Nigeria needs real commander-in-chief, not chief mourner,’ ADC tells Tinubu

 

 

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Nigeria needs a real Commander-in-Chief, not a Chief Mourner.

Stating that President Tinubu’s post-attack statements have failed to stop killings in the country, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a post on his X handle that the President’s repeated statements of assurance has turned into a declaration of helplessness and surrender.

 

He said since May 2023, President Tinubu had turned “never again” into a template response to insecurity and the killing of Nigerians, documenting six different incidents where the President had made almost similar statements without corresponding positive results on the ground.

 

The post @BolajiADC read in part, “Every massacre under his watch. Every abduction under his failed leadership. Same script. Same lines. Same outcome.

 

Dec 26, 2023 — Plateau, ‘Envoys of death will not escape. We will resolve this.’

 

“Apr 5, 2025 — Plateau/Kwara ‘Enough is enough.’

 

“Jun 16, 2025 — Benue ‘Enough is now enough. This must not continue.’

 

“Nov 20, 2025 — Kebbi ‘This should not happen again.’

 

“Mar 31, 2026 — Plateau/Kaduna ‘Enough is enough. Smash criminals in real-time.’

 

“Apr 1–2, 2026 — Plateau ‘This will not repeat itself.’

 

“Six different tragedies. Six Presidential promises. Six Presidential failures. Zero Presidential results.

 

“And then Easter came. “Apr 5–6, 2026 — Kaduna. Borno. Plateau. Benue. “Church attacked. Villages raided. Security forces ambushed. Families buried.

 

“At this point, hearing “enough is enough” is no longer a statement of reassurance, it is a declaration of helplessness and surrender.

 

“We cannot continue like this. Nigeria needs a real Commander-in-Chief, not a Chief Mourner.” Globalupfront.

Gov. Mbah suspends daily tolls on petty traders in Enugu

 

Gov. Peter Mbah has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of daily toll collections from petty traders without lockup shops, declaring the practice illegal.

The directive, announced on Tuesday, forms part of efforts to curb illegal revenue collection and ease pressure on low-income residents.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Mbah said the move aligned with new tax reforms supporting vulnerable citizens.

He warned that anyone collecting the outlawed levies, typically ₦100 or ₦200, “whether for government or privately, will face strict legal consequences”.

Mbah added that a task force, chaired by the SSG, had been constituted to enforce compliance across markets in the state.

He urged council chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, Presidents-General, civil groups, and residents to report violations to the task force.

 

The governor clarified that the suspension excluded traders in lockup shops, who must still pay annual fees ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦36,000. Newspot.

Delta Govt increases doctors’ salaries to N570,000

 

 

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved a pay increase for doctors working in Delta State, raising their monthly salary by ₦200,000 and introducing a ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for house officers.

Newspotng reports that the development was made known by the Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, during a media briefing in Asaba.

He explained that the new structure will move the salary of entry-level doctors from ₦370,000 to ₦570,000, while house officers will now earn above ₦350,000 instead of the previous amount, slightly above ₦250,000.

The extra allowance is part of what the government calls the MORE Special Allowance.

The decision comes at a time when the state is trying to recruit over 700 health workers but has not seen enough doctors turn up, even though more than 6,000 people applied.

 

The government said the new pay package will make the jobs more attractive and encourage qualified doctors to join the state’s health system.

Onojaeme said the aim of the increase is to improve the quality of healthcare services and ensure hospitals have enough staff to attend to patients.

 

He also stated that the recruitment process will remain fair and based on merit, with no room for payments or favouritism.

 

He said that the state government is seeking to solve the shortage of medical workers while also improving their welfare and working conditions across public health institutions in Delta State.

NDC appoints Vice Chairmen for 6 zones

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced new national vice chairmen to represent the six geopolitical zones in the country.

Newspotng reports that the decision was made public on Monday in a statement issued by the party’s national chairman, Cleopas Zuwoghe, and national secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu.

According to the party, the appointments were made to ensure that all parts of the country are properly represented within its leadership structure.

The zones covered include the north-west, north-east, north-central, south-south, south-east, and south-west.

