Author: CKN

 

The Federal Executive Council under President Bola Tinubu also broke the record for the most road contract approvals in a single sitting today with a total of ten major road projects approved by the council.

– N1.79tn for the 5th section of the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway which is a 360km dual carriageway.

– ⁠N1.86tn extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Akwa Ibom State

– ⁠N548.98bn contract for the full rebuild of the Carter Bridge in Lagos

– ⁠N178bn for reconstruction of the 128km Mando-Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State

– ⁠Two sections of the Trans-Sahara Highway totaling 296km

– ⁠N295bn for dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun states, which runs 56Km by two

– ⁠The Oshogbo-Akoda-Bunga Road in Osun State (59.2 kilometres, N101bn)

– ⁠Oshogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road in Osun State (90.9 kilometres, N114bn).

– ⁠The Yobe-to-Gombe section which runs 125 kilometres, a dual carriageway and also received approval at a contract sum of N1.25 trillion.

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has approved the recall of about 800 engineers previously redeployed across its business units, following what management described as a conditional pardon after internal disciplinary actions linked to operational disruptions.

In an internal communication to staff, the company said the decision followed an extensive review process and numerous appeals from respected individuals, stakeholders, and the engineers. The refinery noted that while earlier actions were taken to protect operations and uphold organisational standards, it has now opted to offer a second opportunity to the staff.

Under the directive, according to a memo signed by the Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Devakumar Edwin, all affected personnel will be invited for a meeting and subsequently reassigned to resume duties at the refinery. The recall also covers those who did not take up earlier redeployment options offered by the company.

Management emphasised that the move reflects both a commitment to fairness and a belief in second chances, while reiterating that discipline, professionalism and adherence to corporate values remain non-negotiable.

“This decision was not an easy one. It reflects not only our belief in second chances but also serves as a clear reminder that loyalty, professionalism and adherence to organisational standards are non‑negotiable,” it said. “Effective immediately, all engineers previously redeployed to other business units, will be invited for a meeting and, subsequently, will be provided with an opportunity to render their services at our Petroleum Refinery. This would include those who did not avail the opportunity provided earlier for redeployment”.

The company, however, issued a firm warning that any recurrence of misconduct would attract immediate and decisive sanctions, underscoring its zero-tolerance stance on actions capable of undermining operations.

Dangote Refinery added that it expects the returning engineers to demonstrate renewed dedication as it continues efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and maintain its position as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“We welcome our colleagues back, with the expectation of renewed dedication, and we look forward to working together to strengthen our operations and deliver excellence in the oil and gas sector,” it added.

Recall that the Dangote Group, in October 2025, redeployed some refinery engineers to other companies within the Group as part of measures to stabilise operations at the time.

 

Ben Murray Bruce Statement  

Long before Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu became Ambassador, Minister, and now Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, I had the privilege of accompanying her around the world as she represented our country on the global beauty stage. 

In those years, she was without exaggeration one of the most beautiful women on earth. 

Also the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Miss Intercontinental—a face that carried Nigeria’s elegance into every room she entered.

But what I saw then was not just beauty. It was poise. Intelligence. Grace under pressure. The unmistakable presence of a woman destined to serve.

The years have only confirmed it. From her distinguished service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and to Italy, to her tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca has carried herself with the same dignity that defined her on the world stage decades ago; except now, the stage is diplomacy, and the audience is the entire international community.

Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated her to Minister of Foreign Affairs. Congratulations, Mr. President, on a truly excellent appointment. Nigeria’s foreign policy is in safe, capable, and elegant hands.

And I will say this without hesitation: I believe Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu will, in time, become the first elected female governor in Nigeria’s history. The trajectory is unmistakable. The country will be the better for it.

To my dear sister Bianca, the world has always looked up to you. Now it must listen to you.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi have failed Nigeria in the past.

Okpebholodisclosed this during an interview with Channels Television’s one-on-one Politics Today on Thursday.

