Category: Uncategorized

Professor Adeola Fowotade, Clinical Virologist and currently, Provost of the Benjamin Carson Senior Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, in this interview, reassures Nigerians that the current Hantavirus outbreak does not pose the same global threat as COVID-19 but advises continued vigilance, stronger surveillance systems, and public adherence […]

The post Why the current hantavirus outbreak is different from COVID-19 — Prof Fowotade appeared first on Tribune Online.

Rivers State Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Chisom Gbali, has tendered his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

His resignation was contained in a letter dated May 13 and addressed to the party’s chairman Ward 1 Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

He said the decision was reached after careful reflection and personal consideration.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for opportunities, relationship and experiences I gained during my time as a member of the party.

“I kindly request that my name be removed from the party’s membership records and registers accordingly,” he said.

His resignation was made known to the public a few hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship primary.

‘Remove my name from your records” – Fubara’s commissioner dumps APC

 

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday arraigned a 55-year-old chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Shamsudeen Oladiti, popularly known as “Shamelon,” before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for the involuntary manslaughter of a dispatch motorcycle rider, Ramon Imam.

The defendant was arraigned on three counts bordering on involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy, and attempted murder, preferred against him by the state government.

The prosecution counsel, Jubril Kareem, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between August 27 and September 17, 2025.

Kareem told Justice Olawale Alebiosu that the defendant and others still at large, on September 17, 2025, at about 10am, conspired among themselves to commit a felony.

He said that the incident took place at Lewis Street, Lagos Island.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant, on September 17, 2025, at about 3pm, caused the death of Imam by beating him with fist blows and several strikes to his head and face.

Kareem also told the court that on August 27, 2025, at about 10am, Oladiti attempted to murder one Samuel Omale by beating him with fist blows, which caused him severe injuries, at Lewis Street, Lagos Island.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 224, 411, and 230 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Following his plea, the defence counsel, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, informed the court of an application for bail dated April 27, 2026.

Ajanaku told the court that the application had been served on the prosecution and that the prosecution had confirmed receipt of it.

He said, “May we humbly place an application for bail. The same has been served, and my learned friend has confirmed the same.”

In response, Kareem acknowledged the service of the bail application and said he had no objection.

However, he pointed out that on the face of the application, the defence counsel wanted the court to direct the correctional centre to confirm the medical status of the defendant.

Ajanaku confirmed this and urged the court to grant the application, directing the correctional centre to confirm the medical status of the defendant.

In a short ruling, Justice Alebiosu granted the application and ordered the Controller of Corrections at Kirikiri to confirm Oladiti’s medical status at a Lagos State Government hospital.

The court had earlier rejected the defendant’s bail application based on some errors.

The case was adjourned till June 15, 2026, for trial.

His statement 

“This is to formally announce to my supporters, party members, and the general public that, after wide consultations with family members, friends, and stakeholders, I have voluntarily withdrawn my aspiration to contest for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

Though difficult, this decision is premised on two major reasons:

1. Considering that my brother, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (MON), has already clinched the senatorial ticket of the party, I believe this decision will allow other aspirants the opportunity to exercise their right to contest for the office of Governor.

2. After wide and due consultations with stakeholders, we concluded that, in the interest of fairness and equity, Abia Central should be allowed to complete its eight years of power rotation, which it has already commenced.

I extend my special appreciation to my wife and children, who have stood by me throughout these months since my declaration.

I also deeply appreciate my lovely mother, who has always stood solidly with me, as well as my brothers, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Nnanna Uzor Kalu.

Special thanks also go to my staff and members of my campaign organisation, particularly Reverend Chuks Alozie, Samuel Nwachukwu, and Ifeanyi Adijeh, for their unalloyed support and dedication throughout this journey.

CLEMENT IDOKO writes on the issues following the Federal Government’s directive for public examinations to migrate fully to Computer-Based Examinations, and the readiness of the National Examinations Council (NECO), the nation’s foremost indigenous examination body, for the 2027 deadline.  When the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) and […]

The post Experts weigh in as NECO remains upbeat on transition to CBT exams  appeared first on Tribune Online.

