The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended an open invitation to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate under the New Nigeria’s People Party (NNPP), to return to the ruling party and work with President Bola Tinubu. This announcement came from APC’s publicity secretary, Felix Morka, during a Monday interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Show. Morka addressed the swirling rumors about Kwankwaso’s possible defection to the APC following the resignation of Umar Ganduje as the party’s national chairman. He stated, “He is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Anyone who wishes to join…
Author: Podium Reporters
In a landmark diplomatic engagement, President Bola Tinubu and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre have pledged to formalize diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia. The commitment was made during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Castries, on the second day of Tinubu’s state visit to the island nation. Tinubu described Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers,” underscoring the historical and cultural bonds that unite the two nations. He stressed that these ties are rooted in a shared past and collective resilience, which form the basis for expanding cooperation. The leaders agreed to focus…
Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail on Monday by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being arraigned on six counts of alleged cybercrime offenses. The charges accuse her of making false and defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello. Akpoti-Uduaghan denied all allegations, which include claims that Akpabio instructed Bello to orchestrate an attack on her in Kogi to disguise the perpetrators. She maintained these assertions during a televised interview, stating that the alleged plot was discussed in a meeting between the two politicians. The Federal Government contended that the senator’s…
Following the circulation of a disturbing video showing alleged violent conduct by the Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad against suspected touts in Onitsha, the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The video has sparked widespread debate and concern among residents and civil rights advocates. The government, while affirming its zero-tolerance policy toward touting, has emphasized the need for accountability and respect for human rights in law enforcement operations. Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, addressed the public on behalf of the administration, urging caution in the face of potential misinformation. “In this era of AI…
In a remarkable display of coordinated security efforts, 13 passengers abducted from a Hummer bus at Eke in Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, have been rescued through a joint operation led by the police and local vigilantes. This success underscores Governor Hyacinth Alia’s dedication to restoring peace and security in the region. Okpokwu Local Government chairman, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the rescue operation, highlighting that the pressure mounted by security forces, including youths from neighboring Kogi State, forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims at Oando village on Sunday afternoon. Two passengers had already been rescued the previous day. Inalegwu praised Governor…
In a move to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of civil servants to national development, the Federal Government has awarded 18 outstanding public servants with new sports utility vehicles, laptops, and other valuable prizes. This recognition highlights their dedication to reforming and improving the civil service. The awards were presented at the 2025 Civil Service Awards Night held on Saturday in Abuja. Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, described the recipients as “quiet reformers whose daily efforts often go unnoticed but are critical to national development.” She praised their commitment to excellence, integrity, and discipline…
Official records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation have confirmed that Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory received a cumulative N1.6 trillion from the Federal Government between March 2024 and May 2025. The funds were earmarked for infrastructure development and security enhancement at the subnational level. The disbursement, which spanned 15 months, was part of a special intervention programme funded by non-oil revenue savings. The initiative was designed to ease fiscal pressures on state governments and accelerate the execution of critical projects, especially in the wake of widespread insecurity and infrastructure deficits. According to documents…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is engulfed in a serious internal crisis centered on the National Secretary position and the legitimacy of the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Monday, June 30, 2025. The party faces a potential split as rival factions plan to hold separate meetings in Abuja, signaling a major showdown. Insiders reveal that both factions are actively mobilizing for their respective meetings, with the Board of Trustees also convening amid the escalating tension. On Sunday afternoon at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National…
Reno Omokri has thrown down the gauntlet, daring Peter Obi to deny a bombshell email exchange that allegedly proves Obi’s behind-the-scenes lobbying for the vice-presidential slot in 2019. In the email, dated October 8, 2018, Obi addresses Omokri as “my dear brother,” thanks him for his support and commitment to Nigeria, and attaches his resume on the directive of a senior political “Oga.” Obi also provides multiple phone numbers, stating he tried to call Omokri earlier without success, and asks him to find the attached resume file. Omokri, who released the email after being called a liar by Obi’s supporters,…
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reported a series of successful military operations carried out between June 25 and 26, 2025, which resulted in the neutralization of multiple terrorists, including the infamous terror leader Mai Dada, and the confiscation of a large quantity of arms and ammunition. Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed in a statement that these operations spanned several regions—North East, North West, North Central, and South South—reflecting a nationwide effort to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities. In Zamfara State’s Maru Local Government Area, troops from the 1 Brigade of Operation Fasan…