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Fake Drugs: We Won’t Bow To Pressure~ NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has affirmed its commitment to eliminating banned, counterfeit, unregistered, and harmful drugs in Nigeria, stating it will not succumb to any form of pressure in carrying out its mandate. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this statement during a press briefing in Lagos, in response to allegations that the agency compelled certain traders to pay ₦700,000 for a service they allegedly knew nothing about. She explained that NAFDAC's recent enforcement actions in open drug markets in Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha led to the seizure of harmful and banned drugs valued at over one trillion Naira. These operations, she emphasized, were aimed at protecting public health. According to Prof. Adeyeye, the fees levied on the traders were investigative charges, initially set at ₦5 million but reduced to ₦200,000 for selling unregistered drugs and to ₦500,000 (down from ₦2 million) for improper storage, following extensive consultations. She added that more than 2,500 traders operating in about 3,500 shops at the Ogbogwu market in Onitsha have since resumed business after paying the required charges and removing the non-compliant drugs from their shops. Prof. Adeyeye stressed that NAFDAC’s decision to seal shops and impose investigative charges was carried out in accordance with due process. “The charges are federal government gazetted charges and payments. “The agency will not cave in to pressure, and there will not be an unconstitutional opening of any shops that are yet to comply with NAFDAC directives. “We will not close our eyes to these evil acts that have killed thousands of innocent children and women who died due to fake and substandard medicines,” she said. Adeyeye said those spreading propaganda against the agency are done traders who brought banned narcotics to the country and are not ready to abide by the rules of the land.
5/30/2025, 6:46:30 PM
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Police Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers In Delta
Three suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during a gunfight with the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command. The police team, led by ASP Robinson Julius and deployed by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, was on a covert patrol along the Ughelli-Patani Road on Tuesday when they intercepted a shuttle bus at Ewhereni Junction. Upon sighting the officers, the suspects opened fire in a bid to escape, prompting a gun duel. Three suspects sustained severe gunshot injuries and later died in the hospital, while others managed to flee. An AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 live rounds was recovered from the scene. In a separate operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested several suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, recovering firearms and ammunition. On May 24, the team apprehended Ifeanyi Okolie, alias “Black Jesus,” for allegedly snatching motorcycles and valuables in Asaba and surrounding areas. He led officers to a hideout in the bush, where they recovered three homemade guns, four live rounds, and a suspected stolen motorcycle. Three others connected to the case were arrested: Ogochukwu Emmanuel, Joseph Egwu, and Yakubu Yusuf. Police also recovered a Beretta pistol from a suspect known as “NINO,” who is still at large. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, in a statement on Thursday, praised the CP-SAT team for their work. Abaniwonda said, “These significant successes demonstrate the command’s resolute commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing the safety and security of all residents across Delta State. “I commend the operatives for their exemplary professionalism and dedication in executing the recent operations.” The CP assured the public of continued vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious activities through the police control numbers.
5/30/2025, 5:20:44 PM
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Tinubu’s Intervention Saved Rivers From Anarchy~ Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters, the people of Rivers, and Nigerians at large to express gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his prompt intervention in averting anarchy amid the state's lingering political crisis. He noted that the peace and reconciliation efforts—essential steps toward restoring full executive and legislative functions—are already in progress. Governor Fubara, currently on suspension, assured that democracy and effective governance would soon be fully restored in the state, with both arms of government working in harmony for the benefit of the people. He made these remarks during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement, held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, as part of events marking his two-year anniversary in office. The statement was released by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to the press. Fubara stated, “I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the executive arm, but also the legislative arm. “And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.” While urging his supporters and the entire Rivers people to show unreserved appreciation to Mr President for his bold action to halt the degenerating political crisis in the State, he tasked them to totally subject themselves to the peace process to enable the State move forward. He said, “We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation and stabilise the polity and the state. If not for Mr. President, the story today would have been different. “I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, as well as the personalities across the country who moved in and appealed to him to intervene. “We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the state to move forward. It is not about you. The interest of the State is paramount.” He noted that but for the political situation, orchestrated by the crisis, the second year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by the administration in various sectors across the State, and assured that the government would bounce back stronger, more united and engineered to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people. The Governor explained that those expressing anger and grievances have the right to do so, but quickly added that the time has come for all to embrace peace, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness for the development and progress of the State. The governor pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasizing that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of the state. He expressed appreciation to Mr President for the steps he has taken as a father to restore peace, stability and good governance in the State, and assured reconciliation with the former Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, very soon. The governor disclosed that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence. He said: “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga”, in reference to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.” While acknowledging that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve, the governor promised to continue to show respect for the people of the state, who entrusted him with the mandate. “One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said, and thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.
