Author: CKN

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has made a bold declaration regarding the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

Speaking in a recent engagement, Wike asserted his strong influence over the state’s political landscape, stating emphatically that he will personally decide who emerges as the next governor of Rivers State after the tenure of the current administration.

Wike also said that no blackmail will make anyone become the next governor of Rivers State.

“I will decide who becomes the governor of Rivers State,” Wike said, sending clear signals to political stakeholders, aspirants, and observers ahead of the keenly contested 2027 polls.

The statement is coming amid heightened political tensions and realignments in Rivers State, following the fallout between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike, who remains a dominant figure in the state’s politics, has toured local government areas and consolidating support among his loyalists.

Political analysts believe Wike’s declaration is aimed at reasserting control over the PDP structure in Rivers State and ensuring that only a candidate loyal to him gets the ticket. He has repeatedly warned against repeating what he described as past “political mistakes,” vowing that his camp will not allow any disloyalty in the choice of the next governor.

 

Members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have suspended their National President Prof Bala Audu and  the leader of the association National Officers Committee (NOC) for violating and disregarding the association constitution.

The suspension was handed down at the association Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) which had in attendance 63 members, including Chairmen and Secretaries from 23 states of the Federation, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Members had accused Audu led administration of illegally disqualifying six members of the association from contesting various post in the association national election scheduled to hold at NMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kano between April 27 and May 3.

 

President Donald Trump was uninjured and other top White House officials were evacuated from an annual dinner of the White House correspondents association on Saturday night after an unspecified threat. 

There did not immediately appear to be any injuries, and one law enforcement official said a shooter had opened fire.

Authorities said the incident occurred outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated. It was not immediately clear what happened. The event was scrapped and will be rescheduled.

The FBI said the shooter is in custody and that its Washington field office is responding to the shooting.

Trump, during a White House press briefing, said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons before being stopped by the Secret Service. One officer was shot, but he was protected by a good bulletproof vest.

“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump said.

Security footage posted by Trump shows a man sprinting through the metal detectors and past law enforcement who turn toward him with guns raised. Officers then swarm toward the man off-screen.

Video 

 Former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over what he described as a disturbing pattern of cancelled university engagements across Nigeria, warning that intellectual freedom in the country’s institutions of higher learning is increasingly under threat.

Obi, in a statement released on Saturday via X.com said he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, at 9am, before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition parties’ political summit billed to commence at noon, when he received word that the event had been called off.

The former Anambra State governor said the development was far from an isolated occurrence, disclosing that similar cancellations had taken place on more than 10 separate occasions.

“While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than 10 times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.

Obi revealed that his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was equally affected, noting that an inaugural annual lecture organised by the family of late Professor Frank Ndili, a former Vice Chancellor of the institution, was abruptly cancelled by the university authority on the day it was to hold.

Drawing a contrast with his experiences abroad, he said that within the past 24 months, he had freely delivered lectures at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and Imperial College London, among others.

“Those environments continue to demonstrate openness to dialogue, critical thinking, and shared learning — values that should equally define our own institutions,” he stated.

Obi questioned what the repeated restriction of intellectual platforms indicated about Nigeria’s direction as a nation, arguing that a country’s growth was inseparable from its capacity to sustain open debate and the free exchange of ideas.

“We must ask ourselves: what kind of nation are we building if spaces meant for intellectual engagement are gradually shrinking? A country’s progress is anchored on its ability to encourage knowledge, debate, and the contest of ideas, not restrict them,” he said.

He called on Nigeria to chart a course toward becoming a society where knowledge is shared without fear and where its institutions remained faithful to the principles upon which they were founded.

 The Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu was on Saturday hosted to a dinner by the Lagos State Government 

In attendance were dignitaries from all walks of life

This was the statement issued by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the event 

“Tonight, we hosted a State Banquet in celebration of one of our own, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

There is something inspiring about seeing one of ours rise through the ranks with discipline and a clear commitment to service.

Long before the world knew him as IGP, Lagos knew him. The streets of this city shaped him. The lecture halls of the Lagos State University refined him and the communities of Lagos Island where he was born taught him early lessons about life, responsibility and service.

From his time leading the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, where he strengthened security and built public confidence, to his national assignments, he has consistently shown what dedication and excellence look like.

His journey reminds us that greatness comes from hard work, integrity, and service. Lagos does not just raise dreamers. We raise people who lead and build.

