraud and criminality.
“It was not in tandem with either the party’s Constitution and espoused core values or true tenets of democracy,” he stated.

Continuing, he added, “As such, I hereby disassociate myself henceforth from the Labour Party.”

When contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria, Obaze confirmed the authenticity of the letter, stating that it “speaks for itself.”

He also pointed to the unresolved leadership crisis plaguing the Labour Party at the national level, particularly the failure to reconcile the factions led by Julius Abure and Senator Nenadi Usman.

Although he did not reveal his next political plans, Obaze’s departure marks another high-profile exit from the Labour Party.

He had earlier resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, shortly before Peter Obi also left for LP.

Obaze went on to become Obi’s campaign manager and played a key role in shaping the Obedient Movement.

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Three Police Officers Arrested Over Suspect’s Death In Detention

 

The Kebbi State Police Command has taken three of its officers into custody following the death of a suspect, Abubakar Auwal, while in police detention.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, the deceased was initially arrested in connection with a reported theft of trailer rims and held at the Jega Divisional Police Headquarters.

However, he reportedly collapsed in custody and was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

The statement reads: “Auwal reportedly collapsed around 6:00am on April 16. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Jega, where he was confirmed dead.”

In response to the incident, the police have launched an internal investigation.

Three officers allegedly involved in the case have been detained for further investigation and disciplinary measures.

Additionally, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jega Division has been immediately redeployed and issued a query.

The statement noted that the circumstances of Auwal’s death raised suspicions.

“The command suspected foul play in the circumstances surrounding his death as such, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for investigation and three officers were found culpable in connection with his death.”

Assuring the public of its commitment to justice and transparency, the police emphasized that necessary steps are being taken to ensure accountability.

“The Command assured the public that it remains resolute in ensuring accountability, justice, and the protection of citizens’ rights while working to rebuild and maintain public trust.”

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