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 GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE   PRESS STATEMENT  MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS  STATE  GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES  Fellow Rivers People, After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party. Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest. To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pa...

Kangana Ranaut has shared a strong message on social media following the deaths of Twisha Sharma and Deepika Nagar, cases that have sparked outrage over alleged dowry harassment and abuse. In an Instagram story, the actor and BJP MP urged women to become financially independent and self reliant before marriage, stating that many married daughters are often left unsupported during difficult situations. Her remarks have reignited nationwide discussions around women’s safety, marital pressure, economic independence and dowry related violence in India. The post quickly gained attention online, drawing mixed reactions from social media users, activists and the public amid continuing concern over crimes against women. The issue has once again brought focus to the broader debate surrounding social expectations, family support systems and protection for women facing abuse after marriage. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED: A tragic case from Bhopal has left many shaken after former Miss Pune Twisha Sharma w...

 Tonye Cole Withdraws from Rivers APC Gubernatorial Primaries, Cites Party Unity Tonye P. Cole has announced his withdrawal from the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries scheduled for tomorrow. In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Cole said the decision was taken in the overriding interest of peace, reconciliation, and the supremacy of the party following extensive consultations. “I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” Cole stated. Cole, who described himself as a committed democrat and advocate for strong institutions, pledged his full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the end of the primaries. “This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great p...

 “I’m not withdrawing. When I said withdrawal, I meant I was withdrawing my agents from participating in the voting process. We are appealing the process because we are not accepting how the election was conducted. The only person that can ask me to step down is the party. It’s not a do-or-d!e affair; I’m here to serve the people.” — Hon. Desmond Elliott, lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I, Lagos State.

 ABSU Suspends Senior Lecturer Over Alleged Student Extortion, Harassment and Credential Forgery The management of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has suspended a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Kingsley Izuogu, over allegations of extortion, harassment of students, and forgery of academic credentials. The suspension, which took effect this week, comes amid claims that Izuogu allegedly charged students for his handout materials and demanded money in exchange for passing his courses. He is also accused of forging one of his lower credentials. The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Nwogu, confirmed the suspension to journalists on Wednesday. “Yes. Suspended,” Nwogu stated. Izuogu has, however, strongly denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence. The action by the university management has sparked mixed reactions within the ABSU community. While some students and parents have welcomed the suspension, describing it as a necessar...

 Nicole Richie and daughter Kate make rare red carpet appearance together in Los Angeles Nicole Richie enjoyed a special family moment this week as she stepped onto the red carpet with daughter Kate Madden for a rare public appearance together. The pair attended the Los Angeles premiere of Nicole’s new film, Stop! That! Train!, marking their first major red carpet outing side by side in more than two years. Nicole, 44, arrived in a navy-and-white polka dot outfit paired with a matching head scarf and a white fur-trimmed coat, while 18-year-old Kate chose a strapless leather mini dress with knee-high boots. The evening clearly meant a lot to Nicole, who later shared photos from the event online alongside the caption: “STOP THAT TRAIN Premiere turned girls night out.” The appearance also drew attention because it marked Kate’s first public outing since Nicole revealed that her daughter prefers using her middle name instead of her first name, Harlow. Fans first noticed the change earl...

 Three sisters die in Brighton sea tragedy named, father speaks in heartbreaking tribute Three sisters who lost their lives in the sea off Brighton beach have now been formally named, as their family speaks publicly about their devastating loss. The women have been identified as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walter, 32, and Rebecca Walter, 31.  They had travelled from Uxbridge in west London to the coastal resort in East Sussex before the tragedy unfolded early last Wednesday morning. Sussex Police confirmed their identities today, while their father, Joseph, released a deeply emotional statement describing the pain of losing all three of his daughters at once. “Today, with a heart full of sorrow and love, I pay tribute to my beloved daughters, Jane, Christina, and Becky, whose lives ended so tragically far too soon,” he said. He continued by reflecting on their bond as a family, saying no words could properly capture the grief he is experiencing. “No words can truly describe th...

