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 Social Media And Insults Is Like 5 And 6 -Shehu Sani  “Peter Obi’s claim about young people being paid to insult others on social media is not far away from the truth; but another side of the truth is that the same insults also come from the young supporters of the opposition. “Social media is not for the faint hearted. Its not a street for gentlemen. Social media and insults is like 5 and 6. If you say what the Government doesn’t like, you can be targeted. If you say what the opposition doesn’t like,you can be mobbed.  “We live in a hostile society, intolerant of contrary opinions or dissenting views.” -Senator Shehu Sani, April 2025

 NLC Cancels Centralized May Day Celebrations in Rivers, Edo Amid Governance and Interference Concerns The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has canceled centralized May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo States, citing the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers and alleged political interference in the Edo State council. The decision, announced in letters dated April 22, 2025, and signed by NLC Deputy General Secretary Ismail Bello, directs affiliated unions in both states to hold Workers’ Day events on May 1, 2025, at their respective secretariats. In Rivers State, the NLC condemned the appointment of a sole administrator under emergency rule, calling for the restoration of elected governance. The letter to Rivers State NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor instructed unions to organize a peaceful rally at the state NLC secretariat, focusing on advocating for democratic governance and improved worker welfare. The NLC stated, “Given the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers State, this o...

 Ex-NHIS Boss Accuses Tinubu of Using EFCC to Silence Critics Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to suppress dissent, claiming he was treated like a criminal to silence his criticism of the government. The allegations were made during an interview on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Yusuf, who was arraigned by the EFCC in February 2025 on a five-count fraud charge before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, pleaded not guilty. He described his detention as a targeted effort to intimidate him, stating, “This government deliberately denied me bail to shake me up… all to try and silence me. But I am not someone who can be silenced.” Recounting his arrest on January 29, 2025, Yusuf said EFCC operatives stormed his home without an arrest warrant, only showing their badges after entering. He alleged they prevented h...

  Six months after Kemi Badenoch was elected leader of the UK Conservative Party, internal discussions have already shifted toward the possibility of replacing her.    With local elections in England approaching, many Conservative MPs and officials are increasingly dissatisfied with Badenoch’s leadership and have expressed concerns that she is not the right person to lead the party into the next general election, scheduled for 2029.    According to more than two dozen sources who spoke to Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity, there is growing support within the party to replace Badenoch with Robert Jenrick, the right-wing shadow justice secretary.   The discontent comes amid low polling numbers for the Tories and the perception that Badenoch, who became leader on November 2, 2024,has failed to address key issues, leaving the party vulnerable to challenges from Nigel Farage’s Reform Party. Badenoch’s spokesperson declined to comment on the situation, whil...

 Rivalry among musicians brings out the best in them – Ace broadcaster, Adeyanju Chief Executive Officer of Agbaletu TV, Dele Adeyanju, shares with BIODUN BUSARI his trajectory in broadcast journalism and music How would you describe your growing up? Growing up, I was exposed to music very early in life. This was so because my father himself came from a family of music lovers. My father was a juju music lover. Without mincing words, my father loved apala music, as it related to Haruna Ishola. My father also loved sakara music. I remember that almost all genres of music were in my father’s library back in the day when I was growing up. He was known as Adawa when he was in school. He was apparently named after the nickname of Admiral Dele Abiodun. He loved Dele Abiodun so much that there was none of his records he didn’t have at that time. So, growing up, I was used to all those songs from my father’s library. I can say that my love for music led me to broadcast journalism as well. I...

 Over 50 Benue communities displaced by armed herdsmen – Emergency Management Agency At least 50 communities across 25 council wards in five local government areas (LGAs) in Benue State have been displaced by armed herdsmen. Data released by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reveals that the worst-hit area is Gwer West Local Government Area, where all 15 council wards have been affected at some point. The affected wards in Gwer West include Sengev, Gbaange/Tongov, Saav, Mbapupuu/Tswarev, Mbabuande Kyaav, Mbapa, Tsambe/Mbesev, Sengev/Yengev, Merkyegh, Nyamshi, Tijime, Tyough Ater, and Njaha. The report was released by SEMA just days before the latest attacks in Ukum, Logo, Otukpo and Gwer East LGAs. According to the report, titled ‘Displaced Communities in Benue State Where Fulanis Have Settled with Their Cows’, the affected local governments include Guma, Gwer East, Gwer West, Kwande, and Makurdi. In Guma LGA, several communities in six council wards – Mbadwem, Nyi...

