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PDP Accuses Okpebholo of Deceiving Tinubu Over ‘No Vacancy in Aso Rock’ Remark

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PDP Accuses Okpebholo of Deceiving Tinubu Over ‘No Vacancy in Aso Rock’ Remark

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State branch has claimed that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s statement that there was “no vacancy in Aso Rock” was meant to deceive President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
According to reports, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Okpebholo announced that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the 2027 presidential elections when hosting the acting local government chairs of the 17 councils who had defected from the PDP to the APC at Government House in Benin City.
In a statement released on Thursday, Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, responded to the announcement by characterizing the events in the Festival Hall of Edo State Government House as content creation for the President and the APC leadership in Abuja to view.
According to Nehikhare, no party member defected to the APC in the State Government House, and all of the legitimately elected local government council chairmen on the PDP platform are still in office.

Additionally, he asserted that Okpebholo is losing control of Edo State politics and has turned to lies in an effort to deceive Tinubu and the APC leadership.

In order to try to reassure the President and his party leadership that he is still in charge, he now needs to put together imposters, which is very regrettable and disheartening, according to the statement.

However, the truth is that he no longer has any influence over Edo State politics.

Read Also: Just In: Atiku, El-Rufai, BabachirLawal, and Others Unite to Oppose Tinubu’s Re-Election

In contrast to the false assertion made in the announcement by Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s chief press secretary, no PDP chairman has left the party, to correct the record. All of Edo State’s legitimately elected PDP local government council chairmen are still in office.

The individuals Itua called “chairmen” in his news release are Okpebholo’s unlawful appointees, whom he is attempting to force on the several local government councils.

“Whoever Okpebholo is attempting to mislead or impress should be cautious because these are outright lies, and contrary to what the deceptive news release claimed, he and his party have not gained any political ground in Edo State.

“The events that took place in the Edo State Government House’s Festival Hall today can best be characterized as content creation for the enjoyment of Mr. President and the Abuja APC leadership.”

Just In: Atiku, El-Rufai, BabachirLawal, and Others Unite to Oppose Tinubu’s Re-Election

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Just In: Atiku, El-Rufai, BabachirLawal, and Others Unite to Oppose Tinubu’s Re-Election

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, and a number of high-ranking members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have formally formed a coalition with the goal of running against President Bola Tinubu in the general election scheduled for 2027.
It was claimed that prominent opposition members, including Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, who was represented by Yunusa Tanko, made a strong appearance at the press conference on Thursday.

Other notable figures in attendance included Peter Ahmeh, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties; Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State; and Segun Showunmi, the Convenor of the Alternative.

Former Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, and Abdullahi Adamu, the APC’s immediate past national chairman, were among the prominent individuals who were unable to attend but who sent apologies. They were recognized for their support of the coalition’s cause despite their absence.

This was verified by Atiku, who read the transcript of a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday and attended by a variety of political figures and leaders from throughout the nation.

When asked if the meeting was intended to launch a coalition to remove Tinubu in 2007, the former vice president Atiku replied, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”

In their earlier remarks at the news conference, Atiku and his allies urged Nigerians, particularly those in the National Assembly, to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s unlawful proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The dangerous and unconstitutional actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025, including the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the unlawful suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, are the reason we have gathered together, Atiku stated.

Not only is this conduct illegal, but it also blatantly undermines democracy by imposing dictatorial federal control over a state administration that has been duly elected.

Our nation’s constitution and democratic institutions are being blatantly attacked, and we strongly condemn this situation and urge all Nigerians with good conscience to oppose it.

“Mr. President’s unlawful and unconstitutional declaration was most likely prompted by the long-running, pernicious political unrest in Rivers State, which resulted in the most recent Supreme Court decision.

Naturally, we expected all parties to the issue to abide by established protocols and, in good faith, to immediately implement the ruling of the nation’s top court.

Read Also: MACBAN LG Chairman Shot Dead by Gunmen in Plateau

“We observe that despite his opponents’ aggressive demeanor and offensive remarks, Governor Fubara showed goodwill and seemed willing to carry out the Supreme Court’s decision.

Nevertheless, instead of overcoming the conflict, the president gave in to personal favoritism and violated the oath he took before God and humanity to “do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection, or ill-will.”

“If President Tinubu had previously been able to conveniently conceal his true intentions, his broadcast to the nation on March 18, 2025, demonstrated his bias and fell well short of the expected level of behavior for his esteemed office.”

MACBAN LG Chairman Shot Dead by Gunmen in Plateau

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MACBAN LG Chairman Shot Dead by Gunmen in Plateau

In Plateau State’s Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Muhammad Adamu, the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, or MACBAN, was shot dead.

The gunmen who assassinated Adma on Wednesday night have not yet been identified.

