Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has again shunned an invitation from the House of Representatives.

Two days after the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMeT), union workers took its toll on the aviation sector, the Nigerian Government has commenced move to reconcile with the aggrieved workers.

Bandits have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos, in Kurmin Risga, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The presidency has mocked former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over the massive defection which has hit the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). It said the coalition, being spearheaded by Atiku was bound to lose. This came after former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori dumped the PDP. Responding to the defection on X, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, wrote that the coalition was bound to collapse. “Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again,” he stated. Also, in his reaction on X, a presidential aide, Tunde Rahman said the future looked so bleak for Abubakar’s coalition. He wrote, "Today, he got his biggest shocker ever. His 2023 election running mate, former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and Okowa’s successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, dumped the sinking PDP ship and hopped aboard the APC plane, and by inference, crossed over to the PBAT side. “Indeed, the counting of PDP governors crossing over to APC has begun. Isn’t Atiku’s coalition dead on arrival? As my people will say, the glimpses of a Saturday that will be good will manifest from Friday."

The late Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis died without suffering, his medical team has confirmed. According to the head of Pope Francis’ medical team, Sergio Alfieri, the pontiff died quickly on Monday morning from an unexpected stroke without suffering undue pain. He added that there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life. Alfieri, a physician at Rome's Gemelli hospital reportedly oversaw the pope's treatment during a five-week stay when Francis was fighting double pneumonia earlier this year. He said he got a phone call at around 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT) on Monday morning to come quickly to the Vatican and arrived about 20 minutes later. "I entered his rooms and he (Francis) had his eyes open. I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me. "At that moment I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma,” he said. According to Alfieri, some officials who were present with the pope suggested moving him immediately back to the hospital. "He would have died on the way. Doing a scan we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more. It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away,” he added.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Eke Ibas is in attendance as Vice President, Kashim Shettima presides over the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja. Others spotted at the meeting include Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia, Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Edo, Monday Okpebholo, Cross River, Bassey Otu, the newly defected Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, among others. There were also a good number of Deputy Governors in attendance at the meeting. More details later...

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has restated its push for compulsory drug tests for corps members. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who renewed the demand, described the initiative as a preventive, not punitive measure. Marwa spoke during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, and senior NYSC officials to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who said Marwa emphasised the urgent need to curb drug abuse among Nigerian youth. “This is not a punitive action. “The goal is prevention—helping individuals before drug use escalates into addiction. “One in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 is involved in drug use. The drug scourge continues to ravage our families and communities. There is no part of this country untouched by the crisis.” While highlighting the NDLEA’s collaboration with NYSC, Marwa lauded the formation of War Against Drug Abuse clubs in NYSC orientation camps and proposed deeper cooperation, including mandatory drug tests for corps members. “In addition to suggesting that intending couples obtain drug-free certificates, we believe early detection through drug tests can prevent severe consequences, including psychiatric disorders, which affect not only users but the society at large,” he said. Responding, the NYSC DG described the proposal as a “fantastic idea,” pledging to review the NDLEA’s recommendations for possible implementation. Nafiu also assured that the NYSC would develop a comprehensive framework to facilitate the posting of qualified corps members to NDLEA commands, particularly those with active counseling and treatment facilities. He commended Marwa for his leadership and reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the NDLEA in tackling drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

Amid rising insecurity, Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State has placed a ban on individuals or groups from bringing cutlasses and other sharp objects into communities and markets. The ban came into effect through a bye-law enacted by the legislative council. This was announced by the Director of Personnel Management of the Council, Magaji Muhammad. He said the enactment of the law became necessary due to rising concerns over public safety, harassment, and the potential for violence associated with the indiscriminate carrying of such weapons in public places. According to him, the bye-law aims to maintain peace, safeguard lives and property, and foster a secure and conducive environment for all residents and visitors. The DPM added that the Council had requested all security agencies to take active steps to enforce the bye-law by monitoring entry points to the towns and markets, conducting periodic patrols, and apprehending the violators. "Adequate public sensitisation campaign has been initiated to ensure that all residents are aware of the new regulation," he said.