The party explained that the move is part of its plan to strengthen its presence across the country and build a leadership system that carries everyone along.

It also noted that the step is linked to preparations for its upcoming congresses and national convention.

For the north-west zone, the party selected Mohammed Bakin Zuwo. Danlami Arabs was chosen for the north-east, while Barnabas J. Ejisi will serve the north-central zone.

In the southern region, Frederick E. Owotorufa was appointed for the south-south, Teddy Obey for the south-east, and Adedayo Ekong for the south-west.

The NDC is a relatively new  political party, having been officially registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission in February 2026.Politics

A few weeks later, on March 15, the party introduced an online platform to allow Nigerians to join as members

Navy ready to partner with relevant organisations to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capacity, boost naval operations – CNS

 

 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has stated that the Nigerian Navy (NN is ready to partner with relevant organisations that will enhance indigenous shipbuilding capacity and boost naval operations.

He made this pledge following a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, Mr. Amadou Ndongo Thiam, to the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

The robust engagement aligns with the NN’s strategic objective of fostering partnerships that support local content development, technology transfer, and sustainable capability growth.

 

During the visit, the ASELSAN delegation expressed readiness to establish a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy, focusing on joint ventures, collaboration with indigenous shipyards, and integration of advanced defence technologies.

The company highlighted its expertise in unmanned systems, infrared search and track systems, integrated combat solutions, and modernization of naval platforms. The delegation’s visit to Naval Dockyard Limited, where ongoing construction of Seaward Defence Boats was observed, further underscored opportunities for synergy with Nigeria’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capacity.

 

In his remarks, the CNS, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the engagement as timely and strategic, emphasizing that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to partnerships that deliver tangible technology transfer and strengthen the nation’s defence industrial base.

He reiterated the importance of structured collaborations, particularly through government-to-government frameworks, to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with national security priorities, while positioning the NN for enhanced maritime security operations. Globalupfront.

Court sentences terrorism convicts to 20 years, life imprisonment

 

 

THE Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced some suspected terrorists standing trial for terrorism-related offences to various jail terms, including 20 years imprisonment on each count and life imprisonment.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that while several of the defendants were convicted and handed 20-year sentences on each count to run concurrently, one of the convicts was sentenced to life imprisonment in addition to the sentence of 20 years on five counts relating to rendering support to terrorists.

 

NAN reports that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led the prosecution team informed the court that the minimum sentence for each count of terrorism related offence was 20 years imprisonment, while the maximum penalty was life imprisonment.

 

He, however, said that the court could order that the sentences commence from the date of the defendants’ arrest.

 

All those convicted so far pleaded guilty on arraignment and pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

 

Their offences ranged from knowingly receiving traning on handling AK47 rifles and supplying food, cloths and drugs to ISWAP, a proscribed terrorists organisation.

 

Other offences are attacking military personnel and burning their vehicle as well as supplying fuel and scrap to terrorists.

 

The mass trial of the suspected terrorists, which usually holds in Kainji, Niger, was relocated to Abuja due to the court’s ongoing Easter vacation.

 

NAN reports that most courtrooms at the Abuja division of the court were engaged in trying the suspected terrorists.

 

Some of the presiding judges included Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite and Obiora Egwuatu, among others.

 

Some of the defendants listed before Justice Nyako are Abubakar Ali, Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello and Shehu Bukar.

 

Those before Justice Nwite include Gonni Alhaji, Mallam Yana, Mohammed Hassan and Tasiu Yakubu among others. NAN

 

 

