FG okays ₦150bn PPP extension of Bodo-Bonny Road

The Federal Government has approved a ₦150 billion extension of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project in Rivers State under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

This is part of a wider infrastructure push that includes solar lighting, landscaping, and CCTV surveillance on major highways.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the management of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited in his office.

A statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, said President Bola Tinubu had approved the extension of the recently completed Bodo-Bonny Road, with a 12-month completion deadline and a clause to prevent cost variation. The project will use concrete technology for a lifespan of 50 to 100 years and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for ratification.

“Government is not only constructing roads but delivering world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances safety, and improves the quality of life,” Umahi said.

He added that the administration had also approved solar-powered street lighting and tree planting along major corridors to improve night-time visibility, boost security, beautify the highways, and stimulate commerce in host communities.

To strengthen road safety, the government plans to deploy Closed-Circuit Television surveillance systems on key highways, backed by monitoring centres. Umahi said the measure would cut emergency response time to under 10 minutes.

The project design includes rest areas, relief stations, and truck parking yards at strategic locations. Umahi said engagements with host communities were ongoing to secure land for the facilities. Contractors have been directed to use savings from project costs to fund solar lighting and tree planting.

Umahi commended stakeholders, noting that the infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Administration had recorded “unprecedented” impact across all regions.

During the visit, NLNG Managing Director, Engr. Adeleye Falade, presented a model of a Compressed Natural Gas ship to the minister, signaling the company’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions in transportation and maritime sectors. Both parties discussed collaboration on sustainable infrastructure.

End.

S/Court rules on ADC, PDP leadership disputes today as H/Court nullifies Mark’s ADC congresses

The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, April 30, for judgments in the leadership disputes rocking the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Earlier on Wednesday, an Abuja High court had nullified the congresses organized by the Senator David Mark’s faction of the ADC.

It would be recalled that the apex court had reserved judgement in the ADC case, prompting the opposition party to petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) that time was not on its side.

However, on Wednesday, the apex court announced that the judgement would be delivered by 2pm, on Thursday.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had fixed the matter for judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.

Mark, who leads a faction of the party, is challenging the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the dispute.

In his appeal, the former Senate President argued that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction and insisted that the crisis bordered on internal party affairs, which courts lack powers to adjudicate.

The suit was initiated by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is contesting the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership of the party.

Other respondents in the appeal include the ADC, its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction, pending the determination of the appeal.

However, the respondents urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal, maintaining that the lower court was properly seized of the matter.

In a letter dated April 28, 2026 and signed by Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, ADC counsel, the Mark-led faction said if the judgment of the apex court is not delivered within the next three days, the ADC “stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Election”.

The Mark-led faction said the development would deny the constitutional right of millions of Nigerians to contest the elections under the platform of the party.

“My Lord, this appeal was graciously heard expeditiously on the 22nd April, 2026 and judgment was thereafter reserved to a date to be communicated by the court,” the letter reads.

“However, My Lord, we are most respectfully constrained to request for my Lord’s kind intervention and directive in ensuring that the judgment is rendered timeously having regard that INEC the 4th Respondent in the said Appeal purportedly, acting pursuant to the judgment of the lower court in

“Appeal No: CA/ABJ/145/2026 acted to remove or de-recognize the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaving the ADC without leadership at the moment even though the ADC remains a recognized registered political party in Nigeria.

“My Lord, we also respectfully draw Your Lordship’s attention to the INEC Timetable for the 2027 General Elections and the activities in readiness which have already commenced.

“Your Lordship’s would find attached copies of the INEC Press Release de-recognizing the leadership of ADC and the Revised INEC Timetable for the 2027 General Elections.

“My Lord, the ADC’s ability to comply with these statutory requirements to participate in the 2027 General Elections is wholly dependent on the timely delivery of the judgment in the instant Appeal.

“Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days from the date of this letter, the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Elections.

“This would disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who have subscribed to the ideals of the ADC and deny them their constitutional right to freely associate and contest elections through a political party of their choice.

“My Lord, we are mindful of the enormous responsibilities and workload of this Honourable Court. We are equally aware that justice delayed, in this peculiar circumstance, would amount to justice denied. The entire political future of our client and the legitimate expectations of its members nationwide now hangs in the balance.” DAILY TRUST.

How a solemn moment in Mogadishu made Osinbajo dump alcohol for good

It was supposed to be a quiet Sunday. Preach, grab two cold Heinekens, head back to his room, read his Bible. But in a crowded restaurant in war-torn Mogadishu, Somalia, Yemi Osinbajo walked into a moment that would sober him for life.

The former Vice President, then a UN legal officer and pastor, shared the story in a viral video now ricocheting across social media.

