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National, News, Plateau

Tinubu Nominates Dr. Bernard Doro as Minister From Plateau State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Dr. Bernard Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation. Dr. Doro’s nomination follows the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, who was elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the nomination in a statement issued on Tuesday. Read Also: APC Hits Back at Daily Trust, Labels Editorial “Biased and Reckless” According to presidency sources, the President had, during a private meeting with close aides on Monday evening, expressed his intention to fill two vacant cabinet positions, including that of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned several weeks ago. Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Doro brings over two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community development in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Onanuga said the nominee holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA focused on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice. He is also an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), where he has worked across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings. Beyond his professional expertise, Dr. Doro has been active in youth mentorship and social impact initiatives within both the Nigerian diaspora and local communities. If confirmed by the Senate, he will officially join President Tinubu’s cabinet and be sworn in during a Federal Executive Council meeting.

National, News, Politics

APC Hits Back at Daily Trust, Labels Editorial “Biased and Reckless”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at Daily Trust newspaper over its Monday editorial titled “APC Should Learn From History,” describing it as a display of “editorial bias, daftness, and journalistic recklessness.” In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said the editorial was deliberately crafted to malign the APC and spread falsehoods about the recent wave of defections by some state governors to the party. Morka said the newspaper’s claim that defections to the APC “portend a dangerous trend towards the erosion of multi-party democracy and a descent into a despicable one-party state” was baseless and reflected a poor understanding of constitutional freedoms. Related: Ganduje’s Achievements Still Define Kano, Despite NNPP’s Attempts to Erase Them According to him, “The paper failed miserably to explain how the exercise by the governors of their constitutional freedom of association and democratic liberty to choose among competing party alternatives threatens the country’s multiparty democracy or signifies a descent into a one-party state.” He emphasized that there is no law in Nigeria restricting governors or any citizen from changing political affiliation. “The paper postulated that citizens’ right to associate with any political organization must be exercised within the bounds of the law but failed to identify the law that prohibits governors from quitting the party platform on which they were elected and joining another party of their choice. The paper didn’t cite it because such law does not exist,” he stated. Read Also: The silent strategist strengthening APC’s hold in the North The APC spokesman described the editorial as “grossly bereft of reason, objectivity, and rationality,” accusing Daily Trust of echoing opposition propaganda. “It was clearly based on the vile intent of its editors serving as a repeater station of the opposition’s senseless screams,” he said. Morka argued that the defections should be viewed as evidence of the APC’s growing strength and the opposition’s weakness, not as a threat to democracy. “The defections from opposition parties to our party deliver a damning indictment of their failed leadership, dysfunction, and lack of internal democracy,” he noted. He further accused Daily Trust of double standards, saying the newspaper often praises defections when they favour opposition parties but condemns them when they benefit the APC. “In the paper’s perspective, defections to APC are a threat to democracy, but defections from APC to opposition parties advance democracy. That double standard is glaring, invidious, and unacceptable,” he said. Morka dismissed fears of Nigeria sliding into a one-party state as “wishful thinking,” stressing that the nation’s democracy remains vibrant with about 19 registered and active political parties. While acknowledging the media’s right to editorial opinion, the APC cautioned against deliberate misinformation and bias. “It is a mark of crass irresponsibility for Daily Trust to peddle falsehoods, conjectures, and outright deception as editorial material,” Morka said. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he noted, is focused on improving citizens’ welfare and building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

National, News

FRSC Records 3,433 Deaths in 2025 Road Crashes, Unveils Contactless Licence System

