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​An outbreak of the highly infectious Ebola virus disease​ has been reported in Uganda, following the deaths of scores of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo​.

​The Ugandan ⁠health ministry, per Reuters, ​said the ⁠patient died in intensive care on ⁠May 14 after ⁠developing hemorrhagic symptoms​. ​The case ‌was ⁠an imported infection from the ​D​RC.

​On Friday,​ the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced a new Ebola outbreak in the remote Ituri province in Congo.

Nearly 250 suspected cases of the virus and 65 deaths have been reported in the Central African nation, recorded mostly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

Four casualties were among laboratory-confirmed cases, the CDC confirmed in a statement. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation.

The CDC said it is​ working with national authorities and partners on a coordinated response​, but expressed concern​ about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara​.

​The agency cited population movement, relocation caused by insecurity, gaps in contact listing, prevention and control challenges, and the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan.

Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya, has assured that the public health body stands in solidarity with the government and people of DR Congo as they respond to the health crisis.

​”We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response, and to help contain the outbreak as quickly as possible​,” he added.

​The agency is ​activating emergency operations mechanisms, digital surveillance and data management, cross-border preparedness, laboratory coordination, and infection prevention and control.

Ebola​, a severe and often fatal illness​, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, or persons who have died from the disease.

​The CDC advocates early detection, prompt isolation and care, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, community engagement, as well as safe and dignified burials.

Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak as disease claims scores in Congo

Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has said Nigerians have become poorer under the All Progressives Congress-led administration since 2015, insisting that the ruling party’s policies have failed to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Tambuwal stated this on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he criticised the economic and social conditions in the country under the APC government.

The former governor dismissed claims by the ruling party that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had rescued Nigeria from economic collapse through difficult but necessary reforms.

According to him, the reality being experienced by ordinary Nigerians contradicts the government’s narrative of progress and recovery.

“They are entitled to their opinion. But ask common Nigerians, ordinary Nigerians, whether the APC administration has done well for Nigeria from 2015 to date. Ask a common man,” Tambuwal said.

“Ask people on the streets whether their life has improved. What they have done is rather to impoverish Nigerians and the statistics are there.”

The senator argued that the policies of the APC government had worsened hardship across the country, despite repeated assurances from government officials that the economy was recovering.

“So I don’t believe that their policies are working. Yes, it is their rhetoric that they are shouting all about around the streets. Any common man you ask from Lagos up to Maiduguri will tell you that his life has not improved under the APC administration,” he added.

Tambuwal, who is one of the prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress-led opposition coalition, also outlined what he described as the party’s alternative plans for governance ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the ADC had developed a clear policy direction focused on tackling insecurity, reforming the power sector, reviving agriculture, creating jobs, and improving education.

“Our manifesto is clear. It was drafted by a team led by Chief Oyegun and Pat Utomi, and the objectives are very clear that we are going to do things differently,” he said.

On security, Tambuwal said an ADC government would prioritise the welfare of security personnel while investing heavily in equipment, training, and recruitment.

“First and foremost, we must make sure that the welfare of our security personnel is top on the table as an agenda of our party. And we give them the best of equipment and training for them to be able to confront and deal with the issues of insecurity in Nigeria,” he stated.

“That is not happening now. And we plan to massively recruit more Nigerians into the armed forces, into the police, into all other security outfits for us to stamp out terrorism, banditry, and all forms of crime in Nigeria.”

He also promised reforms in the power sector and support for agriculture, saying the opposition coalition intended to provide farmers with access to affordable funding and mechanised farming tools.

“We intend to actually unbundle the power sector of Nigeria and do the right thing, making sure that we provide energy that will definitely unleash growth and development in Nigeria,” Tambuwal said.

“We have a blueprint on how to turn around the economy of Nigeria, especially by giving attention, proper attention, to agriculture so that farmers can have access to cheap funds and mechanised kind of process of farming and all the implements that is required.”

Tambuwal maintained that despite recent exits by some opposition figures from the ADC coalition, the party remained confident of victory in the 2027 elections.

He argued that the political dynamics heading into the next election cycle would be different from those witnessed in 2023.
“I see a replay of 1979 in 2027, rather than 2023 elections,” he said, suggesting that the emergence of multiple presidential contenders would not necessarily favour the ruling APC.

