President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has successfully reconciled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with the previously suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside the members of the State House of Assembly. According to a report by LMSINT MEDIA, this remarkable resolution followed a crucial meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja late into the night. The President convened this high-level dialogue with the feuding stakeholders to address the prolonged political rift threatening the stability of Rivers State. This presidential intervention was preceded by an earlier gathering involving Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, and the legislators themselves, demonstrating efforts on multiple fronts to de-escalate tensions. The breakthrough in these peace talks was publicly confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. In a post made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Onanuga praised the President for his unwavering commitment to restoring calm and political stability in Rivers State. Onanuga shared: “Rivers’ peace talks in pictures: President Tinubu has demonstrated once again that he wants peace for Rivers State. Just as he brought together the political gladiators to sign a peace deal in December 2023, he repeated the same on Thursday night, three months after he imposed the March 18 state of emergency. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and House Speaker Martins Chike Amaewhule all took part in the peace talks at the Villa.” Insiders who spoke with LMSINT MEDIA before the official statement hinted that the meeting with the President was essentially to brief him that their political disagreements had been resolved and a working arrangement restored. According to a reliable source present at the Villa, “from the body language after the meeting with the President, I can tell you that they (Wike, Fubara, and the Lawmakers) have resolved their differences.” It is worth recalling that the face-off between Wike and Fubara had earlier plunged Rivers State into a deep crisis over questions of political power and the control of the state’s governance machinery. In reaction to the worsening instability, President Tinubu on March 18 had declared a state of emergency across Rivers State, citing threats to the safety of lives and property. That emergency move included suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the entire elected membership of the State House of Assembly. To maintain governance in the interim, President Tinubu had further appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as an Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state until normalcy could be restored. With this latest peace deal brokered directly by the President himself, observers are hopeful that a new chapter of stability and cooperation will unfold for Rivers State in the coming weeks.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 fixtures have now been fully confirmed as the global tournament enters its knockout phase. Football fans across the world eagerly await these thrilling encounters as the 16 teams left in the competition battle for the prestigious Club World Cup trophy. This finalization came after the concluding matches of Group H, played during the early hours of Friday. The standout result from those fixtures was Real Madrid’s commanding 3-0 victory over Salzburg. The Spanish giants sealed the win through impressive goals from Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia, ensuring they topped their group in style. With that triumph, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid secured first place in Group H and earned a mouthwatering Round of 16 tie against Juventus, setting the stage for a European heavyweight clash. Elsewhere in Group H, Al Hilal emerged victorious against Pachuca, clinching a 2-1 win. Their reward is a high-stakes showdown with Manchester City, a fixture that promises top-class football and tactical battles. Several other Round of 16 matches had been confirmed before the final group games: These fixtures are set to provide football fans with plenty of excitement as the 2025 Club World Cup knockout rounds begin.
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Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has showered praise on both Arda Güler and Fede Valverde following their impressive showing during the FIFA Club World Cup final group stage clash against RB Salzburg, which took place in the early hours of Friday. According to Alonso, the pair played a crucial role in providing Los Blancos with essential midfield control, particularly during the opening forty-five minutes of the match against the Austrian side. The encounter saw Real Madrid record a convincing 3-0 win, with goals coming from Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia, securing a comfortable result over Salzburg. After the game, Alonso addressed reporters in his post-match interview, as quoted by Madrid Zone. The coach highlighted the contributions of both Güler and Valverde, acknowledging how their performances enhanced the collective rhythm and stability of the team. “Arda Güler and Fede gave us very good control in the first half,” Alonso remarked. He went further to note, “These are various options that strengthen our collective quality. As the team’s quality continues to rise, all of our players will continue to benefit from it.” The impressive result means Real Madrid now lead Group H, sitting at the top of the table with seven points collected from their three group-stage fixtures so far. Looking ahead, Real Madrid will take on Juventus in the highly anticipated Round of 16 showdown scheduled for Tuesday, where they will hope to build upon their strong group-stage performances and push further in the competition.
