Tension gripped the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday as heavily armed police and Civil Defence operatives barricaded the party’s Secretariat and stopped members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) from holding their scheduled meeting.
Eyewitnesses said about 200 security personnel took control of the Secretariat, ordering party staff out of the premises and locking journalists outside the gates. Staff members who were already inside when security operatives arrived were initially forced out but were later allowed back in after thorough checks.
One police officer, who was heard giving instructions, said they were acting on orders “from above” not to allow any BoT meeting or fresh entry into the Secretariat.
Speaking to reporters shortly before BoT members were prevented from accessing the National Executive Committee (NEC) hall, former National Secretary of the party and BoT member, Senator Ibrahim Tsauri, expressed dismay over the blockade. “The NEC meeting is scheduled for 1pm. I came here but since they have stopped the BoT, I do not know if they can hold the NEC,” Tsauri said.
The reasons behind the sudden security clampdown remain unclear as party leaders scrambled to resolve the standoff.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has vowed that his administration will intensify action against land grabbers seeking to derail Abuja’s development plans, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, commissioned newly constructed access roads in Giri District on Monday.
Speaking at the commissioning, Wike described the new Giri roads as a gateway to major investments and stronger protection of government land against illegal encroachment. “This road has helped us to stop the land grabbing by the University. On their own, they grabbed 11,000 hectares — no document, nothing. You see them fencing everywhere, and before you know it, they would have gone to sell our land,” the Minister revealed.
To tackle the situation, Wike disclosed that a review of the disputed area has been ordered to reclaim government land and properly allocate only what is legitimate. “I’ve told the Director of Lands and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give to the University. The rest will be reallocated because we are going to provide roads here. We cannot allow people to just wake up in the morning, fence everywhere without documents — that is not how we work,” he warned.
Describing the newly opened roads as a catalyst for investment, Wike said the district would soon host key institutions like the EFCC Academy, which is now set to commence full development. “The EFCC will be the first beneficiary. They will start the academy immediately because now they have access roads to move in their equipment. When this comes, you’ll see others move in and develop their own areas too,” he said.
He commended the National Assembly for its backing, which ensured the Giri project was captured in the supplementary budget. “I thank the House Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the Area Councils for their support. We knew the importance of doing it now — otherwise, it would have become a problem,” he said.
Wike also disclosed that internal roads will soon follow, fully opening up the district for residents and investors. “Having created this access road, we’ve directed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and other relevant agencies to start working on internal roads. Be assured that in the next year, it will be a different story,” he promised.
He praised the contractors, Messrs Levant Construction, for delivering a quality project on time. “I want to commend the management and staff of Levant for keeping to the promise. I’ve visited the site at least six times — each time I’m coming from the airport or city, I stop by. They did a quality job and finished on time,” Wike added.
The Minister assured residents that the FCT Administration remains committed to providing vital infrastructure that encourages meaningful development in new districts. “Most of the problem is when you allocate land without basic facilities, people are not encouraged to develop. We’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure infrastructure comes first,” he said before inviting Speaker Abbas to formally commission the Giri roads on behalf of President Tinubu.
The Giri access roads are part of multiple projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda connecting neglected districts to economic opportunities while tightening the clampdown on illegal land encroachment as Abuja expands.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, describing his performance as a shining example of visionary governance that history will remember for generations to come.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President gave this commendation on Saturday while commissioning newly constructed access roads in Giri District, one of the latest projects under the FCT Administration’s drive to open up underserved communities.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Speaker Abbas said the new roads are far more than concrete and asphalt — they are symbols of inclusion and a clear message that no community is too remote or insignificant to benefit from the dividends of democracy.
“No community is too small, no area too distant, no citizen too insignificant to benefit from the dividends of democracy,” the President declared in his speech.
He hailed Wike for translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into visible action across both the city’s elite districts and its neglected outskirts.
“Today, I stand before you not only to commission a road but to express my deep and heartfelt appreciation to the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike — a man whose quiet diligence and visionary leadership have continued to transform the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
President Tinubu described the Giri roads as “bridges of inclusion, signals of recognition, and instruments of national unity,” adding that true development must extend beyond city centres to rural communities long left behind.
He listed areas that have benefited from this approach — from Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Mabushi, and Utako to Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari, Abaji, Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri — saying Wike has made the Renewed Hope Agenda real and meaningful for everyday Nigerians.
“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to communities long laid in the shadows,” Tinubu noted.