Nigerians Worse Off Under APC Since 2015 – Tambuwal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Bauchi State have proposed the introduction of a “WASH Tax” on companies and allied institutions operating in the state as part of efforts to improve funding for water and sanitation services.

The proposal formed part of resolutions reached at the end of the 2026 State WASH Joint Sector Review (JSR) held between May 12 and 14 at Hazibal Suites, Bauchi.

The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting also recommended the immediate establishment of a WASH Fund Basket and the convening of a donor roundtable to mobilise resources for the sector.

Participants at the meeting included representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, local government councils, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector actors, traditional and religious institutions, academic bodies, media organisations and community groups.

The stakeholders noted that despite progress recorded in water supply expansion, sanitation campaigns and hygiene promotion, the sector still faces major challenges such as inadequate financing, weak maintenance culture, poor functionality of facilities, climate-related threats and inequitable access to services.

They called on the Bauchi State Government to prioritise WASH as a key public health and development issue through increased funding, stronger policy implementation and sustained political commitment.

Part of the resolutions urged the government to complete the establishment of the Water Regulatory Commission and the Small Towns Water Agency under the Ministry of Water Resources.

The meeting also demanded the full corporatisation of the Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation to improve efficiency and productivity in water service delivery.

The communiqué further urged ministries, departments and local government councils to strengthen coordination and accountability in the implementation of WASH programmes, while calling for stronger support for the existing Multi-sectoral Stakeholders Forum on WASH.

Stakeholders also reiterated the need to revive the WASH Media Network to intensify public sensitisation and awareness campaigns on hygiene and sanitation practices.

Traditional and religious leaders were equally urged to champion sanitation and hygiene promotion at the community level to help the state achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all local government areas.

Among the priority actions agreed for implementation between 2026 and 2027 are increased budgetary allocation to the WASH sector, rehabilitation of non-functional water schemes, scaling up hygiene behaviour change campaigns and accelerating Community-Led Total Sanitation programmes.

The stakeholders also resolved to reduce the state’s ODF reversion rate from 15 per cent to five per cent within one year.

Other agreed actions include strengthening WASH data management systems, mainstreaming climate resilience and disability inclusion into programmes, and promoting WASH interventions in schools and healthcare facilities across the state.

The communiqué stated that quarterly progress review meetings would be held to monitor implementation, while annual sector performance reports would be published to ensure transparency and accountability.

The communiqué was adopted on May 14, 2026, and signed by representatives of key institutions including the Ministry of Water Resources, State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation, UNICEF, WaterAid, civil society groups and media representatives.

Bauchi WASH stakeholders propose tax on companies to boost water, sanitation funding

Posters projecting former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, as a presidential candidate for the 2027 general election have surfaced across major streets in Bauchi State.

The posters, branded with the inscription, “Amaechi for President 2027: Move Nigeria Forward,” alongside the logo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were spotted at strategic locations within the Bauchi metropolis.

Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanar Kasar Hausa of Daura, previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State, and later Minister of Transportation.

The campaign posters were mounted on electric poles, billboards and major roundabouts across the state capital, drawing the attention of residents and commuters.

Some of the areas where the posters were sighted include Ahmadu Bello Way, Awalah Roundabout, Wunti Flyover, Jos Road Roundabout, Bauchi Club axis, Nasarawa Gate Roundabout and Emir’s Palace Roundabout.

The posters were also displayed along Railway Road, Sabon Titin Karofi and Kofar Dumi streets, among other locations.

The posters attracted considerable public attention, with several motorists and pedestrians slowing down to observe them, particularly around Awalah Roundabout.

DAILY POST reports that the former Rivers governor, Amaechi, contested the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, where he emerged runner-up to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2022.

Amaechi 2027 presidential posters surface across Bauchi streets

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a three-nation visit to France, Kenya, and Rwanda.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the president’s aircraft touched down at the Lagos Airport at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing.

According to the statement, Tinubu was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and other government officials.

“President Tinubu, while in France, met with global investors, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline, and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of the bold economic reforms his administration has instituted.

“He also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto.

“At the event, President Tinubu called for a reform of the global financial architecture and stronger economic integration that prioritises Africa’s growth and prosperity.

“He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the blue economy as one of the cornerstones of Africa’s development, with a commitment to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states,” the statement read.

