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Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has criticised Senator Ned Nwoko over his position on the proposed Anioma State, accusing him of pursuing an agenda that could undermine the region’s interests.

Okowa made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili South Local Government Area during consultations ahead of his 2027 senatorial ambition.

He alleged that Nwoko was scheming to align Anioma with the South-East geopolitical zone and diminish the status of Asaba as a state capital, a move he described as misguided and unacceptable to the people of Delta North.

According to Okowa, the people of Anioma are united in their demand for the creation of a separate state within the South-South geopolitical zone, comprising the nine local government areas, with Asaba as its headquarters.

“There have been misconceptions and misrepresentations in the media regarding Anioma State,” he said, stressing that no Anioma indigene is opposed to the state’s creation under the South-South framework.

In an apparent reference to Nwoko, Okowa criticised attempts to alter the status of Asaba, noting that significant efforts had been made to establish the city as the capital of Delta State.

“An Asaba daughter fought for us and today we have Asaba as headquarters. Someone who does not understand how it came about now wants to wish it away. That is unwise,” he said.

The former governor also faulted Nwoko’s approach to the Anioma State campaign, describing it as lacking broad consultation and grassroots input.

He emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue, noting that any successful push for state creation must reflect the collective will of the people.

Okowa further questioned the timing of Nwoko’s advocacy, pointing out that legislative processes for state creation were not currently at a decisive stage.

He warned against misleading the public, insisting that the realisation of Anioma State would depend on a united position by stakeholders and alignment with constitutional procedures.

He reaffirmed that the demand for Anioma State remains strong but must be pursued collectively, in collaboration with the current administration and the people of the region.

 

That have been many speculations on why President Bola Tinubu removed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in a dramatic cabinet reshuffle that has sent shockwaves through the Federal Executive Council

One of them is the renewed attention on the lawmaker who first exposed the financial scandal now haunting the administration.

That lawmaker is Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, whose relentless questioning during a February budget defence hearing laid bare a staggering truth: ₦1.15 trillion in approved capital funds had vanished into thin air, with zero disbursement to any capital project across Nigeria.

It was Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when Hon. Mascot—a key member of the House Committee on Aids and Loans—took the floor at the Appropriation Committee’s budget defence session. Armed with insider documents from his committee assignment, he painted a disturbing picture: billions of dollars in loans had been secured, record revenues had been generated by FIRS and Customs, yet not a single kobo had reached any capital project. Roads, hospitals, schools—all left to rot while funds sat untouched.

Then came the question that silenced the entire room: “Why the capital of the Nigerian government remains at zero in 2026?”

When a flustered Minister Edun tried to shift responsibility to his Minister of State, Doris Uzoka-Anite, Hon. Mascot refused to back down. The committee adjourned and summoned her. She appeared the next day, confirmed the funds were approved, but blamed “pre-disbursement conditions.” Hon. Mascot was ready. He asked her a simple question: name one ministry that met all conditions and was still denied funding. She could not name a single one.

Exactly one week later, on March 3, Uzoka-Anite was removed as Minister of State for Finance—her third portfolio in two years.

Now, less than two months after that historic hearing, Wale Edun has also been sacked. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation announced his removal in a memo dated April 20, 2026, citing the need to “strengthen cohesion” in governance. Taiwo Oyedele, who was appointed Minister of State after Uzoka-Anite’s fall, has now been elevated to substantive Minister of Finance.

There is the theory of the failing health of the Minister 

Few months ago , Mr Edun took a short leave to attend to his health

Rumour had it that he suffered a stroke , which he later debunked but those in the know claimed the former Lagos State Commissioner has not been in the best of health  and not performing optimally in a very sensitive Ministry hence the need for him to step aside to take care of his health 

Nigerian singer, Omah Lay has predicted that he would be the wealthiest African artist ever in a few years.

In a recent interview with Kiss Xtra, the 28-year-old singer vowed to build systems that would change the world.

The singer boasted that he is insanely talented, emphasising that be needs to be creative to be alright.

“I am crazy. My head is not correct. I need to create art to feel good. I am going to be the wealthiest African artiste ever in a few years. I am going to build stuff that would change the world,” he said.

On the people who inspired him to do music, Omah Lay mentioned Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake, The Weeknd, and Harry Styles.

“I have my idols. Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake, The Weeknd, and Harry Styles are my idols. These are people I look up to musically,” he added.

