Navy Officer Who had heated exchange with Wike ‘Escapes Assassination Attempt’ — Investigation Underway

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima the same officer who recently clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reportedly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday evening.

Military sources told Vanguard that unidentified men dressed in black, driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, trailed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Their coordinated movement reportedly raised immediate suspicion.

Upon sensing the threat, Yarima executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully shaking off the suspected assailants around 6:30 p.m. The matter is currently under investigation, with officials describing it as “sensitive” and insisting that certain details are being withheld to avoid compromising ongoing findings.

This incident comes barely days after Yarima’s viral confrontation with Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa an exchange that sparked public outrage and forced the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise.

Following the clash, military veterans nationwide condemned Wike’s conduct, labelling his verbal attack on the officer as disrespectful and unacceptable. Coalition spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members were prepared to “occupy” the minister’s office and residence if any disciplinary action was taken against Yarima, stressing that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation, not to individual officials.

Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, later reassured the public that no officer acting lawfully would be punished, emphasising that the government remains committed to protecting personnel performing their duties professionally.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise across the country should Lt. Yarima face any form of penalty a threat many say reflects the depth of support the young officer currently enjoys.

Tinubu Set to Appoint New Ambassadors Amid Rising Diplomatic Tension with the U.S.

President Bola Tinubu is putting finishing touches to the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions after months of vacancies and growing diplomatic concerns, especially following recent tensions with the United States.

Presidency sources confirmed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the ambassadorial list to replace nominees who have died, retired, or withdrawn from consideration. The updated list is expected to be released soon after final verification.

This comes two years after Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions in what was described as a comprehensive diplomatic review. Since then, most embassies have been headed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited powers to represent Nigeria in high-level engagements.

Officials believe the new appointments will help restore Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility and strengthen communication with international partners, particularly amid the recent friction with the U.S. triggered by former President Donald Trump’s remarks. Trump had threatened possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, comments that stirred widespread concern in Abuja.

According to sources, the absence of ambassadors has slowed Nigeria’s ability to respond promptly to sensitive international matters. “Having ambassadors in place will help Nigeria engage more effectively, especially in times of tension,” one official said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to meet President Tinubu at the State House to finalise the list. An official announcement of the new ambassadorial appointments is anticipated in the coming days.

Tinubu jets to the U.S. on Tuesday to meet Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit the United States on Tuesday for high-level diplomatic talks amid growing tension following President Donald Trump’s warning about alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.

According to presidency sources quoted by SaharaReporters, Tinubu’s visit will focus on strengthening security and diplomatic cooperation between both nations. Trump has reportedly delegated his Vice President, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the trip, barring any last-minute changes.

Daniel Bwala, Media Aide to President Tinubu, confirmed that both leaders share a strong commitment to combating terrorism and promoting global peace. He noted that the Trump administration had previously supported Nigeria through arms sales, which Tinubu’s government continues to utilize in the fight against insurgency.

He added that any differences between both governments regarding the religious nature of terrorism in Nigeria would be addressed during the meeting.

The visit comes after Trump’s recent threat to cut U.S. aid to Nigeria or deploy American troops if the Nigerian government fails to stop what he described as the “killing of Christians.” The Nigerian presidency has since dismissed the claims, insisting there is no state-sponsored persecution of Christians.

Tinubu maintained that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal rights for all citizens, describing Trump’s remarks as a “mischaracterization” of the nation’s religious landscape. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting unity, tolerance, and continued cooperation with the U.S. and other international partners.

[10/31, 8:07 PM] null: Presidency Defends 15% Fuel Import Tariff.

The Presidency has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move is intended to boost local refining and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on X on Friday. He described the policy as “a bridge, not a burden,” aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy sector for long-term stability.

Dare said the tariff is meant to discourage fuel importation, encourage investment in domestic refining, and help Nigeria take control of its energy supply after years of depending on foreign refineries.

He noted that despite being a major crude oil producer, Nigeria has spent years importing refined products, which drained foreign exchange and cost the nation jobs.

According to him, the new policy gives a competitive edge to local refineries such as Dangote Refinery, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and modular refineries currently being developed.

“By making imported fuel less competitive, the government is tilting the market in favour of local refineries, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and resilient energy sector,” he stated.

Dare added that as local refining output increases, fuel availability will improve and pump prices are expected to stabilize, while job creation and industrial activity expand.