It was learned that the incident happened at the deceased’s house shortly after he had finished his breakfast.

When MACBAN State Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo verified the occurrence to reporters, he denounced it completely and urged security forces to look into and apprehend those responsible for the heinous conduct.

“This circumstance is regrettable. We urge security forces to look into this horrible conduct and find the perpetrators so they can be held accountable by the law,” he said.

Speaking about the incident, Alhaji Danjuma Ibrahim, a community youth leader who also verified the attack, stated that the deceased’s body had been placed at Barkin Ladi General Hospital and was scheduled to be buried today (Thursday).

According to Danjuma, who denounced the incident, the chairman had been the target of gunmen three times before, but each time they were unsuccessful.

He said, “The gunmen attacked him and shot him several times.” He has been shot in the body. They ran away after shooting him.

“We were at the hospital with security personnel, including police and soldiers, when he was rushed there, so they responded.”

Read Also: CNG Cylinder Did Not Cause Abuja Tanker Blast, Says Onanuga

“He played a vital role in ensuring peace within the Barkin Ladi area prior to his death,” the youth leader said, describing the attack on the MACBAN chairman as regrettable.

He insisted that his death would live on in our memories due to his importance in maintaining communal harmony.

“I’m not aware of the incident because we have our channel of communication, so honestly, I’m not aware yet,” DSP Alfred Alabo, the Plateau State Police Command’s public relations officer, responded when called.

CNG Cylinder Did Not Cause Abuja Tanker Blast, Says Onanuga

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CNG Cylinder Did Not Cause Abuja Tanker Blast, Says Onanuga

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has refuted claims that the truck’s compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder exploded when it collided with a gasoline tanker in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The presidential communications advisor claimed that the truck’s CNG cylinder did not explode and was found undamaged in a post made on Thursday morning via his official 𝕏 account.
Furthermore, he refuted some allegations that the unfortunate explosion that took place on Wednesday night was caused by the CNG cylinder.

During Wednesday night’s explosion in Karu, Abuja, this cement truck’s CNG cylinder collided with a gasoline tanker. In contrast to previous claims, the CNG cylinder was found undamaged. The thing didn’t blow up. Additionally, it wasn’t the reason behind the devastating explosion,” Onanuga said on 𝕏, including a video showing the cylinder.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has revealed that a fatal tanker explosion happened on Wednesday night in Abuja, close to the Karu Bridge.

Around 7:14 p.m., the tragedy happened, causing numerous automobiles to be destroyed and causing alarm among commuters and locals.

The police confirmed that 14 automobiles were totally burned and that six people were killed in the event.

According to reports, the tragedy was characterized as a severe motor vehicle crash that occurred prior to Nyanya Bridge in an official statement by SP Josephine Adeh, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer.

The police stated that six people were pulled from the wreckage but were later pronounced dead at the hospital, despite some witnesses saying that the death toll topped ten.

Oyo Govt Withdraws Case Against Ooni’s Former Wife, Journalist Oriyomi Hamzat, and Principal

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Oyo Govt Withdraws Case Against Ooni’s Former Wife, Journalist Oriyomi Hamzat, and Principal

The criminal charges against Abdullahi Fasasi, the head of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, have been formally dismissed by the Oyo State Government.
According to reports, the three were first charged after a terrible stampede at a children’s celebration in December 2024 that claimed the lives of at least 35 youngsters.
Following Thursday’s trial, which marked their release from the charges, the defendants were clearly relieved, grinning and mingling.

Speaking to the media following the court session, Abiodun Aikomo, the attorney general of Oyo State, affirmed the ruling.

“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many,” Aikomo said during a live Facebook broadcast by SaharaReporters. As you can see, the law will take its course anytime a death occurs under conditions that are not natural. In response, the state filed charges against those involved in the inquiry.

We truly intended to file charges during that process, but the impacted parties demonstrated compassion. They were sympathetic. And to the best of their abilities, people attempt to change the sentiments of those who are impacted. Furthermore, we believed that the goal of prosecution was not to murder or persecute individuals. Stopping these charges is in the interest of justice, and that is what took place today.

This ruling comes after a protracted court proceeding. Before this, Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi had all been granted bail by the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. Following the defendants’ presentation of their bail applications, Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin rendered the decision.

While Hamzat and Fasasi were also granted bail on identical circumstances, Naomi was given N10 million with two sureties. Along with prohibiting the suspects from conducting interviews and limiting their public appearances, the court also mandated that they submit their passports with the court.

The case started after hundreds of young children were killed in a frenzied rush after a terrible stampede that occurred during a children’s festival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024. One of the most horrific events in Oyo State’s recent history, the tragedy devastated the people and the relatives of the victims.

