Author: CKN

 

There was palpable fear in Osun State on Wednesday following the sudden collapse of a podium where guests, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were seated at a rally held in Ijebu-Jesa.

In a 30-second video showed the moment the podium caved in, Adeleke, Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, were among those on the platform when the incident occurred.

In the video, musical performances were ongoing when the event anchor brought the session to a close and was about to announce the next item on the programme before the podium collapsed.

A source at the event, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to comment, said the incident disrupted proceedings.

He, however, added that the programme later resumed after security personnel evacuated those involved from the rubble.

“The incident happened. The event is the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. The event was held in Ijebu-Jesa, and the crowd was a bit much.

“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that part of the podium that collapsed. No casualty. The event resumed, and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” he said.

When contacted for reaction, the Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, said the incident was not as serious as being portrayed.

“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet. No injuries.

“Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued. There were no casualties. The governor, after leaving the venue, went to another event in Odo-Otin Local Government,” Bamiji said.

 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the operational permit of an airline operator after one of its aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, and later departed the scene without obtaining regulatory approval, an act the regulators described as a violation of aviation regulations.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, saying the CAA had received preliminary reports concerning an occurrence involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba.

However, the regulator refused to mention either the operators or the airline’s name.

According to the Authority, the incident began when the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport.

The regulator further disclosed that following the aborted landing attempt, the aircraft touched down on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, an unusual development that immediately drew the attention of aviation authorities and local residents.

The NCAA said, “Available information indicates that the aircraft conducted a missed approach at approximately 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba, “Subsequently, the aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba. Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.”

Despite the emergency situation, the NCAA said there were no casualties, noting that the aircraft had only four crew members on board.

“The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” the Authority said.

Providing details of the alleged incident, the Authority stated, “Preliminary information available to the Authority indicates that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.”

The NCAA further revealed that air traffic authorities were not informed before the flight departed.

Describing the action as a clear infraction of existing regulations, the Authority stressed that the unauthorised departure is now under investigation.

“The Authority has also been informed that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. This action constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and is currently under investigation by the Authority,” the statement noted.

As a consequence, the NCAA said it moved swiftly to prevent any further operation of the aircraft pending the outcome of investigations.

The Authority also announced disciplinary and regulatory measures against those involved in the operation of the flight.

“Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.

“The flight crew have been placed under regulatory review while the NCAA conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorised departure of the aircraft,” the statement said.

“In the interim, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial Flight,” the Authority disclosed.

The NCAA said it had notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and was collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the operator, to determine the full circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

“The NCAA has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau of the occurrence and is coordinating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

The Authority added that investigators would scrutinise all relevant records linked to the aircraft and operator.

Achimugu stated, “The Authority will review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory responsibilities and will take further enforcement action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations.”

Former Real Madrid star, James Rodriguez, has backed Bayern Munich winger, Luis Diaz to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Rodriguez believes his fellow Colombian teammate Diaz can win the individual prize if his country reaches the final of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

He also insisted that the former Liverpool man is currently among the top five best players in the world.

“Luis Diaz as Ballon d’Or, why not? For me, he is top 5 in the world right now already,” Rodriguez said as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“If we get to the final, he can win the Ballon d’Or.”

Diaz has been impressive for Bayern Munich since joining the club from Liverpool. He helped them to win the Bundesliga title last season.

Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He’s top five currently’ – James Rodriguez names player to win award

The Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, Labaran Maku, has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged plan to compromise the electoral process in parts of the district.

Speaking during a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information claimed that nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon had been identified as targets for electoral manipulation due to their high voter population and perceived support for the Labour Party.

Maku alleged that certain political interests were becoming uneasy over the growing popularity of his candidacy across the senatorial district and were therefore exploring measures to influence the outcome of the poll.

According to him, the Labour Party enjoys widespread grassroots support, particularly in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, which he said has strengthened the party’s confidence ahead of the election.

“We have credible information suggesting that there are moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the people are determined to vote for change,” Maku stated.

He further alleged that plans were underway to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate could trigger political tension and undermine public confidence in democracy.

The Labour Party candidate also called on federal authorities and security agencies to ensure neutrality during the election, urging them to resist any form of political pressure that could compromise the credibility of the exercise.

He expressed concern over what he described as the redeployment of some senior security officers within the state, alleging that the move mirrored developments witnessed during previous political contests.

Labaran Maku further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not conducted a transparent primary election for the bye-election, insisting that an unpopular candidate had been imposed on party members.

Despite his concerns, Maku expressed optimism about his chances at the poll, maintaining that voters in Nasarawa North have consistently demonstrated political maturity by supporting candidates based on competence, credibility and track record rather than party affiliation.

The former minister urged residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process as preparations for the bye-election enter the final stages.

Nasarawa North bye-election: Maku alleges plot to manipulate result, names nine vulnerable wards

Vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, hosted a delegation of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum at his Abuja residence.