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Chelsea are reportedly preparing to part ways with up to 10 players during the upcoming summer transfer window, including Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku, according to details from The Athletic. The report indicates that the Blues could also show the exit door to Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Renato Veiga. All these players may find themselves surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to reshape their squad. Sources close to the club suggest that Chelsea have set ambitious targets for the summer, and offloading this group of players would generate the financial resources needed to accomplish those objectives. In preparation for the new season, Chelsea have already completed some incoming transfers, notably securing the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. Delap, who arrived for a reported €35.5 million fee, could push Nicolas Jackson further down the pecking order and force him to consider a move elsewhere. Additionally, the club is reportedly keen on signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who may serve as a direct replacement for Noni Madueke in the event of his departure. Players including Sterling, Petrovic, Disasi, Chilwell, Veiga, Broja, and Carney Chukwuemeka — many of whom spent the previous season on loan at different European clubs — are also expected to be sold permanently to balance the squad. Chelsea believe that finalizing these player exits will not only allow them to fund their transfer ambitions but also help maintain a more streamlined and competitive roster ahead of what promises to be a busy new season at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, whether the departures of Jackson, Madueke, and Nkunku actually materialize will ultimately depend on the types of offers that potential buyers are willing to put on the table.
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Serie A powerhouse AC Milan are reportedly preparing an ambitious move to secure the services of talented KRC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. Following what many considered a disappointing performance in the previous campaign, the Rossoneri are eager to overhaul their squad and restore their competitive edge in Italy and Europe. The Milan-based club, which has welcomed new head coach Massimiliano Allegri to the dugout, is determined to reinforce their attacking options. Allegri is known for reshaping underperforming squads, and this recruitment strategy fits his tactical approach. According to a report published by Italian outlet Football Tuttosport, Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, is actively working on offloading Belgium international Divock Origi as part of a reshuffle in the forward line. Tare’s plan involves creating space for Arokodare to join the squad at San Siro, potentially giving the team a much-needed boost in attack. Arokodare, who is 24 years old, had an impressive showing in the Belgian Pro League last season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with a remarkable tally of 23 goals, complemented by seven assists. His clinical finishing, physical presence, and ability to link up play have drawn attention across Europe, putting him on the radar of several elite clubs. The Nigerian international has been strongly linked with other top-tier European sides, including Bundesliga powerhouses Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, as well as Premier League giants Manchester United. These links underline just how highly rated Arokodare has become since bursting onto the scene. The striker initially arrived at KRC Genk from French Ligue 2 club Amiens SC in January 2023 for a transfer fee reported to be around €5 million. Since then, his consistent goalscoring performances have dramatically raised his stock, making him a sought-after talent as the summer transfer window approaches. If AC Milan can successfully bring Arokodare to San Siro, it would represent a significant statement of intent from the club’s new technical leadership under Allegri and Tare. With multiple European giants monitoring the Nigerian’s progress, Milan will likely need to move quickly to finalise a deal before rival suitors make their own offers. For AC Milan supporters eager for a fresh start after a frustrating season, the arrival of a dynamic and prolific striker like Tolu Arokodare could be a major step toward a more successful campaign. Fans will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see if the Rossoneri can pull off what could prove to be one of the most exciting deals of the summer.