World Health Day: Kogi govt urges unity in science-driven healthcare delivery

The Kogi State Government has emphasised the need for unity in science-driven healthcare from disease prevention and control to improved diagnostics and treatment.
The state’s Health Commissioner, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, made the call at a press conference after a health walk on Tuesday in Lokoja, to commemorates World Health Day 2026.
He noted that the theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science,” emphasised science-backed health approaches emphasising that collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and communities is key to advancing healthcare.
He noted that over 150 primary healthcare centers are being revitalised, and many citizens are being enrolled in health insurance schemes for universal access to care.
Abdulazeez acknowledged challenges such as access to quality healthcare in rural areas, human resource gaps, and disease burdens as he called on stakeholders to strengthen partnerships between government, academia, and communities; promote trust in science and counter misinformation
He stressed the need to support local research and innovation, and ensure that scientific advancements benefit citizens
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and responsive health system, prioritising primary healthcare and empowering healthcare workers.
The state Epidemiologist, Dr Austin Ojotule, said the event aimed to create awareness about health needs and promote healthy living.
Mr Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET Chairperson, said the event raises awareness on public health issues, emphasizing science-based planning.
adding “We need to move away from local unverified methods and understand that health is driven by science.”
The Stakeholders’ and partners include: Kogi Ministry of Health, Kogi Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), Nigerian Red Cross, Sightsavers, NGOs, among others.
Authority.

PDP crises: New political destination for Bauchi Gov soon

 

 

As the 2027 elections draw closer, moves are being made for Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and the entire PDP family in the state to find a credible political platform to pitch their tent.

Pursuant to this, a new committee under the chairmanship of Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Mohammed Jatau has been set up, on the heels of a stakeholder’s meeting which brought in notable PDP Members across the state.

The committee has the PDP Deputy National Chairman, North, Hamza Koshe Akuyam, Speaker, State house of Assembly Abubakar Yakubu Suleiman, Senators Baba Tela, Adamu Ibrahim Gumba, and Bala Adamu Kariya, among others, as members, with the SSG Aminu Hammayo, to serve as secretary to the committee.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the stakeholder’s meeting, the state party chairman, Pharmacist Samaila Adamu Burga, said that the setting up of a new committee is to ensure that nobody is left behind in the party’s mass movement bid to another political party.

“The movement of Governor Bala Mohammed is exceptional where every decision is subject to scrutiny by stakeholders in the state. We are on course in trying to see where we are going to go, looking at what happened in our party, the PDP,” he stated.

One of the resolutions of the stakeholder’s meeting, according to Burga, was the setting up of a new committee saddled with the mandate of preparing their collective exit and possibility of joining any political party, in tandem with what the stakeholders are looking out for, within a week.

The state PDP Chief stated categorically that the new committee is currently engaged in consultations to assess and determine the most appropriate political platform the PDP in Bauchi would adopt should the need to leave the party arise.

He therefore strongly advised the general public to disregard what he termed as circulating rumours claiming that Governor Bala Mohammed has already defected to the APC, describing such reports as inaccurate and misleading.

It would be recalled that recently, opposition ADC delegation, led by former SGF, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, and that of the ruling APC, led by its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Abba Yusuf, of Kano State, were in Bauchi, to cajole Governor Bala Mohammed to join their parties, against the backdrop of prevailing uncertainties rocking the PDP, for which the Governor had responded.

“Certainly, as a leader in the PDP, we have found ourselves in a very serious ambivalence, where our party is headless, and, of course, i have pursued all avenues for reconciliation and it has not worked. And our people are putting me under extreme pressure, and we have set up 2 committees, one in Abuja at the national level because of my position as a leader of the party, and one here to look at where to go.

“We left all our actions on ground, including APC itself, but certainly, we have discovered that we cannot be where we are not wanted, we define a place within the opposition, that is where the fate of our political destiny is taking us to, and ADC appears to be very enduring, luring and more acceptable platform by the people that are talking to me so far,” the Governor concluded. Authority.

Clarus of The New Masquerade dies in Lagos

 

 

Veteran Nollywood actor, Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus in the iconic Nigerian television sitcom, The New Masquerade, has died.

 

The news was confirmed by his fellow actor on the sitcom, Dr Tony Akposheri, alias Zacky, this morning to Emdee David.

Clarus was a veteran actor and comedian who entertained Nigerians in the 1980s and early 1990s, best known for his role as the wide-eyed houseboy who worked alongside Gringory Akabuogu (played by the late James Iroha) and for Chief Zebrudaya (Chika Okpala).

 

Key aspects of his biography and life:

Rise to Fame: Clarus was a main character in The New Masquerade, a beloved NTA sitcom that ran from the 1980s into the early 1990s, focusing on social satire, class, and comedy.

Career Transition: After the peak of his comedy career, Offor left the entertainment industry, not due to his health, but to focus on a calling to become a minister of God.