“I like my red wine once in a while, and then I like my beer,” Osinbajo, 69, admitted. He was serving in the justice sector of the United Nations mission in Somalia. Sunday fellowship was done. The plan was simple.

“On this particular Sunday, I was coming back from the Fellowship where I had preached, and I was just hoping to buy two canned Heineken and go to my room and read my Bible,” he recalled.

He stepped into the restaurant. His colleagues were already there — drinking. Then they saw him. Drinks disappeared under tables. Bottles shifted. Faces dropped.

Osinbajo asked a Danish colleague why. The reply cut deeper than any sermon.

“You are the priest, and we cannot be drinking around the priest,” the man said.

That was it. No lecture. No scripture. Just a mirror held up by men who expected more from him.

Osinbajo said it hit like conviction. In that instant, faith, calling, and choice collided. He understood the biblical truth: many things are permissible, but not all are beneficial.

“Since that day, I have never consumed alcohol,” he said.

The moment in Mogadishu ended a private habit and forged a public witness. From Attorney General of Lagos State, 1999 to 2007, to Nigeria’s 14th Vice President, 2015 to 2023, Osinbajo kept the vow.

Born March 8, 1957, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and APC stalwart is also a pastor. But on that Sunday in Somalia, it wasn’t his title that changed him — it was the quiet shame of others who saw the priest before he saw himself.

Sometimes, the most powerful altar call doesn’t come from a pulpit. It comes from a beer hiding under a table. Culled ffom The ConclaveNG

2027: Simon Okeke makes case for Obi, urges Atiku to reciprocate Igbo support

Elder statesman and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke has made a special case for Peter Obi to be supported to fly the flag of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 presidential election.
In a special message he personally signed on Tuesday, Okeke also made a passionate appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to support Obi’s ambition by withdrawing from the race.
Titled “A passionate appeal from an Elder statesman to all patriotic Nigerian members of African Democratic Congress (ADC)”, Chief Okeke reminded Atiku of the overwhelming support he had received from the South East in all the presidential elections the former VP contested and urged him to reciprocate this in 2027.
He drew the former VP’s attention to the reality that the 2027 presidential election is for the south hence the inevitability of transferring his support to Obi.
Beyond these, Okeke insisted that Obi deserves the support of all ADC stakeholders as according to him, Obi is the most acceptable presidential aspirant.
Below is the unedited copy of of Chief Okeke’s statement:

A PASSIONATE APPEAL FROM AN ELDER STATESMAN TO ALL PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN MEMBERS OF AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC)*

*PETER OBI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY – APPEAL TO ALL PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN MEMBERS OF ADC.*

*Peter Obi* may not be getting it right in some areas. Being human, it should be expected. No one is perfect. Nonetheless, among all the presidential aspirants today, he is the most acceptable nationwide. At no time in the political history of Nigeria before, during and after our Independence till this date has any candidate from any part of Nigeria enjoyed such a universal nationwide acceptance, not even the great charismatic *Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik).*

*The Atiku Question*:
On Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential bids up to 2023, no Northern presidential candidate had ever enjoyed the massive support of the people of South East as he has.
It was Atiku’s presidential bid in the 2023 contest that diminished PO’s margin of victory in that election.

One would expect that 2027 contest will give Alhaji Atiku a good opportunity to reciprocate the same support he has progressively received from the South East by him not only withdrawing from the contest which by convention is for Southern candidates to serve out balance of term of 4 years, but to throw his weight behind Peter Obi. Failure to do this will portray him to be opposite of what we thought he is – a true friend of Ndigbo.
He needs to show appreciation of our South East support for his several presidential bids.

I appeal to our Northern and South Western brothers and friends to see the equity and justice in supporting Peter Obi’s presidential bid since his victory will put the burden of the Nigeria-Biafra war behind us permanently.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Chief (Dr.) Simon Nsobundu Okeke, OON, OFR, FNIVS, FRICS,*
(*Ochendo*),
*Former Chairman, Police Service Commission*.

FG fixes new civil servants’ allowance structure

The Federal Government has announced October 1, 2026, as the implementation date for a new allowance structure for civil servants on Grade Levels 01 to 17.

The revised package covers duty tour allowances, estacode, training, travel, resettlement, and other work-related benefits under the Public Service Rules 2021.

This was contained in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and signed by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ekpo U.O. Nta.

The circular was reportedly forwarded to key government institutions, including ministries, departments and agencies, as well as senior officials in the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government.

Under the new structure, officers on Grade Levels 16 to 17 will receive ₦109,000 as duty tour allowance for official trips, while workers on Grade Levels 01 to 04 will get ₦30,000.

The government also reviewed kilometre allowances for official movement, with permanent secretaries expected to earn ₦664 per kilometre, while officers on Grade Levels 01 to 04 will receive ₦174 per kilometre.

