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The Taraba State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Moses Maihankali, has dismissed allegations of mismanagement of community development funds, describing them as misleading and politically motivated.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Maihankali said the claims, which surfaced on social media, would ordinarily not warrant a response but for the need to ensure transparency and accountability to the public.

He maintained that funds allocated for community development were judiciously utilised in line with directives from Agbu Kefas, adding that projects executed under the intervention are visible across the local government area.

Maihankali, who also doubles as the Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, alleged that the individual behind the viral publication is politically affiliated and acting in the interest of opponents unsettled by his growing support base, particularly his reported ambition to represent Kurmi, Gashaka and Sardauna Federal Constituency.

He described the allegations as attempts at misinformation and character assassination, warning that such claims could erode public trust and mislead residents.

The council chairman reaffirmed his commitment to delivering people-oriented projects with integrity and said he would not be distracted by what he termed “blackmail or propaganda.”

He also urged members of the public to disregard the social media claims and rely on verified information from official sources.

Taraba ALGON chairman denies claims of misused community fund

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: A coalition of senior stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State has endorsed former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, as its preferred candidate for the vacant deputy governorship seat, following a late-night meeting that stretched from Saturday into the early hours of Sunday.

Vanguard gathered that Garo secured approximately 90 percent of endorsements from attendees, with support drawn heavily from the party’s old bloc.

Two other names – Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum – were submitted alongside his, but deliberations reportedly tilted in his favour.

Former House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa was said to have led the push, urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to select Garo for the role.

“Doguwa told the stakeholders that Garo is the most suitable candidate and that he has remained consistent, patient and loyal. Je told them that this is the kind of support the governor needs at a critical time,” said a senior party official who was privy to the meeting.

Those endorsing Garo include former Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Senator Garba Lado, Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Mahmood Bunkure, former House of Assembly Speaker Hamisu Chidari and APC stalwart AA Zaura, among others.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo. Governor Yusuf has been consulting key party blocs ahead of a nomination.

Garo previously served as PDP Organizing Secretary in 2007, as Special Adviser under former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as ALGON chairman, and as a two-term Commissioner. He was the APC deputy governorship candidate in 2023 and currently holds no public office.

The post APC stakeholders close ranks, back Garo for Kano deputy gov appeared first on Vanguard News.

Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Party, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, airstrike on Jilli Market, which reportedly claimed the lives of innocent traders, describing the incident as a “devastating failure” that should outrage all Nigerians.

DAILY POST reported that at least 56 people, mostly traders, were killed after a military airstrike hit a busy weekly market along the Borno, Yobe border.

The incident happened on Saturday at Jilli, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State. Four fighter jets were said to have been involved in the operation, which was reportedly aimed at suspected Boko Haram fighters

Reacting to the development in a statement posted via his X handle on Sunday, Atiku lamented that while security forces are targeting insurgents, civilians are once again caught in the crossfire and reduced to collateral damage.

“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage.

“How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them? Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen.

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen. That is the ultimate essence of National Security,” Atiku said.

Devastating failure – Atiku condemns NAF airstrike at Jilli market

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja.

In a post on X on Sunday, Fayose claimed that the alleged move would begin with official queries against the monarch over his absence at a recent coronation ceremony.

“I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja. The plot is to commence this week, with Government Query to be issued against the Olubadan, citing his absence at the failed coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland two weeks ago, and other allegations,” Fayose wrote.

Describing the governor as a ‘sigidi’, a statuette, Fayose said he would continue watch his ignominious machinations.

“As for us, we will be watching the Sìgìdì of Seyi Makinde tó fẹ́ se eré ẹ̀tẹ́,” he added.

The allegation comes amid recent speculation about a possible disagreement between the monarch and the state government.

Recently, the Olubadan Palace dismissed claims of any rift between the traditional ruler and the governor, describing such reports as unfounded.

In a statement, the palace said, “We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and Olori omo oba of Ibadanland.”

It also addressed reports regarding the monarch’s absence at the coronation event, clarifying that the Olubadan did not deliberately avoid the ceremony.

“In addition, the Olubadan did not travel out of Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony. Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan,” the statement added.

The palace urged the public to disregard unverified claims and rely on official sources for accurate information.

The post Seyi Makinde is plotting to remove Olubadan – Fayose alleges appeared first on Vanguard News.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for justice and accountability following an airstrike on Jilli Market along the Yobe-Borno border that reportedly killed over 50 innocent traders.

Atiku on Sunday a few hours after the reported killings described the incident as “not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” stressing that the loss of civilian lives during military operations is unacceptable.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?” he queried.

The former presidential candidate drew a comparison with international standards, highlighting the premium placed on human life in other countries. “Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen,” he said.

He urged Nigerian authorities to reflect deeply on the incident and take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence. “Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action,” Atiku added.

Extending his condolences, he said, “My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizens. That is the ultimate essence of national security.”