However, petroleum marketers have warned that the policy could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre in the short term. Government officials argue that temporary price pressure is necessary to secure long-term gains.

The 15% tariff will take effect after a 30-day transition period, ending November 21, 2025.

16 Senior Officers Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu.

Military authorities are continuing investigations into a foiled coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and PREMIUM TIMES has obtained exclusive details on 16 officers currently detained in connection with the plot.

According to security sources, 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, with two others from the Navy and Air Force. Of the army personnel, 12 are from the Infantry Corps, one from the Signals Corps, and one from the Ordnance Corps.

The ranks of those in custody include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains and a lieutenant. The Navy officer is a lieutenant commander, while the Air Force officer holds the rank of squadron leader.

Authorities have not issued a formal statement on the alleged plot, offering only a denial that it was linked to the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations on October 1.

Key Officers Identified are: Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, believed to be the alleged ringleader, is from Nasarawa State and a member of NDA Regular Course 44. He was previously detained in 2024 over alleged diversion of relief materials and military equipment.

Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, from Niger State and a member of the 47 Regular Course, is suspected of playing a strategic planning role. He formerly commanded the 19 Battalion in Ondo State and served under Operation Delta Safe.

Other officers include: Lt. Col S. Bappah (Signals Corps), Bauchi State, Lt. Col A.A. Hayatu (Infantry), Kaduna State, Lt. Col M. Almakura (Infantry), Nasarawa State, Majors A.J. Ibrahim, M.M. Jiddah, M.A. Usman, D. Yusuf, and I. Dauda, Captains Ibrahim Bello and A.A. Yusuf, Lt. S.S. Felix, Lt. Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy), Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force)
Sources say interrogations are ongoing, and details of alleged roles and motives have not yet been made public. The Defence Headquarters and the Presidency have remained silent.

More updates are expected as investigations progress.

“A Brother in Struggle and Service” — President Tinubu Celebrates Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80 with Heartfelt Tribute

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praises on his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, as the elder statesman marks his 80th birthday.

In a touching message from the Presidency on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Tinubu described Senator Ibrahim as “a principled statesman, trusted ally, and patriot whose loyalty and wisdom have inspired generations.”

Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, the President recalled first meeting Senator Ibrahim in the Senate during the Third Republic in 1992, where their shared commitment to democracy and justice forged an unbreakable bond.

“Abu has been more than a friend — he is my brother,” Tinubu said, recounting how they stood together during the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
“He stood in the line of fire when we reconvened the Senate in Lagos to condemn that criminal annulment. Even when released, he refused to leave until we were all free.”


Tinubu hailed Senator Ibrahim’s exceptional record of public service, including his two-term tenure in the Senate (2003–2019) representing Katsina South, and his key role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.

“Senator Abu Ibrahim is a man whose integrity, courage, and loyalty remain unshaken,” the President said. “He embodies what Nigeria needs more of — principled leadership and selfless service.”

President Tinubu concluded by praying for long life and good health for the octogenarian, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire future leaders.

Omoyele Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Released After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

According to a report by Channels TV, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, representing Nnamdi Kanu, have been released from Kuje Prison after four days in detention.

Their detention followed their appearance at the Kuje Magistrate Court last week in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in the Federal Capital Territory.

On Friday, the court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted bail to Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and ten others.

The defendants had been charged with unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace.

Each was granted N500,000 bail, required two sureties residing in the FCT, valid identification, a three-year tax clearance, and the surrender of their passports.

Following their release on Monday, Ejimakor described the detention experience as “traumatic and inhumane,” criticizing the police for the excessive use of force during and after the protest.

He noted that officers deployed tear gas directly at protesters and engaged in aggressive conduct even after control had been established.

Ejimakor clarified that the protest targeted the presidency and the perceived unjust prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than the judiciary.

He argued that any withdrawal of the case by the presidency or attorney general would leave the court with no basis to proceed.

Presidency Explains Sack of Defence Chief, Others, Says Move Is Routine.

The Presidency has clarified that the removal of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs is a routine exercise aimed at strengthening national security.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare stated this in an interview with DAILY POST on Friday, following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of the new security appointments earlier in the day.

General Musa has been replaced by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Other appointments include Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Dare explained that such changes are within the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.

“This is routine, meant to boost security across the nation. The Commander-in-Chief can at any time make these changes to both ministerial and service chiefs. In the same way, commanding officers of mechanized divisions can be moved or removed,” he said.

The reshuffle in the military hierarchy comes amid unverified rumours of a possible coup, which both the Presidency and the Nigerian Army have dismissed as false.

