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The City Boy Movement has reacted to the backlash that greeted the presence of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, at the inauguration of its Lagos State chapter on Tuesday.

DAILY POST reports that a video circulating on social media sparked widespread reactions after it showed the CP attending the inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s Lagos State Chapter Executive Committee.

The footage, which went viral on Wednesday, captured the CP arriving at the event venue in Ikeja.

In the video, the Lagos Police boss was seen exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries attending the inauguration and walking through the gathering alongside other attendees and security personnel.

The development raised concerns over the CP’s alleged involvement in partisan politics, especially as the 2027 general elections draw near.

Reacting, the City Boy Movement, in a statement by its National Director, Media Monitoring & Rapid Response, Bashir Ahmad, said the “mere presence of the Commissioner of Police at a public event should not, without more, be interpreted as political endorsement, partisan participation or institutional alignment with the organisers of that event.”

According to Bashir, “Public officers, particularly those charged with maintaining law and order, regularly attend or deploy personnel to public gatherings in the discharge of their official responsibilities. Such responsibilities extend to political, civic, religious, professional, educational and community events where security considerations require their presence or supervision.

“Their attendance at such events, standing alone, does not constitute support for, affiliation with or endorsement of any organisation or cause.

“The constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force include the preservation of public peace, the protection of lives and property, the prevention and detection of crime, and the maintenance of law and order during lawful public assemblies.

“These responsibilities are owed equally to all persons and organisations without discrimination and should not be misconstrued as evidence of institutional bias or political preference.

“Accordingly, it is neither fair nor accurate to infer, solely from the Commissioner’s attendance, that the Nigeria Police Force has taken a partisan position or abandoned its obligation of professional neutrality. Public institutions should be assessed on the basis of objective facts rather than conjecture or speculation.

“The City Boy Movement respects the constitutional role and institutional independence of all security agencies. We neither seek nor expect preferential treatment from any agency of government.

“Like every law-abiding organisation, we expect only that our lawful activities will continue to enjoy the protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other applicable laws.”

City Boy Movement opens up on presence of Commissioner of Police at its inauguration in Lagos

Paul Okoye, one-half of the defunct Nigerian Afrobeats duo P-Square, has distanced himself from his twin brother, Peter Okoye’s, “who Naija language help?” controversy.

Recall that Peter Okoye made the statement, “Who Naija language help? Make I hear word abeg,” on X while responding to a fan who asked if his children are fluent in Igbo, his native language.

The fan asked the question after Peter Okoye wrote: “Still in Paris! Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think maybe it is time to own a crib here in Paris.”

His statement about Nigerian languages, however, earned backlash on social media, with many rebuking him for making the comment despite infusing Nigerian languages into most of his songs and profiting from their commercial appeal.

Speaking amid the controversy, Peter Okoye’s twin brother, singer Rudeboy, distanced himself from him, stating that he is nobody without Nigeria’s languages and culture.

He wrote on X: “100% proudly Igbo. 100% proudly Nigerian. I’m a ‘nobody’, I repeat!! A nobody!!, without the culture, native language. 100% proudly Nigerian. 100% proudly Igbo.”

‘I’m nobody without it’ – Rudeboy distances self from Peter Okoye’s ‘who Naija language help’ controversy

Popular Nigerian skit maker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, has explained why he is no longer frequently seen with actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele

The post Why I’m no longer seen with Funke Akindele — Kamo appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Anambra State Government says it will embark on structural integrity tests on all commercial buildings within Oko and Amaokpala to ascertain their safety and durability.

This follows the collapse of a three-storey building in Amaokpala, as well as other similar incidents recorded within Orumba North Local Government Area.

In a public statement signed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Chijioke Ojukwu, the ministry expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and prayed for the full and speedy recovery of the injured persons who were rescued and are receiving medical care.

Mr. Ojukwu stated that the site of the collapsed structure had been sealed pending a full and thorough investigation, adding that the government would not relent in ensuring the prosecution of those whose negligence led to the incident.

He said preliminary assessments point to structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse, insisting that this was a fact known to the owners and management of the building, yet they placed monetary gain above the safety of the occupants.

The commissioner disclosed that a comprehensive technical investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collapse.

He added that the state government has received actionable intelligence regarding other potentially distressed buildings in the same area.

Accordingly, the ministry will conduct a compulsory review and structural integrity tests on all buildings within the vicinity of the collapsed building.