 Retire, stop watering down your brand with wack music – Tolanibaj tells Afrobeats legends Reality TV star and disc jockey Tolanibaj has urged Afrobeats legends who have run out of ideas or lost their melodies to consider retiring. She explained that there is no shame in retirement, emphasising that they should stop watering down their brand with wack music as they are doing now. She made the call amid the widespread criticisms that have greeted Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy’s new releases, especially among opposing fans on social media. Speaking in a video message shared via her TikTok page, Tolanibaj said, “Why is it that Nigerian artists don’t know when to evolve or completely transition into business? “I feel like if your sound no longer resonates with your fans or your audience, [you should] go into business. If you have built an amazing legacy, why do you constantly allow the disrespect of being compared to the new generational artists? What’s wrong with becoming a music execu...

 APC condemns VeryDarkMan’s attack on Akpabio over Pope’s funeral trip The South-South Zonal chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Sunday gave popular social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, otherwise known as VeryDarkMan, one week to tender an apology to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over the manner he disparaged him in his latest video. While urging him to draw a line between activism and slander, the APC also admonished him against going after the former Akwa Ibom governor again in future. The warning was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Zonal Organizing Secretary of the South-South APC, Blessing Agbomhere. Agbomhere was reacting to the social media sensation’s scathing verbal attack at Akpabio for leading a five-man federal government delegation to the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican last Saturday. In the three-minute viral video, VeryDarkMan described Akpabio’s presence in Rome as ‘shameful,’ insisting that the Senate ...

 A new born baby is fighting for his life after nearly bleeding to death from circumcision.  Little Cole Groth made his first appearance in this world on March 31st at the New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Cole was born with a heart disease and required a stint. After having the procedure, Cole seemed to be recovering well and despite a stay in the hospital's NICU his parents were hopeful they would be taking their little baby boy home soon. After being cleared for discharge, the staff asked Tim and Gabrielle Groth (Cole's parents) what seemed like a standard question. They asked, "Do you want Cole circumcised?" After this, everything would change. Tim and Gabrielle say the hospital failed to inform them of any additional risks in having a circumcision when suffering from congenital heart disease. The parents confirmed they would like Cole to be circumcised. On the day after the circumcision, Tim says he walked into the hospital room and hi...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT  DEMOCRACY STRONG AND ALIVE IN NIGERIA; IGNORE ALARMISTS We have read the alarming claims of disgruntled opposition figures,  some partisan human rights crusaders and emergency defenders of democracy over recent defections of key members of opposition parties into the governing All Progressives Congress.  The seismic shift caused by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno's open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu, the defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta and Rivers States certainly threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray.  While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of promoting a one-party...

 Zimbabwe in talks with US to lower 18% export tariff Zimbabwe's Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Sunday that his country has entered direct talks with the United States to seek a reduction in the 18% tariff imposed on Zimbabwean exports. Ncube said discussions have been held with officials from the US Treasury and Capitol Hill, aimed at advocating for a lower tariff structure to improve Zimbabwe's trade competitiveness, Anadolu Agency reported. "There have been fruitful discussions, we managed to meet with officials within the US government in Treasury and Capitol Hill to try and make sure they understand what we are trying to do as we try to develop our economy," Ncube was quoted by local press on Sunday. He said the southern African nation remains keen on improving economic relations with the US, noting that negotiating a new tariff regime is a key step toward that goal. Reciprocal tariffs Two weeks ago, US President Donald Trump announced a three-month pause ...

 NAF GETS FIRST-EVER SERVING PROFESSOR, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO R&D AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE In a landmark achievement for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and a major boost to its research and development (R&D) endeavours, the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. This makes him the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor. Air Vice Marshal Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. He also possesses 3 other Masters degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from NDA. He has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, incl...

 Two metro east teens are in jail after planning, luring, carrying out and recording multiple vicious attacks on unsuspecting victims for seemingly no reason. Olivia Brown and Hayley Ditzler were arrested in connection with an April 18th attack on a victim they lured to their home under the guise of friendship ending these teens recent violent rampage.  The two girls are being charged with felony mob action in connection with the April 18th incident. On that date, Ditzler and Brown contacted Evelyn Berentz and asked her to come to a nearby home so they could apologize. This call came after a disturbing encounter the night before.  Betentz says on that evening she was hanging out with friends at a rural location outside of Granite City. She said at some point she noticed a group of individuals sneaking up on her vehicle in ski masks. When she saw Brown and Ditzler in the group she knew for sure it was trouble and sped away. Berentz was, at one time, a friend of the two gir...