He commended the engineers, contractors, workers, and community leaders for building not just physical roads but also trust between government and the people. To the residents of Giri, he said the new roads should open doors to greater opportunities.
“May these roads lead you to greater opportunities. May they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare, and dreams to reality,” the President urged.
Reiterating his commitment to replicating similar projects nationwide, Tinubu pledged to ensure that more communities reap the benefits of inclusive governance.
“As your President, I am proud of what we celebrate here today and even more committed to seeing more of such milestones replicated across the nation,” he said.
He rounded off with a rousing endorsement of Wike’s leadership, urging him to stay the course:
“Honourable Minister, continue to shine your light. Nigeria sees it, and history will record it.”
The President then formally commissioned the Giri roads “to the glory of God and for the service of humanity.”
The Giri project is one of many under the FCT’s infrastructure expansion programme designed to bridge development gaps, ease mobility, and bring life-changing opportunities closer to communities that had once been on the fringes.
Speaking at the ceremony, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike described the new access roads as a catalyst for development that would unlock new investments and institutions.
“The EFCC will be the first beneficiary. They will start the academy immediately because now they have access roads to move in equipment and develop. When this comes, you’ll see other people move in and develop their own areas too,” Wike said.
He thanked the National Assembly for its support in approving the supplementary budget that made the project possible. “I thank the House Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives through their Chairmen and the Area Councils for their support. This particular road had to go through supplementary budgets. We knew the importance if we didn’t do it now, it would be a problem,” he added.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Mal. Muhammed Hammajoda, expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu and Wike for delivering what he called a long-awaited lifeline for the EFCC Academy.
“Upon my assumption of office, I prioritized the development of these sites. However, the major challenge was access. We were at a loss until the Honourable Minister of FCT, the man called Mr. Project, came to our rescue. He not only promised to construct the road he delivered it in record time,” he said.
He added that the roads would enable the EFCC Academy to become “a centre of excellence in financial crimes enforcement, training and research,” complete with a cybercrime research centre. “This road will not only provide vital access to the EFCC Academy, it will contribute to training officers to sustain the fight against corruption and boost economic and social activities in this corridor,” he stated.
Also speaking, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the project reflects President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action. “This project is yet another shining example of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity, and inclusive growth,” she said, while commending Wike’s leadership for pushing transformative projects across the territory.
Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, described the Giri access roads as a major corridor now open for institutional, economic, and social growth. He said the district, bounded by major expressways and close to the Abuja International Airport, is designed to house key institutions like the University of Abuja, the EFCC Academy, and the city’s main sewage treatment plant.
“The completion of the project has indeed opened up the Giri District for development. It gives access to several developments in the district and has also improved security and socio-economic life for residents,” Dauda said.
He explained that the project was awarded to Messrs Levant Construction Limited on November 4, 2024, flagged off by Wike on December 5, and included dual-lane paved carriageways, box and pipe culverts, concrete drains, and solar-powered street lighting. “The constructed roads connect the district to the Airport Expressway at the interchange with Bill Clinton Drive, giving access to the district,” he said, thanking President Tinubu and Minister Wike for their unwavering support.
The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar officially opened the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) at the NIPSS Main Auditorium in Kuru, Jos. Themed “Towards a New Nigeria,” the event was hosted by the Plateau State Government and gathered prominent figures from various sectors.
In his opening remarks, Minister Badaru emphasized the crucial role of policy makers and security experts in fostering sustainable national development. He highlighted the significant progress made by the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, in combating insecurity across the nation. “We have achieved meaningful strides in dismantling terrorist and bandit cells, neutralizing hundreds of insurgents and their key leaders,” he stated.
The Minister urged the AANI to enhance its advocacy efforts and support for national security reforms. He stressed that the collective expertise of the Association’s members is vital for building a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. As a proud alumnus of SEC 28/2006, he expressed his gratitude to the AANI Executive Committee for their unwavering commitment to national service. He called upon all members to reaffirm their dedication to the Association’s ideals and collaborate towards a better society and a brighter future for the nation.
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and AANI President, Amb. Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, along with other esteemed alumni.
The Progressives Forum (TPF) has congratulated its National Leader, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, on his appointment as Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a fitting reward for years of dedicated service to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigeria’s young progressives.
In a statement jointly signed by the TPF Interim National Chairman, Abuh Andrew, and Interim National Secretary, Segun Tomori, the forum praised Barr. Ahmed’s track record, recalling his pivotal role in founding the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF), which later grew into The Progressives Forum — a platform that galvanized millions of young people into mainstream politics.