‘I’d be wealthiest African artist in few years’ – Omah Lay

The outgoing Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and contribute to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dangiwa made the remarks in response to the recent cabinet reshuffle that led to his exit from office alongside the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. The development was confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mark Chieshe, the former minister described his tenure as both an honour and a responsibility in national service.

He said he was privileged to have been entrusted with the leadership of reforms in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector, noting that the experience was deeply fulfilling.

Dangiwa also extended gratitude to members of the FEC, his colleagues in government, heads of housing agencies, development partners, and ministry staff for their cooperation and support throughout his stay in office.

“I wish to sincerely thank Mr President for the confidence he reposed in me to serve as Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development. It has been a rare privilege to contribute to the advancement of policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for Nigerians,” he said.

He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the ministry recorded notable progress in repositioning the housing sector as a key contributor to economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.

While acknowledging the directive to complete handover procedures in line with the presidential decision, Dangiwa assured that the transition process would be smooth and well-coordinated.

He reaffirmed his continued support for the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence in the capacity of the incoming leadership to build on existing progress and further accelerate delivery in the sector.

The former minister highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, strengthened public-private partnerships in housing delivery, and reforms in land administration and housing finance.

“I am grateful to my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, stakeholders across the housing value chain, and the dedicated staff members of the Ministry and its agencies for their commitment and hard work. Together, we laid strong foundations for a more structured and sustainable housing delivery system in Nigeria,” he added.

He further pledged continued dedication to national development and support for initiatives aimed at advancing housing, infrastructure, and economic growth in the country.

Dangiwa sends message to Tinubu, FEC members after exit as Housing Minister

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has threatened to initiate contempt action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if it fails to comply with court orders within the next seven days.

The party said it will pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

A statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, explained that INEC’s persistent disobedience to court orders will likely have a negative effect on the election timetable if parties decide to sue the commission.

Olaposi further explained that INEC risks adjustment of the 2027 general elections timetable if it fails to resolve issues around leadership of political parties in accordance with court judgments.

The statement lamented, “INEC’s disobedience to court orders is avoidable. It is disturbing that INEC—an institution led by a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—should refuse to obey court orders.”

The party’s National Secretary noted that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory recently delivered a judgment compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records, recognise the Dr. Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP, and file an affidavit of compliance.

He lamented that three weeks after, the commission has yet to comply, without any credible explanation, saying that what is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Honourable Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment and the commission was duly served by the court bailiff, and proof of service is properly entered in the court record.

“It, therefore, stands to reason that INEC must accord the NNPP adequate and equal time, like other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections,” the statement observed.

The party called on the attention of the federal government and other critical stakeholders to urgently call INEC to order, so as to prevent any further distortion of the 2027 election timetable.

The party specifically called on the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice of the Federation, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate what is going on in INEC.

It noted that the judiciary and the courts must be seen to protect and guide their jurisdiction jealously, to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure that lawful orders are neither ignored nor undermined.

According to him, INEC’s present conduct may constitute a threat to democracy, saying the party is joining other well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the commission to retrace its steps.

He also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department, to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy.

Olaposi added that the conduct of the commission at the moment seemed to be against the spirit and letter of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

INEC endangering Nigeria’s democracy – NNPP raises alarm over court order disobedience

Iranian leadership has threatened to open the Strait of Hormuz forcefully, an action that could spell doom for the critical shipping route.

Following the postponement of peace talks slated for Wednesday in Islamabad, President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire but ordered continued restrictions at Iranian ports.

Tehran reacted by calling the siege by U.S. forces a “continued hostility,” accusing Washington of unilateral action despite a temporary armistice.

According to Tasnim news agency, which quoted state officials, Iran will not give up the Strait of Hormuz and will “break the blockade by force if necessary.”

Mahdi Mohammadi, Iranian national security analyst and an adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has urged Tehran to remain resilient.

“Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing,” he declared in a post on X on Tuesday. “The losing side cannot dictate terms.”

Mohammadi argued that the continuation of the blockade is no different from bombardment and “must be met with a military response.”

The analyst considers the ceasefire extension “a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike,” and believes the time for Iran to “take the initiative” has come.

