Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has decorated his Chief Security Officer, CSP Alex Akinlalu, with his new rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram handles, @PNMbah, on Wednesday, the governor shared: "Today, I had the honour of decorating my Chief Security Officer, Alex Akinlalu, with his well-deserved new rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, assisted by the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa. "ACP Akinlalu is a disciplined, strategic, and exceptionally dependable officer whose commitment to duty continues to stand out. His professionalism, loyalty, and excellence are commendable. "This promotion is not just a recognition of his service, it is a testament to his impeccable track record and leadership acumen. Congratulations, ACP Akinlalu", he wrote.

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 Enugu Government, Wednesday, met with leaders of Aguowa community ahead of the relocation process of the residents as part of government’s big plan to clear all slums in Enugu city by the end of 2026. At the meeting, which held at Government House, Enugu, government said that eye-marking of property owners at Aguowa would begin on Friday, 25th April, while a two-week deadline set for the submission of title documents to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government would commence on Monday, 28th April. While making clarification on the verification process, the Commissioner for Housing in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, however, noted that simply submitting property documents would not be enough for the verification. He said that each property owner would stand with the document in the said property for eye-marking. "The verification process will go beyond submitting property documents. We want to do physical verification. We will do eye-marking. "You stand before the property, and we ascertain the property, the size, the document you have - if it is Certificate of Occupancy or not - then the government will decide the property that is conducive to stay, and the one to go. "Governor Mbah plans that there will be no slums in Enugu city by 2026. That is why this exercise is important. The governor said we will help those who have issues with the title because if you do not have a valid title document, you can not be entitled to relocation. The relocation process will also be at no cost," the commissioner said. Speaking, Dr. Ikechukwu Nebo, a stakeholder from Aguowa community, thanked the commissioner for the way things were being resolved so far, affirming that he was sure the governor meant well for the people and the state. “Governor Peter Mbah promised to carry the people of Aguowa along in what they are doing, and that has been the case. I thank the commissioner for the way and manner this meeting has resolved the issue of old and new. Everybody is happy," he said. Also speaking, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ozoaka, a resident of Aguowa said she would support all government efforts to see that Aguowa is developed, but urged the government to have human face while embarking on the relocation or resettlement process. "If the government has an intention to redevelop Aguowa, it is a good path and a laudable idea, but when the government wants to start this process, they should wear the emblem of humanity and human face;" she stated. The Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, stressed the importance of the verification, assuring the people that it was about openness, taking inventory of what is where, to know who truly owned a property, and to verify property owned by inheritance and others. Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters and Inter-Ministerial Relations, Barr. Juliet Okonkwo, assured the stakeholders of Aguowa community at the meeting that what the governor was doing was in their best interest and that of the state. "Since May 29, 2023 when Dr. Peter Mbah was sworn in as the Governor, all he has been doing is to make Enugu better, both rural and urban areas. "Someone asked why it is only Aguowa that was singled out. But that is not the case. There are about 25 sites, slum areas that will be cleared. We may have started with Aguowa, but we will get to the other 24 sites. It is for the best interest of these 25 areas," Barr. Okonkwo said.

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.

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.”

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.

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Ifeanyi Okowa has dumped the party. He was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar during the election. Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Senator James Manager announced this on Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State capital shortly after a meeting at Government House, Asaba. Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC. We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.” Before the announcement, Okowa said in his dialect, while addressing a people, that he would take the best decision. “Be assured that we will not go in the wrong direction. We will take the best direction, the best path for our people,” said the former governor in a viral video. Okowa defected alongside his successor and other stakeholders of the PDP in the State.

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).

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi State, Chief Chukwuma Odii has launched a N150 million agric-business empowerment scheme for his youths in his Isuechara community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The empowerment scheme, according to Odii, will henceforth become a revolving scheme that will cover training, and donation of equipment to the beneficiaries to enable them start the businesses. Odii, who announced the launch of the programme as a gran reception organised in his honour by the Isuechara community stated that the scheme will cover fishery, animal husbandry, vegetable farming and other areas of modern agriculture that will ensure that the beneficiaries become not just self- sufficient, but job creators. In a show of appreciation for the honour done him by his community, Odii also announced his support for the community’s N300 Million Naira Town Hall projects, by donating an initial N20 million for the take-off of the project with a firm promise of continuous funding of the project, provided that the money was judiciously utilized. "Our community is known for its rich in production of rice, yam, Cassava, vegetable and other foods, and that made our community people agrarian and that is why I am supporting them". The agricultural empowerment according to Chief Odii will involve three persons each from the seven kindreds that make up the community, who will be trained, fishery, animal husbandry, modern vegetable farming and other agric-business management will become an annual practice that is aimed at pulling the beneficiaries out of poverty and also create jobs for young people in the community. "The beneficiaries will go into training in modern farming and after which, I will give them N3million each to start up agricultural business," he said. Odii, who was conferred with the Chieftaincy title, "Omeziriobodo 1 of Isuachara alongside other six illustrious sons of the community said the agricultural empowerment would be rotating among the people annually. Emmanuel Ogudu, National Chairman of Isuachara Development Union said the grand reception and the Chieftaincy award were for the appreciation of Odii for his meritorious service to mankind. Ogudu, who commended Odii, said the annual occasion would pave way for more unified people of Isuachara, urging Odii to keep the flag flying.

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.