 Update: The Brownsburg Indiana Elementary school teacher who made a child eat his own vomit is finally sentenced. We first covered this shocking incident shortly after it was reported back in 2023. At that time Sara Seymour along with several other employees at Brown Elementry were either directly involved or complicit in the incident. In the shocking incident that was captured on video, a 7-year-old child is seen gagging while eating food. You can see Seymour directing the child to sit back down. Seymour then tells the child if he vomits she will "make him eat it".  After sitting back down Julie Taylor (life skills teacher) is seen placing a tray in front of the child. The child then vomits onto the tray. At this point, Debra Kanipe (life skills instructional aid) gives the child a spoon. The child was then forced to eat some of his own vomit while Seymour and Kanipe stood on either side of him. After forcing the child to eat a portion, Seymour then made the child clean up ...

 Mt. Vernon, Illinois firefighters rescued painters from water tower after equipment failure! This scary situation unfolded at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday morning when two painters were left dangling precariously around 150 ft in the air after a equipment malfunction.  Mt. Vernon Fire Department and MABAS Division 45/68 technical rescue were called to the scene near 19th street and Water Tower road. They were able to stabilize the scaffolding so the motor could be repaired. After this the workers were thankfully able to descend safely to the ground.  Great Job, Mt. Vernon F.D.!

 Agatu LGA Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Fulani Herdsmen to Vacate Benue Farmlands The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), James Melvin Ejeh, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands in the region to ensure unhindered farming activities as the planting season approaches. The directive was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji. The meeting convened traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives, and security officials to address escalating tensions over herders’ activities on farmlands. Obochi Solomon, Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, quoted Ejeh as emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in the local economy. “Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” Ejeh stated, highlighting the need to protect farmers from obstructions. Ejeh acknowledged the relat...

 2Face mother finally meets singer’s lover, Natasha Rose Idibia, the mother of singer 2Face, has finally met with her son’s new lover, Natasha Osawuru. This is coming two months after Rose Idibia accused Natasha, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly of holding her son hostage with her traditional bead.  2Face had in January 2025, announced separation from his wife, Annie Idibia, on his Instagram page. Hours after the announcement, the singer introduced Natasha as his new lover. a development that has sparked diverse reactions from users and fellow celebrities. Reacting in a viral video on social media, the singer’s mother claimed that the singer wasn’t acting in his right mind, and pleaded with Natasha to remove beads from her son’s “neck and hands”. After which she petitioned the Department of State Security, DSS that her son missing. However, a new video that surfaced online on Sunday morning, captured Natasha and 2Face visit to his mother. More photos below. 

 SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: LAGOS UNVEILS ZEN ARCHERY ARENA As part of  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's commitment to promoting inclusion, the Lagos State Sports Commission, in collaboration with Zen Archery recently unveiled the Lagos Zen Archery Arena at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. Speaking at the unveiling, the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the Lagos Zen Archery Arena is a testament to the present administration’s commitment to advancing, supporting, and promoting mass participation in sports. He said "This facility provides opportunities for different categories of archers to have a befitting space to practice and develop their talents in archery. This attests to possibilities in sports development and to give diversity and inclusivity in sports not just in Lagos but in Nigeria at large". Fatodu commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing the necessary support and the enabling environment for the magnificent sporting ...

  BOAT RACING: LAGOS SET TO MAKE HISTORY AS FIRST AFRICAN CITY TO HOST E1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP In a groundbreaking move solidifying its position as a hub of innovation and a key player on the global stage, Lagos has announced its selection as the first African city to host a race in the prestigious UIM E1 World Championship. The race is organised by PIF (E1) series The high-profile electric boat racing event is scheduled to electrify the city's waterways on October 4th and 5th, 2025. The landmark opportunity underscores Lagos State's rising global prominence and its unwavering commitment to pioneering sustainability initiatives and technological advancement.  Lagos, celebrated for its vibrant culture, burgeoning tech ecosystem, and robust economic growth, will make history by hosting this cutting-edge championship. Its strategic coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean offers an ideal natural arena for the electric racing series, spotlighting Africa's increasingly vital role...

  Nigerian Gospel Star Steve Crown Weds Ruth Thomas in Heartfelt Abuja Ceremony Nigerian gospel singer Steve Crown has married his partner, Ruth Thomas, in a captivating wedding ceremony held on Saturday in Abuja, sparking widespread reactions across social media. A viral video, shared by fellow gospel artists Joe Praize and Neon Adeojo on X, showcased an emotional highlight of the event: Ruth, radiant in a white gown, kneeling before Steve to deliver her vows. In her heartfelt pledge, she promised to be his “heaven of peace,” “cheerleader,” and “anchor,” vowing to love him unconditionally and honor their bond daily. “With you, I have discovered the true essence of love, and I vow to cherish it with all that I am,” she declared. The gesture of kneeling ignited a flurry of online reactions. Many fans lauded Ruth’s humility and devotion, while some criticized the act, sparking debate. However, the overwhelming sentiment celebrated the couple’s profound love and commitment. The star-s...