Mr. Ojukwu announced that the state government would take decisive steps, including the revocation of the right of occupancy of the parcel of land on which the building stands and the prosecution of anyone whose action or inaction may have contributed to the unfortunate incident.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the strict enforcement of physical planning regulations, building codes and safety standards across Anambra State.

The commissioner said the ministry would continue to work closely with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies.

Property owners, developers and landlords have been reminded of their legal and moral responsibility to ensure that all buildings comply with approved plans, structural standards and safety regulations.

Mr. Ojukwu warned that the government would not hesitate to take firm action against any person or entity found to have compromised building safety through negligence, substandard construction or non-compliance with planning laws.

Members of the public have been urged to remain calm, avoid the sealed site and refrain from spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing operations or cause unnecessary distress.

Anambra govt to examine students hostels in Oko, vows to prosecute owner of collapsed building

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested seven suspected cultists and recovered ammunition.

The suspects are Promise Esenjor, 26, of Abavo; Wisdom Victor, 23, of Umunede; James Wisdom, 25, of Agbor; Chinedu Munonye, 22, of Issele-Uku; Onyemakonor Collins, 20, of Agbor; Unah Oluchi, 21, of Agbor; and Azomani Favour, 23, of Issele-Uku.

On 27 July 2026, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout in Issele-Uku and arrested the suspects.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edafe Bright, confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Maphite Confraternity.

“One double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, one cutlass, one Maphite cult beret, seven Android phones and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from their hideout.”

He said that while the investigation was ongoing, operatives of Abraka Division, in a separate operation on 27 July 2026, acting on credible intelligence, foiled a planned gathering of suspected criminals along Omono Road, Abraka.

“While other suspects fled on sighting the police, one Wale Morakinyo, 27, was arrested.

“A search of a bag in his possession led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges.

“The suspect is in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reassured all Deltans of the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against cultism and other violent crimes.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to keep Delta State safe.

Delta: Police arrest seven suspected cultists, recover double-barrel gun, other weapons

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has charged Nigeria and the entire African continent to be deliberate in adding value to the continent’s huge mineral resources before export. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the 7th African Emerging Markets Forum hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the […]

The post WTO DG charges Nigeria, African countries on value addition export appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested several suspects, including the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, following an operation linked to an alleged vote-buying investigation in Osogbo.

This revelation was contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, on Wednesday.

The statement said the arrest was carried out during an operation in which officers also recovered millions of naira, electoral materials and other exhibits.

According to the statement, “the operation was carried out after the command received credible and actionable intelligence that a criminal gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.”

The police said “the operation targeted a residential property linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), where officers were searching for a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as ‘Ashipa’, who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder.

“During the operation, police officers recovered a cash sum of N4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

“The command stated that all recovered items had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.”

The command confirmed “the arrest of Teslim Igbalaye, 57, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60, Oladele Abiodun, 38, Adeyemo Lukman, 45, Olaoye Muftau, 50, and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The suspects were found within the premises during the operation and had been taken into lawful custody.”

Police said the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities, prompting investigators to broaden the scope of their enquiries.

“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the statement said.

The command disclosed that investigators were examining possible offences under the Electoral Act 2022, including the alleged bribery of voters through the distribution of money or inducements intended to influence voting decisions.

It added that investigators were also considering allegations of criminal conspiracy and the possible harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect.

The police stated that additional offences could emerge as investigations progress, depending on the outcome of forensic examinations and evidence gathered during the inquiry.

“The Osun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process,” the statement added.

The command assured residents that investigations were being intensified to identify everyone connected with the recovered exhibits, determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and establish the full extent of any alleged criminal enterprise.

“I wish to assure the good people of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws,” CP Gotan said.

BREAKING: Police arrest Osun SSG, others over alleged vote buying 

Ahead of the commencement of its new regional services to Bamako, Conakry, Douala and Libreville on

The post Air Peace hosts travel agents ahead of new regional services appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has warned that beneficiary institutions with delayed intervention projects will not be considered for new projects in the 2027 allocation cycle.

The Chairman of the Board, Aminu Masari, gave the warning while announcing measures to address the persistent delays in the completion of TETFund-sponsored projects across tertiary institutions in the country.

Masari noted that the Board had identified several reasons for the unacceptable delays, including volatility in the prices of key building materials such as cement, reinforcement bars, and sanitary and electrical fittings.