Kwankwaso disclosed this in a post on X on Wednesday, saying the group pledged support for the proposed Peter Obi/Kwankwaso ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Kwankwaso, the delegation was led by Dr. S. N. Okeke, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Council of Elders for the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo.

He said the elders commended the growing relationship between him and Peter Obi within the NDC and assured the movement of electoral support across the South-East and other parts of the South.

According to him, he expressed satisfaction with his working relationship with Obi and reiterated his commitment to the OK Movement and the NDC.

The former governor said the party remained determined to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

2027: Kwankwaso hosts Igbo elders [Photos]

There was panic in Ijebu-Jesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, on Wednesday when a stage hosting Governor Ademola Adeleke and other dignitaries collapsed during a political rally organised in support of the governor.

The incident occurred during the launch of the Imole Canvassers initiative organised by Accord candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Pelumi Olajengbesi.

Witnesses said the stage gave way shortly after Governor Adeleke rose to address supporters gathered at the venue.

A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing the moment the structure collapsed and prompting a brief commotion among attendees.

The event was organised to inaugurate about 10,000 Imole Canvassers tasked with promoting the administration’s programmes and policies across the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and the wider Osun East Senatorial District.

Despite the incident, no injuries involving the governor or other prominent political figures were reported.

Senior government sources confirmed that Governor Adeleke and other officials present at the event were safe following the collapse.

The sources said security personnel and event organisers quickly responded to the situation and restored calm at the venue.

The lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, also confirmed the governor’s safety after the incident.

In a post on his Facebook page, Salam shared a photograph showing Governor Adeleke alongside Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Osun Accord Chairman Pastor Victor Akande, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and other party officials.

Salam wrote, “With His Excellency Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, after a very successful rally in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, where Pelumi Olajengbesi launched a massive campaign in support of the Governor.”

The rally later continued after confirmation that the governor and other dignitaries were unharmed, while attendees dispersed peacefully following the brief disruption caused by the stage collapse.

Adeleke escapes harm as rally stage collapses in Ijebu-Jesa

National leader and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has admitted that there was crisis in the party’s primary election recently held across the country.

Fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Dickson said, it could have been worse for a young political party.

He, however, said everybody, including the aspirants are showing restraint and commitment to the party.

“The Electoral Act as stipulated has created crisis. Actually, the crisis could have been worse for a new and young party like the NDC if not for the way all our colleagues have shown restraint.

“Now, look at the All Progressives Congress, APC. It has been in federal power since 2015. As at today they have or 33 governors, yet they have their own primaries’ crisis.

“The ADC too, is not left out. You saw what played out during and after their own primary election,” Dickson said.

‘It could have been worse’ – Dickson admits crisis in NDC primaries

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has claimed they don’t have control over everything.

Infantino was speaking on the eve of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, while addressing issues around visas into the United States.

When asked if he felt the world football governing body had “lost control of the tournament”.

These accusations came up after Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away at the US border and members of Iran team’s support staff were refused visas.

“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces, we are a sports organization,” Infantino said at a press conference.

The tournament kicks off on Thursday, with one of the co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa.

2026 World Cup: FIFA breaks silence on visa issues

Former Liverpool star, Danny Murphy, has picked the player that could leave Chelsea between Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap.

Chelsea signed Garnacho and Delap Chelsea from Manchester United and Ipswich Town, respectively.

However, Murphy believes Garnacho is more likely to leave Chelsea than Delap because he has struggled at the club.

He pointed out that new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will, however, give Delap ‘another crack’ next season.

“I think Alejandro Garnacho has struggled, and the fans have not taken to him. If you look at their front line, it’s only really Joao Pedro who has done well,” Murphy told Metro.

“If one were going to leave, I think it would more likely be Garnacho than Liam Delap.

“Delap brings some characteristics that Chelsea don’t have. He is different from Joao Pedro, so I think Xabi Alonso will give him a crack.”

EPL: He has struggled – Danny Murphy picks player to leave Chelsea between Delap, Garnacho

Counter-insurgency and security analyst in Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, has identified two men he described as brothers of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

Makama stated that they have been involved in violent activities across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.

In a post shared on Wednesday, Makama published a photograph of the two men and claimed they were among individuals linked to ongoing insecurity in the North-West region.

“This are the two real brothers of Bello Turji. They are ruthless and have been terrorizing the peace loving people in Sokoto and Zamfara. They will soon meet their Waterloo,” Makama wrote.

DAILY POST reports that Bello Turji is one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders and has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings and killings across parts of the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states.

His criminal network has remained a major security challenge despite repeated military offensives in the region.

The Federal Government and security forces have intensified operations against armed groups operating in the North-West, with authorities reporting the neutralisation of several bandit commanders and the rescue of kidnapped victims in recent months.

However, attacks by criminal gangs continue to pose a threat to communities across the region.

They’re ruthless – Security expert reveals two brothers of bandit kingpin Bello Turji [Photo]