4 Months After Tinubu’s ₦50bn Tractor Launch, Machines Remain Unused Amid Bureaucratic Delays.

Nearly four months after President Bola Tinubu launched ₦50 billion worth of tractors and farm machinery to boost food production, the equipment remains idle at the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) headquarters, exposing yet another case of stalled agricultural reform and bureaucratic inertia.

The President had unveiled 2,000 tractors, 2,000 disc ploughs and harrows, 1,000 ridgers, 1,200 trailers, 500 seed drills, and other implements under his Renewed Hope agricultural initiative, promising nationwide deployment to empower farmers and create jobs for youths.

“We are taking a monumental leap forward with the introduction of state-of-the-art agricultural equipment… This is a bold step towards achieving complete agricultural independence,” Tinubu had said during the launch attended by Belarusian officials.

However, months later, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security says it is still awaiting Presidential directives on distribution, delaying deployment ahead of the farming season. Ministry insiders told The Guardian that operations have slowed and that only the Presidency dictates the pace.

Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari had earlier outlined three deployment models — direct sales, leasing, and tractor service centres — aimed at giving farmers affordable access and boosting productivity. But the plan has stalled, leaving farmers burdened by high labour and input costs.

Vice President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Daniel Okafor, confirmed that farmers are still waiting for updates.

“We were very happy at the launch, but we are still waiting and monitoring the sharing formula,” he said.

Professor Simon Tuange of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University warned that if the tractors are not deployed soon, they may miss the current farming season.
“Agriculture without mechanisation is like a vehicle without wheels,” he said, urging the government to establish maintenance workshops alongside deployment to prevent waste.

Male Presidents Have Failed Us!” – Aisha Yesufu Declares It’s Time for a Woman to Lead Nigeria.

Human rights activist and Co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has said that men have failed in leading Nigeria and that it is time for a woman to take charge.

Speaking boldly at the Girls Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State, Yesufu declared, “Male Presidents have failed us!” and insisted that women must no longer be sidelined from positions of power, especially the presidency.

She challenged the stereotypes and cultural barriers that continue to hold women back, saying it was unfair that female aspirants are often ridiculed while men, no matter how incompetent, are accepted as leaders.

“No matter how bad a man is, nobody says he can’t be President but the moment a woman is running, she will be told a woman can’t be President,” she said.

The outspoken activist urged the government and society to dismantle all forms of discrimination that stop women from realizing their potential.

She also called for stronger protection of widows and for harmful cultural practices against them to be abolished.

Her speech received loud applause from participants who agreed with her call for equality and inclusion.

Yesufu also praised the Founder of Protect the Precious Foundation, Norah Okafor, for creating platforms that empower young girls and give them a voice.

Nation in Shock as Tinubu Grants
Presidential Pardon to Murder Convict Miriam Sanda — Nigerians React with Outrage!


Nigeria’s social media space has erupted with outrage and disbelief following the presidential pardon granted to Miriam Sanda, the woman convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved clemency for 175 inmates, including Sanda, in a move that has reignited debate about fairness, justice, and political influence in Nigeria’s legal system.

Appearing on Arise TV’s “What’s Trending,” broadcaster Rufai Oseni condemned the decision, calling it “a political mistake that reopens old wounds.”

“Tinubu should stop selling or gifting out pardons like recharge cards,” Rufai declared. “These decisions hurt families and destroy faith in the justice system. A country that cannot uphold justice cannot progress.”


Members of Bilyaminu Bello’s family expressed deep pain and disappointment. A spokesperson, Bello Muhammad, described the pardon as “the worst injustice any family could face,” lamenting that the clemency has “reopened the trauma of losing a loved one to violence.”

On the other hand, both Miriam Sanda’s father and her late husband’s father defended the pardon, claiming that the plea for mercy began in 2019 and was meant to promote forgiveness and ensure the wellbeing of the couple’s two children.

However, public reaction has largely been critical. Many Nigerians argue that pardoning a convicted murderer while the country continues to battle insecurity, corruption, and lawlessness sends “a dangerous message.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the decision, calling it “reckless and indefensible,” and accusing the presidency of weakening Nigeria’s moral foundation.

As the debate intensifies, the country appears sharply divided — between those advocating forgiveness and those demanding justice. For many, the question now is whether Nigeria’s justice system still upholds accountability or if, as Rufai Oseni warned, “presidential pardons have become another political gift.”

