Former Political Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and APC chieftain, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, has raised the alarm over the increasing deaths of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory and across Nigeria. Alkali made the call while mourning the death of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Patrick Osertin Osambedwan. In a statement issued to journalists, Alkali described Osadewan’s death as a major loss to the journalism profession and the nation, praising his commitment to truth, accountability and public service. He described the deceased as a consummate media professional, trusted friend and journalist whose strong…
Author: National Update
A member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legal team in the United States, Wole Afolabi, has said the President would have been indicted, arrested and prosecuted if US authorities had substantive evidence linking him to drug trafficking. Afolabi made the clarification while speaking on Channels Television on the ongoing legal dispute over the release of records relating to Tinubu held by the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration. The documents are the subject of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by Aaron Greenspan, who is seeking access to records connected to Tinubu…
Northern Senators Forum has celebrated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing his political journey as a testament to resilience, intellect and commitment to public service. In a birthday message signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the forum congratulated Shettima on his Diamond Jubilee anniversary on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The senators highlighted Shettima’s progression from Commissioner in Borno State to two-term governor, senator and Vice President of Nigeria. They described the Vice President as one of the prominent leaders of his generation whose career remains an inspiration to young Nigerians. The forum also praised Shettima…
By Abdulkarim Abdulmalik At 63, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, has earned something that does not come easily to many Nigerians who have passed through the turbulent corridors of public service: the opportunity to look back at a long career and tell his own story with the benefit of time, experience and, ultimately, vindication. Born on September 1, 1963, in Jos, Plateau State, and a native of Kogi State, Adoke’s journey has taken him from the lecture halls of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to the Nigerian Bar, the courtroom, the Federal Ministry of Justice and some of the most important international…
Former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has alleged that some Nigerian politicians are resorting to human sacrifice in their desperate quest to win elections and acquire political power. Duke warned that the growing desperation among political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections could trigger widespread violence and plunge Nigeria into crisis if urgent measures are not taken. He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday when the Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Democracy, Diplomacy and Development (SCDDD), led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, visited him…
The death of former NUJ FCT Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwen, has opened an unexpected path to reconciliation among Abuja journalists. At a Night of Tributes held in his honour on Monday, journalist and media critic, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, publicly forgave fellow journalist Emeka Eze over past disagreements. Ughegbe did not stop at words. He walked to Eze, embraced him and declared him his brother, drawing loud applause from journalists at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako. The emotional gesture became the defining moment of the tribute. Ughegbe said Osadebamwen’s death should compel members to confront the divisions that had strained relationships…
The 27 members of the Niger State House of Assembly have denied reports that 15 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers described the reports as baseless and politically motivated. The rumour claimed that the affected lawmakers, known as the G-15, planned to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They were said to be unhappy after losing out in the APC primaries and consensus arrangements. But addressing journalists in Minna on Tuesday, Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji dismissed the claim. Sarkindaji said none of the 27 lawmakers was planning to leave the APC. He said the…
Gunmen have abducted the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdullahi Fanka, in a fresh attack on a rural community. Fanka was reportedly taken away after the attackers stormed Beli town, his hometown, around 10:00pm on Monday. Residents said the gunmen opened fire as they entered the community, forcing locals who attempted to resist them to retreat. An Almajiri was reportedly hit by a bullet during the attack. A resident said he survived and is receiving treatment. The attackers reportedly escaped towards Babbarika village, abandoning three motorcycles along the route. Tension reportedly increased…
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. The party cited what it described as unresolved allegations linked to a drug-related case in the United States. APM made the call in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar. The statement followed reports that Tinubu’s lawyers had challenged the release of documents allegedly held by the FBI and DEA. APM said the legal action had increased public interest in the controversy. The party urged the U.S. judicial system to determine the matter based on the law and available evidence.…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear for questioning after declaring him wanted over an alleged $14.86 million fraud. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said Sylva should make himself available to the commission. “He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said. The statement came shortly after Sylva announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday. In his resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva accused the EFCC of acting increasingly like an organ of the APC rather than a state institution.…