Tonight was a celebration of service and the Lagos spirit. We are proud. Proud that the values he carries to the Force Headquarters were shaped here and proud that he continues to represent us with discipline and honour.

Here’s to the OG Good Guy of the Good Guys, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, son of Lagos and servant of Nigeria.”

Pictures 

Italy has called for continued harmony within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization following reports of an ostensible plot to suspend Spain.

Speaking on the sidelines of an EU leaders summit in Cyprus, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that the alliance must remain united.

“I don’t view the idea of Spain leaving NATO positively,” Meloni told reporters. “I think NATO must remain united; it’s a source of strength.”

On Friday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared he was “absolutely not worried” about any move against Spain, insisting it remains “a reliable member within NATO.”

Sánchez added that although his country values cooperation with allies, its government will always work “within the framework of international legality.”

The purported plot against Spain stemmed from Spain’s refusal to allow the United States to use its bases or airspace to attack Iran. Italy and France also declined.

According to Reuters, an internal Pentagon email detailed options for Washington to penalize NATO partners that have openly opposed the U.S. ongoing military operation.

The action reportedly includes pressing for Spain’s suspension from NATO and reviewing the U.S. position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

Argentina wants new talks with London over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), with the government of Javier Milei arguing that British control is “colonialism.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Pablo Quirno stated that negotiations over the remote South Atlantic archipelago are necessary for a peaceful solution.

President Javier Milei is a close ally of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his stance on Operation Epic Fury.

NATO: Italy backs Spain amid ‘suspension plot’

David Moses bagged the winning goal as Slavia Prague defeated Sigma Olomouc 2-1 in their final game of the Czech First League regular season.

It was the midfielder’s first goal of the season for Slavia Prague.

Václav Sejk gave Sigma Olomuc the lead in the 15th minute.

The hosts fought back equalising through a close range effort from Mojmír Chytil one minute before the hour mark.

Moses levelled for the hosts seven minutes from time.

Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu also featured for Slavia Prague in the game.

Czech: Moses powers Slavia Prague to victory over Sigma Olomou

Niger National League, NNL, side Beyond Limits have won the 2026 Ogun State Federation Cup, DAILY POST reports.

Beyond Limits beat Stormers SC 2-1 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Saturday.

The Ikenne-based club defeated Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, defending champions Remo Stars to reach the final.

DAILY POST recalls that Beyond Limits won the tournament last year.

Beyond Limits and Stormers SC will play in the 2026 President Federation Cup.

Kwara United won the President Federation Cup last year.

Federation Cup: Beyond Limits retain Ogun State title

Umar Sadiq netted for the second consecutive game as Valencia recorded a crucial 2-1 win over Girona at the Mestalla on Saturday.

Sadiq also scored the equalising goal in Valencia’s 1-1 draw against Real Mallorca in midweek

Valencia and Girona failed to register a goal in the first half.

Largie Ramazani gave the hosts the lead five minutes after the break.

Sadiq nodded home José Gayà’s brilliant cross nine minutes later for Valencia’s second goal of the game.

The 29-year-old, who joined Valencia on a permanent transfer from Real Sociedad in January has registered three goals, and two assists in 15 league appearances for Los Che.

Carlos Corberán’s side moved to 11th position on the table following the win.

LaLiga: Sadiq scores for second consecutive game as Valencia overcome Girona

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has sent a message to the former United States mayor of Blanco, Texas, over his support.

His legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this in a statement on his X account on Saturday.

Recall that Arnold condemned the Nigerian government for jailing Nnamdi Kanu while an imam who offered a one million naira bounty for a pastor’s head goes free.

Reacting to Arnold, Nnamdi Kanu expressed gratitude for his support.

He hailed Arnold for “shedding light on the truth” about his person and the IPOB movement, noting that such support was significant.

Kanu stated that Arnold’s commitment to speaking out stood out, adding that he often reflected on how events might have unfolded differently if more individuals had taken similar positions earlier.

“Dear Mike, I am writing to acknowledge your remarkable effort in shedding light on the truth about me and my people. Your commitment to the truth is commendable, and I often wonder how different things would be if more voices like yours had spoken up sooner. You can count on the support of the Indigenous People of Biafra and myself. May Elohim guide and protect you always. Thank you. IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Nnamdi Kanu stated.

Recall that in November 2025, Nnamdi Kanu was sent to life imprisonment over terrorism-related offenses.

You can count on Biafra – Nnamdi Kanu sends a message to the former US mayor