Read Also: NYSC Budget: N307.6 Billion Set Aside for Corps Members’ Allowances

In order to emphasize the gravity of the accusations and the necessity for justice for the victims, the prosecution team, headed by the Attorney General of Oyo State, had first opposed granting bail to the defendants. The defense team countered that the accused did not represent a flight danger and had cooperated with the inquiry.

In the past, Governor Makinde had stated that the stampede’s perpetrators must stand prosecution, but he was also willing to grant bail while the case was pending.

NYSC Budget: N307.6 Billion Set Aside for Corps Members’ Allowances

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NYSC Budget: N307.6 Billion Set Aside for Corps Members’ Allowances

An estimated ₦307.6 billion would be spent by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on recruiting and compensating corps members.
According to reports, this prediction is predicated on the NYSC’s announcement in September 2024 that corps members’ monthly stipends will grow from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.

The increase came after the new minimum wage laws was approved and enacted in May 2024.

Three batches of corps members—A, B, and C—are mobilized by the NYSC annually throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. During each orientation exercise, the program usually recruits 1,200 to 1,500 corps members each camp.

This leads to an average of 55,500 corps members per batch, which raises the annual mobilization to 333,000.

Since each corps member is now eligible for ₦77,000, a batch’s total compensation comes to ₦25.64 billion. It is anticipated that ₦307.6 billion will be spent on corps members’ allowances over the course of a year.

Read Also: Tragedy in Abuja: Tanker Explosion Leaves 6 Dead, 14 Vehicles Burnt

The Federal Government gave the NYSC ₦430.7 billion in the 2025 budget proposal that President Bola Tinubu gave to the National Assembly in December 2024. This was the largest budgetary allocation for the program in five years.

Of this sum, ₦372.9 billion, or 86.5 percent, was set aside for the payment of allowances to corps members.

Nevertheless, the Federal Government has not yet started making payments at the updated rate, five months after the new allowance structure was announced on September 25, 2024.

Caroline Embu, the acting Director of Press and Public Relations, explained that the NYSC was still seeking the necessary financial support after the raise was not implemented in February.

“The financial support is still pending,” Embu said succinctly to a reporter for The Punch.

Additionally, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the recently appointed Director-General of the NYSC, reportedly promised that the new payment structure will go into force in March in a WhatsApp message obtained by The Punch on Wednesday.

Tragedy in Abuja: Tanker Explosion Leaves 6 Dead, 14 Vehicles Burnt

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Tragedy in Abuja: Tanker Explosion Leaves 6 Dead, 14 Vehicles Burnt

On Wednesday night, a terrible tanker explosion near Abuja’s Karu Bridge destroyed numerous vehicles and sent commuters and locals into a state of widespread terror.
Six people were killed and 14 vehicles were entirely burned in the event, which happened at around 7:14 p.m., according to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
The tragedy was described as a severe motor vehicle crash that occurred prior to Nyanya Bridge in an official statement by SP Josephine Adeh, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer.

Six people were recovered from the wreckage but were later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the police, although some witnesses saying that the death toll approached ten.
According to SP Adeh, Karu Division received a distress call about the terrible scene.

She claimed that a Dangote trailer carrying a lot of cement had lost control and collided with traffic-stuck immobile cars as it approached Nyanya Bridge from AYA.

Read Also: PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

Fourteen vehicles were caught in a blazing fire as a result of the incident. As drivers and bystanders frantically sought refuge, panic and mayhem ensued.

“Emergency responders raced to the scene to rescue those trapped, fighting against dense smoke and extreme heat.”

She said, “Sadly, the on-duty medical staff confirmed the deaths of the six victims after they were rescued from the wreckage and taken to the hospital.” The Karu General Hospital Morgue is now home to their remains.

“Normal traffic flow has been restored after police officers, along with firefighters, other security agencies, and brave individuals on the scene, contained the fire.”

Here are some pictures showing the explosion’s aftermath:

PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

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PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State may be grounds for impeachment and has urged the National Assembly to examine it.

The PRP denounced the President’s decision as unlawful in a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ishaq.
According to reports, the party contended that Tinubu’s activities seriously violate the 1999 Constitution, which forms the basis of the country’s government, and threaten Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The party denounced as an abuse of presidential power that must not be allowed to continue the president’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The President’s acts, according to the PRP, represent a risky and unlawful abuse of presidential authority. The Nigerian Constitution’s Section 305 permits the president to declare a state of emergency under certain, strict guidelines. However, according to the statement, “this provision does not grant the authority to unilaterally suspend or remove elected state officials.”

The party also underlined how suspending state officials erodes Nigeria’s laboriously cultivated democracy and rule of law.

It said that the extreme remedy was not warranted since political tensions in Rivers State did not escalate to the point of a constitutional crisis.