Former presidential aspirant, Mr Dele Momodu has blamed the recent massive defection of politicians into the All Progressives Congress, (APC), on fear of prison and state of emergency. He made the claim on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday. Momodu said that contrary to APC’s claims, fear was driving politicians into the party. “I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn't shocking given the recent harassment he faced. “I would be surprised if President Bola Tinubu genuinely believes people are joining the APC out of love or administration, this is survival now; prison as martyr days are over. “We once admired the likes of Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for enduring detention in the name of principle. These days, nobody wants to go to detention. “Everybody wants to stay at home and talk about the money they’ve made from politics; name one politician who has not been harassed by either the EFCC or the ICPC at some point.” He added that, “For me, it’s clear that this government’s strategy is ‘if we can’t persuade you, we’ll force you.’ And for now, that force appears to be working. But politics can change in 24 hours. “The APC is in more trouble than any other political party in Nigeria; the only thing holding it together right now is the access to resources they have to share. “But beneath that surface, there are serious problems. For nearly two years, APC members have blamed former President Buhari for the country’s issues. “Now, the same party is running back to Kaduna, trying to appease him. Whether he accepts their efforts or not doesn’t matter much to me.” While accusing the presidency of threatening the governors, he said, “They’re being told behind the scenes, ‘If you support us, we’ll leave you alone. If you don’t, we’ll make life difficult for you.’ That’s the reality of the current political climate. “And honestly, I don’t blame the governors. What choice do they have? “Rivers State was peaceful, yet Fubara was suddenly removed in a swift and aggressive move orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike. “Nothing happened afterward — no consequences. That sent a message, and now everyone is taking note. “If that isn’t coercion, then what is? What exactly was Fubara’s offense that warranted such a response? Now we hear he’s negotiating with them. That’s his choice. I’m not concerned with who he negotiates with.”

Former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has mocked ex-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, over the defection of his then running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa. This came after Okowa, in a shocking decision, moved to the ALl Progressives Congress, APC, alongside his successor. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said he has now been vindicated. He said; “It is another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.” He added, “I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria. “That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not when they have problems and begin to run up and down. “They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them. “I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train.” He called on other Nigerians to follow suit and declare their support for Tinubu.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe has claimed that all the people of Southern Nigeria will back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He spoke amid ongoing massive defection of politicians into the All Progressives Congress, APC. The latest was the governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who have both dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the APC. At least three other Southern governors are expected to join soon. In a post on his Facebook page, the APC chieftain claimed that even states controlled by the opposition parties will support the APC during the election. "No one single state in Southern Nigeria, no matter the party it belongs to, will vote for any other party except APC in 2027. "Please know this and have inner peace. It is what it is", he wrote.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the leadership of the country’s security architecture to end the mindless killings across the country. Tinubu made the declaration during a meeting with security chiefs on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. While giving the marching order to security agencies, Tinubu declared that "enough is enough." The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, who addressed State House Correspondents after the meeting, said Tinubu directed a new approach to tackling insecurity across the country. “Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on. “Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive. “The issue of insecurity often is not just at the higher levels. It involves the subunits. They are the ones who are directly with the people, especially when some of the challenges border on community problems. “We need to work with the communities. We need to work with the local governments, and we need to work with the governors. “The President directed that we work more with governors.” Ribadu noted that the President was “very worried and concerned” at the meeting. “He said, ‘Enough is enough’. We are working to ensure that we restore peace and security. "We were all at the meeting with the President, armed forces, police, and intelligence community.” NATIONAL POST reports that hundreds of Nigerians have been killed by terrorists and suspected herdsmen within the past few weeks.

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday. The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, who confirmed the decision said the decision was reached after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.” Details shortly…

