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Amid Nigerian govt ban, Eedris Abdulkareem launches ‘Tell Your Papa’ challenge online

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In the midst of the federal government’s prohibition, singer Eedris Abdulkareem started a social media challenge called “Tell Your Papa.”

The singer’s recently released anti-Tinubu song, “Tell Your Papa,” was reportedly banned from all radio and television stations by the Nigerian government.

Read Also: Flying Eagles Arrive in Egypt for U-20 AFCON, Schedule Friendly Against Hosts

The song was classified as “inappropriate, and offensive” by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in a report signed by Susan Obi, the organization’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring.

In an Instagram post in response to the ban, Abdulkareem called the government’s actions a “attempt to silence the truth and suppress criticism.”

In a recent development, though, the musician said on his Instagram page that it’s time to confront those in positions of authority by launching the “Tell Your Papa” challenge.

“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence,” he commented, sharing the challenge post. Speaking and remaining mute have their proper times. Now is your chance to speak up and be heard.

Flying Eagles Arrive in Egypt for U-20 AFCON, Schedule Friendly Against Hosts

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The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have formally landed in Cairo, Egypt, in preparation for the much-anticipated Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in 2025.
The Flying Eagles, who have nine officials and 24 players, are led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, who will guide the team as they attempt to win a record-tying eighth championship in this competition.
The Jewel Sports City and Aqua Resort, where the Flying Eagles have taken up residence since their arrival, is expected to furnish them with the comforts and conveniences they need to meet the difficulties that lie ahead.

Read Also: Insecurity Crisis in Plateau and Benue Politically Engineered, Says APC Chieftain

Zubairu will evaluate the players’ preparedness and adjust their tactics for the match during the team’s first official training session later tonight.
The competition will be held in Egypt at a number of locations from April 27 and May 18, 2025. Nigeria’s first game against Tunisia is set for Thursday, May 1, at Cairo’s Military Stadium.

Kenya and Morocco will be formidable opponents for the Nigerian Flying Eagles in Group B of the Under-20 AFCON.

As part of their preparations, the Flying Eagles will also play a friendly encounter against the hosts, Egypt, at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, April 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 PM local time (4 PM Nigerian time).

Insecurity Crisis in Plateau and Benue Politically Engineered, Says APC Chieftain

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The rising violence in Plateau and Benue states, according to Jonathan Vatsa, a former commissioner for information, culture, and tourism in Niger State and a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a part of a calculated political plot to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government before the general elections in 2027.

On Sunday, Vatsa told reporters at his Minna home that the murders in the North Central area were planned by “political merchants” who wanted to undermine Tinubu’s authority.

“The same individuals in 2014 incited both Christians and Muslims against the Jonathan administration, using insecurity as a tool to deceive and poison Nigerians,” he said. Tours of Nigerian cultures

“Boko Haram was financed by them, and bombs were being thrown all over, including Abuja.” They planned the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls in an effort to alienate Nigerians from the Jonathan administration.

Similar to the time of Goodluck Jonathan, Vatsa cautioned that the recent surge in violence is not a coincidence.

“The identical individuals are starting over. A plot is behind the murders in Plateau and Benue. 2027 is the main focus. “The government ought to be aware of this by now,” he continued.

Vatsa, who currently advises Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State on Public Private Partnerships (PPP), was blunt in his criticism of certain power blocs for stoking unrest for political ends.

These individuals think they own Nigeria, he remarked. They must be in charge for the government to function. They will employ terrorism and violence to topple any government that doesn’t comply with their demands.
He asked President Tinubu to take urgent action, cautioning that if the conspirators are not stopped, the country could become unruly and his government’s basis could be threatened. Tours of Nigerian cultures

Read Also: Rhodes-Vivour Reveals Why He Rejects Coalition With APC

“This surge of insecurity is actually directed at Tinubu’s administration. He needs to take swift, decisive action before these political operatives use sponsored turmoil to unseat him,” he said.

Vatsa was upbeat about President Tinubu’s chances of winning reelection in spite of the worries, claiming that his public support and performance would surpass the present instability.

“I don’t see what will stop Tinubu in 2027 if the naive and uninspired Buhari administration had the capacity to endure eight years.”

