Author: Tribune Online

…evacuates 889 in three months  The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed concern over the growing use of beggars and destitutes by criminal syndicates to transport illicit drugs and facilitate criminal activities across Abuja. Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, disclosed this during the ongoing enforcement exercise, Operation Sweep, […]

The post How beggars, destitutes are being used as drug couriers — FCTA appeared first on Tribune Online.

A former House of Representatives aspirant for the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, Oshehore Oghenero, has announced his withdrawal from the race ahead of the forthcoming general elections. In a press statement on Monday, Oghenero expressed appreciation to supporters, stakeholders, youths, women groups, political associates, and family members who encouraged his aspiration and showed support […]

The post 2027: Reps aspirant, Oghenero, withdraws from Ughelli federal constituency race appeared first on Tribune Online.

Former Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Umar Ajiya, has emerged as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Sokoto East Senatorial District following the party’s affirmation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ajiya was affirmed alongside Aliyu Wamakko for Sokoto North Senatorial District and Abdullahi Danbaba Dambuwa for Sokoto South Senatorial District.

The affirmation exercise, conducted across the state on Monday, was supervised by a 16-man committee from the APC national headquarters and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders.

His emergence comes weeks after he formally declared his intention to contest the Sokoto East Senate seat, citing insecurity, poor education and rising poverty as major challenges confronting communities across the Eastern Senatorial District.

Speaking after the affirmation, Ajiya lamented the worsening insecurity, educational decline and economic hardship affecting the zone, promising to work closely with the Sokoto State Government and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the situation.

He assured supporters that if elected, his representation would complement ongoing efforts by the state and federal governments to restore stability, improve access to education and reduce poverty across the district.

Political observers say the former NNPC finance executive has rapidly gained prominence within the APC in Sokoto East due to his technocratic background, philanthropy and consultations across the eight local government areas of the district.

The event was attended by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Tukur Bala Bodinga, members of the National and State Assemblies, former Deputy Governor Chiso Dattijo Abdullahi, and former Zamfara State Deputy Governor Hassan Masha, among other dignitaries.

Speaking during the exercise, Sokoto State Attorney General and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for Sokoto North Senatorial District, Nasir Muhammad Binji, said the process was conducted in line with the Constitution, Electoral Act 2026 and APC guidelines.

The leader of the APC national delegation, Hodi Ukashatu, commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise across the state.

In his remarks after the affirmation, Senator Wamakko thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support for the APC and urged political leaders to focus on service delivery and inclusive governance.

“The entire nation must borrow a leaf from Sokoto State. Political leaders must remember that they are elected to serve the people and not to acquire wealth”

Ex-NNPC Chief Finance Director Emerges Sokoto East APC Senatorial Candidate is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Senator currently representing Bauchi North Senatorial District of Bauchi State, Samaila Kaila, lost his bid to return to the Senate under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, as he was defeated in the party primaries. Recall that Kaila was elected to the Senate under the banner of the main opposition Peoples Democratic […]

The post Bauchi Senator, Samaila Kaila, loses return ticket appeared first on Tribune Online.

Elon Musk​’s lawsuit against ​OpenAI​ has been decided in favour of the ​latter ​after the world’s richest person ​accused the artificial intelligence company  of abandoning its original mission to benefit humanity.

​A federal jury in Oakland, California, found OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman, and president Greg Brockman, not liable for Musk’s claims that they broke a contract made with him and unjustly enriched themselves.

​In a​n unanimous verdict​ on Monday, ​the nine-person jury ​stated that Musk brought his case too late. ​Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ​aligned with the decision​.

“I think there’s a substantial amount of evidence to support the jury’s finding, which is why I was prepared to dismiss on the spot,” ​Rogers told Musk’s legal team.

Speaking after the verdict, Musk’s lawyer Marc Toberoff said the tussle “is not over,” adding that the tech billionaire would have a strong basis for an appeal.

