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.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has ordered the arrest of anyone keeping dreadlocks in the State. The governor, who spoke during a high-level security meeting held at the Government House, Minna, said anyone seen wearing dread-lock hair should be arrested and shaved. At the meeting were the Emir of Minna, ward and district heads, and heads of all security agencies, during which Bago condemned the recent surge in killings and attacks by hoodlums across the metropolis. He then declared: "Anyone found in possession of any weapon, including knives and sticks, should be treated as an armed robber and if killed, the parents must pay for the bullet before releasing the corpse. Anyone keeping dread-lock hair should be arrested and shaved. "Anyone’s house found within Minna selling any kind of illicit drugs should be demolished and occupants arrested. "A Special court would be established under the supervision of the Chief Judge of Niger State to handle thuggery cases for speedy judgement and subsequent imprisonment. "Angwa Daji and Barki Sale areas should be placed on serious security watch. Henceforth, Operation Flush is now directly under the office of Mr. Governor. “Anyone’s vehicle coming into Minna and caught with illicit drugs should be confiscated into government property.” The governor has also suspended the movement of commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders from 6pm to 6am in Minna, the State Capital. “There is immediate curfew for Keke Napep and Okada within Minna from 6pm to 6am," he declared.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work assiduously in tackling poverty and high unemployment among youth. He also charged them to invest in education, innovation and skill acquisition while promoting peace and inclusion. The President stated these on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, during the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee. Represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the president who said ECOWAS was a bold vision created by its founding fathers on May 28, 1975, noted the vision had crystallised. He said that it was for that reason that the member states and their people were celebrating 50 years of progress, unity and resilience while rekindling the flame of solidarity that had guided the region through triumphs and trials. He congratulated the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, saying that his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals had been a source of inspiration and strength. "Under your stewardship, Ghana remains a beacon of democratic governance, economic progress, and regional solidarity. "Your efforts in championing the upliftment of our dear region through diplomacy, collaboration, and transformative policies deserve our most profound appreciation and admiration," President Tinubu said. He also commended the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the ECOWAS Commission staff, noting that their professionalism, commitment, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in making the day's event a resounding success. He further highlighted the achievements of the subregional organization in past especially in peacekeeping and promoting democratic governance. Part of President Tinubu's speech read: "Five decades ago, our founding fathers from 15 nations envisioned regional economic integration, cooperation, and shared prosperity. "From the ashes of colonialism and the turbulence of post-independence struggles, they forged ECOWAS—a beacon of hope for our people. Their dream was not merely to dissolve borders but to build bridges of trade, cultural exchange, and mutual progress. "From the original Treaty of Lagos in 1975 to this momentous gathering here in Accra, ECOWAS has remained a pillar of integration and a beacon of hope for over 400 million citizens across our region. "Remarkably, our journey over the past five decades has not been without challenges. We have faced political instability, economic hardship, infrastructural deficits, and security threats. But we remain undaunted. "We shall not relent in our commitment to a united, peaceful, purposeful, and prosperous West Africa. "Your Excellencies and Distinguished Guests, "Today, we celebrate numerous remarkable achievements that distinguish ECOWAS as the most successful regional economic community on the African continent. We have established one of Africa's most vibrant free trade areas in five decades, fostering intra-regional commerce and lifting millions from poverty. "We have championed peace through ECOMOG's valiant efforts, mediating conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. "We have introduced the ECOWAS passport, symbolising our commitment to free movement. "We have also advanced democratic norms, standing firm against tyranny and supporting transitions to constitutional governance. "However, the journey toward a truly united and prosperous region is far from over. We must confront the hard truths of our present reality. "Despite our shared vision, too many of our citizens still live in poverty, too many of our children lack access to quality education, and too many of our youth remain unemployed, disillusioned, or forced to seek opportunities abroad. "Our region continues to grapple with new and evolving threats — violent extremism, climate change and food insecurity. The wave of unconstitutional changes in our region seriously threatens the democratic gains we have painstakingly built. "As the current Chair of ECOWAS, I reaffirm Nigeria's unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles that bind us: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity. These are not just ideals; they are the foundations for peace, development, and the dignity of our people. "In this new chapter, we must reimagine ECOWAS as not just a Community of States but a Community of People. "We must place our young, dynamic, creative, and resilient people at the centre of our agenda. We must invest in education, innovation, and skills development to unleash the full potential of Africa's future. We must seek to expand the frontiers of democracy. We must limit the forays of unconstitutional rule into the democratic space. We must always seek peace towards achieving the collaborations needed for development. "We must also deepen our economic cooperation, support intra-regional trade, and ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) becomes a vehicle for genuine transformation. A prosperous West Africa is good for Africa and the world. "In deepening our integration, we must accelerate the realisation of a single currency and strengthen infrastructure corridors to connect markets and minds. Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Let us use this Jubilee as a moment of renewal. Let us rededicate ourselves to the spirit of Pan-Africanism that inspired our founders. Let us build an ECOWAS that is more resilient, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of our people. "This moment calls for a renewed commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Member States. It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region. "In hopes of reconciliation and reintegration, we must remain open and willing to engage in sustained, constructive dialogue with our estranged brothers, those Member States currently outside our fold. "At the same time, there is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions' effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future. "By embracing these imperatives, the organisation can better respond to its people's evolving needs and advance sustainable development, stability, and prosperity across the region." Concluding, the President declared that a tree does not stand alone in the forest, hence the need for unity of purpose and collaboration. "Our strength lies in our unity. As a proud member, Nigeria pledges to collaborate with every nation—large or small—to build an ECOWAS that is resilient to confront the challenges of our time. "May the next 50 years be etched in history as an era when West Africa rose—united, prosperous, and unstoppable," he stated.

