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The political leader of Uyo Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Effiong Bob, has reminded  critics and those bent on ousting Governor Umo Eno in 2027 that the goalpost can never  be shifted while a match is going on.

He noted that the governor’s tenure should be allowed to run its full course.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo on Thursday, Bob urged those who want to contest for governorship or any other elective office to embrace issue based campaigns and not to resort to personal attacks on Governor Eno.

He added that the people of Uyo Senatorial District, where the governor comes from, will not allow anyone to either truncate the conventional eight year tenure for the governor or to embark on venomous attacks on his person.

“You cannot shift the goalpost while the match is on. He has just completed the third year in his first term. The governor’s mandate should run its full course.

“Uyo Senatorial District would not stand by and see our governor, that is supposed to do and will do eight years, being rubbished. If you want to contest an election, go and contest your election. Leave the governor alone,” he said.

Bob added, “We will resist every attempt, I mean every attempt, to bring down the governance structure of Umo Eno as a governor at this time.

“Anybody that wants to contest election should articulate what you are going to do, which you feel the governor has not done, and then, when you are there, you will do better.”

Akwa Ibom: Gov Eno must complete eight years – Sen Bob warns opposition

The National Bureau of Statistics has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for making oil and gas data available and transparent.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, gave the commendation when he visited the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja.

Adeniran, who was accompanied by top management of the NBS, said oil and gas contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy and thus cannot be ignored in data collation.

He noted that the NBS is not only the central custodian of data in Nigeria but is also the apex agency responsible for developing, managing, and disseminating official statistics to guide government policies and national development.

This, he said, is done in collaboration with all 774 local governments, the 37 sub-nationals including the FCT, academia, multi-lateral organisations, non-governmental organisations and other federal agencies.

He said since the NUPRC is the custodian of all upstream oil and gas data, the NBS cannot effectively carry out its mandate without the help of the Commission.

Adeniran therefore called for a deeper collaboration between both institutions.

He said, “If we don’t get data on our oil and gas sector, we cannot release data on GDP.

“I want to commend the Commission because for years there are basic data that we have been getting from the Commission. So, we came to appreciate you for what you are doing because without this data, the government will not have the compass to drive the economy.”

The NBS boss therefore named a team from the institution that will interact more closely and regularly with the Commission especially with regards to data on crude production, gas reserves, oil spill incidents and exploration and production companies.

“Presently, we are implementing the Integrated System of Administrative Statistics where we have on boarded 15 MDAs for us to be able to exchange data seamlessly through digital platforms,” he stated.

“We are compiling Petroleum National Accounting which is under the Natural Capital Accounting system. So, we require a lot of data in order to build this,” the NBS boss added.

In her remarks, the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said data had become almost impossible to do anything without data.

While appreciating the quantum of work of the NBS, Eyesan said the NUPRC releases data on a regular basis in line with the Petroleum Industry Act which is often published on the Commission’s website- www.nuprc.gov.ng.

“As government agencies, we must morph into the point where we automate our systems and then integrate,” she said.

NBS Commends NUPRC For Transparency In Oil, Gas Data is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Speaking in a viral video, Bassey lamented that several days after Children’s Day, dozens of children were still being held by their abductors.

The post VIDEO: How can we act normal with schoolchildren still in captivity — Nathaniel Bassey appeared first on Tribune Online.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State, Barrister Mahadi Aliyu Mohammed, has denied reports of his withdrawal from the contest, saying he is still in the race. In a statement issued on Wednesday night in Gusau by the spokesperson to the ADC gubernatorial candidate, Salisu […]

The post 2027: I remain ADC guber candidate in Zamfara — Mahadi appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has awarded a full university scholarship to Master Obasi Victor Nnanna, the highest scorer in Ebonyi State in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Nnanna, a student of King David Gifted Academy, Abakaliki, scored an outstanding 356 marks in the examination, emerging as the best-performing candidate in […]

The post Umahi rewards Ebonyi’s top UTME scorer with varsity scholarship appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Chairman of the Accord in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, was shot by suspected gunmen on Wednesday night in Osogbo.

The shooting has prompted a police investigation into what the state government described as an attempted murder.

It was gathered that the attack occurred at about 9:50 pm around the MDS area of Osogbo, near the Osogbo Community Bank axis, causing panic among residents as gunshots rang out in the neighbourhood.

A source in the area, who did not wish to be named, said, “The assailants opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and his associates while they were travelling through the area.

“The gunmen pursued the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.

“We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50 pm and all of a sudden, the gun-wielding men chased and released a volley of bullets on all of us in the car.”

The eyewitness said the occupants managed to escape and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo before the attackers fled the scene.

“We managed to escape to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo where we ran to for protection before the assailants retreated and ran away,” he added.

The Accord LG chairman was subsequently rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was admitted for treatment following injuries sustained during the attack.

Reacting to the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the shooting and called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book,” Alimi said.

He urged the police to conduct a professional investigation, adding that available indications suggested possible political undertones behind the attack.

“We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, in unearthing the masterminds of the attack,” he stated.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it had launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.

Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the incident occurred along the MDS area of Osogbo when two armed men riding a motorcycle allegedly attacked Ajibola.

The Command said officers immediately responded to the distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility and deployed tactical teams to pursue the fleeing suspects.

“Medical personnel have confirmed that Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene are undergoing forensic analysis as investigators work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the act and ordered a high-powered investigation into the incident.

He also directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution.

Accord Chairman shot in Osun, Police launch probe

He argued that many public office holders are insulated from the realities faced by vulnerable families because their children are…

The post VIDEO: We ignore insecurity because our children are abroad — Rep Bamidele Salam appeared first on Tribune Online.