A federal lawmaker, Oluwole Oke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, is a six-term lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State. His new political move was made public on Wednesday. He said he decided to leave the PDP after consulting with his political associates, friends, and family members. His resignation letter was dated April 16, 2025. He addressed it to the PDP Chairman in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, but was silent on his next party. Although the lawmaker did not disclose his next plan, there are speculations he is on his way to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Rivers State tops the chart with the highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria, with a staggering 208,767 cases. This is according to a figure released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in its 2024 HIV spectrum estimates. Closely following are Benue State with 202,346 cases and Akwa Ibom with 161,597 cases, making these three states the epicenters of HIV prevalence in the country. Nationwide, more than two million Nigerians are currently living with HIV, underscoring the urgency for continued investment in prevention, testing, and treatment services. Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, ranks fourth with 108,649 cases, trailed by Anambra with 100,429 cases and the Federal Capital Territory with 83,333 cases, the latter being the highest in the North-Central region. Other states with significant HIV burdens include Delta with 68,170 cases, Imo with 67,944, Enugu with 61,028, Edo with 60,095, and Taraba with 58,460 cases. Abia follows with 54,655 cases, while Kaduna has 54,458 and Kano has 53,972 cases. Plateau State reports 51,736 cases, with Borno at 50,433 and Oyo at 50,063. Cross River has 43,452 cases, Ogun reports 43,348, and Nasarawa follows closely with 44,993. States like Bayelsa, Ekiti, Zamfara, and Yobe report comparatively lower numbers, with Bayelsa at 25,339, Ekiti at 18,857, Zamfara at 13,253, and Yobe at 11,956. The report also disclosed that in the past year, 43,683 people died from HIV-related complications, with 28,589 adults and 15,094 children aged 0–14. Currently, 1,753,425 people living with HIV in Nigeria are aware of their status. Of these, 1,735,808 are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), including over 45,000 children. Among those on treatment, 1,160,256 individuals were tested for viral suppression, and 1,112,339 were confirmed to have suppressed viral loads, a key indicator of effective treatment. Despite significant progress, a major gap remains in maternal HIV care. Of the 93,186 pregnant women identified as needing ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission, only 31,095 have received the necessary treatment. NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to sustaining HIV care and addressing potential drug shortages. She stated that the Federal Executive Council recently approved $1.07 billion for broader healthcare reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme. Additionally, N4.8 billion was allocated specifically for HIV treatment, with a further N300 billion earmarked for health in the 2025 national budget. “These resources are being mobilised to ensure no disruption in care and continued progress in Nigeria’s HIV response,” Ilori said.

Fresh condemnations have trailed the sudden closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had announced that there is a significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway that requires emergency repairs. FAAN, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that the repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. FAAN, however, added that all flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports. The statement reads: “There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. “In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period. “As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period. “FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.” It apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure. The development came amid alleged plans to concession the airport for 80 years, whereas other airports are set for 20-year concessioning, an allegation the Federal Government has denied. However, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said it was unjust for the FAAN to shut the airport without giving adequate notice to the users. Okwu said, “to make the matter worse, it came during the festive period, as though Ndigbo, who are known to be regular travelers during this period, are the targets. “Did the airport runway suddenly develop a fault? We are aware that airlines have been complaining about this, but the government waited till the Easter period to hastily shut down the airport, throwing our people into confusion. “This is not the first time Ndigbo are being subjected to this cruel treatment. The last time the runway was re-asphalted, it was also shut down during the Easter period. “However, what makes the present case worse is the lack of notice. “The cruel and degrading treatment of the affairs of Ndigbo in Nigeria should stop. “We know for sure that this cannot happen in Lagos, Abuja or Kano airports. Why also Ndigbo?” Okwu queried. The Ohanaeze Youths President urged the government to ensure that the rehabilitation is carried out and completed on the stipulated date. He also said the explanations offered by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo on the concessioning of the airport was not clear enough. According to him, “the minister merely painted words without saying anything concrete. “He said the process is still on; we want to hear- how many years are there in the pipeline for the concessioning. If it is not 80 years, how many years are they proposing? “We want to make it clear that we are not going to accept anything different from what shall be obtained from other airports.” Meanwhile, a legal luminary, Prof Joy Ezeilo also lamented the abrupt closure of the Enugu airport. While bemoaning the situation, Ezeilo wrote on her social media page: “The recent closure of Enugu Airport for emergency repairs from April 22 to May 6, just a few years after extensive runway reconstruction, highlights serious issues in Nigeria, namely corruption and a lack of accountability. “This has reignited frustrations of nearly a year of inconvenience, when travellers were forced to use Owerri to fly in and out of Enugu. Now, history seems to be repeating itself. “Air Peace is now rerouting its Enugu passengers to Asaba, raising questions about our options. Why Asaba and not Anambra or Owerri airports? Do we have a choice in this? “I recall that even the Enugu airport terminal's roof collapsed just a year after construction, further emphasising the poor quality of public works. “This situation calls for an investigation and accountability, underscoring the urgent need for reform in public projects for sustainable development and our collective safety.” It could be recalled that Keyamo described reports in some sections of the media about the concessioning of Enugu airport as unfounded and untrue. Although the Minister didn’t specify the duration of the planned concessioning, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue. “At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession. “It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration. “All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”