Additionally, he rejected the prospects of opposition parties in Niger State, pointing to the broad support for Governor Bago’s “New Niger Agenda” and the advancements in infrastructure made during the APC-led government.

He stated: “There isn’t a vacancy in the government house in Niger State in 2027. The developmental goal of the current administration appears to have been accepted by all opposition parties.

Vatsa, on the other hand, demanded stricter action and accountability from the federal government and accused it of being too forgiving to individuals responsible for violent crimes.

Rhodes-Vivour Reveals Why He Rejects Coalition With APC

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Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former governorship candidate for the Labour Party in Lagos State, has stated that he is in favor of the demand for a coalition to overthrow the current All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rhodes-Vivour was quoted as saying that the ruling party in Lagos and at the federal level should not be a part of such a partnership.
In a Monday interview with News Central, the leader of the Labour Party blamed the APC for Lagos’s bad governance.

My support for a coalition is unwavering. That alliance, however, is incompatible with the APC. My position has been extremely constant because I believe that the APC’s governance style in Lagos State is to blame for all that is wrong with the state, including my own suffering and that of many Lagosians. Consequently, I can’t live with it,” he stated.
The APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not the same thing, according to Rhodes-Viviour. Lagos State was never led by the PDP, he claimed. “I would like to form a coalition that would free Lagosians from godfathers,” he continued.

Read Also: APC Backing Wike to Undermine PDP, Says Rivers PDP Chairman

Not in Lagos. However, I disagree with that. That’s why I joined the Lagos PDP. The PDP has never held public office. Funso Williams was the closest they had, and we are aware of his fate.

Therefore, in my opinion, forming a coalition base that can effectively oppose and overthrow this administration will allow the people to genuinely benefit from governance free from any godfathers who are pulling strings and demanding that the money that has accrued to them be used for the benefit of Lagosians. He added, “It’s not worth my time to join any coalition that restricts that potential.”

APC Backing Wike to Undermine PDP, Says Rivers PDP Chairman

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Rivers State’s PDP Acting Chairman, Robinson Ewor, has said that Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, is conspiring with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the PDP from inside.
Ewor asserted during a live appearance on Arise News on Monday, April 21, 2025, that Wike’s affiliations and actions make it abundantly evident that he is no longer a legitimate member of the PDP. He also claimed that the former governor is receiving funding from the APC to undermine the party nationally and in Rivers State in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Ewor clarified that before to the general elections in 2023, the party had no internal issues until Wike lost his bid for president and was unable to get the vice presidential ticket.

“The crisis that later engulfed the party was triggered by Wike’s personal disappointment,” he said.

Prior to the federal elections in 2023, the PDP had no problems. Current Federal Capital Territory Minister Wike aspired to be the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s president. Furthermore, he submitted to the party’s primaries. Yet the party ticket went to Atiku. Wike then desired to serve as vice president. Wike caused the PDP problem since Atiku did not choose him to be the vice presidential candidate, Ewor said.

The G5 group, he added, was formed under Wike’s leadership with the sole goal of harming the PDP’s electoral prospects.

This was the starting point of the PDP crisis: The first is that Wike was not elected president. Second, he wasn’t selected as Atiku Abubakar’s vice presidential nominee, Ewor clarified.

He created the G5, as Nigerians refer to it, and initiated the conflict inside the PDP. What is the meaning of the G5? Dismantle PDP. Ascertain that the election was not won by Atiku Abubakar. That was the G5’s stated purpose. The party is now past the general election in 2023.

Ewor criticized Wike for his persistent meddling in PDP matters, questioning the wisdom of giving advice to a party he is “busy destroying.”

“Wike is not a member anymore. If you are no longer a member of a party, how do you inform them? How do you counsel someone you are occupied with destroying? How do you tell someone you are leading the charge to overthrow them? “What?” Ewor asked.

“The PDP is not experiencing a crisis because of the problem we see in it today. The FCT minister’s goal is to wipe out the party, which is why. He’s determined to ruin the party. In River State, he initiated it as well.

“There was no offense committed by Sim Fubara.”
Wike and Rivers Governor Sim Fubara were at odds, and Ewor said the governor was being demonized for using his constitutional power.