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Ezenwa Nwagu, who serves as Executive Director at the Peering Advocacy and Advisory Centre in Africa, has voiced serious concerns about the credibility of many of the 110 associations currently applying for political party registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He described most of these groups as “jokers,” highlighting that a significant number among them even listed addresses located in cemeteries. Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, had revealed during the Commission’s second quarterly meeting with the media on Wednesday that as of Monday, June 23, 2025, the Commission had officially received letters of intent from 110 different associations interested in attaining recognition as political parties. In a discussion with Arise News, Nwagu explained that there are firm conditions that must be fulfilled before such registrations can proceed, stressing that many of these associations completely lack even the basic organizational structures required. According to him, a disturbing number of these groups do not have acronyms, lack any substantive chairman, and are operating from fictitious or non-existent addresses. He emphasized: “While it is indeed within the democratic rights of people to associate, assemble, and aspire to become political parties, it cannot be treated as an all-comers’ game.” He continued by outlining that there are established hurdles enshrined in INEC’s party registration guidelines. These requirements, he noted, are crucial filters for ensuring that only serious and organized political bodies make it onto the ballot. Nwagu stated: “As the registrar of political parties, INEC has provided explicit guidelines that must be met before any association can transform into a recognized political party. When you examine these 110 applications, it becomes quite evident that the majority are not serious contenders at all.” He elaborated that the conditions are crystal clear, stating: “Firstly, an association must have a valid constitution. Secondly, it needs to have a functioning chairman and a working secretary. Thirdly, it must possess a physical address, which must also be properly declared in the application.” Yet upon reviewing the list released by INEC, he discovered that most of these organizations lacked acronyms, had no legitimate chairman, no valid addresses, and in several cases, the addresses they did provide turned out to be nonexistent. “I took my time to scrutinize those 110 applications, and I can tell you confidently that many of them are purely jokers,” he stressed. Nwagu further revealed that in some situations, lawyers applied on behalf of the associations, ignoring the requirement that a protem chairman and protem secretary should personally sign and submit the application. He went on to explain the next stages of the registration process: once the application is submitted, INEC will review and vet the details, similar to what happens at the Corporate Affairs Commission with company names. If the name checks out, the applicant is then asked to pay an administrative fee to INEC. Upon payment of this administrative fee, Nwagu explained that the INEC Chairman will issue a unique code to the applicant. This code allows access to an online platform where further details must be completed, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, as well as a list of members with their contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses. If the administrative fee is not paid, the application is immediately terminated. Nwagu recalled that in previous exercises, around 70 associations had even listed addresses situated inside cemeteries, describing it as utterly ridiculous and laughable.
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In a significant political development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, appear to have resolved their prolonged political differences following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday. According to reliable information obtained by LMSINT MEDIA on Thursday, President Tinubu hosted Wike, Governor Fubara, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, along with other key lawmakers from the Assembly, at the Presidential Villa late on Thursday night. However, as at the time of preparing this report, comprehensive details of what transpired during the high-level peace meeting remained unclear. Earlier reports from LMSINT MEDIA revealed that Governor Fubara had separately engaged in a discussion with Speaker Amaewhule in Abuja earlier on Thursday, which hinted at ongoing reconciliation efforts. This recent meeting with the President is seen as a strong indication that the political feud between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara may finally be drawing to a close. It should be recalled that some months ago, President Tinubu had imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State due to escalating political instability, and had consequently suspended Governor Fubara together with other elected public officials in the state. Political observers view this latest round of talks as a critical intervention aimed at restoring stability and harmony within the Rivers State political structure, which has been deeply fractured over recent months.