He said it was in response to this challenge that the Board introduced a dedicated intervention line in 2023 specifically to support the completion of affected projects.

A recent review, according to him, confirmed that the initiative yielded positive results, with many of the affected projects now completed following the intervention.

However, the BOT Chairman expressed concern over the continued failure by some institutions to adhere to stipulated timelines for project delivery.

He attributed the recurring problem largely to lack of continuity in project implementation by heads of beneficiary institutions who prefer to abandon ongoing projects to start new ones, as well as delays in the processing of payments to contractors handling the projects.

The Board also warned that TETFund-sponsored projects will no longer be subjected to internal bureaucracy and politics within beneficiary institutions, stressing that such practices have continued to negatively impact project delivery.

To provide a lasting solution, the Board approved new measures for immediate implementation.

“All beneficiary institutions are to compile a comprehensive list of all projects that have exceeded their planned completion period by more than six months, indicating the causes of the delay and proffering remedies. The affected projects are to be ranked in order of relevance and priority, with detailed costing for their completion.

“In addition, institutions have been directed to put in place a robust and effective supervision team with the active participation of their Physical Planning and Maintenance Departments to ensure effective delivery of projects in terms of time, cost and quality standard,” he said.

The Board further directed that institutions with delayed projects must prioritize the completion of such projects under their Annual, Zonal and High Impact Intervention lines.

“Accordingly, no new projects will be admitted from the identified beneficiary institutions for the 2027 Intervention cycle,” Masari noted.

A statement signed by the Fund’s Director, Public Affairs Abdulmumin Oniyangi, disclosed that to enforce compliance, monitoring teams comprising members of the Board of Trustees and technical staff of the Fund will carry out on-the-spot assessment of the affected projects and examine proposals submitted by the institutions on plans for their completion.

The statement noted that the monitoring exercise is scheduled to hold within the months of August and September 2026, ahead of the October 2026 statutory meeting of the Board for the consideration of projects to be admitted into the 2027 disbursement guidelines.

TETFund Bars Institutions With Abandoned Projects From 2027 Funding is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections will not slow the execution of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, insisting that his administration’s performance remains its strongest campaign message.

Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting major road projects in the capital, Wike said the FCT Administration would remain focused on delivering infrastructure rather than engaging in political rhetoric.

“We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done,” he said.

The minister said governance and politics would not clash under his leadership, arguing that completed and ongoing projects across the FCT speak louder than campaign promises.

“All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made promises and kept them. People want to see your report card, not empty rhetoric. As far as the FCT is concerned, we have shown our report card, and we have no problem winning any election whenever INEC fixes it,” he added.

Wike spoke after inspecting the construction of Arterial Road N16 from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, linking Jahi, Gwarimpa and Karsana, being executed by CBC Global, as well as the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki-Zuba Road connecting the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Expressing satisfaction with progress on the Arterial Road N16 project, Wike said the contractor had assured the FCT Administration that the road would be completed by January.

“The road is very critical. If they deliver it by January as promised, I will be highly impressed. On our part, we will ensure adequate funding because once this road is completed, the entire Gwarimpa axis will be opened up,” he said.

On the Tunga Madaki-Zuba Road, the minister commended CCECC for maintaining its record of timely project delivery, disclosing that the company had pledged to complete the project by December.

“I’m very impressed with what they are doing. The promises we made during the flag-off and commissioning of these projects are likely to be fulfilled. Despite the rains slowing earthworks, they have concentrated on drainage construction, which is progressing well,” he said.

Wike also disclosed that he had approved the relocation of electricity poles along the road corridor to pave the way for the installation of streetlights.

He praised Chinese construction firms handling major projects in the FCT for commencing work without waiting for mobilisation payments, saying the confidence stemmed from the administration’s record of meeting its contractual obligations.

“What gives us happiness with these companies, particularly the Chinese companies, is that they don’t wait for mobilisation before starting work. They know the government will pay, and funding has not been a problem. As soon as I return to the office, I will ensure that funds are made available so we can achieve what we have promised,” he said.

The minister urged the contractors to maintain the quality and pace of work, while reaffirming the FCT Administration’s commitment to providing adequate funding to ensure projects are completed on schedule.

2027 Won’t Distract FCT Projects, Wike Says is first published on The Whistler Newspaper