5/30/2025, 7:13:28 AM
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Reps Give WAEC 24~Hour Ultimatum To Appear Over Ongoing Exams
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it on Friday, May 30, 2025, in response to concerns over the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, issued the directive on Thursday following WAEC’s failure to attend a previously scheduled meeting. Oforji stated that the Council was summoned to address numerous complaints and irregularities reported during the exams. In a statement, he noted that the Committee had initially invited WAEC on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to provide clarifications on disruptions affecting the examination process nationwide. Oforji expressed disappointment at WAEC’s absence from the Thursday, May 29 hearing, describing it as unacceptable in light of the growing public concern. “The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities. We’ve received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres across the country,” Oforji stated. “The House deemed it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. Ironically, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the exams. But that is precisely why we need them here.” Oforji emphasized that the Committee expects WAEC to appear without fail on Friday, warning that failure to do so would prompt the House to invoke its constitutional powers to compel compliance. “Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to seek answers that will calm public anxiety and ensure these challenges don’t recur. WAEC has conducted exams for decades, yet we have never experienced this level of disorganization,” he added. “Something is clearly wrong, and it must be addressed. WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions as provided by the Constitution.”
5/29/2025, 7:13:49 PM
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2nd Anniversary: Oborevwori's MORE agenda, A Visionary, Transformative Blueprint~ Oyimi William
Mr. William Oyimi has extended congratulations to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the administration marks its second anniversary in office. Oyimi praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, commending his dedication to governance and the delivery of meaningful dividends of democracy across Delta State. He described the Governor’s tenure so far as purposeful, people-centered, and anchored on the principles of inclusiveness and development. Oyimi also congratulated the Deputy Governor, Chief Monday Onyeme, acknowledging his loyal partnership and commitment to supporting the Governor in realising the administration's goals. He noted that Onyeme’s presence in the government has further strengthened teamwork and continuity in the delivery of good governance. Lauding the achievements of the Oborevwori administration, Oyimi singled out the MORE Agenda as a visionary and transformative blueprint. He noted that under it, numerous policies and projects have been implemented that are positively impacting the lives of ordinary Deltans. According to Oyimi, the Governor's development efforts are evident across all sectors, particularly in road infrastructure. He highlighted the administration’s quick interventions in constructing and rehabilitating roads as a major milestone, especially in rural areas where communities are now enjoying better connectivity to urban centers and government services. Offering prayers for continued success, Oyimi wished Governor Oborevwori a fruitful tenure and expressed hope for his re-election to continue in office until 2031.