 China confirms agreement to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft in major aviation deal with U.S China has confirmed an agreement to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, along with engines and spare parts, in a move that signals renewed aviation trade between the world’s two largest economies. A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry said the deal was reached in line with the consensus between Chinese and U.S. leadership and is based on commercial terms and China’s aviation development needs. The official emphasized that aviation cooperation remains an important area for strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The announcement follows comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said last week that China would buy 200 Boeing planes. While the order is smaller than some earlier industry expectations, it marks the first significant Chinese purchase of Boeing aircraft since 2017. The agreement could pave the way for additional orders in the future as Chinese carriers continue t...

 Samsung Electronics union strike set to begin after wage talks collapse, affecting more than 47,000 workers A strike involving more than 47,000 Samsung Electronics workers is set to begin Thursday after wage negotiations between the company and its labor union collapsed, rattling investor confidence and sending the company’s shares down about 3%. The breakdown followed a failed mediation effort in which the union agreed to a proposal from South Korea’s labor relations commission, while Samsung ultimately rejected the terms. A union spokesperson said the company initially requested additional time to continue discussions, but later stated that no final decision had been made, leaving talks at an impasse. The union said it regrets the breakdown of the post-mediation process but plans to continue seeking a resolution even as the strike moves forward. Samsung, meanwhile, said negotiations fell apart because accepting what it called excessive union demands would undermine core manageme...

 Gunmen abduct two Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria staff  The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Idi-Ayunre and debunked reports circulating on social media of a mass abduction within Ibadan and surrounding communities. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the abduction of the Cocoa Institute staff occurred on Monday, 19th May, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., when armed men reportedly invaded the premises of CRIN at Idi-Ayunre and abducted them to an unknown destination. The statement disclosed that the distress report was lodged at the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters by the institution’s Chief Security Officer, prompting an immediate response from Police operatives who visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. Preliminary investigations revealed that approximately six armed men carried out the operation before fleein...

 Beheaded Oyo teacher died childless ten years after marriage. His parents are still alive- Family  The family of Michael Oyedokun, the schoolteacher abducted and later beheaded by terrorists in Oyo State, has described his death as a devastating and irreplaceable loss, lamenting that he died without having a child after more than a decade of marriage. Late Oyedokun was abducted alongside other colleagues and pupils from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, during an attack by terrorists on Friday, May 15. Days after his abduction, the terrorists released a video showing his decapitated body. In an interview with Sahara Reporters, a relative of the deceased, Ebeni Adediran, said Oyedokun, who still has both parents alive, was a peaceful and humble man who dedicated over two decades of his life to teaching. “He was a good man in our family and this is why his death is a big loss to us, an irreplaceable loss. His death is painful. We can’t even describe his death. And the most p...

 Nollywood actress Sharon Ooja has given birth to a baby boy, her first child with husband Ugo Nwoke.  The news, confirmed on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, has sparked celebrations among fans and colleagues, marking a joyful milestone in her personal life ,. The baby boy's arrival represents a new chapter for Sharon, who is expected to balance family life with her thriving acting career. Fans and Nollywood colleagues have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating Sharon's transition into motherhood.  This latest development comes after Sharon's husband, Ugo Nwoke, praised her for her generosity, especially to his daughter from a previous relationship. He revealed that Sharon bought his 7-year-old daughter a beautiful Gucci hair ruffle during their first meeting, showcasing her kind heart. As Sharon embarks on this new journey, fans and well-wishers have been sending in their congratulations, celebrating the actress's joyous moment.

 Justice Department expected to announce charges against Raúl Castro over 1990s aid plane shootings  The Justice Department is expected to announce criminal charges against Raúl Castro, according to people familiar with the matter. The case is set to be formally presented during a press conference scheduled for later today. The charges reportedly involve allegations of murder tied to the downing of two aircraft carrying humanitarian aid in the 1990s. The incidents are said to have resulted in the deaths of three American pilots involved in the missions.

 Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean returns to No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 after more than four decades following biopic surge Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” has returned to the top of the Billboard Global 200 more than four decades after its original release, fueled by renewed interest sparked by a new biographical film about the late pop icon. The 1982 “Thriller” track has seen a sharp resurgence following the release of “Michael,” a big-budget biopic starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, chronicling Michael Jackson’s early career through the era of the “Bad” album. The film has remained a dominant force at the box office for several weeks since its debut. “Billie Jean” climbed from No. 65 just three weeks ago before reaching No. 1, driven by more than 51 million global streams in a single week, according to music industry data. Its rise marks the longest journey to the top spot in the chart’s history, reaching No. 1 in its 144th week on the list. The previous record was held by Dj...