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revealed that 3,433 persons lost their lives in road crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2025, while 22,162 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in 6,858 reported accidents during the same period. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign, where he also announced the introduction of a contactless biometric driver’s licence system aimed at improving efficiency and eliminating delays. Mohammed noted that while the figures remain concerning, they reflect a decline compared to 2024, an indication that ongoing interventions were yielding positive results. Read Also: Police Halt Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order He cautioned motorists against speeding, overloading, night journeys, and the use of mobile phones while driving, urging patience and vigilance as road traffic increases towards the end of the year. “From our 2024 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, we recorded 432 deaths and 2,070 injuries from 533 crashes. But between January and September 2025, our data shows 3,433 deaths and 22,162 injuries from 6,858 crashes,” he said. “Though the figures are still high, it’s a reduction compared to the same period last year. We will continue to intensify campaigns and enforcement to bring the numbers further down.” On the newly launched contactless driver’s licence system, Mohammed explained that the technology would simplify the process and eliminate the issuance of temporary licences. “It’s seamless now. You don’t need to put your hand on a device for fingerprint capture. The new system automatically captures your details and synchronises them with our database. Applicants will get their driver’s licences instantly — no more waiting for weeks or months,” he said. During a visit to the FRSC Driver’s Licence Print Farm, the Deputy Corps Marshal (Motor Vehicle Administration), Aliyu Datsama, said the Corps had ramped up production to clear the backlog of pending licences. “We now work 24/7 because of the backlog. Out of 800,000 pending licences, we’ve reduced it to 400,000. Our daily production is 40,000, and in the next few weeks, we’ll clear everything by the grace of God,” Datsama said. Meanwhile, the Niger State Command of the FRSC also launched its 2025 Ember Months Campaign in Minna, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety, Stop Distracted Driving.” Sector Commander Aishat Saadu said the campaign underscores the human factor as the major cause of road crashes. She revealed that between December 2024 and January 2025, 46 persons were killed, 205 injured, and 432 involved in 47 crashes across the state. She listed excessive speeding, overloading, route violations, driving against traffic, and wrongful overtaking as the leading causes of crashes. Saadu also confirmed that the command had deployed personnel, organised town hall meetings, and set up mobile courts to curb violations. She commended the Niger State Government for its continuous support and urged motorists to obey traffic rules and prioritise safety during the festive period. (Guardian)

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Strengthen Integrity as EFCC Records ₦500bn Recovery

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing over 7,000 convictions and recovering assets worth more than ₦500 billion within the past two years under his administration. Speaking on Monday at the opening of the seventh edition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the figures reflect his administration’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and an independent judiciary. “The EFCC has recorded over seven thousand convictions in the first two years of my administration and recovered assets in excess of five hundred billion naira,” the president said, noting that recovered proceeds are being channelled into social investment programmes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes. Read Also: Barau Jibrin Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare, Inspects Seven Projects at AKTH He stressed that his administration has maintained a hands-off approach in the operations of anti-graft agencies and the judiciary, allowing both to function independently and in accordance with the Constitution. “There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party,” he said. “We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers.” Addressing judicial officers, the president acknowledged public frustration over delays in high-profile corruption cases, urging judges to uphold the integrity and credibility of the judicial process. “The theme of this year’s workshop, ‘Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes,’ comes at a time when there is public concern over delayed adjudication of major corruption cases while cybercrime matters are decided swiftly,” Tinubu said. He called on judges to uphold the judiciary as “the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” emphasising that justice remains central to the moral and social fabric of the nation. “We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” he added. On the evolving nature of financial crimes, Tinubu underscored the need for continuous learning among judicial officers to keep pace with modern financial technologies and complex fraud schemes. “How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters? Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance in this digital age,” he said. He urged members of the judiciary and all Nigerians to remain steadfast in the collective fight against corruption, reminding them that “there are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges.” “A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right in our respective spheres of influence,” the president concluded.

Business, Kano, National, News

Cooking Gas Prices Drop Across Nigeria as Supply Improves

Prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, have begun to drop across Nigeria after weeks of sharp increases, following improved supply from refineries and depots, retailers have said. According to market sources, the average price of cooking gas has now fallen to between ₦1,300 and ₦1,500 per kilogramme, compared to about ₦2,000 per kilogramme recorded just three weeks ago. Retailers confirmed that the product is becoming more available, with noticeable improvement in supply. “The price is dropping but not yet back to the former level. It is now between ₦1,300 and ₦1,600, depending on the location,” a Lagos-based retailer said. Read Also: Why Cooking Gas Price Soared to ₦2,000 Per Kilogram — Marketers Explain While the market remains unstable, stakeholders expressed optimism that normalcy could return within a week if the current pace of supply continues. “There is considerable improvement. Hopefully, stability will be attained soon if supply is sustained,” another retailer added. Consumers across major cities, including Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, confirmed the price reduction, expressing hope that the cost would drop further to around ₦900 per kilogramme or less. Cooking gas prices had doubled in recent weeks following a strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) amid a dispute with the Dangote refinery, which disrupted supplies nationwide. Although the strike has since been suspended, prices remained high until recently. Last week, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) warned marketers against hoarding and exploiting consumers, assuring that the government was taking measures to stabilise the market. Distributors, however, accused off-takers of inflating prices between the refinery and retailers. Reports indicate that the Dangote refinery sold LPG at ₦15.8 million per 20,000 metric tonnes to major distributors, who resold between ₦18.4 million and ₦18.5 million. Sources at the refinery denied responsibility for retail price fluctuations, stating that marketers purchase LPG at ₦715,000 per metric tonne (about ₦715 per kilogramme). They insisted that price regulation rests solely with the government under the Petroleum Industry Act. Earlier, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) blamed retailers for the previous price surge — a claim the retailers’ association described as unfair and misleading.

