Author: Tribune Online

The Delta State Government has deployed a second boat ambulance to boost healthcare delivery in riverine communities, even as it activated the Rural Emergency and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme…

United States Vice President JD Vance has told Pope Leo XIV to be careful when speaking about theology, criticising the pontiff over his remarks on global conflicts and U.S. foreign policy. Vance made the remarks on Tuesday while reacting to the pope’s criticism, in which he said Jesus “is never on the side of those […]

Kimberly Daniels, Florida state representative and chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), has called for the removal or redeployment of Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, over concerns raised in a security assessment report on Nigeria.

Daniels made the call in a statement on Tuesday while releasing a report on Nigeria’s security crisis and recent killings in the north-central and north-west regions.

The member representing Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency, Maureen Chinwe Gwacham, has said she was cajoled into seconding a motion she knew nothing about.

A viral video of Gwacham had circulated on social media recently, showing her seconding a motion, but when the Speaker asked her what motion she seconded, she said she didn’t know.

The video had elicited a lot of condemnation, with many saying the lawmaker was only a bench warmer and knew nothing about the business of the chambers.

But in a statement on Wednesday, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) lawmaker said she was caught off guard by the Speaker who demanded her to second the motion as she just stepped into the chambers and settled into her seat, without knowledge of the motion nor who moved it.

She said: “I was momentarily caught off guard during plenary, I was just settling into my seat when Mr. Speaker beckoned on me to second the motion moved by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, an equally cerebral legislator with a reputation for moving credible motions.

“The motion in question seeks the Urgent Need to Provide Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Government Institutions and Public Buildings Across Nigeria to Prevent Avoidable Loss of Life.”

She thanked her constituents who reached out with concern and restated her legislative focus.

“My focus remains on delivering for the good people of Oyi/Ayamelum, and I appreciate the continued confidence they have reposed in me,” she said.

‘I was caught off guard’, says lawmaker who seconded motion she knew nothing about

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, held its National Convention on Tuesday, 14th April 2026 in Abuja, where delegates announced a new leadership under David Mark and expelled factional rivals.

The event also featured strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly on issues of debt, insecurity, and the electoral process.

Notably, the presence of high-profile political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso further fueled talks of possible merger aimed at dislodging the ruling party in 2027.

This has triggered widespread reactions among Nigerians, as conversations intensify over possible opposition alliances in the general elections.

Across social media many Nigerians are weighing in on speculated joint tickets involving Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar.

Among the combinations being discussed are an Obi–Kwankwaso pairing and an Atiku–Obi ticket, with debates centered on which alliance could pose a stronger challenge in the next general election.

Some Nigerians argued that a united opposition front could significantly boost electoral chances by combining regional support.

Below are some of the pairings suggested by Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter).

@PIDOMNIGERIA wrote, “Be informed that the 2027 presidential election will be fought from multiple fronts. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar must give his blessings and step aside for the best pair with the two most organic, none cash induced movements in Nigeria to rescue this nation. If Atiku gives his blessings and support, Tinubu is a gonna in 2027.”

@jessy: “Atiku is worst than Tinubu but Y’all don’t know it. Surest ticket Obi President, kwankwaso Vice president. Nigerians will kick that rice druggie out by 2027.”

@D’Uches4PeterObi: “The only ticket i know and Will support like my life depend on it is obi-kwankwaso.”

@Maduegbunam Chibueze: “As a man who always willing to stand for fairness, Let give it to micro zone that has never had president and has now the best presidential candidate among all contender. There is no need to make long sentence on this. A new Nigeria is possible.”

@Adinoyi1 wrote: “Without a doubt, Atiku and Obi, for those who truly understand the political dynamics of the North, would be strong contenders. Besides, I am not a fan of either of them, but they may stand a better chance of winning the 2027 presidential election against Tinubu.”

@ Jummai Batnah: “The only person that can defeat Tinubu for now in the north is Atiku, forget sentiment. If ADC is serious they should pick Atiku and Obi, Atiku should just do a term and handover to obi.”

@Adjutant: “Anyone calling for Atiku/Obi ticket is an APC member. They know that once Atiku emerges, ADC is destroyed. Obi can’t deputise Atiku, so Atiku won’t have any choice but to go for Amechi, and that ticket will amount to nothing.”

@Chibubani noted: “Atiku should just focus on being a king maker.He has contributed his quota already.”

@riel_gab1312 wrote: “Peter Obi Kwankwaso ticket. Any ticket with Atiku will not fly.”

@The People’s Therapist said: “My own nah, Obi no fit be vice to anybody again, never! Obi for president or make dem fumble the party make Tinubu enter again.”

@Dr. OkaforE: “The ADC convention is over and we must face the reality as early as possible. The consensus must be Atiku/Obi. Any other ticket is a joke that needs no energy to be expended.”

@Dr. OkaforE stated: ”If their Excellencie Atiku and Obi refuse to come together and contest as President and Vice president respectively, let’s all just forget about 2027. No team can beat BAT except the 2 combination.”

@italian_Spencer: ”What if Peter Obi isn’t given the presidential ticket at ADC? What next Nigerians?”

@Heis_Crowther: “I’m not loyal to ADC,I’m loyal to Peter Obi.”

However, despite the growing buzz online, none of the politicians involved have officially confirmed any alliance.

ADC: Nigerians suggest 2027 presidential ticket pairings between Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday buried Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other soldiers killed in a recent insurgent attack in Borno State.

The officers and men were laid to rest with full military honours at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Army, which described the ceremony as solemn and emotional.

The fallen soldiers were killed on April 9 when suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters launched coordinated attacks on military positions in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.