Tinubu arrives Nigeria after three-nation visit

The management of Gombe State University says it has begun an investigation into a day-old baby boy found in the female hostel on Friday, May 15, 2026.

While confirming the discovery of the newborn at the institution’s female hostel, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Napthali Hadu, in a statement, said the institution had already commenced an investigation, assuring members of the public that the outcome would be made known in due course.

He described the incident as unfortunate and a complete disregard for the institution’s guidelines for all students, adding that efforts were ongoing to uncover the perpetrator and ensure appropriate punishment.

“I also heard about the unfortunate incident today at school. I will get back to you as soon as I gather more details,” he said.

The baby has since been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical care, while the university management has placed the female hostel under restriction as investigations continue.

Gombe varsity probes discovery of day-old baby in female hostel

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected bandits and recovered several firearms during coordinated operations targeting criminal networks and illegal arms trafficking across the state.

The arrests were made during intelligence-led raids carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams in different parts of Kaduna.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal arms dealing led to the arrest of five suspects after the matter was transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026.

The suspects were identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa.

According to the police, operatives recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two locally made pistols from the suspects during the operation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group allegedly specialised in supplying arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara Local Government Area and surrounding communities.

The police said the suspects also confessed to providing weapons to other individuals earlier arrested in connection with criminal activities in the area.

The command added that efforts were ongoing to dismantle the wider arms trafficking network and apprehend other fleeing members.

In another operation carried out on May 5, police operatives arrested two suspects, Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, in Kubau Local Government Area following credible intelligence.

The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm ammunition.

Police also recovered another fabricated AK-47 rifle during a raid on the residence of one Mathew Tanko in Furana Village, Ikara LGA. The suspect reportedly escaped before the arrival of security operatives and is currently being tracked.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in the illegal production, possession and supply of firearms to criminal groups to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kaduna State.

Police Arrest 10 Bandits, Recover Firearms In Kaduna is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Mathias Byuan, has officially obtained the Labour Party’s expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the 2027 Benue State governorship election.

Despite joining the Labour Party, Byuan reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The governorship hopeful visited the Labour Party national secretariat on Friday alongside several other aspirants seeking tickets for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly positions across Benue State’s three senatorial districts.

Addressing journalists after picking up the forms, Byuan stated that although he would be contesting the governorship election under the Labour Party, he still believed in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would continue to support his administration.

According to him, the President has recorded notable achievements through ongoing developmental projects across the country, including some within Benue State, and should be given another opportunity to complete them.

He appealed to his supporters to vote for President Tinubu for the presidency, while supporting him and other Labour Party candidates in Benue during the 2027 elections.

Byuan explained that his decision to run on the Labour Party platform was motivated by his desire to rescue Benue State from insecurity and what he described as poor governance under the current administration.

He accused the state government of failing to meet critical obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries, which he said had contributed to industrial actions by health and local government workers in the state.

The former APC governorship aspirant pledged that if elected governor, his administration would prioritize security and the welfare of citizens, while also focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, housing, road infrastructure, and rural development.

A statement issued by his Special Adviser, Akange Nyagba, said party stakeholders and supporters at the Labour Party secretariat expressed confidence in Byuan’s ambition and assured him of their support.

Byuan had earlier sought the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, before later defecting to the Labour Party.

2027: Ex-APC guber aspirant, Byuan picks nomination forms in Labour Party, endorses Tinubu for president

Former England forward, Jay Bothroyd, has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League title.

The Gunners are two points clear of Manchester City with two fixtures left.

Bothroyd, speaking on Sky Sports, expects Mikel Arteta’s men to complete the job.

He however does not believe Arsenal will do the double, when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

“Premier League, yes. My percentage right now is 95%,” Bothroyd said.

“But the Champions League will be a tough one. If Arsenal play at their best, they will win the game.

“However, it is hard to look at PSG’s team as a whole, who got a clean sheet against Bayern Munich in the last game.

“When you look at Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Doue, the way they press, they can make you scared. Apart from the workrate, they also have the quality.

“That is why it’s hard for me to say Arsenal will win the Champions League.”

EPL: They are 95% to clinch it – Jay Bothroyd predicts title winners

Fuel prices have continued to put pressure on workers, business owners, students and commercial drivers across Nigeria.

The post Best strategies to save money on petrol for daily commuters appeared first on Tribune Online.