Education, National, News

FG Clarifies: English, Mathematics Still Compulsory for O’Level Students

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level level. This clarification was contained in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo. Boriowo said the clarification became necessary following widespread misconceptions about the recently announced streamlining of admission requirements into tertiary institutions. Read Also: FG Introduces AI, Robotics, and Journalism into New Secondary School Curriculum She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as saying that the reform does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations. According to Alausa, the new policy only introduces a more inclusive and flexible framework for tertiary admissions to ensure that capable students are not unfairly denied access to higher education due to deficiencies in non-core subjects. He explained that the reform allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit pass in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still requiring all students to register and sit for both subjects. “This reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It broadens academic pathways and recognises diverse strengths among learners,” the minister stated. Dr. Alausa emphasised that English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, noting that the adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take the subjects. He further advised students, parents, and other education stakeholders to rely on verified government communication channels for accurate information to avoid misinformation. (NAN)

Feature, Kano, National

The Power of Innuendo: Inside Dan’uwa Rano’s “Letter of Malam Imalu” and the Role of Subtle Truth in Journalism

In journalism, words can build bridges or break walls. They can inform, provoke, or expose. But when truth becomes too dangerous to speak plainly, journalists often turn to the subtle art of innuendo, that is the craft of saying much without saying it directly. That’s exactly what Ibrahim Ishaq, the popular broadcast journalist known as Dan’uwa Rano, achieved with his viral program “Letter of Malam Imalu.” Through creative storytelling and metaphorical language, the journalist used satire and social commentary to mirror political realities in Kano State without naming names. The program, which struck a deep chord with the public, explored issues of corruption, abuse of office, and moral decay within the corridors of power. But while the message resonated with ordinary listeners, it drew discomfort from some political actors, eventually leading to Dan’uwa Rano’s arrest and interrogation by the police, following a petition by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor. Related: Kano Journalist Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano Regains Freedom After Unlawful Detention Observers believe that the “Letter of Malam Imalu” controversy underscores a deeper misunderstanding of journalistic expression in Nigeria’s evolving democracy. In a system where criticism is often mistaken for defamation, and satire is treated as subversion, journalists find themselves walking a fine line between truth-telling and survival. The use of innuendo, or indirect expression, has long been a strategic tool for journalists working under repressive or politically charged environments. Rather than making direct accusations that could attract censorship or legal action, skilled communicators use symbolism, coded speech, and fictional characters like “Malam Imalu” just to represent real issues. Read Also: Kano Governor’s Protocol Chief Caught in N6.5bn Corruption Scandal Media analysts argue that Dan’uwa Rano’s storytelling mirrors a time-honoured journalistic practice, exposing societal ills through creative expression. “Innuendo isn’t deception; it’s protection,” one analyst noted. “It allows journalists to speak truth to power in societies where direct criticism is unsafe.” However, the backlash against Rano reveals how fragile media freedom remains. The reaction to his program instead of sparking dialogue, has instead deepened concerns over press intimidation in Kano. Civil society groups say the journalist’s arrest was not only uncolourful but also uncalled for, describing it as an act capable of silencing legitimate voices of accountability. In reality, the “Letter of Malam Imalu” is more than satire; it is a reflection of the frustrations of ordinary citizens and the courage of journalists who use creativity to express truth. By blending humour, allegory, and cultural idioms, Dan’uwa Rano joined a long tradition of African storytellers who challenge power through words, not weapons. The unfolding episode serves as a reminder that the health of a democracy depends not only on elections and institutions but also on the freedom to question, to imagine, and to speak. When journalists like Dan’uwa Rano resort to innuendo, it is often not to mock the system, but rather to survive within it, while still keeping the public informed. Political actors should know that silencing innuendo does not silence the truth but only drives it deeper into the conscience of the people. shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com

National, News

Military Refutes Coup Allegation, Reassures Nigerians of Stability

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Saturday dismissed as “false and malicious” an online report suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said in a statement from Abuja that the claim was “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.” According to him, the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was purely administrative and based on the President’s foreign engagements and the military’s operational priorities. Read Also: Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Attending Aqaba Process Summit in Rome “The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr. President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry,” the statement read. Addressing reports about the arrest of sixteen officers mentioned in the publication, Gusau clarified that the matter was a routine disciplinary process within the military. “The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks,” he explained, adding that “an investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public.” Gusau urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as “falsehoods being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.” “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement said. He further called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies, emphasizing that “the Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever.”

