The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned comments by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, dismissing widespread concerns about hunger in the country. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described Onanuga’s remarks as a troubling display of disconnect from the realities confronting millions of Nigerians amid what it called the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. The association argued that personal observations cannot replace empirical evidence and credible assessments from national and international bodies monitoring food security and poverty levels. According to…
Author: National Update
The Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA) has accused forces within the Kogi political establishment of attempting to enlist traditional rulers in Okunland in a campaign aimed at creating division within Kogi West ahead of the 2027 elections. In a strongly worded statement titled, “Dignify Your Stools, Refuse to Be Used as Agents of Division,” the group urged traditional rulers across the six Okun-speaking local government areas to remain neutral and protect the integrity of their royal institutions. MEKSTA specifically called on the monarchs to emulate the example of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who…
By Mati Ali As political calculations, consultations and projections ahead of the 2027 Jigawa State governorship election continue to intensify, discussions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are increasingly focused on identifying a competent and influential deputy governorship candidate capable of strengthening the party’s chances at the polls. At the center of these conversations is Mallam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, a veteran politician whose experience, political reach and broad acceptability across different political interests have continued to fuel calls for his emergence as the running mate to ADC governorship candidate, Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu. Stakeholders believe Aminu Ibrahim Ringim’s loyalty, experience…
A desperate attempt by community leaders to secure access to farmlands ahead of the rainy season has reportedly ended in tragedy after at least 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State were allegedly abducted by bandits. The elders had reportedly ventured into the dreaded Muntsira Forest to meet a notorious bandit kingpin known as Jammo, seeking permission for villagers to return to their farms without fear of attack. For many residents, the mission was born out of necessity. With the planting season underway and insecurity continuing to restrict access to vast stretches of…
Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre after a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned proceedings in his alleged cybercrime case until June 30, 2026. The adjournment came after arguments by both the prosecution and defence on an application seeking to set aside a bench warrant issued against Sowore and reverse the court’s decision revoking his bail. At Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakonye, who represented Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), urged the court to vacate the orders made following his client’s absence from proceedings on June 16. The defence argued that the…
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity and other socio-economic challenges, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry worldwide, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, has expressed optimism that the forthcoming Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK) will provide spiritual direction and inspire solutions to the nation’s problems. Speaking on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, ahead of the crusade, Kumuyi said the event would serve as a platform for divine intervention, healing, restoration and transformation for individuals, families and nations. The renowned cleric maintained that while governments and institutions have important roles to play in addressing societal challenges,…
Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has threatened legal action against Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, demanding a retraction and apology over alleged defamatory comments made against him. In a formal legal notice issued through his lawyers and made public by his media aide, Hon. Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso warned that he would seek N10 billion in damages if the cleric fails to retract the statements within 24 hours. The letter, dated June 11, 2026, accused Primate Ayodele of making “false, malicious and defamatory” remarks during a public sermon that…
The Senate on Tuesday formally welcomed four newly elected lawmakers into its ranks, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio charging them to make the Nigerian Constitution and Senate Standing Orders their daily guide as they begin their legislative journey in the Red Chamber. The lawmakers—Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Rivers South-East, Francis Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Ondo South, Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC, Enugu North), and Halilu Danladi Envulu-Aza (APC, Nasarawa North)—were sworn in following their victories in the National Assembly bye-elections conducted last Saturday. Administering the oath of office and allegiance…
A carefully coordinated 24-hour legislative manoeuvre by the Senate leadership and the Presidency on Wednesday delivered the passage of President Bola Tinubu’s State Police Bill, fast-tracking one of the most consequential constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, scaled First Reading, Second Reading, Committee of the Whole and Third Reading within a single legislative day, compressing what would ordinarily be an extended constitutional amendment process into less than 24 hours. The accelerated passage followed a combination of executive lobbying, behind-the-scenes consultations, a prolonged closed-door session and the deployment…
Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Luqman Bakare as its substantive Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 8, 2026, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The appointment was disclosed in a notice to shareholders and members of the public by the bank, which stated that Bakare succeeds Mrs. Ngozi Chukwu, who had been serving as Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. According to the bank, Bakare brings more than 35 years of professional experience across the banking, manufacturing, and oil and gas sectors in Nigeria. Prior to…