He noted that despite the opposition, President Bola Tinubu would win his second term in 2027.

According to Okpebholo: “Tinubu has made a great landmark in this country and this election is as good as won because we have every instrument to win this election, his works, his policies are speaking for him.

“Evil people are the ones causing this insecurity, the more the president is trying to stop them the more they are sponsoring them to come out.

“The opposition are using them to make people believe that this president is not doing well.

“Tinubu must win, who is going to be better than Tinubu on the ballot? Atiku, Peter Obi, Amaechi have all failed this country in the past.

“Atiku was not president but as vice president he was handling privatization.”

Atiku, Obi, Amaechi failed Nigeria, Tinubu will win 2027 – Gov Okpebholo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday is currently in a meeting with key leaders and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

This meeting is taking place at the residence of the National Chairman, Senator David Mark.

The meeting comes just hours after the Supreme Court judgment on the party leadership structure.

Those in attendance include Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, and others.

Details of the meeting are yet to emerge.

ADC: Atiku, Amaechi, David Mark hold meeting after Supreme Court judgement

 

With the announcement on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, of the appointments of Mrs. Adenike Osinowo as the substantive Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Latifat Ogbara as Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM), and Ms. Modupe Victoria Adeola as Executive Secretary/Permanent Secretary of LAHASCOM, women have now assumed the top administrative leadership of the Assembly.

As Clerk, Mrs. Osinowo is the highest-ranking administrative officer of the Assembly. She has made history as the first female to occupy the position in the Lagos State House of Assembly. 

She joins other trailblazers such as Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was the first woman elected into the Assembly in 1992, and Rt. Hon. Mutiat Adetoun Adediran, who became the first female Deputy Speaker in 1999.

Mrs. Osinowo began her career in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999 as a Legal Officer and rose steadily through the ranks to become Chief Legal Officer and, subsequently, Deputy Clerk in 2022 before her current appointment.

Similarly, Mrs. Latifat Ogbara has also broken new ground as the first female Chairman of LAHASCOM. She is a lawyer and politician from Ikorodu Local Government Area.

Ms. Modupe Victoria Adeola started her career in the Lagos State House of Assembly as a Legislative Officer and rose through the ranks to become a Director in the Directorate of Legislative Services. 

Her appointment as Executive Secretary/Permanent Secretary of LAHASCOM further underscores the growing prominence of women in the Assembly’s administrative structure.

A renowned Lagos-based lawyer, Liborous Oshoma, has underscored the importance of jurisdiction in judicial proceedings following the Supreme Court judgment judgment on the leadership tussle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The judgment was widely seen as favouring the camp aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking in an interview on TVC News, Oshoma described jurisdiction as the foundation upon which every legal action stands, warning that any proceeding conducted without it is fundamentally defective.

“Jurisdiction is the lifeblood of any case. Once a court lacks jurisdiction, any decision it reaches is a nullity,” he said.

He explained that disputes arising from internal party matters, such as conventions and leadership struggles, are generally not within the jurisdiction of the courts unless there is a clear violation of the constitution or electoral laws.

“The courts have consistently held that internal affairs of political parties should be resolved within the party structure, except where there is a breach of the law,” Oshoma added.

According to the legal practitioner, the Supreme Court ruling reinforces existing legal doctrine and may discourage political actors from resorting to litigation in intra-party disputes.

Oshoma’s interpretation highlights the broader implications of the judgment, which is expected to reshape how political conflicts are managed within parties like the PDP, with greater emphasis on internal mechanisms rather than prolonged court battles.

Supreme Court ruling may curb intra-party litigation — Liborous Oshoma

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is currently holding an emergency meeting with key stakeholders in Asokoro, Abuja.

This meeting is said to be a decisive move to navigate the current leadership impasse and safeguard the institutional integrity of the party.

The high-level session has brought together the party’s most influential organs, including the Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum, members of the National Assembly Caucus, the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Caucus, state chairmen, and ex officio members.