They highlighted Ahmed’s achievements as former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) and his tenure as National Youth Representative on the APC National Caretaker Committee, noting that he championed youth-focused ideas and policies that strengthened the party’s base nationwide.
TPF commended President Tinubu for recognizing proven leadership and pledged full support for Ahmed as he takes charge of the PCNGi mandate, expressing confidence that he would deliver results that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Congratulations, Leader! We are proud of you and wish you resounding success,” the statement read.
As the world marks the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong call for decisive, collective action to confront the growing public health emergency posed by substance use disorders.
Speaking from Cairo, Egypt, the WHO emphasized that drug use is not only a legal or security issue, but a major health challenge that threatens development, stability, and lives across the globe.
“Drug use disorders are costing countries up to 2% of their GDP through health expenses, crime, and lost productivity. Yet, despite the enormous health impact, the response has largely focused on punitive actions, reinforcing stigma and neglecting treatment,” the WHO stated.
In 2022, an estimated 292 million people globally 5.6% of those aged 15–64 used drugs. Of this number, 64 million were living with drug use disorders. The situation is especially dire in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where 6.7% of the population in the same age group used drugs and over 3.4 million suffered from addiction.
Worryingly, only 1 in 11 people globally and 1 in 13 in the region recived treatment in 2022, despite evidence showing that every dollar invested in treatment yields a return of $4 to $12 in societal benefits.
In response, WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean launched the “Regional Flagship Initiative on Accelerating Public Health Action on Substance Use” in October 2024. The initiative seeks to reframe drug policy around health rather than punishment.
“The initiative aims to prevent drug use through life skills education in schools and workplaces, and to embed evidence-based treatments in universal health coverage packages,” WHO explained.
To accelerate progress, WHO has also established a Regional Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Mental Health and Substance Use, along with a Regional Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, to support community-led responses and amplify the voices of people with lived experience.
“The path forward demands bold investments in sustainable, evidence-based solutions,” the organization urged. “Now, more than ever, we must align our strategies and act together to do more with less.”
WHO is calling on governments, health institutions, and communities worldwide to unite behind health-based drug policies that prioritize treatment, harm reduction, and human dignity.
“Together, we can build a healthier, more stable future one that ensures every individual has access to the care and support they need,” the WHO concluded.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to sign the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025 into law, citing constitutional violations, financial implications, and potential policy conflicts.
In a formal letter addressed to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and read during Tuesday’s plenary, President Tinubu acknowledged the bill’s intent to strengthen legislative research infrastructure but warned that several of its provisions pose serious risks to governance and fiscal stability.
“While the bill seeks to achieve commendable goals, some of its provisions are inconsistent with existing laws and federal government policies,” the President stated.
Among his key concerns were the proposed funding model for institutions tied to the National Assembly, taxation of federal bodies, discrepancies in public sector remuneration, and contentious clauses on age and tenure limits.
Tinubu stressed that passing the bill in its current form could create “an unsustainable precedent” and open the door to wider challenges in institutional governance and fiscal discipline.
Although the President’s letter did not spell out specific sections of the bill deemed problematic, he made it clear that implementation would conflict with established legal and budgetary frameworks.
He urged the National Assembly to revisit and revise the bill to ensure alignment with Nigeria’s Constitution and financial guidelines.
“I trust that the House will consider the observations raised and take appropriate action to address them,” Tinubu added.
The amendment sought to update the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Act by expanding its scope and revising its funding structure. With the President’s refusal, the bill will now return to the legislature for possible revision or an override attempt though a two-thirds majority in both chambers would be required to pass it without presidential assent.
The House of Representatives has launched a comprehensive investigation into the neglect and underutilisation of more than 30 Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) across Nigeria—facilities once designed to drive small and medium enterprise (SME) growth and industrialisation.
Following a motion presented at plenary by Hon. Emeka Idu, who represents Onitsha North/Onitsha South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, the House on Tuesday mandated its Committee on Industry to identify reasons for the abandonment and recommend strategies for their effective revival. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Hon. Idu recalled that the IDCs were established as far back as the 1970s to support local entrepreneurs with vital infrastructure, machinery, and technical training. Four major zonal centres—located in Osogbo, Owerri, Zaria, and Maiduguri—were equipped to serve as hubs of industrial capacity-building, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, and create jobs for the youth.
“Unfortunately, these centres have failed to fulfil their mandate,” Idu said. “The machinery has become obsolete, staff are redundant, and in most cases, the facilities are in states of total disrepair.”