Spiritual Life: He was ordained as a minister in the London-based Aetherius Temple and has been delivering weekly spiritual messages for over 25 years.

 

Health and Advocacy: Despite suffering from visual impairment (blindness) for many years, Offor has continued his ministry, stating that his sight condition is not a hindrance to his life or work.

Current Status: As of early 2026, he is known as Rev. David Offor and resides in Aba, where he focuses on his spiritual ministry.

 

Offor was part of the original, highly acclaimed cast of The New Masquerade that included Chief Zebrudaya, Gringory, Ovuleria, Jegede Shokoya, and others. Emdeedavid.com

Peter Obi Media Office warns of clandestine plot to block his candidacy as huge threat to Democracy

 

by Okey Muogbo

The Media Office of Peter Obi, the presidential front-runner for the 2027 election and the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 election, strongly alerts the nation and the international community to a sinister scheme orchestrated by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu and his ruling party aimed at denying Obi a platform for the upcoming January 2027 poll.

This underhanded plan has been in motion since the conclusion of the 2023 election, deliberately injecting crises into Obi’s Labour Party to prevent him from securing a foothold for the election.

It said that despite Obi’s relentless efforts to restore peace within the party, government infiltrators, aided by a compromised judiciary, have consistently thwarted these attempts.

It also recalled that in April 2025, the Supreme Court of our land delivered a ruling regarding the rightful control of the party. Yet, the ruling party has cavalierly disregarded this decision, using lower courts to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court effectively. When credible intelligence indicated that internal turmoil would persist until Obi was ousted, he made the difficult decision to exit the party to safeguard its future. As predicted by this scheme, when Obi left on December 31, 2025, the courts that had previously ignored the Supreme Court’s ruling suddenly took action on January 7, 2026, dismissing the meddlesome intrusions of Julius Abure and his faction.

Going further, the Media Office said that “after fully aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition and bringing renewed vigour to the party, the ruling party escalated its efforts to sabotage him. They pursued bizarre legislative changes that culminated in a detrimental amendment to the Electoral Act, explicitly designed to exert pressure on the ADC and undermine Obi’s presidential ambitions.

“Obi’s visit on March 22, 2026, to the former Governor of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, where he was warmly welcomed by Kwankwasiyya members, intensified the ruling party’s hostility toward him.

“The tipping point occurred during the ADC’s resounding rally in Kano on March 30, 2027, where Kwankwaso officially joined forces with the ADC. In a desperate move, the government manipulated the so-called Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinterpret an Appeal Court ruling, leading to the delisting of the ADC’s leadership and putting Obi and other aspirants at serious risk of being denied a platform.

“The Peter Obi Media Office meticulously documents these alarming developments to inform Nigerians and the international community of this orchestrated manoeuvre to disenfranchise Obi and pave the way for President Tinubu’s uncontested candidacy. They are attempting to create an illusion of democratic choice by propping up surrogates in various political parties while scheming for a one-party system in a nation of over 200 million people with rich diversity.

“For this dictatorial agenda to succeed, it would profoundly disservice to millions of Nigerians—particularly the youth, women, and intellectuals—who desire a transformative vision for Nigeria based on production rather than consumption, curbing waste, and eradicating deep-seated corruption within the system.

“The Media Office of Peter Obi categorically condemns this disturbing trend as a blatant scheme to undermine democracy, establish dictatorship, and continue exploiting the nation’s resources through corrupt practices.

“We emphasise the importance of transparency and integrity in our democratic system. We are dedicated to informing both Nigerians and the global community about these developments, urging a collaborative approach to strengthen our democracy.

“True democracy allows citizens to make informed choices about their leadership. As we move forward, it is crucial that the voices of the people—especially the youth, women, and intellectuals—are heard and respected. They seek a vision for Nigeria that prioritises production over consumption and works tirelessly to eradicate corruption.

“We therefore call on all stakeholders to uphold the values of democracy, ensuring that Peter Obi has the opportunity to present his vision for Nigeria to the electorate. Together, we can build a brighter future. A NEW IS POSSIBLE,” the Media Office concluded.