Crisis is rocking the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, a Federal Government agency under the National Assembly, following the Director General of the institution, Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman’s participation in the recent political primaries without resigning his appointment.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu ordered public office holders intending to contest the 2027 election to resign on or before March 31, 2026, in compliance with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

NILDS DG, Suleiman, was among the aspirants that contested the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State. He was reported to have scored 1,722 votes in the primary.

However, he is still holding on to his position, leading to crisis in the institute. Although it was gathered that the DG was queried over the issue, no action has been taken even as the Governing Council of the institute has been urged to suspend him and appoint a replacement in acting capacity.

Following the development, Suleiman has been dragged before an Abuja Federal High Court alongside the Senate President, who serves as chairman of NILDS Governing Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the alternate chairman.

In the suit filed over the matter by M. Attah Esq and J. W Amuga, Esq, on behalf of the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, the court was asked to determine whether Suleiman did not violate the Electoral Act by failing to resign before contesting the primary.

The court was also asked to determine whether the failure of the Governing Council to appoint an acting DG was not illegal and unconstitutional.

Reliefs sought by the plaintiff include a declaration that Suleiman ought to resign his appointment, on or before March 31, 2026, after declaring his intention to contest the election. The court was also asked to declare that his failure to resign violated the Electoral Act, 2026.

The plaintiff equally asked the court to declare that the failure of the Senate President and Speaker to appoint an acting DG is unlawful and amounts to breach of statutory responsibilities.

In the same vein, the court was asked to compel the Senate President and Speaker to appoint an acting DG for NILDS, pending the appointment of a substantive DG.

Other reliefs sought by the plaintiff is an order directing Suleiman to vacate office immediately, and an order of perpetual injunction restraining him from parading as NILDS DG.

The plaintiffs had in March 2026 written the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint an acting DG for the institute in anticipation of Suleiman’s “expected resignation” after he indicated interest in the Kwara governorship election.

They said the move is necessary in order to avoid a leadership vacuum in the organization.

They also called for a forensic audit of the institute’s financial and administrative activities from 2019 to 2026.

“Such an exercise, if undertaken, may examine among other matters: Compliance with statutory tax obligations and remittances, adherence to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and financial regulations, compliance with extant public service financial management rules, observance of the Federal Character Principle as provided under Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, general administrative compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional guidelines.

“We respectfully submit that such an exercise represents a standard institutional governance safeguard and should not be misconstrued as punitive, but rather as a necessary accountability mechanism consistent with best practices in public institutional transitions,” the letter stated.

Crisis rocks NILDS as court asked to remove DG for contesting APC primary without resigning

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has appointed global professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) as Consulting Actuary to support the finalisation and implementation of Nigeria’s Risk-Based Capital (RBC) framework.

The appointment was formalised during a working meeting between NAICOM and EY in Abuja as part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework of the insurance industry.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, said the Commission had been steadily transitioning the Nigerian insurance sector towards a risk-based supervisory regime and capital structure.

According to him, the strategic shift is designed to enhance the financial stability of insurance companies and strengthen protection for policyholders.

Omosehin noted that following the enactment of enabling legislation and the ongoing Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) recapitalisation exercise, the Commission had intensified efforts to operationalise a Risk-Based Capital framework tailored to the realities of the Nigerian insurance market.

He explained that the implementation of the framework would be aligned with the completion of the current MCR exercise.

The Commissioner disclosed that the next phase of the project would include Quantitative Impact Studies (QIS) and industry-wide data collection exercises in the coming weeks.

According to him, the exercises will provide the data required for recalibrating key parameters, enhancing stakeholder engagement and facilitating the issuance of the final RBC framework alongside detailed regulatory guidelines.

Under the engagement, EY will provide technical support to NAICOM to accelerate implementation of the framework, strengthen the Commission’s internal actuarial and supervisory capacity and ensure that the regulatory structure is robust, transparent and fit for purpose within the Nigerian insurance landscape.

Responding, representatives of EY reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering the assignment as a priority engagement.

The firm pledged to work closely with NAICOM and other industry stakeholders to develop a practical and implementable Risk-Based Capital framework, as well as the supporting tools required for effective execution.

The Risk-Based Capital framework is expected to align capital requirements with the actual risk profiles of insurance companies, a move regulators believe will promote a more resilient, competitive and sustainable insurance industry.

The initiative also forms part of NAICOM’s broader agenda to strengthen governance, improve risk management practices and enhance confidence in the sector.

NAICOM Engages Ernst & YoungFor Risk-Based Capital Rollout is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian government has reacted to the feud between the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals which resulted in the death of an operative.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Wednesday, warned individuals and groups against economic sabotage.

Recall that the police had arrested three NSCC operatives over a colleague’s death and allegedly traced over N2 billion to the suspect’s bank account.

However, Commander of Mining Marshals of the NSCDC, John Onoja dismissed claims made by the police as false.

He fingered the foreign elements and their conspirators for the death of the Mining Marshal operative.

Reacting, Alake described the Mining Marshals as a critical component of the Federal Government’s efforts to sanitize the solid minerals sector and maximize its contribution to national economic growth.

According to him, many of those opposing the activities of the Mining Marshals are direct beneficiaries of the illicit mining ecosystem that has for years deprived the nation of substantial revenue and undermined legitimate operators in the sector.

“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation’s mineral resources.

“It is therefore not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with their achievements and are resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation,” he said.

Alake stressed that the Federal Government remains unwavering in its support for the Mining Marshals and would continue to provide the resources, logistics and institutional backing required for them to effectively discharge their mandate.

“Anyone, whether a uniformed personnel or a civilian, who seeks to frustrate the noble work of these Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such. That I can promise you,” the minister declared.

Nigerian Govt reacts to Mining Marshal, Police feud after death of operative