By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu retains strong political support across the North-West and remains on course for victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Matawalle made the remarks in a statement released on Thursday through his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.

His comments followed recent discussions about the President’s popularity in parts of the North-West amid concerns over economic challenges and security issues. The debate intensified after a NoiPolls Government Approval Survey reported a 30 per cent approval rating for the Tinubu administration after three years in office.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, reacted to the survey and argued that the findings reflected growing dissatisfaction with the administration over economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity.

In a statement, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said, “The tragedy is that after three years in office, the government can no longer claim that these challenges were inherited.”

Responding to the criticism, Matawalle accused opponents of the administration of ignoring security improvements and development efforts, particularly in the North-West. He said some critics were focusing on isolated security incidents in an attempt to create fear among Nigerians.

According to the minister, the Federal Government has achieved notable success in combating insecurity through a coordinated and intelligence-based approach, especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

He said the strategy had resulted in the neutralisation of several notorious bandit leaders, the dismantling of criminal camps and the return of relative peace to many communities previously affected by violence.

“The opposition is uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and the ongoing developmental strides across the country,” Matawalle said.

The minister praised members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment to national security, noting that many personnel had lost their lives while serving the country.

He also pointed to progress in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and efforts to address communal and criminal violence in parts of the North-Central region.

On the economy and development, Matawalle said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was producing positive results in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, social investment and economic reform.

He highlighted government projects in Northern Nigeria, including road rehabilitation, agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, rail and energy developments, as well as empowerment schemes for youths and women.

Matawalle said residents of the region were already seeing the impact of these interventions and would reflect that support at the polls in 2027.

“The people of the region understand the efforts being made to improve their security, livelihoods and overall well-being. They are witnessing the results firsthand,” he said.

The minister maintained that political attacks and misinformation would not overshadow the administration’s achievements. He added that President Tinubu remains focused on governance, national development and improving the welfare of citizens.

Matawalle also urged political leaders to prioritise national interest and support initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security and development across the country.

He expressed confidence that the achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda would further boost public support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has welcomed 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa under an ongoing voluntary return initiative coordinated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Head of Operations at the NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to journalists in Lagos on Thursday.

According to Olatunde, the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja after completing registration and screening procedures required under the programme.

He said officials of NEMA, alongside representatives of other government agencies and relevant stakeholders, were present at the airport to receive the returnees and assist with their reintegration process.

Olatunde explained that the Federal Government arranged transportation for the returnees to enable them to travel to their various destinations across the country.

He added that ambulance services and emergency medical support were also provided for individuals who required urgent healthcare attention upon arrival.

The NEMA official reiterated the agency’s commitment to offering humanitarian assistance and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians who choose to return home from other countries.

He noted that the initiative was established to guarantee the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.

Olatunde further stated that NEMA would continue working with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of the returnees.

The returnees arrived amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. The voluntary return programme is aimed at assisting Nigerians who wish to come back home. (NAN)

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced Friday as a public holiday to mark Democracy Day and commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, approved the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to protecting democratic principles, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance across the country.

He also stated that the Ministry of Interior, in partnership with relevant security agencies, would continue efforts aimed at safeguarding and enhancing internal security.

The minister stressed that peace and security remain critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

He called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on their civic responsibilities and the progress of the nation’s democratic journey.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo further noted that June 12 occupies a special place in Nigeria’s history because it honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of citizens whose struggles paved the way for democratic rule.

“Their legacies continue to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” Tunji-Ojo added.

The annual Democracy Day celebration commemorates the country’s democratic progress and recognises individuals who played key roles in the restoration and preservation of democratic governance. (NAN)

By Muhammad Abubakar

Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa, UEFA announced on Thursday.

The prestigious fixture, scheduled to take place in Salzburg, will see the Champions League winners PSG face Europa League champions Aston Villa in the traditional curtain-raiser to the European club season.

Artan’s appointment marks another milestone in a refereeing career that has earned widespread recognition across Africa and beyond. The Somali official is regarded by many football observers as one of the continent’s finest referees, having handled high-profile matches in both African and international competitions.

His selection for the UEFA Super Cup comes days after he was controversially excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Reports indicated that Artan was denied entry into the country, preventing him from participating in the tournament despite being considered among Africa’s top referees.