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Mr. Biodun Otunola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Planet Project Ltd, has confirmed that both the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals have been purposefully constructed to process over 10,000 passengers each day. Otunola made this known in Abuja on Thursday, while speaking during the commissioning of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which formed part of the celebrations marking the president’s second year in office. He explained that each of these terminals has been designed to handle daily movements of more than 120 buses and taxis, servicing both intra-city and inter-city routes. According to him, the terminal currently under construction at the Central Business District has a distinct structural plan because it will cater exclusively to intra-city transit services. “We can easily accommodate 120 buses within this facility, and it has been structured to conveniently process as many as 10,000 passengers on a daily basis,” Otunola explained. He further clarified that the same model is being implemented at the Mabushi terminal, noting that the concept is identical, except for the terminal at the Central Business District (CBD), which has been designed differently. Otunola emphasized that the facilities, once fully operational, would significantly improve employment opportunities in the area. He highlighted that each terminal would engage no fewer than 100 people across diverse operational areas, including the security department, ticketing department, facility management, electrical and mechanical teams, maintenance staff, the control room, and bus coordination. “It is really a huge venture, comparable to operating a mini airport,” Otunola remarked. He described the newly completed infrastructure as a “transport hub for the general public,” built to meet international standards. Otunola proudly pointed out that the terminals are equipped with state-of-the-art features, including a fully functioning air-conditioning system, loading bays, an eatery, a cinema, and standard public conveniences. “In addition, we have escalators, lifts, and a modern ticketing area. Therefore, the stressful travel experience is now a thing of the past,” he assured. He added that with these improvements, people can travel with more confidence, free from anxiety, and within a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. Otunola commended President Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for granting Planet Project Ltd, a local Nigerian contractor, the platform to demonstrate its ability to deliver world-class bus terminal projects for FCT residents. “This is certainly not the first project we have executed, but being the pioneers of this concept within the FCT is a major milestone for us. “We sincerely thank President Tinubu for giving us this opportunity, and also Minister Wike. If they did not have confidence in our capacity, they would not have tried us and these results would not have been possible,” he stated. Otunola also praised the FCT Minister for transferring the management of the terminals to the private sector. He observed that, following a thorough needs assessment, Abuja would require at least 12 modern bus and taxi terminals to effectively cover the major districts and suburbs. “We will need one each in Gwagwalada, Kuje, Gwarinpa, Lugbe, and strategic zones within the city such as Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse, and other important hubs,” he mentioned. During the same event, President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, emphasized that these terminals would also encourage trade, improve commuter safety and comfort, and bring more orderliness to Abuja’s transportation network. In a related statement, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised the president for his unwavering support of the FCT’s infrastructural renewal drive, including the transformation of public transportation through projects like these bus and taxi terminals. He said the new system will protect commuters from falling prey to criminals running the so-called “one chance” operations, because they will no longer be forced to wait by the roadside to board vehicles.
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Aliyu Audu, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has expressed strong disappointment over his inability to gain audience with the President throughout his time in office. The former SSA on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu, revealed that despite serving for nearly two years in the administration as one of the president’s spokesmen, he was never granted a personal meeting with Tinubu. Recently, Audu stepped down from his role, officially resigning a few weeks ago. He criticized President Tinubu for choosing to meet with popular Nigerian musician David Adeleke, professionally known as Davido, and Lagos politician Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, commonly called Jandor, while continuously denying him access. During a Thursday night interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Audu pledged to actively oppose Tinubu’s reelection efforts. He stated, “I worked for the President for almost two years. I never got the chance to have a face-to-face with him. I was one of his spokespersons, yet he sat down with Davido, who had even insulted him some weeks before, and then also met Jandor, who did not even come second in the Lagos gubernatorial election. It simply does not add up.” Just days before Audu officially left his position, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State — who is also Davido’s uncle — had paid a courtesy visit to President Tinubu in Lagos. It is worth remembering that in March, Jandor, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2023 Lagos State governorship contest, had also visited the president shortly after leaving the PDP. Audu’s comments have sparked conversation about how presidential aides are treated, and why celebrity and political connections sometimes seem to take priority over those serving within the inner government circle. Audu’s remarks have highlighted a growing rift between presidential appointees who feel sidelined and the presidency’s preference for high-profile guests and political realignments.