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Attending Aqaba Process Summit in Rome

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after participating in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level Meeting held in Rome, Italy. The Aqaba Process, launched in 2015 by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, is a global counter-terrorism initiative co-chaired by Jordan and Italy. The Rome session focused on strengthening international and regional cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism, with special attention to the security situation in West Africa. According to a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the high-level meeting took place on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. Read Also: Trump’s Adviser Dismisses Allegations of Christian Genocide in Nigeria World leaders present included King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Also in attendance were Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House, and delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, as well as special envoys and security experts. The meeting was held behind closed doors. On the sidelines of the event, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs. He also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, where discussions centered on promoting religious harmony in Nigeria and addressing misinformation portraying the country as intolerant of religious diversity. Since its inception in 2015, the Aqaba Process has held 33 sessions across various levels — from Heads of State summits to technical expert meetings — focusing on prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in global counter-terrorism efforts.

Feature, National

Defection Storm: A Looming Threat to Nigeria’s Political Stability

When politics is no longer a mission but a profession, politicians become more self-serving than public servants”_ – Emmanuel Macron, President of France. This quote highlights the distinction between politicians driven by purpose (mission) and those who view politics as a career (profession). When politics is a mission, politicians prioritize the greater good, guided by responsibility and duty. In contrast, when politics becomes a profession, politicians are driven by personal ambition, power, and financial gain, prioritizing their interests over public needs. The quote starkly captures Nigeria’s political landscape, where politics has devolved into a profession, with politicians often prioritizing personal interests over public service, resulting in self-serving behavior. Read Also: Ganduje’s Achievements Still Define Kano, Despite NNPP’s Attempts to Erase Them Frequent party switches erode public trust, undermine credibility, and negatively impact governance. Nigeria’s constitution allows defections with certain conditions, but it’s silent on executive office holders. The Supreme Court has ruled that electoral mandates belong to parties, not candidates. To curb defections, lawmakers should consider constitutional amendments requiring elected representatives to vacate seats if they defect. Nigeria has a long history of party defections, dating back to 1951. This phenomenon has persisted for 70 years, significantly impacting democracy. In 2013, five PDP governors defected to the APC, and similar instances have occurred since. These politicians often criticize opposition parties, only to later seek refuge in the same parties they maligned, supporting the notion that “in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.” *Recent Defections, At least four PDP governors defected to the APC between April and October 2025, including: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (April), Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno (June), Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah (October) and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri (October). This highlighting a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. Based on recent developments, it’s reported that the APC has gained significant numbers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives due to defections. The APC now holds 74 seats in the Senate. Previously, the APC had 70 seats after four senators from the PDP and LP defected to the APC in July 2025. The APC has 207 members in the House of Representatives after gaining 30 seats from opposition parties since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly. In the green chamber The opposition parties have been significantly weakened, with the PDP reduced to 37 lawmakers. Overall, the APC has solidified its dominance in the National Assembly, holding a significant majority in both chambers. Nigeria appears to be gradually embracing a dominant-party system, where one party’s grip on power is sustained not by superior governance but by absorbing opposition forces. This trend poses a significant threat to federalism, as it fosters conformity over competition, loyalty over merit, and silence over dissent. The concentration of power in a single entity is particularly perilous for a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, potentially leading to political stagnation, marginalized groups’ resistance, and the eventual emergence of a one-party state. A larger implications to the political landscape of the country, a democracy without a robust and credible opposition is a farce. The mass defection of opposition figures to the ruling party undermines institutional checks and balances, emboldens authoritarian tendencies, and reduces the National Assembly to a mere rubber stamp. When opposition lawmakers defect en masse, they abandon their critical role of holding the government accountable, paving the way for executive overreach and weakening oversight mechanisms that protect citizens from state abuse. The casual party-switching phenomenon in Nigeria signals the erosion of ideology in politics. With parties becoming indistinguishable, electoral choices are reduced to personalities rather than policies. This development undermines informed decision-making, as voters are left with little to differentiate between parties. The APC and PDP have become virtually indistinguishable, filled with the same faces, ideas, and contradictions. This absence of ideological competition has dire consequences. Elections devolve into contests driven by tribal, religious, or pecuniary considerations, rather than policy debates. This ideological bankruptcy threatens the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy, and it’s imperative that stakeholders address this issue to restore the country’s democratic health. Dukawa write it from Abuja can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

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