 ACTDA Intensifies Enforcement Against Illegal Structures on Waterways By Ukpa Ewa The Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, has announced the intensification of enforcement operations against illegal structures obstructing waterways and drainage channels within the capital territory. Dr. Onuko, in a press statement on May 19, said the ongoing exercise, which includes the demolition and removal of illegal structures built on waterways, became necessary following the increasing cases of flooding caused by blocked drainage systems across the capital city. The ACTDA boss also warned land grabbers and property developers against the illegal sale or allocation of waterways to unsuspecting members of the public for development purposes, stressing that such acts violate environmental and urban planning regulations. According to him, any structure found obstructing waterways or drainage channels, regardless of its size or ownership, will...

 Bwala: Nigerian Government Vows to End Killings as Citizens Retain Right to Self-Defence The Nigerian government is determined to bring an end to the spate of killings across the country, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared. Bwala made the assertion on Wednesday while reacting to the recent invasion of LA Primary School in Esiele community, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted teachers and pupils on Friday. Speaking on the incident, Bwala acknowledged the pain and public outrage that follows such attacks but expressed confidence that the killings would eventually be curtailed through government efforts, divine intervention, and collective participation by Nigerians. “Solution is what we all look to. Evil men operate anywhere in the world, no matter how tight you are as a government,” he said. “You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through co...

 Abia Police Inaugurates Violent Crime Response Unit with Civilian Oversight Board The Abia State Police Command has launched a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) supported by an independent civilian oversight board as part of comprehensive reforms to create a more professional, accountable, and effective police force in the state. The unit was formally inaugurated on Tuesday by the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, alongside his management team. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the establishment of the VCRU aligns with the vision and directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to build a police institution that is “professional, humane, accountable and effective.” “The inauguration follows a rigorous process of screening, selection, and specialized training, culminating in a comprehensive orientation programme designed to instill discipline, operational efficiency and the highest standards of professional...

 If I become president, I'll abolish indigenship and allow only citizenship.  All these I'm west, I'm north, I'm east, and you're calling people to vote for you based on religion. I'll abolish federal character. Every Nigerian will be a member of the federation. - Amaechi spoke after appearing before the ADC presidential screening committee at Transcorp Hilton

Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has highlighted the familial support she received at Mavin Records, revealing how label boss Don Jazzy and her fellow artistes helped her navigate tough periods in her career. In a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, the 46-year-old singer described Mavin Records as far more than a business entity, calling it a genuine support system where artists could openly express their emotions and receive care during challenging times. Tiwa Savage admitted that she only fully appreciated the value of being signed to such a caring label after her departure.  “Who you signed to is very important and I didn’t appreciate it until after I left Mavin,” she said. “Mavin is still like family. So, if there is something going on, online or whatever, I promise you, I will run to Jazzy’s room and we will all come like, Dr Sid, Tega, Reekado Banks, all of us in the room, on the floor, on the bed. We will talk about it, if I have to ...

 PRESS RELEASE NAF DECIMATES TERRORIST STRONGHOLDS IN SOUTHERN TUMBUNS, MANDARA MOUNTAINS The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, intensified ongoing air offensives against terrorist elements in the North-East with precision air strikes conducted on 19 May 2026 at Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, NAF air assets destroyed terrorist logistics hubs, structures and assembly areas concealed within the enclaves, while also neutralising several terrorists and disrupting planned attacks. Speaking on the operations, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining coordinated joint operations with sister Services and allied partners to eliminate terrorism and restore peace across the country. The CAS stressed that intelligence-driven air o...