What is Sim Fubara’s offense? There was no crime committed by Sim Fubara. In order to rig the 2027 election for the All Progressive Congress, Ewor claimed, he sought to acquire control of the party’s structure, the government’s structure, the state assembly, and every other known structure in the state.

The situation in River State is merely a crisis. No offense was committed by Sim Fubara. Is Wike able to inform Nigeria without feeling guilty? It was during this time that Sim Fubara was impeached prior to October 2023.

In order to help the APC in upcoming elections, Ewor asserted that Wike insisted on controlling all political institutions in Rivers. The state PDP leadership has now rejected this goal.

“There was nothing that Sim Fubara did. However, he is aware that if he correctly extends Sim Fubara’s term until 2027, as they did not agree, he will no longer be able to defeat the PDP. But in order to make sure that we organize our house, we have united as a party, particularly at the state level,” he stated.

“The party hostage at the state was heard by him before.”

Ewor cited an instance of a party’s national command being disregarded, saying: “The national says ‘don’t conduct congresses.'” Going on, he (Wike) held congresses. However, we’ve gone beyond that today. He no longer controls the party now at the state level. In light of this, he is powerless to act on behalf of the party at the state level.

The National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), and PDP governors are working to reclaim and reposition the party at the national level, Ewor added.

He stated that the PDP governors’ forum, the NWC, and the party’s BOT are taking action to reposition the party on a national scale.

In a forceful statement, he claimed that the APC was funding Wike’s activities in an effort to undermine the PDP from inside.

Nyesom Wike, meanwhile, is sitting still today and ruining the celebration. His funding comes from the APC. That is the problem. Remove Yosso Wike now if you claim that the PDP is experiencing a crisis; you won’t find any crises within the party. In River State, you don’t observe any crises. No crisis will arise at the center or anyplace in the state if he is removed.

South-South Governor’s Aide, Shimite, Dies in Domestic Violence Case, Husband in Custody

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Shimite Winifred Bello, a trade and export adviser to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has away.

Bello reportedly passed away on Monday due to alleged domestic abuse.

Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights activist and another governor’s aide, verified her death, though the incident’s specifics are still unclear.

On Monday, April 21, Gwamnishu lamented his colleague’s death in a Facebook post.

Human rights advocate Victor Ojie stated in another post that “marriage is not by force oh.” It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life oh.”

Another user of the social networking platform, Oge Okonkwo reported that Bello’s husband has been arrested by the police following her passing.

Tameta Sunday, the late Bello’s aide, said her husband killed her.

“It’s very difficult to type RIP boss,” Sunday said in a message, “knowing full well that an ugly soul called pastor with a gentle look as a husband cut all the positive plans we had together.”

President Tinubu Mourns Pope Francis

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the Christian faithful and world leaders in lamenting the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

A day after bestowing his Easter Sunday blessing, the Pope’s death, according to the President’s statement, signifies “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”

According to the statement, Pope Francis, who took office in 2013, was generally seen as a reformer and an advocate for the weak.

Recalling how the Pontiff “stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalized, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten,” Tinubu praised the Pope’s unwavering moral leadership.

Read Also: APC Removes State Secretary Avajah Amid Constitution Violation Claims

The Pope “challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations,” the President said, highlighting his steadfast support of justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony.

“An instrument of peace, Pope Francis profoundly embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity,” he stated. “He built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor,” Tinubu said, praising the late Pope’s efforts to heal divisions during a time of world turmoil and injustice.

The Nigerian leader praised the Pope’s focus on developing countries and the Vatican’s ongoing concern for areas plagued by economic inequality and instability. Tinubu said, “He was an unwavering supporter of the developing world.” Cultural tours in Nigeria

In addition, Tinubu praised the Pope’s pastoral letters and encyclicals, calling them “doctrinal and seminal… timely and relevant,” providing “spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.”

Tinubu went on to say that he had observed “his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica” and had thanked the Pope for his good health in his Easter greeting. “Sadly, the Lord called him home a day later, causing the world to lose its most resolute voice for justice and action against climate change,” the president stated.