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BBNaija Sammie in Hot Water as Alleged ₦4.5 Million Scam Sparks Online Uproar In a wave of outrage, numerous Nigerians have taken to the Instagram page of ex-Big Brother Naija housemate, Sammie, demanding an immediate refund following claims that he allegedly defrauded a man of ₦4.45 million under the guise of helping him secure a spot on the 2025 BBNaija show. According to a trending video shared by respected Nigerian videographer Lucky Udu, a man named Emmanuel Idakoh came forward, narrating how Sammie purportedly collected the hefty sum with the promise of assisting him in gaining entrance into the upcoming BBNaija season. BBNaija Sammie Accused of Fraud by Emmanuel Idakoh In the viral clip, Idakoh, who also goes by the name Young Barby, emotionally recounted his ordeal. He stated that Sammie—whom he trusted deeply due to their shared origin in Kogi State—persuaded him to part with the sum in multiple tranches, claiming the money was to facilitate his BBNaija audition entry. “Hello everyone, I’m Emmanuel Idakoh, aka Young Barby. I was defrauded of ₦4,450,000 by Sammie, my brother from Kogi and ex-BBNaija Season 6 housemate,” he began. He further explained that after his initial payment, Sammie demanded an additional ₦1 million, claiming he had already used his personal funds to process the deal. Sammie reportedly urged him to obtain a loan if necessary, stating that the expected returns from BBNaija exposure would far outweigh the cost. “There was a time he advised me to take a loan. The lender said if I take ₦1 million, I must repay ₦1.5 million. I discussed it with Sammie, and he told me not to worry because what I would gain later would be worth the sacrifice,” Emmanuel recounted. Alleged Loan Pressure and Collateral Demand The pressure intensified when Emmanuel was allegedly asked to provide collateral—his car. Sammie, trying to reassure him, reportedly promised that if the BBNaija audition didn’t work out, a full refund would be guaranteed. “He assured me he made calls to verify the refund process. He said everything was confirmed and I’d get my money back if it failed,” Emmanuel added. However, when the official 2025 BBNaija audition list was released without Emmanuel’s name, Sammie allegedly cut off communication entirely. “What hurts most is that I was deceived by someone I truly trusted as a brother. I eventually had to sell my car to repay the loan I took,” he lamented. Sammie Yet to Respond as Backlash Escalates Online As of the time this report was compiled by LMSINT MEDIA, Sammie has not issued any public response to the allegations. All attempts to get his side of the story—including direct messages sent by our correspondent—have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, social media users have flooded Sammie’s Instagram comment section with scathing remarks and demands for accountability. Netizens React Strongly to BBNaija Sammie Fraud Accusation Here are some notable Instagram reactions: A full version of Emmanuel’s video statement is circulating online, further intensifying the public backlash.
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Popular Nigerian skit creator, Carter Efe, has reportedly lost access to both his Instagram and TikTok accounts shortly after criticizing famous Afrobeat artist Wizkid during a live TikTok broadcast. According to LMSINT MEDIA, the incident unfolded just days after Carter Efe made inflammatory remarks about Wizkid, describing the award-winning singer as arrogant and calling him derogatory names during a public live session. During the TikTok live stream, which occurred on a Tuesday, Carter Efe made the following statement that sparked massive backlash: “If Wizkid calls me my G, that means the lion don carry belle. E no go happen. That guy too get pride, idiot.” Following this, members of Wizkid FC — the loyal fanbase of the internationally acclaimed musician — reportedly retaliated by launching mass reporting campaigns against Carter Efe’s social media handles across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. On Wednesday evening, Carter Efe took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration and reveal that his Instagram account with over 1.8 million followers had been suspended, allegedly due to actions taken by Wizkid FC supporters. Shortly after that, Carter Efe posted a video, visibly emotional, stating that his TikTok account had also been taken down. He begged for forgiveness and pleaded with Wizkid and his fans to help restore his accounts. In his own words: “FC una don collect my Instagram account wey get 1.8 million followers,” he cried out. “This thing don pass be careful. TikTok account too don go. FC, una don betray me. I dey beg una. Wizkid FC, abeg make una forgive me. Wizkid abeg no vexxx. Help me beg FC, abegggg. I dey pain seriously.” The dramatic fallout from this online confrontation has drawn massive attention from fans and digital content creators, with many urging caution in how influencers interact with fan communities online. ? Watch Carter Efe’s video response here: Click to view
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The foremost Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has sounded an alarm over the growing socio-economic crisis in Nigeria, warning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may face rejection at the polls in 2027 if urgent measures are not taken to tackle worsening poverty, hunger, and national insecurity. In a strongly-worded declaration, the organization stressed that the administration’s continued neglect of Nigeria’s pressing challenges could provoke a widespread loss of public trust, potentially culminating in a mass voter backlash in the next general elections. The warning was issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President-General of a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through an official statement released on Thursday. He urged both the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognize and urgently respond to the grim realities that have become unbearable for many Nigerians. According to Isiguzoro, the unchecked surge in hardship is not only inflicting misery on ordinary citizens but is also likely to impede the ability of state governors to secure political support for Tinubu’s reelection campaign. “Many of these governors are misleading the President by giving false