 DSS Foils Plot to Incite Unrest in Delta, Arrests Army Major and Others The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a foreign-based Army major and several accomplices in a crackdown on an alleged plot to instigate tribal unrest in Warri, Delta State, sources revealed on Friday. According to insiders, the officer, of Itsekiri origin, was allegedly recruited by an individual named Collins to procure weapons and ammunition to fuel tensions in the oil-rich region. DSS operatives from the Delta Command apprehended an arms supplier during a covert operation near Asaba, seizing over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition. The Army major was intercepted by DSS agents in Lagos while attempting to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom. “All suspects are now in DSS custody,” a source stated, adding that the agency is conducting a thorough investigation to hold those plotting tribal conflicts accountable. A traditional ruler...

 More Politicians to Join APC Ahead of 2027, Says Gov. Uzodinma Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has predicted a wave of defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 elections approach, citing the party’s growing influence. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday after meeting with political stakeholders from Delta State, Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, highlighted recent high-profile defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. “The tide is moving, and people are joining with no end in sight,” Uzodinma said. “Delta is now almost a one-party state, with our party growing from strength to strength.” He emphasized that the APC would leverage its internal mechanisms to integrate new and existing members, fostering unity to support the Delta State government and advance the party’s goals. “We are meeting to manage this h...

 Notorious Robbery Suspect Arrested in Aba Crackdown In a significant victory against urban crime, operatives of Operation Crush Sector 2 and 3 in Aba apprehended a notorious robbery suspect, 32-year-old Success Nnamdi Anyanwu, in the early hours of April 25, 2025. The arrest occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. in front of a car stand opposite Abia Hotels along Aba-Owerri Road, Aba North Local Government Area. The breakthrough followed an outcry from commercial sex workers in the area, who reported that Anyanwu, posing as a client, habitually lured them under false pretenses during late hours, only to rob them at gunpoint while riding a motorcycle. The swift response of Operation Crush operatives led to Anyanwu’s immediate capture before he could flee the scene. During initial questioning, Anyanwu, a resident of 1 Dike Close off C.O. Emeka Street, World Bank Abayi, Osisioma LGA, confessed to robbing multiple victims. Police recovered several items in his possession, including a gol...

 27th April 2025 PRESS RELEASE  _ FIGHT AGAINST KIDNAPPERS_  DEATH OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS AS OPERATIVES OF CP-SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT TEAM (CP-SAT) STORMED A FOREST BETWEEN ISSELE-ASAGBA AND OTULU, ENGAGES SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERS THREE AK-47 RIFLES, AND ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION Operatives of CP-Special Assignment team on 21st April 2025, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, isseluku, issele-Asagba and environs by one Bellow Abubakar and his gang members, the operatives stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest,  Anambra state. During the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one Ak-47 rifle, one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition. Investigation was extended to another of their hideout in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bellow Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in Ambush. The suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gu...

 Political Parties Are Part of Our Problems in Nigeria—Oby Ezekwesili Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has stated that the problem of Nigeria is political parties. Her outburst comes following the incessant defection from other parties to the All Progressive Congress, APC. Ezekwesili emphasized that Nigeria has a faulty foundation and defecting from one political party to another which she described as ‘acronymn’ won’t solve the problem. Her words,”Can I tell you that political parties has been part of the problems of our elite failures because we really havent had political parties in Nigeria. We have political platforms, God bless the spirit of someone who used exactly that name for me. They are platforms where individual interest are negotiated. “We are yet to control the ideology of having real political parties driven by the sense of nation building. “And then if I ask you again and you say your common identity is APC, I can well tell what will happen because what...

 Obi approves identity cards, online registration portal for Obidients Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has launched an online registration portal and identity cards for members of his Obidient Movement in Nigeria and in the diaspora. This was disclosed in a joint statement issued in Abuja by the Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko and its Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure. According to the statement, the identity card, which has a QR code on the bottom right-hand corner for authentication, will carry the flag of the country where the holder resides. It partly read: “Obidient registration portal supports Nigerians and fellow Obidients living in the diaspora. You will observe that the ID has a flag on it. For example, if you’re not resident in Nigeria, the top right-hand corner will carry the flag of your country of residence. “That way, we can all witness first-hand the embodying of our spirit of diversit...