The Board of Trustees, through its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has already issued a statement regarding the takeover of party affairs pending the appointment of a caretaker committee.

DAILY POST reports that this comes just after the Supreme Court on Thursday nullified the 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convention, which produced former governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Ismaila Turaki, was organised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, while the other faction was led by the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

PDP holds emergency meeting in Abuja as BoT takes over party

El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder, Daddy Abdulrahman, has expressed optimism ahead of the final rounds of matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Borno Army will play Barau FC, Niger Tornadoes, and Enyimba in their remaining fixtures this season.

Abdulrahman admitted that the games will not be easy but assured that he will give his best.

El-Kanemi Warriors will face Barau FC in a matchday 36 fixture in Kano this weekend.

“Our next focus is now Barau FC, who we play in Kano,” Abdulrahman told NPFL media.

“We are on the same points with them, and that is not going to be an easy match because goal difference can play a big role at the end of the season.

“I just want to go there and give my best. We want to get a result in that game and come back home and make sure we win against Niger Tornadoes.”

NPFL: El-Kanemi Warriors’ Abdulrahman eyes strong end to season

 

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assumed national leadership of the party following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that nullified key party structures.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and signed by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, the party’s highest advisory body said its decision was aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum and stabilising the PDP.

Full Press Statement 

Assumption of National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Board of Trustees (BoT).

It is with the utmost sense of duty and responsibility that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) assumes leadership of our great party today, Thursday, 30th April, 2026 pursuant to the empowering provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (As amended in 2017).

This constitutional intervention of the BoT is so as not to allow any leadership vacuum at the national level of our party following judgment of the Supreme Court.

Sadly, the Supreme Court, today delivered an unpleasant judgment against our party in which it pronounced an invalidation of the 15th to 16th November 2025 National Convention of the PDP held in Ibadan, Oyo State, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of our Party.

While the Supreme Court invalidated the Ibadan Convention, it also in a unanimous decision of the five justices on the panel, upheld the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade as National Secretary, National Organizing Secretary and National Legal Adviser respectively from the Party. 

The implication of today’s judgment by the Supreme Court is that all actions taken by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the composition of the National Caretaker Working Committee and the conduct and outcome of the March 29th, 2026 Convention in Abuja are illegal, null and ab initio void. 

The consequential invalidation of both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led as well as the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led Working Committees directly places the statutory onus of leadership of our great party on the shoulders of the Board of Trustees (BoT) as the Second Highest Organ of the Party, pursuant to the express and unambiguous provision of Section 32 (5) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

Against this backdrop, the BoT hereby immediately assumes responsibility of the national working leadership of the PDP as immediate constitutional remedial steps to foster genuine reconciliation, salvage, stabilize and return the party to good political health.

In the light of the foregoing an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to the provisions of Section 31 of the Constitution of the PDP will be summoned to, among other things, appoint an Interim  National Working Committee to take charge of the National Secretariat of our Party and pilot the affairs of the Party at the national level so as to meet all the timeline in the Electoral Act, 2026 and ensure that the PDP fields candidates and also emerged victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

Consequently, all staff of the PDP are hereby directed to resume at the National Secretariat of the Party under the leadership of the BoT ahead of the appointment of the Interim National Working Committee.

The BoT commends the courage, effort and resilience of our governors, Governor Bala Mohammed and Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Assembly caucus, the National Ex-officios, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen and State chapters, the Youth and Women Wings and other organs and bodies in the PDP for standing strong for the party at this trying time. 

The BoT therefore calls on all leaders and members of the party to jettison all personal and group interests and come together as one family in the overall interest of our Party, democracy and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians whose hope are anchored on the PDP.  

The PDP has suffered enough; the painful victims of this unfortunate episode is the Nigerian people. The time has therefore come for us to make sacrifices, sheathe our swords and embrace genuine reconciliations for lasting peace and chart a new course for our party. 

Signed:

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Ph.D

Chairman, BoT