Read Also: ISWAP Militants Kill Three Soldiers in Yobe, Publish Shocking Video

The PRP asked for a legislative review of President Tinubu’s decision and requested that Governor Fubara be reinstated immediately. It called on lawmakers to look into whether the president’s actions are grounds for impeachment.

The statement added, “We take note with great concern that the political tensions and purported problems that led to this declaration do not amount to a constitutional crisis that would call for the suspension of an entire state government.”

The party emphasized that constitutional processes, like the judiciary, should be used to settle internal conflicts rather than executive decree. It also served as a reminder that the National Assembly must approve any declaration of emergency.

A democratically elected individual being removed under emergency powers creates a risky precedent that could result in other abuses by the executive branch, the PRP cautioned.

It reaffirmed that respecting the electorate’s choice is a fundamental democratic principle and that no citizen should have to live in constant fear of being arbitrarily removed by the presidency.

Demand Action from the National Assembly
To guarantee accountability and constitutional observance, the PRP has demanded a thorough examination of the President’s activities.

Additionally, it called on the National Assembly to look into and possibly lift the suspension in order to protect the democratic process.

“The President’s alleged declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State should be carefully examined in light of our current constitutional provisions to see if it constitutes an impeachable violation.

“If so, the appropriate course of action should be taken,” the party said.

The PRP concluded by restating its dedication to preserving Nigerian democracy and the Constitution. It called on the foreign community, civil society groups, and all citizens to condemn what it described as an executive overreach and support the return of democratic governance to Rivers State.

“We remain steadfast in our resolve to defend Nigeria’s democracy and enforce the Constitution. The PRP closed by urging the foreign community, civil society organizations, and all individuals to condemn this governmental overreach.

ISWAP Militants Kill Three Soldiers in Yobe, Publish Shocking Video

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ISWAP Militants Kill Three Soldiers in Yobe, Publish Shocking Video

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram faction that is associated with the Islamic State, has allegedly released a video showing the execution of three Nigerian soldiers.
According to reports, a segment of the video clip obtained by the media platform showed the moment the Nigerian soldiers were shot by the insurgents using firearms.
Apparently, the horrific incident happened on March 15, 2025, in Yobe State, which is in northern Nigeria.

It is said that the soldiers were taken in the state’s Azare and Kamuya regions.

Read Also: Dokubo Condemns Fubara’s Ouster, Says Rivers’ Economy is at Stake

Before being shot at by masked attackers dressed in military garb, the three people were seen kneeling in a field and identifying themselves as Nigerian security forces members in the aforementioned video.

According to reports, ISWAP has been stepping up its presence in the communities around Lake Chad since the passing of JAS leader Abubakar Shekau.

Many Boko Haram fighters who were loyal to Shekau defected, greatly expanding the group’s numbers.

Frequently downplaying reports of casualties, the Nigerian Army has maintained that the insurgency has been mainly contained.

The terrorist organization has been responsible for nearly 100,000 fatalities and has displaced millions, mainly in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.

Dokubo Condemns Fubara’s Ouster, Says Rivers’ Economy is at Stake

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Dokubo Condemns Fubara’s Ouster, Says Rivers’ Economy is at Stake

The Labour Party member and Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo has denounced President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, and all state parliamentarians were suspended by the president, which Dokubo said was unjust and an assault on the state’s citizens.
She claimed that because of the military personnel and their vans present throughout Rivers State, operations have been severely hindered.

In a video released by News Central, Dokubo, who organized a group of women to oppose recent events in the state, stated repeatedly that “what is happening in Rivers State is not Siminalayi Fubara, it is a combat for the economic soul of Rivers State.”
“The economic heart of Rivers State is being targeted by someone. Our money was flying all over our heads for twenty-four years because they continued to take advantage of us. It’s here now, it’s there tomorrow, and it’s full of stupidity,” she remarked.

According to her, Rivers State has enjoyed the benefits of good administration since Fubara took office and has been peaceful with its citizens, particularly its government personnel.

“This is the first time that civil servants have been paid on the thirteenth month; for the past two years, civil servants have been paid on Christmas,” she said.

“The roads that connect the riverine settlements have never been paid in full, and civil servants have received their full salary for the first time. Our terrain is not as bad as they claimed, despite their deception.

He (Fubara) assured us that an election could be held here in whatever manner, but it had to take place without any violence, bloodshed, or shootings.

Read Also: Falz Confronts Tinubu: “Is Rivers State at War?” Over Fubara’s Suspension

Dokubo remarked, “You told everyone to leave today, and he said yes.”

Dokubo went on to say that although Fubara has complied with all of the Supreme Court’s recent directives, interference from unseen forces has persisted in causing problems in the state.

Additionally, she accused members of the House of Assembly of undermining Rivers State residents’ interests in order to forward their own agendas.

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