Rampaging herdsmen have again attacked a community in Benue State, leaving about 11 persons dead. Governor Hyacinth Alia of the State had cried out that herders were intending to chase out natives and occupy their territories. The latest attack occurred in Afia community, Ukum Local Government Area, barely a week after suspected armed herders massacred over 50 farmers in other parts of Benue. The Ter Ukum, His Royal Highness, Chief Iyorkyaa Kaave, made the disclosure in Makurdi while addressing a security meeting convened to assess the spate of violence in the area. Describing the attack as unprovoked and part of a calculated agenda to displace indigenous farmers, the monarch condemned the continued loss of lives and property in his domain. “As I speak to you, these attacks began on Thursday in Logo and by Good Friday had spread to several communities in Ukum. We are still counting the dead, recovering more corpses and many of our people remain missing,” DAILY POST quoted the monarch as lamenting. According to him, Tuesday’s attack on Afia was particularly brutal, as the armed assailants stormed the community at dawn, firing sporadically at residents and leaving eleven dead on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. “These people are different from the Fulani we knew and lived peacefully with in the 1970s and 1980s. "Back then, they would come during the dry season with their families and cattle. "But what we are witnessing now are armed men with AK-47s, attacking our people in their sleep, and returning to occupy their homes,” the monarch lamented, and urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action.

… As Mbah extols Speaker Abbas for compassionate leadership style The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Tuesday, presented a cheque for N18 million to the Enugu State Government as support to the victims of the January 25 petrol tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which claimed several lives. The Speaker described the incident as a huge loss, not only to the Government and people of Enugu State, but also the nation as a whole, noting that the support was in keeping with the tradition of the House of Representatives to ensure that governments and people of Nigeria do not stand alone in the face of such challenges. Abbas, who was represented by the Hon. Nnolim Nnaji-led Enugu State Caucus in the Green Chamber, which also had Hon. Matins Oke, Hon. Dennis Agbo, Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, and Hon. Chimaobi Atu on its delegation, commended Mbah for his sterling leadership of the state and the prompt effort to comfort the families who lost their loved ones and support the injured. “On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we commiserate with the Government and people of Enugu state over the tanker incident at Ugwu Onyeama. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to support both the injured and those who lost their loved ones. “So, this is a cheque for N18 million to assist the state to further ameliorate their losses and challenges occasioned by the incident. "The Speaker sends his heartfelt condolences, once again. And you can continue to count on the support of the Speaker and the House,” Hon. Nnaji stated. Reacting, Governor Mbah thanked the Speaker and the Enugu State Caucus of the House of Representatives for the show of concern, assuring that the donation would go straight to the purpose for which it was made. “On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I express profound gratitude and deep appreciation for this wonderful gesture. I recall that when the Ugwu Onyeama incident occurred, taking the lives of several of our loved ones, the Speaker called and assured that he was with us in prayers. “Today, he has also shown us that he is not only with us in prayers, but also materially. He has equally come to mourn with us. This cheque for N18 million will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the incident on those affected and their families. “Rest assured that as a government, we will ensure that this gets to them in a transparent, accountable, and just manner,” he stated.

National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) Mr Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has played down online ridicule over his spoken English. During a recent gathering, he had pronounced 'kudos' as 'Kundus'. However, in a response to his mockers, he declared that while English may not be his strength, his life achievements far outweigh any grammatical errors. He said, "I stayed there and worked hard, but I wasn’t educated. See, they said I said Kundus, is Kundus not my son. You are educated; what have you done? "They should go and compete with my children. I raised my children in wealth. My children are citizens of America, citizens of the UK. "I worked hard to get to that level. Kundus, kudos, what’s the difference? What do you want to hear? English is not my mother tongue, Yoruba is."