Iran threatens to break US blockade of Hormuz Strait

APPREHENSION in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) as the Supreme Court, today, hears appeals over the leadership crisis rocking the two opposition parties. The apex court had, on April 14, adjourned till today for definate hearing of the cases having granted accelerated hearing in the two appeals. The appeal […]

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of Wale Edun as minister of finance and his replacement with Taiwo Oyedele on Tuesday sent mixed signals across different segments of the Nigerian economy.

DAILY POST reports that Edun’s sack, alongside his counterpart in Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Muda Dangiwa, was announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in a memo.

Edun was directed to hand over to Oyedele, while Dangiwa was to hand over to Muttaqha Rabe Darma, who was nominated as minister-designate.

DAILY POST reports that the Presidency did not state why Edun and Dangiwa were relieved of their duties but stressed that the cabinet reshuffle was in line with the President’s constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The former finance minister spearheaded Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalization, and other monetary and fiscal policies. According to Edun, these measures helped Nigeria’s economy grow to 4.07 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 2 percent in 2023. Similarly, inflation dropped to 15 percent from 22.04 percent, based on his previous remarks.

However, DAILY POST reports that despite improving economic indicators, many Nigerians are yet to feel relief, as the cost of living, transportation, and food prices remain high.

Edun’s removal comes at a time the International Monetary Fund downgraded Nigeria’s growth forecast to 4.1 percent from 4.3 percent, warning of increased pressures from global shocks linked to the Middle East crisis.

Edun had only recently returned from the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, where he stated in an interview on Friday that Nigeria would not seek an IMF bailout despite external shocks.

He also assured stable domestic economic policies.

However, his sudden exit on Tuesday has raised fresh concerns among investors.

DAILY POST reports that the naira weakened against the dollar to close at N1,350.74/$, while stocks on the Nigerian Exchange Limited recorded an N88 billion gain, down from N609 billion the previous day.

Policy clarity, not Personalities will shape investor confidence — Oyedokun

Speaking on the development in an exclusive interview, a professor of accounting and finance at Lead City University, Godwin Oyedokun, said the situation should be viewed from both strategic and economic stability perspectives.

He noted that such changes could signal a government’s willingness to reassess its economic direction and inject renewed energy into policy implementation.

Oyedokun explained that, in some cases, leadership changes are necessary to address emerging challenges and improve economic management.

However, he cautioned that abrupt or poorly explained decisions could have unintended consequences, particularly for investors.

According to him, any perception of inconsistency or lack of clear justification may introduce uncertainty into the market and weaken investor confidence.

“Cabinet reshuffling, in this context, should be viewed through a dual lens.

“On one hand, it can signal responsiveness, a willingness by the government to recalibrate strategy and inject new energy into economic management.

“On the other hand, if perceived as abrupt or lacking clear justification, it risks undermining investor confidence by introducing uncertainty about policy continuity,” he said.

Oyedokun stressed that investors were generally less concerned about individual officeholders and more focused on the broader policy environment.

He emphasized that coherence, predictability, and credibility of government policies remain the key drivers of investment decisions.

He further noted that maintaining a stable policy direction, ensuring clear communication, and strengthening institutions are more critical than any single appointment.

The expert urged the government to prioritize transparency and consistency in its economic policies following the transition, adding that those factors would ultimately determine how both local and foreign investors respond to the leadership change.

Tinubu’s sack of Finance Minister, Edun leaves Nigerian economy in shock

Following Chelsea’s humiliating Premier League 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night, manager Liam Rosenior openly admitted that four of his players were not good enough.

In a candid interview with Chelsea TV after the Premier League loss at the Amex Stadium, Rosenior also offered a direct apology to the traveling Blues supporters.

He, however, conceded that only four members of his squad had given their full effort against the Seagulls.

Brighton’s goals came from Danny Welbeck, Jack Hinshelwood, and Ferdi Kadioglu, leaving the Blues in 7th position on the log.

“Honestly, to the fans, apologies— that wasn’t acceptable,” Rosenior said.

“I’ll defend my players when they deserve it. Three or four of them gave everything. I’m not going to name names, but three or four isn’t good enough.”

Rosenior will now look to rally his team for a swift response when they face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

EPL: Four Chelsea players not good enough – Liam Rosenior

Kwara State government on Tuesday announced the donation of the sum of N20million support for each of the families of the soldiers who died in a counter-terrorism operation in Kemanji, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state on Monday morning. In a statement on Tuesday by Governor AbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq after he paid a get-well-soon visit to […]

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