The president of Nigeria called on people to take action in remembrance of the late Pope. “Let’s honor him with deeds, not just words: by uplift those in need, restore our communities, and protect everyone’s dignity.”

“I offer my condolences to the Catholic Church, the international Catholic community, and the Christian faithful on behalf of the Nigerian government and people.

The message further said, “May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”

APC Removes State Secretary Avajah Amid Constitution Violation Claims

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Chidi Avadja, the state secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahiaukwu Ward 2, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, has been suspended by the party for alleged constitutional infractions.
Acting Ward Chairman Nwabueze Ndumele and Secretary Ifeanyichukwu John acknowledged in a statement issued on Monday that the decision to suspend Avadja was made at a ward meeting that was conducted last Saturday at the Okaiuga Civic Hall in Okwu Olokoro.
Additionally, the announcement disclosed that Onyekwere Sylvester, another member, had been suspended for alleged impersonation and that a seven-member disciplinary committee had been established to look into the allegations against both people.
In defiance of the Congress-elected party officials, the party leadership charged that Avadja appointed an interim ward chairman on his own after the previous chairman passed away. The move was perceived as a power grab within the local APC organization and a breach of the party’s constitution.

Read Also:Kano Must Stay United – Shettima Warns Against Political Division

According to the statement, “The party also decided to suspend Chief Chidi Avajah, the state secretary, for violating Article 21, Section A, subsections ii, vi, and vii of our great party’s constitution.”

Additionally, there is no proof that Chief Chidi Avajah has made any monthly payments to the party. Section 9.2, Subsection ii of Article 9 is violated by this.

In addition, the party suspended Onyekwere Chibuike Sylvester for allegedly impersonating the chairman of Ahiaukwu Ward II, which is against Article 21, Section A, Subsection IV.

“As a result, the party decided to form a seven-member disciplinary committee to look into the accusations made against Chief Chidi Avajah and Sylvester Onyekwere.

Additionally, they decided to put in more effort to fortify the party in the ward in order to field all candidates on the party’s platform in the general election of 2027.

“The party will uphold discipline and follow our esteemed party constitution to the letter.”

Kano Must Stay United – Shettima Warns Against Political Division

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Political leaders in Kano State have been asked by Vice President Kashim Shettima to maintain unity and prevent political disagreements from dividing them.

During a nighttime visit to the Emir’s palace to offer condolences for the passing of Galadiman Kano, late Abbas Sunusi, he made the appeal on Saturday.

In the presence of prominent political heavyweights from the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya factions, as well as Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, Shettima stressed the value of unity in the politically significant state.
Shettima stated that it is a mistake for political disputes to split or disturb a state like Kano, which is respected at all political levels.

“We do not rejoice when we see political rifts or finger-pointing among its people because Kano is a model for the entire Nigeria,” he continued.

“Kano is the heartbeat of the North; whatever affects Kano affects the North,” he wrote, highlighting Kano’s pivotal role in Northern Nigeria.

Read Also: Nigerian Gospel singer, Big Bolaji is dead

Speaking emotionally, Shettima explained that he decided to use Hausa to guarantee audience understanding and clarity.

“I am delivering this message in Hausa because of this, and even though I am not a native Hausa speaker, I have done my best to ensure that you understand me,” Shettima stated.

He prayed for the late Galadiman Kano as well, hoping that God would grant him eternal life.

As some people were killed and others were abducted in recent bandit assaults in Shanono Local Government Area, the vice president sent his condolences to the families impacted.

“We are pleading with God to keep Nigeria and the country peaceful,” Shettima continued.

Nigerian Gospel singer, Big Bolaji is dead

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The Nigerian gospel musician Big Bolaji, whose real name was Bolaji Olarewaju, has passed away.

His family acknowledged his death on Saturday in a statement.

Big Bolaji died after a brief illness, the statement said.

We regret to inform you of the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, also known as “Big B,” a beloved father, husband, brother, and respected member of the church community, RCCG ordained pastor, and a titan in our community and music industry.

On Easter Saturday, April 19, 2025, Bolaji departed from us following a brief illness.

In due time, the family will disclose the specifics of his obsequies.

Big Bolaji turned 50 just a short while ago.

Starting his music ministry with the group J’apha, he also hosts radio talk shows.