​Toberoff ​told reporters that the ruling,​ ⁠based on the statute of limitations, ​”has factual components but it has major legal components as well.”

​Musk, Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella all gave testimony in the case in the three-week trial that featured several prominent Silicon Valley executives.

​The outcome of the case eases the path for OpenAI to proceed with a planned initial public offering that could value the business at $1 trillion.

Elon Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman

The Yoruba Patriots Alliance (Y-PA) has condemned recent political ultimatums issued by certain groups in Lagos State. The groups reportedly threatened to withdraw electoral support from the ruling party and “vote out” specific political interests unless their demands were met ahead of the 2027 elections. Y-PA, a socio-political movement dedicated to protecting Yoruba interests and […]

The post 2027 polls: Group cautions against ethnic intimidation in Lagos politics appeared first on Tribune Online.

Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area on Monday endorsed Senator Wasiu Eshilokun as the party’s consensus candidate for the Lagos Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Eshilokun, who currently represents Lagos Central in the Senate, was affirmed during the APC senatorial primary election held at Evans Square in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

The exercise attracted a large turnout of party faithful and supporters, while security operatives were stationed at the venue to maintain order and ensure a peaceful process.

Addressing party members during the exercise, the APC Electoral Officer for Lagos Mainland, Adisa Gbangbala, praised participants for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the primary.

According to him, the affirmation of Eshilokun as the consensus candidate followed extensive consultations and mutual agreement among party stakeholders and members within the local government area.

Gbangbala also reiterated the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership and continued delivery of democratic benefits to the people.

Speaking at the event, the APC candidate for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Kazeem Omolaja, described the massive support shown for Eshilokun as a reflection of the senator’s popularity and acceptance among party members.

Omolaja, who emerged victorious in the party’s House of Representatives primary election held on Saturday, appreciated party members for their continued trust in the APC leadership.

“I am happy to be here to show my solidarity with Sen. Eshilokun and the people of Lagos Mainland for trusting us with their votes,” he said.

The senatorial primary was conducted peacefully, with party leaders and supporters expressing confidence in the APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wasiu Eshilokun emerges APC consensus candidate for Lagos Central senatorial seat

The Federal Government has reaffirmed the statutory authority of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) as the foremost regulatory body for the Human Resource profession in Nigeria, following the release of a new circular on the professionalisation of Human Resource practice across the Federal Public Service.

The circular, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) with Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230 and dated May 14, 2026, establishes mandatory professional certification requirements for officers occupying Human Resource roles within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

According to the circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, MCIPM, the policy forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, competence, ethical standards, and service delivery within the Federal Civil Service.

The circular specifically recognises certifications obtained from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) alongside a limited number of globally recognised HR professional bodies, thereby reinforcing CIPM’s position as Nigeria’s chartered and legally empowered institution for the regulation and advancement of Human Resource Management practice.

Under the new directive, officers deployed to Human Resource functions in the Federal Public Service are required to possess approved HR certifications. A twelve-month moratorium has been granted to affected officers to obtain the requisite certification, after which only certified professionals will be eligible for deployment into designated HR roles across the Service.

Speaking on the development, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM, fnli, commended the Federal Government for taking a bold and decisive step towards institutionalising professionalism within the public sector.
“This circular is a landmark policy directive that aligns Nigeria’s public service with global best practices in Human Resource Management. As the Chartered Institute statutorily empowered to regulate HR practice in Nigeria, CIPM welcomes this reform and reiterates that professional certification and ethical compliance are non-negotiable requirements for effective people management in any organisation.”

Mallam Gobir further emphasised that the Institute’s establishing law positions CIPM as the authoritative body responsible for setting standards, certifying practitioners, and ensuring discipline within the HR profession in Nigeria.
“While the circular recognises certain international certifications, it is important to reiterate that within Nigeria, CIPM remains the only Institute with the legal mandate to regulate the practice of Human Resource Management. All practitioners operating within Nigeria are expected to align with CIPM’s regulatory framework.”