For foreign trips, permanent secretaries will now receive $1,040 as estacode, while officers on Grade Levels 15 to 17 will get $737. Workers on Grade Levels 01 to 06 are expected to receive $357.

Civil servants undergoing long-term training programmes lasting one year or more will receive ₦150,000 for books and project support, while those on shorter courses will get ₦125,000.

For local training programmes, officers on Grade Levels 16 to 17 will receive ₦33,877.5 per day, while workers on Grade Levels 01 to 04 will get ₦9,034.1 daily.

The new structure also introduced annual allowances for workers in the education sector, with science and mathematics teachers on Grade Level 14 expected to earn up to ₦480,000 yearly.

Laboratory attendants on the same grade level will receive ₦216,000 annually.

In addition, eligible workers will receive resettlement allowances pegged at 10 per cent of their annual consolidated salary, while qualified government drivers will receive a non-accident bonus of ₦150,000 yearly.

The commission stated that allowances already listed in the Public Service Rules without fixed amounts would continue to be guided by existing provisions, while other unresolved payments would be addressed through subsequent circulars.

According to the government, the period before the October implementation date is intended to allow ministries, departments and agencies to make necessary adjustments to their budgets and payroll systems.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has reacted to the development, saying the increase in allowances does not reflect the current economic realities facing workers.

The Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, said the review falls short of addressing the growing cost of living and called for stronger measures to improve workers’ welfare across the country. Starnews.

Obi Media Office raises the alarm over clandestine move to suppress him

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has raised the alarm over moves to truncate the 2027 presidential ambition of the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement on Monday, the Media Office said the plan was to limit the freedom of the former Governor of Anambra State and deny him access to the Nigerian people.

It said the Office “ wishes to alert members of the public and indeed international democratic watchers of various surreptitious schemes to limit his freedom and deny him access to the Nigerian people.

“The Media office is privy to the various schemes being put in place clandestinely to limit Obi’s freedom.

“Already there have been recent and recurring reports of Peter Obi being prevented from speaking at public institutions, specifically focusing on the recent cancellation of his lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and similar incidents at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other public institutions.”

Describing the plot as “worrisome”, it insisted that the development “is not an isolated administrative hiccup; but a symptom of a deepening democratic malaise.

“This incident follows a disturbing pattern occurring over 10 times in recent months—where public institutions, including his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have revoked platforms for the presidential aspirant at the eleventh hour.

“It’s a well-established fact that Universities are, by definition, the “marketplace of ideas.” Intended to be sanctuaries for critical thinking, rigorous debate, and the free exchange of perspectives, but in an attempt to suppress our principal’s, public institutions are succumbing to external political pressures and intimidation.

“In the words of Obi himself, “such occurrences now point to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians”.

“POMR would want to reiterate that Universities and other public institutions of learning must remain platforms where ideas can be shared freely without restriction.”

“The irony is stark that while Mr Obi has been welcomed to speak freely at notable global centres of excellence—including Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and Yale—within his own country, the doors of public learning are increasingly being bolted.

“This disparity raises a critical question: What is the state of a nation that fears the dialogue of its own citizens within its own halls of learning?

“We like to therefore call upon the administrative heads of public institutions and the relevant governing bodies to resist political intimidation and uphold the sanctity of academic freedom.

“A country that silences its thinkers and its leaders within its ivory towers is a country that risks intellectual and social stagnation.

“We stand for an open Nigeria where the “force of argument” always supersedes the “argument of force”, the statement concluded.

Nigerian Navy flags off Exercise Obangame Express 2026, reinforces maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea

The Nigerian Navy on Sunday formally flagged off Exercise Obangame Express 2026 (OE 26), a multinational maritime exercise aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and improving collective capacity to combat maritime threats within the Gulf of Guinea.

This is contained in a statement from the Service on Sunday and signed by Abiodun Folorunsho (Navy Captain) who is the Director of Naval Information.

The flag-off ceremony, according to the statement, held onboard NNS IKENNE and was conducted by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas who was represented by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.

Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, conducted with support from the United States Africa Command, the Service said is a multinational initiative involving over 30 participating nations.

“The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability among navies and maritime security agencies across West and Central Africa, while addressing transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and trafficking.

“The 5-day exercise, scheduled from 26 to 30 April 2026, features the deployment of 9 Nigerian Navy ships, 2 helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets, and Special Boat Service (SBS) elements.

“It also includes active participation from key national agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), thereby reinforcing inter-agency synergy,” the statement also said.

The CNS in his speech described the exercise as a critical platform for fostering unity of effort, improving information sharing, and enhancing maritime awareness across the region.

He emphasized that the essence of OE 26 lies in building trust, strengthening interoperability, and developing the operational capacity of participating forces to respond effectively to evolving maritime threats.