He further pointed out that although the Federal Government later placed the IDCs under the supervision of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), little has been done to reposition the centres for their original purpose.
> “Without urgent intervention, Nigeria risks permanently losing a valuable component of its industrial development framework,” he warned. “The neglect of these centres undermines efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and self-reliance.”
The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers, many of whom lamented the lost opportunities for job creation and local manufacturing that the IDCs represent.
The House resolution signals a renewed legislative interest in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
The Arewa Empowerment Coalition (AEC) has fiercely rejected the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) reportedly being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing it as a “desperate and opportunistic move” by a group of discredited politicians seeking relevance.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, AEC National Coordinator, Sulaiman Yusuf Sani, dismissed the planned alliance involving Atiku and political heavyweights such as former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as “a misguided political misadventure driven by personal ambition, not national interest.”
> “This so-called alliance is nothing but a gathering of disgruntled opportunists attempting to hijack Nigeria’s democratic process for their own selfish ends,” Sani said.
He warned that the North and indeed the entire country would not be deceived by what he termed “political theater masked as coalition-building,” asserting that the coalition reflects a deep misunderstanding of the political climate and growing demands for credible leadership.
> “Atiku Abubakar’s repeated political miscalculations are well documented. This new move is no different. It underestimates the intelligence of Nigerians who now demand substance, not recycled alliances built on fading political legacies,” he added.
The AEC said the involvement of controversial figures like El-Rufai, Amaechi, and Lawal “only reinforces the belief that the ADA lacks moral compass and political credibility,” citing unresolved issues from their time in public office.
Sani accused the alliance leaders of being out of touch with the realities of ordinary Nigerians, saying their attempt to rebrand through coalition politics is unlikely to gain traction.
“These are politicians who have lost touch with the grassroots. Having failed to inspire or connect with the people, they now hide behind the veil of a new alliance. Nigerians won’t fall for it,” he said.
He further stated that true leadership requires vision, credibility, and people-centered policies — not “last-minute power plays designed to salvage fading careers.”
“This alliance, if it ever materializes, is doomed to fail. It’s not built on principle or purpose but pure political desperation.”
The AEC urged Nigerians, particularly northern youths, to remain vigilant and reject political arrangements that are not rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and national development.
“Our democracy is not a chessboard for failed politicians to experiment with. We call on Nigerians to be discerning and resist alliances that do not align with their aspirations or reflect genuine commitment to public service.”
Sani concluded with a stern message to Atiku and his allies:
“If you truly care about the future of Nigeria, engage in honest dialogue with the people. Step away from outdated political schemes and show leadership that puts citizens first not selfish ambition.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of misleading Nigerians over his academic past, demanding full disclosure following Tinubu’s recent claim that a Belarusian businessman, widely believed to be Alex Zingman, was his classmate at Chicago State University (CSU).
The controversy began on Monday during the launch of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme in Abuja, where Tinubu introduced “Alex” as a former neighbour and fellow CSU student.
“Alex was my very good neighbour and went to the same school with me in Chicago,” Tinubu had said during the live event.
But Atiku, citing publicly available information, pointed out a major inconsistency: Zingman was born in 1966, making him just 13 years old in 1979 — the year Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU with a degree in Business Administration.
“Nigerians deserve to know why a man born in 1966 is being paraded as your classmate who graduated in 1979,” Atiku said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Were you in the same classroom or in different decades? This inconsistency raises deeply troubling questions.”
Beyond the age mismatch, Atiku raised red flags about Zingman’s alleged links to arms trafficking and shadowy business activities across Africa, stating that Tinubu’s association with such a figure “undermines the integrity of the presidency.”
“This is not just about an academic certificate, but about the character and company of the man who leads 200 million people,” he said.
“The presidency is not a place for secrets or shady associations. Nigerians demand facts, not fiction.”
Tinubu’s academic history has long been a source of public debate, with questions swirling around conflicting school records, missing transcripts, and altered certificates. While Chicago State University has confirmed Tinubu’s attendance and graduation in past correspondence, critics — including Atiku — continue to press for full disclosure of his academic documents.
Tinubu has previously fought off legal attempts to subpoena his academic records, further fueling suspicion.
Atiku’s latest salvo is seen as a continuation of the political rivalry between the two men, who were once allies but faced off bitterly during the 2023 presidential election. The former vice president’s demand comes at a time when public confidence in political transparency remains fragile.
“This is about truth and leadership,” Atiku concluded. “And the truth must not be delayed any longer.”