President Bola Tinubu and the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, held a secret meeting during his working visit to Europe. This was, according to The Africa Report, which disclosed that the meeting was at the instance of Governor Fubara. Although presidency sources have not spoken on the report, it was gathered that the meeting, held without Nyesom Wike, a gladiator in the Rivers crisis, was significant as it was the first personal meeting between the two leaders since the state of emergency declaration. Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, is said to be worried over the possible outcome of the meeting. Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18, cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.” The President appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator. According to sources, the meeting was aimed to ease the persistent tensions and find a solution to the lingering crisis. The duo reportedly discussed restoring a functional government in the oil‑rich state, officials say. Sources close to the presidency indicated that the meeting explored options for Fubara's possible return to power.

Amid growing expectations for the first Pope of African descent, His Grace, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja has asked those thinking towards that direction to perish the thought. NATIONAL POST recalls that Pope Francis passed on Monday morning and the process for the election of his replacement will soon commence. There have been hopes that his successor could emerge from one of the African cardinals. However, Archbishop Kaigama had this to say: "We are not praying for an African pope. “We are praying for a good and Holy Pope who will shepherd the people. He can be an African, American, European or Asian." Popular Catholic Priest, Fr Oluoma, who posted the Archbishop’s comment on his Facebook page, added: Una don hear ba. All those agitating and clamouring for an African to be the next pope, you miss the point completely. Popes are not chosen on racial sentiments. “Even if an African becomes the next pope, it will not give Africans any advantage over the others and vice versa. “We will get a new Pope according to God's will. You may not like him, and you don't have to, as long as he upholds the traditions and teachings of the church guided by sacred Tradition and the scripture. “When it comes to electing a pope, there is nothing like emilokan. “Toast to all who Nigeria's Peter Cardinal Okpaleke and other 17 Africans are among the 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next new Pope.” The Cardinal electors of African origin are John Njue (Kenya), Dieudonne Nzapalainga (Central African Republic), Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria), Nakellentuba Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Protase Rugambwa (Tanzania), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Berhaneyesus Souraphiel (Ethiopia). Others are Desire Tsarahazana (Madagascar), Peter Turkson (Ghana), Jean-Paul Vesco (Algeria), Cristobal Romero (Morocco), Stephen Mulla (South-Sudan), Fridolin Besungu (DR Congo), Ignace Dogbo (Ivory Coast), Stephen Brislin (South Africa), Arlindo Furtado (Cape Verde), Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda) and Jean-Pierre Kutwa (Ivory Coast).

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has declared that armed Fulani herders who attack the state are Malians and not Nigerians. The governor spoke amid renewed attacks by herdsmen on Benue communities on Tuesday, which left at least 11 persons dead. Alia, while featuring on Channels Television's Politics Today on Tuesday, said the Hausa and Fulani the armed herders speak are distinct from what is obtainable in Nigeria. He added that the attackers who wield AK-47s don't look like the indigenous Fulanis in Nigeria. “We know Nigerians—by our ethnicities, we can identify a Fulani man, a Yoruba man, a Hausa man—we know them. “Even the regular traditional herders, we know them. They work with cows, herding them with sticks. “But these folks, the attackers, are coming in fully armed with AK-47s and 49s. They do not bear the Nigerian look. They don’t speak like we do. Even the Hausa they speak is one sort of Hausa. “It’s not the normal Hausa we Nigerians speak. So it is with the Fulani they speak. There is a trend in the language they speak, and some of our people who understand what they speak give it names. “They say they are Malians and different from our people. But they are not Nigerians— believe it,” he stated.