 Bobrisky Criticises Nigerians Over Focus on Frank Edoho Marriage Saga Amid Oyo Teacher Tragedy Bobrisky has criticised Nigerians for paying attention to what he described as “trivial” matters while serious security issues continue to affect the country. The social media personality, who relocated to the United Kingdom in 2024, reacted on Instagram to reports about the Oyo teacher who was allegedly beheaded by bandits after gunmen reportedly invaded a school in Oyo State and abducted teachers and pupils. Bobrisky questioned how such a tragic incident could happen while many Nigerians appeared more focused on the ongoing marriage controversy involving Frank Edoho, his estranged wife Sandra, and singer Chike. According to him, the country’s attention has shifted toward celebrity scandals instead of more pressing national issues.

 Omoyele Sowore Blasts Adekunle Gold Over Reported Jailing of Social Media User for X Post Omoyele Sowore has criticised singer Adekunle Gold over the reported imprisonment of a social media user accused of spreading false claims online about the musician and his family. Speaking during an interview that has since gone viral on social media, Sowore questioned the decision by Adekunle Gold and his wife, Simi, to allegedly pursue legal action that reportedly resulted in a young man spending more than two years in prison over comments made on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sowore argued that public figures should learn to ignore false rumours instead of involving law enforcement against critics or online users. “How dare Adekunle Gold, after getting some little money and fame, send somebody to jail for two years for writing something we all know is not true? Yesterday people were calling me that my wife and children had died in the US. I simply called them to confirm they were alive an...

 Geh Geh Sparks Reactions After Frank Edoho Follow as He Shares Controversial Relationship Advice Geh Geh has sparked reactions online after sharing a lengthy relationship advice video aimed at men. The video surfaced shortly after he was reportedly followed online by Frank Edoho, who is currently facing public relationship drama involving his ex-wife, Sandra. In the now-viral clip, Geh Geh made several controversial comments about relationships, trust, family backgrounds, and financial expectations in dating. He claimed that certain attitudes displayed in relationships may be linked to family patterns and advised men to pay attention to what he described as “red flags” when choosing partners. The commentator also discussed trust issues, relationships involving single mothers, and situations he believes men should avoid to protect their peace of mind. According to him, some family behaviours and relationship habits often repeat across generations, while he also warned men against t...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY AND FORGERY CASE INVOLVING FAKE APPOINTMENT LETTERS The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced investigation into another case of criminal conspiracy and forgery involving the production and circulation of fake appointment letters. On 18th May 2026 at about 1600 hours, the Area Commander, Bauchi Metropolis, transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. The suspect, Saleem Alhassan (Jagaban Ningi), male, of Zango Area, Bauchi Local Government Area, was also handed over for discreet investigation. This development comes a week after the arrest and prosecution of two suspects in a similar case, which followed a formal complaint from the Office of the Head of Civil Service. Five fake temporary offers of appointment were recovered from the suspect. Preliminary findings indicate that sometime in 2025, the suspect allegedly forged and printed fake appointment letters purported...

 NDLEA smashes Nigerian-Mexican meth cartel, arrests baron, 3 Mexicans, 6 others - Recovers N480 billion meth, precursors from massive clandestine lab in Ogun forest - Nigeria now a hostile country for your criminal business, Marwa warns cartels, barons  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt another crippling blow to transnational organized crime by completely dismantling a highly sophisticated, multi-million-dollar Nigerian- Mexican methamphetamine production syndicate. The clinical, simultaneous operation, executed by elite operatives of the Agency's Special Operations Unit (sou), led to the shutdown of an industrial-scale clandestine Iaboratory, the biggest ever discovered in Nigeria hidden in a remote forest in ljebu area of Ogun state, the seizure of the largest multi-billion naira meth in history, arrest of the cartel's kingpin, three Mexican technical experts, and six other top local collaborators. Giving details of the major operational success at ...

GOVERNOR NAMADI ASSURES INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS OF STABLE, SUPPORTIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN JIGAWA Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State assures foreign investors of his administration’s commitment to building a competitive investment climate capable of attracting strategic international partnerships and accelerating industrial development across the state. The governor gave the commitment while receiving a high-powered delegation from Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited of China, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ren Mingyong at Government House, Dutse. A statement by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel,  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor indicates that the delegation, which was accompanied by officials of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), included representatives of major Chinese firms operating in the areas of electric vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy, agricultural machinery, construction, and industrial infrastructure. G...