The CNS further noted that the exercise is deliberately structured to sharpen operational readiness, enhance interdiction capabilities, and test response mechanisms through realistic, scenario-based engagements, including counter-piracy operations, anti-trafficking drills, illegal fishing interdictions, search and rescue missions, and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures.

Highlighting Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, Vice Admiral Abbas referenced the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone countries in 2022, attributing the achievement to sustained collaboration with regional and international partners, as well as initiatives such as OBANGAME EXPRESS.

He also underscored the strategic importance of securing the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the region remains vital to global trade, energy security, and economic stability.

Additionally, the CNS highlighted that Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026 coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, reflecting seven decades of dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to regional peace and security.

The CNS expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy, and commended all participating personnel and agencies for their professionalism and commitment.

Gov Idris of Kebbi becomes first Nigerian Sardauna of Dosso, Niger Rep

The Sultan of Dosso in the neighbouring Republic of Niger, Djermakoye Ahmadou Sounna Saidu has joined other prominent Nigerian Traditional rulers in conferment of the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna Dosso on Comrade Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.
The conferment was announced and presented by the Sultan accompanied by other traditional rulers from his domain, led by the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera at the presidential lounge, Birnin Kebbi.

This was contained in a statement signed by Abdullahi Idris Saudakin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi Governor.
According to the statement, while presenting the plague of the conferment of the title, the Sultan disclosed that Comrade Governor Nasir Idris is the first Nigerian to be honoured with the prestigious traditional title of the first Sardauna of Dosso Sultanate.
Giving further details of the honour, Sultan Ahmadou said it was considered for Comrade Governor Nasir Idris based on his demonstrated commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the traditional institutions and governmental agencies in the neighbouring countries.

According to him, the efforts have not only promoted beneficial business transactions but also boasts the harmonious cultural and social interactions among the people of Nigeria and Niger, citing the Annual Argungu International fishing and Cultural Festival as an example.
In a brief remarks, the visibly excited Comrade Governor Idris expressed gratitude to the Dosso Sultanate and indeed the people of the kingdom for the honour and pledged to not only sustain but explore more avenues of strengthening the cultural heritage and profitable business transactions among the neighbouring communities.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera jointly with the Sultan, presented the letter and plague of the conferment of the title to Governor Idris.
Comrade Governor Nasir Idris also holds the traditional titles of Kauran Gwandu, Gwarzon Daular Usmaniya, Kauran Kanem Borno, Kauran Nupe Kingdom, Jigon Kabi, Gamjin Yauri and Garkuwan Zuru.

Assassination attempt: Why people want me dead – Trump reveals

United States President, Donald Trump, has shared his thoughts on why he has faced repeated assassination threats.

Newspotng reports that he spoke while reacting to a shooting incident that disrupted a media event in Washington.

The incident happened on April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. A gunman caused panic at the gathering, forcing security to act quickly and bringing the event to an abrupt halt.

Speaking after the situation was brought under control, Trump said he believes people who make great changes often become targets.

He linked the attack to his time in office, saying his actions and decisions have affected the country in ways that not everyone supports. He also compared such situations to past events involving well-known leaders who were attacked because of their influence.

The president referred to his past experience, including surviving an earlier assassination attempt at a campaign rally in 2024. He said, despite the risks attached to his position, he continues to live his life without fear and does not see himself as someone shaken by such threats.

He said, “I’ve studied assassinations. I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most… they’re the ones that they go after. I hate to say I’m honoured by that, but I’ve done a lot. We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people that are not happy about that. I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life. To be honest, I’m not a basket case. A tremendous amount of love and coming together. I was ready to give the most inappropriate speech ever made.” Newspot.

2027: Opposition parties to field one presidential candidate -Ibadan Declaration

A meeting of major opposition political parties in Ibadan on Saturday has agreed to field one presidential candidate in the next presidential election.

This was one of the major decisions of the parties’ meeting which also called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan.

The declaration which was signed by all chairmen of the parties also called for the release of all politicians being detained for bailable offences.

Below is the full communique issued at the end of their meeting:

IBADAN DECLARATION

Communiqué issued at the end of Opposition Political Parties National Summit held on Saturday April 25, 2026 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Participating Opposition Parties in Nigeria, after an extensive deliberation on the collective threats that we face and the existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC) and given the need for urgent, collective action to rescue our nation and the destiny of over 200 million compatriots, hereby resolve as follows:

That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.

That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.

That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections as Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections. His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering wide spread crisis in our nation.

That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.

That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offfences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.

That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties. We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.

The Summit commends Nigerians for their resilience and readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.

The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event.

SIGNED:

Chairmen of Participating Opposition Parties. Sunrisereporters.