Madagascar in Political Turmoil as Military Seizes Power After President Rajoelina’s Impeachment

Madagascar’s elite army unit takes control after President Andry Rajoelina’s impeachment, sparking global concern and uncertainty over the country’s democratic future.


Madagascar has been plunged into political chaos after an elite military unit seized control of the government following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.

According to Punch Newspaper, the dramatic power shift occurred on Wednesday when the CAPSAT contingent, an elite arm of the military, took over key government institutions in the capital, Antananarivo, just hours after parliament voted to remove Rajoelina from office.

Reports indicate that the embattled president fled the country amid growing protests and mounting opposition. The move marks Madagascar as the latest in a string of African nations—following Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea—to experience military takeovers since 2020.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT unit, has been declared interim president by the country’s top court. In a televised address, Randrianirina denied staging a coup, claiming the intervention was to “rescue the nation from collapse.” He pledged to restore civilian rule within 18 to 24 months and promised institutional reforms and elections before the transition ends.

The African Union swiftly suspended Madagascar from all its activities, calling the military action unconstitutional. The United Nations, France, Germany, and Russia also expressed concern, urging calm, dialogue, and a return to democratic order.

Meanwhile, the youth-led Gen Z Movement, which had spearheaded recent protests over water and electricity shortages, hailed the development as a victory for the people. “We’re anxious about the future, but this feels like our first real win,” said 26-year-old rugby team captain, Fenitra Razafindramanga.

However, Rajoelina’s camp insists he remains the legitimate president, describing the court’s endorsement of Randrianirina as “illegal and politically motivated.”

Rajoelina’s presidency has long been controversial—he first came to power in 2009 through a military-backed coup and later returned via disputed elections in 2023. His administration was widely criticized for corruption, economic decline, and poor governance.

As Madagascar navigates this uncertain transition, global observers are watching closely to see whether the country will truly reform—or once again fall into the cycle of military dominance and fragile democracy.

“Contradictions Everywhere!” — Lere Olayinka Blasts Sahara Reporters Over Conflicting Claims on Minister Wale Edun’s Health


Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized Sahara Reporters over what he described as inconsistent and misleading reports about the health of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

In a post shared on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Olayinka accused the online media outlet of publishing contradictory narratives regarding the minister’s alleged health crisis and recent travel activities.

He pointed out that Sahara Reporters had initially published a story on Sunday alleging that Minister Edun suffered a severe stroke, was incapacitated, and had been flown abroad for urgent medical treatment. However, just days later, the same platform reported that Edun had traveled from Abuja to Lagos on Monday via a commercial flight, and later departed for London that same day—also via a commercial airline.

Olayinka questioned the credibility of such reports, highlighting the logical inconsistency between the two stories.

“Sowore’s Sahara Desert said that the Minister can no longer use his hands and legs. Now, could a Minister of Finance, a public figure, who suffered STROKE and can no longer use his legs and hands have traveled from Abuja to Lagos via COMMERCIAL FLIGHT and also to London via another Commercial Flight and no one saw him to take his pictures?”


He argued that it was implausible for someone allegedly suffering from a debilitating stroke to manage two commercial flights in one day without any eyewitness accounts or photographic evidence emerging.

The post, which quickly gained traction online, was widely seen as an attempt to discredit Sahara Reporters and defend the integrity of the Tinubu administration amidst public concern over the minister’s condition.

While Olayinka’s statement came amid confirmation that Edun had indeed traveled to the United Kingdom for medical care, it reinforced doubts about the accuracy of earlier sensational reports claiming the minister was in critical condition.

According to official sources, Edun’s trip to London followed a brief domestic flight from Abuja to Lagos on Monday night. Though the Presidency had earlier stated that the minister was “indisposed but recuperating” in Abuja, the confirmed travel abroad suggested he was seeking advanced medical attention.

However, the key point of contention remains Sahara Reporters’ conflicting reports—one depicting a dire health emergency and the other narrating an unassisted commercial journey abroad.

Ailing Finance Minister Wale Edun Flies to UK for Medical Treatment.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reportedly travelled to the United Kingdom to undergo medical treatment following an undisclosed illness.

Sources confirmed that the minister left Abuja for Lagos on Monday night before boarding a British Airways flight to London later in the evening. His departure comes days after reports emerged that he had been battling health challenges that prevented him from attending the ongoing World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Earlier, the Presidency had disclosed that Edun was recuperating in Nigeria and dismissed rumours suggesting that he suffered a stroke. A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, clarified that while the minister was indeed ill, claims of a severe incapacitation were false.