Tonye Cole, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers, has withdrawn from the party’s primary election in the state ahead of Thursday’s exercise.

Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday.

His withdrawal came just as Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, also pulled out of the race.

Cole said the decision followed consultations with members of his political team, supporters, and stakeholders within the APC in Rivers state.

The former governorship candidate said he decided to step down in the interest of party unity and reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, the national leadership of the APC recently convened a stakeholders’ meeting where discussions were held on the future of the party in Rivers state.

Cole said he remained committed to dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among various factions within the APC in Rivers.

“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” he said.

“Accordingly, I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries

The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday conferred the Fellowship of the Nigeria Union of

The post NUJ confers fellowship award on retiring Ogun Head of Service appeared first on Tribune Online.

 

Governor Sim Fubara has withdrawn from the APC gubernatorial primaries 

He issued this personally signed statement on his withdrawal 

GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE 

 PRESS STATEMENT 

MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS  STATE  GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES 

Fellow Rivers People,

After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor, Rivers State

May 20, 2026 .

STAKEHOLDERS at the 2026 World Family Doctors’ Day celebration have cautioned against allowing artificial intelligence and digital healthcare tools to replace empathy, bedside skills, and human connection in patient care. The experts, who spoke at the event themed “Compassionate Care in a Digital World,” also called for improved support for healthcare workers, better rural healthcare […]

The post World Family Doctors’ Day: Stakeholders call for human-centred digital healthcare appeared first on Tribune Online.

A governorship aspirant in Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Samuel Ajose, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race in favor of the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat after discussions with the party leadership.

Ajose, widely recognized as SMA Gold, made this announcement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, stating that he stepped aside in accordance with the wishes of APC leaders prior to the party’s primary election.

The politician from Badagry, who had previously maintained his intention to continue in the race, indicated that the APC leadership had clearly communicated that the party had opted for a different direction regarding the Lagos governorship contest.

He explained that his decision to withdraw was influenced by his respect for the party’s constitution, leadership, and internal processes.

“The race has been quite engaging and it reached an emotional conclusion yesterday for the phase of SMA concerning the 2027 election.

“It is essential to take time to re-plan and re-strategize, and when the party leadership indicates a preferred direction, one cannot act independently if one wishes to remain within the party,” he added.

Ajose characterized the decision as difficult yet essential for fostering peace and unity within the APC in anticipation of the 2027 general election.

“We all uphold the party’s constitution. The constitution is paramount, and if the party’s current stance is that this is the direction they wish to pursue, for the sake of peace and to enable us to promptly begin planning for the 2027 general election, I believe it is prudent to make that choice,” he added.

When questioned if his withdrawal stemmed from a belief that he would lose the primary election to Hamzat, Ajose clarified that he was never intimidated by any opponent but opted to honor the views of party elders.

He said, “What I can share is that all members of the party’s leadership convened with me, and when your elders are speaking, it is imperative to listen.

“The party expressed their desires, and if you intend to operate within the framework, principles, and constitution of the party, it is essential to heed their guidance to avoid potential issues,” he stated.

Ajose further disclosed that the conversations with party leaders primarily focused on the advancement of Badagry, noting that commitments were made that would be advantageous for the region.

“During our meeting, our discussions revolved entirely around Badagry, and for the first time, Badagry was able to participate in negotiations concerning Lagos State, resulting in some significant benefits for the area,” he remarked.

He expressed confidence that Hamzat would honor the commitments made during the discussions.

Hamzat is widely acknowledged as the favored candidate of the APC leadership in Lagos, having received the support of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, GAC.

Hamzat was elected as deputy governor alongside Sanwo-Olu in 2019, and both were re-elected in 2023 for a second term.

Prior to his role as deputy governor, the 61-year-old held the position of commissioner during the tenures of former Lagos governors Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.

Lagos APC primary: Why I stepped down for Hamzat – Ajose