The policy will significantly enhance service delivery, promote meritocracy, and ensure that HR roles are occupied by competent professionals equipped with the requisite knowledge and ethical grounding to manage Nigeria’s public workforce.

The Institute also called on all HR practitioners, particularly those in the public sector, to take advantage of the transition window to regularise their professional status and obtain CIPM certification.
As Nigeria continues its public sector reform journey, the professionalisation of HR practice represents a critical pillar in building a more efficient, accountable, and results-driven civil service, one anchored on globally benchmarked standards and strengthened by local regulatory oversight led by CIPM.

Federal Government reaffirms CIPM as Nigeria’s only Chartered HR Regulatory body

Four people have been killed and more than 30 injured across Kenya after protests against fuel price hikes turned violent on Monday, with transport workers launching a nationwide strike that brought major cities to a standstill and left thousands of commuters stranded.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the deaths at a televised press conference, describing the violence as “unfortunate,” and said 348 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest.

One death was reported in Nakuru Town and another in Gachie, Kiambu County, where witnesses alleged that a protester was shot during clashes with police, although authorities had not formally confirmed the circumstances.

Three additional deaths were reported in Kimbo, Ruiru, after motorcycle taxi riders collided at high speed while attempting to evade a roadblock set up by protesters.

The Transport Sector Alliance, which represents matatu operators, truckers and other transport workers, called a nationwide strike from midnight Sunday, demanding a reversal of the latest fuel price increases.

Roads leading into Nairobi were blocked by striking transport operators and groups of protesters on Monday morning, with bonfires lit along major routes and vehicles prevented from entering the city. Police responded with tear gas to disperse crowds.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said 225 people were arrested in the capital alone, while six police officers, including himself, sustained injuries. Police said no deaths were recorded within Nairobi.

The unrest followed fuel price increases announced last week by Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which raised diesel prices by as much as 23.5 percent to a record Sh242 per litre after a 24.2 percent increase the previous month. Petrol prices in Nairobi now stand at Sh214 per litre.

The latest increases have been linked to disruptions in global oil supply chains caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil trade passes, has remained effectively closed since February. Kenya relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf region.

The Transport Sector Alliance has demanded a 35 percent reduction in fuel prices, accusing the government of failing to shield citizens from rising living costs driven by global energy market pressures.

Murkomen blamed “rogue politicians” for inciting violence and warned that leaders accused of inflaming political tensions would be held responsible for lives lost during the unrest.

He said the National Treasury and the Ministries of Energy and Transport were engaged in talks with transport stakeholders aimed at resolving the crisis.

Four Killed As Kenya Fuel Price Protests Turn Violent is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Lagos State Government has warned residents against buying or consuming spoiled tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” over the health dangers associated with fungus-infested food products.

The warning was issued through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, which advised consumers to avoid tomatoes with visible white, green or black fungal growth.

The General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, said fungi found on rotten tomatoes could produce dangerous toxins, including aflatoxins, which may cause serious health conditions such as liver damage and other related illnesses.

According to him, contaminated tomatoes remain harmful even after cooking, boiling or frying, as the toxins may not be completely destroyed by heat.

“a healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” Solebo said.

He emphasised that consumers should not compromise their health and safety because of the lower prices of spoiled food items sold in the markets.

The LASCOPA boss also urged Lagos residents to properly examine food items before buying them and avoid visibly mouldy or contaminated tomatoes and other food products.

He further advised consumers to safely dispose of spoiled food items and report the sale of unsafe, expired or contaminated products to government agencies responsible for public health, environmental safety and consumer protection.

Solebo noted that consumers have rights as well as responsibilities, including being properly informed about products and services, speaking out against unfair practices and making environmentally responsible choices.

He disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams have already been deployed to markets across Lagos State to arrest traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.

Lagos government cautions consumers against buying rotten tomatoes