UEFA’s decision to entrust him with one of Europe’s most prestigious club matches is likely to be seen as a strong endorsement of his abilities and standing in world football.

The UEFA Super Cup annually brings together the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures on the European football calendar.

By Muhammad Muhammad Salisu Esq.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the alliance between the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements is attracting significant attention. On paper, it looks like a powerful partnership. Kwankwasiyya has a strong following in Kano and much of the North, while the Obidient movement enjoys significant support among young people and urban voters, especially in the South.

Together, they could become a formidable political force. But there is a problem.

Both movements have increasingly developed a reputation for attacking critics, insulting opponents, and treating disagreement as betrayal. Politics is a game of persuasion, not intimidation. A movement that insults everyone outside its camp may excite its loyal supporters, but it will struggle to attract the undecided voters needed to win national elections.

The situation worsened when some Kwankwasiyya supporters recently made comments perceived as disrespectful toward the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. For many Northerners, the Sardauna is not just a historical figure. He is regarded as one of the architects of modern Northern Nigeria, a leader who championed education, institution building, economic development, and regional unity.

Attacking such a widely respected figure is politically damaging. It alienates many Northerners who might otherwise be sympathetic to the movement and raises questions about the judgment of those involved.

This is why Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso needs to clearly distance himself from such attacks. In politics, silence is often interpreted as approval. A simple and firm defence of the Sardauna’s legacy would reassure many people that the movement respects Northern history and values.

The larger lesson is straightforward. No political movement can build a successful national coalition through insults, bullying, hostility, or attacks on respected historical figures. Winning elections requires discipline, maturity, tolerance, and respect for people who hold different opinions.

The Kwankwasiyya-Obidient alliance has the potential to become a serious national alternative. But potential alone is not enough. If both movements continue down the path of intolerance and political hostility, they risk pushing away the very voters they need.

The choice before Kwankwasiyya is simple: either grow into a movement capable of governing Nigeria or remain trapped in a cycle of unnecessary controversies and self-inflicted political wounds.

In the end, political movements are remembered not for how loudly their supporters shout, but for the wisdom, discipline, and judgment they display when it matters most.

Muhammad Muhammad Salisu Esq. wrote via muhammad.writes01@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the achievements recorded in Abuja and other parts of the country should give the President confidence about public support.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 in Abuja. He challenged residents of the FCT to point out any area where they believe the government has failed to make an impact.

According to the minister, the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration have brought visible development to the nation’s capital.

He said: “If we truly believe that good governance is what will make people want to bring you back to office, then I don’t think Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be sleeping with one eye open. No, he should sleep with both eyes closed.

“I challenge anyone in this FCT to come forward and say they do not feel the presence of government or see its impact.

“When we were working on this road, and thank God it is good to come out and see what is happening instead of staying in the office, Julius Berger was facing a challenge.

“The community said the company would not proceed with the road project because they had not been compensated for the demolition.”

Wike noted that despite the initial concerns raised over compensation issues, the project was successfully completed and has now been delivered for public use.

The minister maintained that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery continues to reflect the government’s efforts to improve the lives of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has rejected claims of internal divisions within the party, insisting that the political movement remains united and focused on its objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson stated this during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he responded to questions about developments within the party.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC continues to enjoy the support and confidence of prominent political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to him: “There is no crisis in the NDC whatsoever. We have been able to enjoy the confidence of my colleagues, former governors like me, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“These are very distinguished Nigerian political leaders, and we brought the two of them to the platform. They came to our platform, and there are people with whom I have been working for some time. So, it is a recent development that we are now in this kind of convergence in the NDC.

“A lot of Nigerians believe in us, and I want to begin by thanking Nigerians for their trust and confidence.

“We have seen it in the number of people who have shown interest in contesting on our platform, which is part of what we are talking about. It is not a crisis.”

Dickson argued that the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective positions under the party’s platform should be viewed as a sign of growing acceptance rather than evidence of internal conflict.

He maintained that the NDC remains committed to strengthening its structure and preparing for future electoral contests, noting that public support for the party continues to expand across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a brazen attempt by terrorists disguised in military uniforms to abduct pupils from a primary school in Iluke Community, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The dramatic rescue operation, which unfolded on 10 June 2026, came after vigilant community members alerted troops on patrol to suspicious activities in the area.