The Army said the burial was conducted in recognition of the soldiers’ service and sacrifice in the line of duty.

Among those in attendance were Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers.

They described the deceased as patriots who paid the ultimate price in defence of the country.

Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service were read before their families.

The Army noted that the loss highlights the risks faced by personnel in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

Army buries Brig Gen Braimah, others killed in Borno attack

Nigeria on Wednesday reiterated its ambition to position itself as a central hub in the West African maritime and shipping network…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 presidential election will mark his final attempt at the presidency. Atiku made the declaration during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, noting that his long-standing ambition to lead Nigeria would end with the next election cycle. “The 2027 election will be my last […]

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have reiterated the critical role of young people in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

This is as stakeholders converged in Abuja for a civic engagement programme aimed at enhancing youth participation in the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise.

The event, a Community Development Service, CDS, project initiated by a serving National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member with the Commission, Magaji Ndagi, was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

It drew attendance from senior management staff of the Commission, the NYSC, representatives of government institutions, corps members, and selected students from secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Declaring the event open, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, IVEC, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, commended the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of youth-driven commitment to national development.

“I first met the corps member a few months ago when he came to my office to share his idea on mobilising young people for participation in the CVR exercise. He struck me as a serious young man full of initiative,” he said.

Haruna emphasised that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation of free, fair and credible elections, noting that the ongoing CVR exercise is being implemented in phases in line with legal provisions. He disclosed that as of April 2026, over 3.7 million Nigerians had registered, with youths accounting for more than 68 per cent of new registrants.

“Clearly, Nigeria’s youths dominate the country’s demography. Therefore, for our democracy to have any meaningful impact, it is necessary to engage with them by every reasonable means possible,” he stated.

The INEC chairman further highlighted the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NYSC, noting that corps members have continued to play a central role in the conduct of elections since 2011.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General O. O Nafiu, represented by Mrs Anyaogu Maureen of the NYSC Secretariat, Abuja, expressed pride in the convener, noting that he represents the ideal Nigerian youth committed to nation-building.

He urged young people, who constitute the largest voting population, to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise by registering and participating in elections.

“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, who represented the minister, described the initiative as timely and aligned with national priorities on youth inclusion.

“Democracy does not thrive on silence. It flourishes when citizens actively participate in shaping the leadership and direction of their country,” he said.

He urged young Nigerians to move beyond online activism and take concrete steps by registering and participating in elections.

“Your vote is your voice. Your registration is your right. Your participation is your power,” he added.

On her part, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by the Director, Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs Dorothy Bello, reiterated INEC’s commitment to inclusive electoral processes. She noted that Continuous Voter Registration serves as a gateway to civic participation and empowers citizens, particularly young people, to influence governance.

“The youth demographic plays a crucial role in the electoral process. However, many remain unregistered or disengaged. This is not just a missed opportunity but a risk to our democracy,” she said.

She identified sustained civic education, improved access to registration centres, and the fight against misinformation as key strategies to boosting youth engagement in the CVR process.

Earlier in his welcome address, the convener of the programme, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a call to action for Nigerian youths to take ownership of their future through active participation in the democratic process.

“Continuous Voter Registration is more than just a process of getting a voter’s card. It is about giving yourself a voice and taking responsibility for the leadership and direction of our country,” he said.

He urged young people to move from apathy to action, stressing that democracy is a continuous process that requires sustained participation.

The high point of the event was the unveiling of a magazine by the convener, aimed at further promoting awareness and deepening youth engagement in electoral processes.

The programme also featured lectures by senior officials of the Commission and an interactive session, providing participants with deeper insights into the CVR process and the importance of active citizenship.

INEC, NYSC harp on role of young Nigerians in strengthening democracy

Fifty-six inmates from correctional centres across the country are scheduled to graduate at the 15th convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN.

NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Uduma, who revealed this during a pre-convocation news conference in Abuja, described the initiative as a deliberate policy focused on inclusion, second chances, and fostering meaningful national transformation through education.

The convocation, scheduled for April 18, would be conducted across NOUN’s multiple study centres nationwide.

“The inmates are among the 24,575 students graduating at the ceremony, reflecting the university’s broad reach and inclusive approach to learning, which ensures that education remains accessible to diverse groups across Nigeria,” he said.

Uduma said the decision to educate persons behind bars reflected NOUN’s philosophy that “no human being is beyond redemption.”

He noted that access to knowledge remained a fundamental right regardless of circumstance.

Uduma said the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) model extends academic programmes into correctional facilities, removing barriers of location and social status.

According to him, the inmates’ participation in the convocation is not symbolic but a reflection of real academic work and personal transformation.

“For us, it is not just about awarding certificates; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding identity and reaffirming humanity.

“The inclusion of inmates aligns with NOUN’s broader mandate of widening access to education and ensuring that no segment of society is excluded.

“The initiative demonstrates how education can serve as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration, offering inmates a pathway to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

“The success of inmates in the programme underscores the transformative power of knowledge and the need for sustained investment in inclusive education,” he said.

Uduma described the correctional programmes as “a quiet revolution” in Nigeria’s education sector, emphasising that learning was no longer confined to physical classrooms.

The vice-chancellor said all NOUN graduates were expected to participate in the convocation irrespective of their location.

The VC reiterated that certificates would be issued immediately after the ceremony, describing it as a shift towards efficiency and student-focused service delivery.

Uduma also called for continued support from stakeholders, particularly the media, in amplifying the impact of initiatives that promote access to education.

56 prison inmates to graduate from National Open University across Nigeria