Despite the development, the Presidency has maintained that there are no immediate plans to replace Edun, stressing that he remains in charge of the Finance Ministry and is expected to resume duties once he recovers.

The specific nature of the minister’s illness has not been made public, and officials have yet to issue any formal statement on his current condition or expected return date. His absence, however, has sparked renewed debate over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the recurring trend of public officials seeking medical attention abroad.

Edun, a former investment banker and long-time associate of President Tinubu, has been central to the administration’s fiscal reform agenda, including efforts to stabilise the naira, boost investor confidence, and implement the government’s medium-term economic plan.

As of press time, no official update had been released by the Ministry of Finance or the Presidency regarding the minister’s health status or progress.

"No Entry to Exco Meeting Without Wearing Tinubu’s ‘Asiwaju Cap’" — Edo Governor Okpebholo Warns Commissioners.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to newly appointed commissioners, declaring that anyone who fails to wear the ‘Asiwaju cap’ popularly known as the Tinubu cap will be barred from attending Executive Council meetings.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the swearing-in of 20 new commissioners and members of various boards, Okpebholo emphasized his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the event would not have been possible without the president’s support.

He recalled that in previous elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) struggled in Edo due to lack of backing from the presidency, but said that had changed under Tinubu’s leadership.

“Before we begin, let me say this could not have happened without a responsible President. We’ve had many elections here, and our major problem was that the President wasn’t with us,” he said.
“You see this cap I’m wearing? I will not forgive any commissioner who isn’t wearing it. If you come to the Exco in traditional attire without this Asiwaju cap, you’re going back,” he warned.

The governor also cautioned against corruption and misconduct, insisting his administration would not tolerate any behavior that could damage its reputation.

Okpebholo noted that the appointments were based on merit and reminded the appointees that their positions were a call to serve, not a political reward.

“Your nominations are not rewards or patronage but a call to serve the people of Edo State. Our administration is committed to practical governance that directly impacts lives.
We are focused on service delivery and tangible results, not propaganda,” he added.

"Finance Minister Wale Edun Recuperating in Abuja, No Plans for Replacement" — Presidency.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recovering at his Abuja residence after falling ill, senior Presidency sources confirmed on Sunday. 

Contrary to reports, officials insist his condition is not stroke-related and that President Bola Tinubu has no plans to replace him.

A senior government official told The PUNCH that while Edun’s illness is “a bit serious,” he remains in Nigeria under the care of local doctors. “He’s indisposed but not suffering from a stroke,” the source said, adding that Edun might seek treatment abroad only if necessary.

Earlier reports had claimed that Edun’s condition was “very serious” and that the President had begun discreet consultations to find a replacement. However, multiple Presidency insiders dismissed those claims, emphasizing that the minister is still in his home and being monitored closely.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also confirmed Edun’s situation, stating: “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill, but he’s in Nigeria and recuperating.”

In Edun’s absence, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, beginning Monday, October 13. The delegation will also include Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu departed Abuja for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, which focuses on security issues in West Africa.

Edun, a seasoned economist and banker, was appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on August 21, 2023.

Presidential Clemency: Tinubu Pardoned 70 Drug Lords – Dino Melaye Alleges.

According to get a report by Daily Post, former Kogi senator, Dino Melaye, has alleged thar President Bola Tinubu of included about 70 convicted drug offenders among the 175 persons recently granted presidential clemency.

The allegation, shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, has sparked controversy over the nature and scope of the president’s latest pardon exercise.

Melaye described the action as “unprecedented in history,” insisting that no administration in the world had ever pardoned such a large number of convicted drug traffickers. “Pardon granted 70 drug lords by President Tinubu is unprecedented in history. My advice to the President is to scrap the NDLEA. His action has made a beautiful nonsensical of all the efforts of the agency since inception,” he wrote.

President Tinubu recently approved the release or posthumous pardon of 175 individuals as part of his administration’s effort to promote reconciliation and decongest correctional facilities.

The list included prominent names such as the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, nationalist Herbert Macaulay, and former military officer Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed for treason in 1986. Also listed was Maryam Sanda, who had been sentenced to death for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello.

The presidency framed the gesture as part of broader national healing, aimed at righting perceived historical wrongs and showing compassion. But critics say the clemency exercise lacked transparency and may have rewarded people convicted of serious crimes.