According to military sources, the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intent of kidnapping them when soldiers arrived at the scene.

Troops immediately engaged the assailants, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. One terrorist was neutralised during the confrontation, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Tragically, before troops could intervene, the attackers had already killed a teacher and a resident of the community.

“The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives,” said Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade.

Security forces are currently pursuing the fleeing bandits. Authorities have also alerted security outfits in neighbouring Kwara and Niger States to block potential escape routes.

The Nigerian Army has emplaced additional measures aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and reassuring residents. Members of the public are being encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

“This operation reflects the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities,” Abdullahi added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued an arrest warrant against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, for repeatedly failing to respond to summonses regarding alleged financial infractions totalling N210 trillion.

The committee had invited Kyari and other top NNPCL officials to answer questions based on audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, covering expenditures from 2017 to 2023. Current NNPCL CEO Bayo Ojulari, former CFO Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, and external auditors were also listed to appear.

At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, Kyari’s absence sparked anger among lawmakers. Senator Victor Umeh moved the motion for an arrest warrant, calling the situation a “national emergency.”

“We are talking about trillions of naira. The country is not faring well. He must come and explain what has happened to these funds,” Umeh said.

However, Senator Tony Nwoye informed the committee that Kyari was currently hospitalised in Germany. Nwoye said he had spoken with the former GCEO a week earlier, who had promised to attend.

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi countered that Kyari had ignored nine previous summonses and that Nwoye was not Kyari’s lawyer. He seconded the motion for arrest.

Committee Chairman Senator Ibrahim Dankambo affirmed the motion following a unanimous voice vote. Kyari now faces arrest if he continues to evade the committee’s invitation.

By Abashi Rahab

Not too long ago, I found myself standing by a roadside food stall, just watching the world go by. It was evening, and the queue was steady. One after another, people placed their orders as if on autopilot. I watched a man buy a heap of fried yam and sauce, “wash it down” with a chilled soft drink, and disappear into the night.

To any onlooker, the scene was unremarkable. In fact, it felt deeply familiar, a routine millions of us perform daily without a second thought. And that is precisely the heart of the problem.

For many Nigerians, eating has become a mechanical act rather than a nutritional one. We reach for what is available, what is fast, and what provides that immediate satisfaction.

We rarely pause to interrogate what is in our “plastic” food or how those hidden ingredients might be rewriting our health story. To be fair, it is not always a case of intentional neglect; often, we are simply creatures of habit.

There is also a stubborn myth that eating right is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. This misconception leads many to throw in the towel before they have even tried. But the truth is, health is not always about the weight of your wallet; it is about the quality of your choices.

That daily soft drink that has become a mealtime staple, the cultural preference for food swimming in oil, and the habit of swapping real meals for processed snacks are decisions that cost us dearly in the long run.

The real danger lies in the silence of the damage. These choices don’t strike immediately; they erode our health slowly. Over the years, they manifest as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic fatigue, all conditions that build up quietly until they can no longer be ignored.

What makes this reality so tragic is that eating better is well within our reach. Many of our local staples, like beans, local rice, vegetables, and plantains, are nutritional powerhouses when we treat them with respect.

The secret is not in buying expensive or packaged food; it is in reducing the oil, cutting the sugar, and finding balance in what we already have on our plates. It is about the small, daily steps that move us away from digging our graves with our teeth.

Breaking these habits is no walk in the park, especially when they are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. However, awareness is a powerful catalyst. Choosing water over soda, being mindful of portion sizes, and thinking twice before defaulting to the usual oily foods are small steps that lead to a massive outcome.

In the end, our health is rarely determined by a single meal. It is shaped by the repeated, unthinking choices we make every day. We often complain that healthy food is expensive, and in a tough economy, that can be true. But we seldom talk about the true cost of eating carelessly.

One day, the bill comes due. It stops being about the price of a plate of food and starts being about hospital bills, lifelong medication, and a life forced to slow down long before its time. By then, the conversation is no longer about what we ate—it’s about what those choices have taken from us.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. An intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.