 Judge halts Rihanna shooting case, sends suspect to mental health court over competency concerns A judge on Tuesday paused the criminal case against a Florida woman accused of attempting to kill singer Rihanna and committing multiple other felonies, ordering that she undergo a mental competency evaluation before the case can proceed. The decision temporarily moves the case to a specialized mental health court in Hollywood that will determine whether the defendant can understand the legal proceedings and assist in her own defense. The defendant, 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz of Orlando, has pleaded not guilty to allegations that she opened fire on a Los Angeles-area home belonging to Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their children while they were inside. Her attorney raised concerns about her mental fitness, prompting the court to order psychiatric evaluations. If she is found incompetent, she could be committed to a state hospital until she is deemed able to stand trial. A ...

 NATO commander says Europe should expect gradual US troop withdrawals as allies build up defense capabilities A senior U.S. general serving as NATO’s top military commander for Europe said European allies should expect additional U.S. troop withdrawals in the coming years as member states continue expanding their own conventional defense capabilities. Speaking in Brussels after a meeting of NATO military chiefs, Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said the process would unfold over several years, with no fixed timeline, as responsibility within the alliance continues to shift. “As the European pillar of the alliance gets stronger, this allows the U.S. to reduce its presence in Europe and limit itself to providing only those critical capabilities that allies cannot yet provide,” Grynkewich said, adding that redeployments should be expected over time as allied capacity increases. He said recent changes include the withdrawal of about 5,000 U.S. troops from Europe,...

 Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin deepen energy and trade ties in Beijing talks following visit from Donald Trump   Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted deepening strategic ties and expanding energy cooperation during talks in Beijing on Wednesday, held just days after U.S. President Donald Trump visited China. The meeting underscored growing alignment between the two countries on trade, diplomacy, and global energy markets, with both sides emphasizing their shared interests in oil and natural gas exports, as well as broader economic coordination. The two leaders oversaw the signing of more than 40 agreements covering trade, technology, media, and other areas of cooperation, and agreed to extend a friendship treaty first established in 2001. Xi said the bilateral relationship had reached “the highest level in history,” while Putin pointed to energy collaboration as the “driving force” behind economic ties, describing Russia as a stable s...

 EFCC Arrests Fleeing Ex-Power Minister, Saleh Mamman in Kaduna The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a fleeing former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Rigasa area of Kaduna State.  Mamman was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, May 19, 2026 following weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering by operatives of the Commission. Addressing journalists on the arrest, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that the former minister went underground after he was convicted by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on corruption charges. “On May 7, 2026, Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts bordering on diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The court convicted him in absentia after agreeing with the Commission that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.  “For us,  getting the convict to serve his jail terms i...

 Meghan Markle shares unseen wedding kiss photos as she and Prince Harry celebrate eight years Meghan Markle is marking another wedding anniversary with a personal look back at the day she married Prince Harry, sharing a collection of photos fans had never seen before. The Duchess of Sussex posted the images on Instagram on Tuesday, writing simply, “Eight years ago today.” One set of pictures captured the couple during their wedding reception, showing Meghan and Harry alone on the dance floor during what appeared to be their first dance together. In several photos, the pair held each other closely while laughing, swaying, and sharing kisses as the evening unfolded around them. A second post offered quieter moments from behind the scenes of their royal wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The photos showed preparations before their official portraits, candid exchanges with guests, and even a glimpse of music icon Elton John performing during the celebration. One image a...

 Mindy Kaling opens up about weight loss, ‘I truly feel so healthy now Mindy Kaling is speaking openly about her changing relationship with weight, health, and the public attention that has followed her physical transformation over the years. In a recent interview, the actress and producer explained that while conversations about her appearance continue online, her personal goals have shifted far beyond looks or outside validation. “Do I wake up every day thinking I look amazing? No,” Kaling admitted. “But I genuinely feel healthy, and that matters more to me now.” The 46-year-old said her mindset today is very different from when she was younger. Earlier in her career, she often spoke about struggling with fad diets and insecurities, even describing herself in past writings as an ordinary “chubby” woman trying to navigate unrealistic beauty standards. Now, she says the motivation behind her lifestyle changes is rooted more in long-term wellness and being present for her children. ...