Melaye’s claim that dozens of drug traffickers were among those pardoned has heightened public concern. The former federal lawmaker did not name the allegedly pardoned drug Lords and the claim has not been verified.

Notwithstanding, following the allegations, some Nigerians warn that such a move could demoralize anti-narcotics agencies. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been praised internationally in recent years for its intensified war on drug cartels, with several high-profile convictions recorded.

EFCC Told to Prosecute Aregbesola Over Alleged N600 Billion Fraud.

A prominent human rights organisation, the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the immediate criminal prosecution of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, over alleged diversion of over ₦600 billion in Local Government funds during his eight-year tenure.

Aregbesola, who governed Osun State between 2010 and 2018, was accused of mismanaging funds accrued to the state from the federation account — particularly allocations meant for the local councils — through what the group described as “phantom projects” executed under his administration.

According to CHRSJ, which leads a coalition of civil society organisations under the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEOS) — once chaired by the late Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman (aka Revolutionary Alfa) — several petitions had been filed against Aregbesola since 2015.

The petitions, dated September 4, 2015, June 17, 2016, and November 19, 2018, reportedly detailed extensive evidence of financial misappropriation. Additional petitions sent to the Presidency and National Assembly on March 21 and April 4, 2016, were also acknowledged by relevant authorities and international organisations at the time.

CHRSJ’s Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Abiola Ganiyu (Dove), disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the group intends to resubmit its demands to the EFCC for Aregbesola’s prosecution, expressing disappointment that the agency had “turned a deaf ear” to earlier complaints despite credible evidence.

The rights group alleged that Aregbesola, along with his then Commissioners for Finance and Local Government Affairs, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro and Mr. Kolapo Alimi, diverted Local Government allocations by illegally suspending elected local council administrations between 2011 and 2014.

Sacrifice Your Ambition For Nigeria, Give Peter Obi A Chance LP Tells Atiku.

The interim National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Tony Akeni has dismissed claims that former presidential candidate, Peter Obi would resign for any political coalition or rival aspirant.

Speaking to Punch, Akeni stated that such a move would dash the hope of millions of Nigerians seeking change.

He asserted that withdrawing Obi from the race “is to take away 90 per cent of the hope of Nigerians for redemption and a new beginning.”

He subsequently appealed to former vice president Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the race and sacrifice his ambition for Nigeria.

He said, “Forcing Peter Obi to withdraw from the race is to take away 90 per cent of the hope of Nigerians for redemption and a new beginning.

“So, I see a situation where we will all come together, stakeholders, and take the right decision at the right time. And that right time is still a little bit far away; it will be close to the primaries.

“There is no substitute for the ideology of the Labour Party. And so, we are going head-on for the presidency if the right decision is not taken by the coalition

“Atiku should prove his love for the country by doing the right thing and giving Peter Obi a chance in 2027.

Former US president George W. Bush's favourite chef deported for crossing the border illegally in 1989.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported a chef who had been living in the United States for 36 years and catered events related to the White House during the administration of former President George W. Bush.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, wrote in a statement: “Sergio Garcia Silva is a CRIMINAL. This criminal illegal alien from Mexico was previously removed from this country in March 2025, over 20 years after a judge issued him a final order of removal. He chose to ignore our laws and illegally re-enter the country, a federal felony offense.

This lawbreaker was arrested by Border Patrol and was convicted for illegal re-entry. Bottom line: Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”

The case of Garcia—a chef who lived in Waco, Texas, and first came to the United States in 1989—underscores the concerns raised about deportations and has rattled the local community.

Garcia entered the U.S. when he was 29 years old and did not plan to stay long in the country, reported The Waco Bridge. But he began working at restaurants in Texas and made friends, even meeting his future wife, Sandra, and ended up overstaying his visa. He would sell ceviche out of Styrofoam cups at his local soccer field and opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 1995.

During Bush’s presidency, members of the White House press corps frequently visited his restaurant, and he eventually began catering events.

They started a family and lived in the U.S. for 36 years with no issues—he had no criminal record other than a decades-old deportation order, the Bridge reported. But in March of this year, ICE agents arrested him at his food truck. Within one day, he had been deported across to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

He attempted to take a bus to Monterrey, where his wife’s family lives, but was instead taken to a “compound” and extorted for money to help him cross the border, he told the publication. He was not able to contact his family for 36 days. He was apprehended at the border and spent the next month in a detention center before being flown to Chiapas.