assurances,” the statement noted. “They exist in a bubble of deception, assuming they can deliver their states for APC in the 2027 elections, but this is a dangerous illusion.” Ohanaeze highlighted the strategic maneuvering of Northern Governors, whom it described as “subtle and cunning,” warning that this bloc poses a greater threat to Tinubu’s political future than he may currently recognize. The group emphasized the importance of engaging directly with this influential group to prevent future political betrayal. The organization further urged Tinubu to act decisively and with integrity to rebuild confidence among Nigerians. It stated that bold and people-focused reforms are the only path to reversing the public’s growing disillusionment. “The alliance with governors who are complicit in worsening economic and security problems must be reevaluated. Nigerians are disheartened by the lack of positive impact from fuel subsidy removal and the increased revenue that followed,” Ohanaeze declared. The group also decried the deliberate undermining of local government autonomy, despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of decentralization, accusing state governors of hoarding resources and denying citizens access to vital services. They warned that unless new tax reform policies are backed by genuine administrative will and leadership change, they too will be sabotaged. Ohanaeze did not mince words, stating that unless Tinubu prioritizes resolving hunger, rising costs of living, insecurity, and poverty, any hope of seeking reelection in 2027 may prove futile. “The misleading narratives from the 36 governors are shielding Tinubu from the truth. Citizens are enduring unbearable inflation, skyrocketing food prices, and deteriorating living standards,” the group emphasized. According to Ohanaeze, this economic reality will heavily weigh on Tinubu’s campaign. The electorate, especially in the North, may choose to reject the President in favor of local interests, driven by disappointment and unmet expectations. The group also predicted fractures among Southern Governors, who will likely be caught in a tug-of-war between old political alliances and their dependence on Tinubu’s support for their own ambitions. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for these governors to secure support for Tinubu. Now is the time for real action: reduce electricity tariffs, reform the economic team, eliminate corruption, and invest seriously in agriculture and public infrastructure,” the statement concluded. Ohanaeze urged the President to look toward progressive models of leadership, such as Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, who has empowered young people through agricultural reforms and food security initiatives. They ended with a final stern message: “The current path is unsustainable. Without immediate and genuine reform, all political aspirations risk becoming irrelevant.”
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In a decisive move to curb reckless driving and reduce drug-related incidents, the Kwara State Government has instituted a new policy mandating drug tests for motorists caught over-speeding. This development is part of a broader campaign to combat the influence of illicit substances on road safety and societal wellbeing. The policy was unveiled during a public awareness walk commemorating the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The initiative reflects the state’s growing concern about the connection between substance abuse and road violations. According to the state’s announcement, any driver apprehended for speeding will not only be penalized with a traffic ticket but will also be required to undergo a compulsory drug screening. The aim is to determine whether such dangerous behavior is influenced by narcotic substances or psychotropic drugs. Speaking on behalf of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Iman, emphasized that the new policy is a critical step in expanding the state’s drug control strategy beyond workplaces and into the broader community. “We began by sensitizing school environments,” she stated. “Teachers are now subject to drug testing before they’re recruited, and we’ve extended this to students about to sit for major examinations. The goal is to ensure mental fitness before engaging in academic assessments.” She noted that the drug testing initiative initially targeted individuals applying for teaching positions in state-run institutions. The process led to the rejection of seven applicants who failed the mandatory drug screening. Iman elaborated on how the government is scaling these efforts beyond educational institutions to tackle substance misuse at the societal level. She stated: “We are broadening our approach. If you are found over-speeding on the road, you’ll be issued a traffic ticket and sent for a drug abuse test. We want to ensure such risky behavior isn’t a result of drug influence.” In addition, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Haliru Olalekan Mikail, underscored the importance of community collaboration in the fight against drug abuse. He warned that the epidemic poses a grave danger to both societal order and development. “This is not the time to shift blame. The issue has escalated, and it’s now our collective responsibility to fight it head-on. If we don’t act together, drug abuse can severely hinder the progress of our communities and the entire state.” Other stakeholders present at the event also expressed support for the government’s proactive stance. The Kwara State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hajia Fatima Popoola, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Marriam Aladi, both commended the state’s commitment to awareness and enforcement as key steps toward mitigating drug-related risks in the state. This initiative adds to a growing list of preventive drug policies championed by the Kwara State Government, reinforcing its zero-tolerance approach to behaviors that endanger public safety and development.