5/29/2025, 3:18:23 PM
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Appeal Court Affirms Gov Okpebholo’s Election, As Ighodalo Head To S'Court
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State. A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice M. A. Danjuma, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, which challenged the outcome of the September 21, 2024 governorship election. In its ruling, the appellate court found no reason to overturn the May 15 judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier validated Governor Okpebholo’s election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). It will be recalled that the tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed petitions filed by the PDP and its candidate, the Action Alliance (AA) and its National Chairman Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, as well as the Accord Party (AP) and its candidate, Dr. Bright Enabulele. The tribunal concluded that there was no basis to nullify the APC’s victory. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo of the APC polled 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ighodalo of the PDP, who garnered 247,655 votes. Dissatisfied, the PDP and Ighodalo approached the tribunal, alleging that the election violated key provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. In their petition (EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024), they contended that Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that INEC failed to serialize and pre-record sensitive election materials, allegedly enabling rigging in favor of the APC. The PDP also alleged improper result computation in 765 polling units and called 19 witnesses, submitting exhibits including 153 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in 133 polling units. They claimed the results were manipulated at collation centers, resulting in over-voting in favor of the APC candidate. However, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to present credible evidence warranting the annulment of the election. It emphasized that the burden of proof lay with the petitioners, a burden they failed to discharge. The tribunal noted that the PDP merely submitted exhibits without effectively demonstrating them through competent witnesses. Many of the testimonies were deemed hearsay, as key witnesses such as polling unit agents, presiding officers, or actual voters were not presented. Citing Section 137 of the Electoral Act, the tribunal maintained that the petitioners were not barred from presenting such witnesses. It also rejected their claims regarding INEC’s handling of election materials under Section 73(2), ruling that no BVAS device was demonstrated to show that votes in disputed units exceeded accredited voters. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal upheld the tribunal's decision. Meanwhile, PDP candidate Asuerinme Ighodalo has vowed to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court.
5/29/2025, 2:07:51 PM
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Elon Musk To Exit US Govt Role After Rare Break With Trump
Billionaire Elon Musk announced Wednesday that he is stepping down from his role in the U.S. government, where he had been working to curb federal spending. His departure comes shortly after a major public disagreement with President Donald Trump over a key spending bill. “As my tenure as a Special Government Employee concludes, I want to thank President Trump for the opportunity to help reduce wasteful spending,” Musk wrote on his social media platform, X. He added, “The DOGE mission will only grow stronger over time, becoming a way of life across government.” The South African-born tech mogul had earlier criticized Trump’s bill, warning it would inflate the deficit and jeopardize the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already led to the dismissal of tens of thousands of federal employees. Musk — once a frequent ally seen often at Trump’s side — had gradually shifted focus to his private ventures, SpaceX and Tesla. He also expressed frustration that DOGE had become a “whipping boy” for dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies. In an interview with CBS News aired Tuesday evening, Musk said, “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, which, frankly, increases the budget deficit instead of reducing it — undermining the efforts of the DOGE team.” Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” which passed the House and is now heading to the Senate, combines sweeping tax relief with major spending cuts and is considered the cornerstone of his domestic agenda. However, critics argue that the bill could slash healthcare funding and add up to \$4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. “A bill can be big, or it can be beautiful. I’m not sure it can be both,” Musk quipped during the interview, which is set to air in full on Sunday. The White House has downplayed the fallout, avoiding direct reference to Musk. “The Big Beautiful Bill is NOT an annual budget bill,” Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller posted on X in response to Musk’s remarks. Miller also noted that any cuts under DOGE would require a separate legislative process targeting the federal bureaucracy, in accordance with Senate rules. Nonetheless, Musk’s remarks mark a notable break with President Trump — a leader he significantly backed, including as the top donor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
5/29/2025, 2:03:30 PM
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2nd Year Anniversary: Keyness Oromoni Applauds Governor Oborevwori's Initiatives
Hon. Keyness Oromoni, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Oil and Gas, has joined numerous well-wishers in congratulating Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his second anniversary in office. In a statement on Thursday, Oromoni commended Oborevwori for his leadership, especially in the oil and gas sector. He highlighted the governor’s hands-on approach and consistent engagement with industry stakeholders, noting that such proactive involvement has not only strengthened the state’s economy but is also contributing meaningfully to the broader national economic landscape. According to Oromoni, Governor Oborevwori’s administration has demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex dynamics of the oil and gas industry, ensuring that the state's resources are managed transparently and effectively. He emphasised that the governor’s efforts have attracted increased investor confidence and improved revenue generation for the state. Oromoni also lauded the governor’s efforts in promoting peace and security across Delta State. He said Oborevwori’s intervention in conflict-prone communities and his support for dialogue and inclusive governance have helped to foster a stable and peaceful environment for development to thrive. Oromoni concluded by praying for divine wisdom and strength for the governor as he continues to lead the state through the remaining two years of his first tenure.
5/29/2025, 1:07:25 PM
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