Atiku Demands Justice For 50 Killed In Yobe-Borno Airstrike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened China with “staggering” new tariffs on its goods entering the United States if Beijing provides military assistance to Iran during the Middle East war.

“If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff, which is a staggering — that’s a staggering amount,” Trump told Fox News show “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo.”

The US leader is scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, after delaying an earlier summit because of the war against Iran.

The post Trump threatens China with 50% tariff if it helps Iran appeared first on Vanguard News.

One week after kidnappers overran their community, 37 abducted residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State are still in captivity.

DAILY POST recalls that on Sunday, April 5, 2026, during Easter celebrations, bandits invaded two churches in Ariko community, killed five worshippers, and abducted 37 others.

A Facebook user, Mr Reuben Buhari, former Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, wrote on his verified Facebook page on Sunday: “Today marks seven days since 37 people were kidnapped from their church in Ariko, Kachia LGA, on Easter Sunday; 37 of our people, mostly women and children, went to church wearing their Sunday best, preparing to finish church and rush home to eat the special food cooked for Easter, but ended up being kidnapped from inside their church, and are now sleeping in the bush, hungry, scared, and depressed.

“They are Gloria Hosea, Fibi Ezekiel, Ladi Aminu, Ladi Danlami, Lami Audu, Ahmadu Dandoka, Sunday Alhaji, Helen Waziri, Jummai Jacob, Tanimu Atete, Dandy Shehu, Stephen Dandy, Victoria Simeon, Toma Simeon, Akwa Simeon, Blessing Simeon, Lami Tanko, Alice Tanko, Lewis Ezekiel, Edward Ezekiel, Elisheba Ezekiel, Mary Sunday, Alheri Bitrus, Hadeza Garba, Rahab Ibrahim, Juliet Ibrahim, Anna Bako, Geoffrey Jacob, Mamah Sunday, Lami Bahago, Dorcas Simeon, Joy Irimiya, Frances Tanko, Doka Auta, Joy Simeon, Faith Sunday, and Abigail Sunday.

“Please pray for them and for others kidnapped from other communities in Kachia LGA.”

37 remain in captivity after Kaduna church attack

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the United States Navy to begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following a breakdown in talks with Iran over its nuclear programme.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Trump said negotiations had made progress on several issues but failed to resolve what he described as the “only point that really mattered” — Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Effective immediately, the United States Navy… will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump declared, describing the move as a response to what he called “world extortion.”

The U.S. president accused Iran of creating uncertainty in the vital oil transit route by suggesting that naval mines may have been deployed in the waters, a claim he said was being used to intimidate global shipping.

Trump further disclosed that U.S. forces had been instructed to interdict vessels in international waters suspected of paying tolls to Iran for safe passage, warning that such ships would not be guaranteed protection.

“No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he said, adding that American forces would also begin clearing mines allegedly placed in the strait.

The statement also carried a stark military warning, with Trump threatening decisive retaliation against any Iranian action targeting U.S. forces or commercial vessels.

“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be blown to hell,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategically critical passage linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, handles a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments.

Any disruption to traffic through the waterway is expected to have immediate implications for global energy prices and international trade.

Trump indicated that other countries would be involved in enforcing the blockade, although he did not name them.

He maintained that the U.S. would not allow Iran to benefit from what he described as an “illegal act of extortion.”

Iranian authorities have yet to issue an official response to the announcement as of the time of filing this report.

The escalation marks a significant heightening of tensions in the region, raising concerns among global powers about the risk of a broader military confrontation and its potential impact on already fragile geopolitical stability.

Heartland head coach Emmanuel Amuneke, has reacted on his team’s failure to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Amuneke said that they will reflect on their performance in the season and build on the successes for the next campaign.

Heartland beat Crown FC 1-0 in the final game of the 2025-26 NNL season.

The Naze Millionaires recorded 27 points from 16 matches.

“We will go back and reflect on our performance throughout the season before we can move forward,” Amuneke told Puyaka.

“We will continue to rely on the process in other to achieve our objectives in the future.”

NNL: Amuneke reflects on Heartland’s failed promotion bid

The United States has commended the Nigerian government for expediting terrorism-related trials, following the conviction of hundreds of suspects in a special court process in Abuja.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, praised the development, describing it as a significant step toward justice and accountability.

“The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes,” the statement read.

“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice.”

The U.S. official emphasised the importance of efficient and transparent judicial processes in tackling insecurity and strengthening public confidence in the legal system.

“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions,” the statement added.

“Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country.”

The commendation follows remarks by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who disclosed on Friday that 386 terrorism suspects were convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja during a four-day mass trial.

According to Fagbemi, the convicts were among 508 defendants prosecuted by his office, representing a conviction rate of about two-thirds.

The trials were conducted as part of efforts by the federal government to address the backlog of terrorism cases and accelerate justice delivery in matters relating to national security.

The post Terrorism: US commends FG over convictions of 386 Islamist militants appeared first on Vanguard News.