The recent Supreme Court judgement on the leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party has invalidated the candidature of Dr George Moghalu, an aspirant for Anambra governorship election, Mr John Nwosu has said. Nwosu, who was an aspirant of the LP for the 2025 governorship election, asserted that the sacking of the Julius Abure-led executive of the party has nullified Moghalu's candidacy. He said this during an interview with journalists in Anambra on Tuesday. According to Nwosu, "the Supreme Court ruling of 4th April, 2025 was definitive. We know who the leaders of LP are.  Its now up to INEC to do the needful for the process to continue. "The primary of 5th April is null and void and the primary of 10th April should be upheld, except of course that the issue of a place holder is extraneous to the established process.  I am a firm believer in due process and rule of law. So I remain in the race for the candidacy. "In the fullness of time there will be clarity and vindication. My appeal is before the party. Once the Easter holidays are over, they will, indeed, make a pronouncement. "The Electoral processes are clear and full of established precedents. Something has to give. I'm a team player.  I hope it does not come to that. But if push comes to shove, I am ready to exhaust all remedies." The Supreme Court had on April 4 sacked the Abure-led executive. However, Abure has continued to cling on to the position. On April 10, the LP under the leadership of Senator Esther Usman Nenadi conducted another primary election where a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Jude Umennajiego was elected candidate.

An explosion, planted by unknown persons, has killed two children in Abakpa community, Kaduna State. The two children, identified as Imam and a six-year-old girl Nasrin, were between the ages of 13 and 11 years. Three others were injured during the explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, adjacent the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, in Kaduna. It was gathered that security agencies are at the scene of the incident. A resident of the area, who did not want to be mentioned, told DAILY POST that he was taking his bath when he heard the explosion and ran out. “The explosion occurred very close to my house. "So when I heard it, I ran out to see what had happened. I saw one of the affected victims, Imam, and tried to take him to the hospital but he died before we got to the hospital.”

Bandits have killed seven people, including a vigilante member in Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji communities of Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State. This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. He confirmed that the police arrested an informant linked to the bandit network as tactical efforts intensify across affected regions. According to him, "The state police command is investigating two grievous incidents that occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025, in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of the state. "At about 2130hrs, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot. "As a result, six persons, identified as Alhaji Ja'awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others—lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries. "The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment. An investigation has been initiated, and full security measures have been implemented to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice." He added that "earlier the same day at about 1130hrs, a Kemanji-based vigilante group on routine foot patrol encountered suspected bandits within the Kainji National Park area. "In the course of a gun duel, three of the suspected bandits suffered fatal gunshot wounds and a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba 'M' was shot and later succumbed to gunshot injury. "Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation."

The Enugu State Government and the Lion Business Park Limited have sealed an investment deal with the signing of Novation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone. This was even as the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to guaranteeing businesses through the provisions of infrastructure and enabling environment for ease of doing business, urging diaspora investors to turn their capital into Enugu State for a high return on investment, RoI. Signing the MOU alongside top management of Lion Business Park Ltd in Enugu on Tuesday, the firm’s chairman, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, commended the governor for his visionary leadership, developmental strides and achievements the administration had recorded within a short period in office. Highlighting the objective of the deal, Mbonu stressed that the company was poised to develop industrial and commercial hub that would catalyze trade, industry, economic growth and create jobs for the youth population. “This strategic collaboration aligns with Your Excellency’s visionary economic agenda to grow the GDP of Enugu State from $4.4 billion to $30 billion (US Dollars) for the overall benefit of the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole. “It is therefore, a watershed moment with this renewed partnership between Lion Business Park and Enugu State Government. It is indeed a case of a promise made and fulfilled and I have no doubt that you will continue to fulfill your promises to the people of Enugu State,” the chairman added. Mbonu, who expressed optimism about the investment, said the project would leverage on the incentives associated with businesses in a Free Trade Zone to attract foreign direct investments, promote human capital, innovation and technology development to create jobs. Calling on the business community, private sector leaders and global investors to maximize the perfect opportunities the park presented to them to be part of the economic revolution, Mbonu added that the project had immense benefits that spurred beyond the state, the South East zone to Nigeria at large. Speaking, Governor Mbah reiterated the administration’s economic blueprint, which is to grow the economy and make the state the number one destination for investors in the country, saying the promise to inspire exponential growth could only be possible with investment deals such as the one executed with the Lion Business Park. “The Enugu State Government has committed to increase their stake in this going concern by providing all the necessary infrastructure that is required in order for this business park to be fully functional. We see the business park as food that is ready. Because if we are to start the process of building a business park, we know what it will take. Procuring your licenses; getting the free trade license, getting the dry port license because we have an inland port also at the Lion Business Park,” he noted. While harping that the location of the park was a product of strategy, innovation and due diligence conducted by a team of economic experts in the administration, the governor said, “The business park is strategically located. It is three hours from Onne Sea Port in Rivers State, less than two hours to Asaba in Delta State, and less than 25 minutes to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. We couldn't ask for a business park at a better location”. He assured that the administration would continue to make the state attractive to investors to set up their industries by providing the right incentives such as electricity, paved roads, and other infrastructure. While appreciating host communities in the state for their support, the governor enjoined them to continue to cooperate with investors.