Category: Nigeria

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FG sympathises with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti over hurricane Melissa devastation

The Federal Government on Sunday expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti following the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa, FG said it received “with profound sorrow and deep sympathy the news of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on our sister nations, the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.”

The ministry described the scenes of devastation as “truly heart-wrenching,” noting that reports from the affected nations showed widespread destruction, severe flooding, and tragic loss of lives and livelihoods.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the governments and the resilient peoples of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica during this period of immense adversity and destruction,” the statement read.

The government also commended the efforts of emergency responders in the affected countries, praising their courage and commitment under dire conditions.

“We commend the swift and courageous efforts of the national emergency response teams in both countries, who are working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to provide relief and save lives,” it said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global solidarity and South-South cooperation, the Federal Government extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a full recovery.

“In the spirit of South-South cooperation and the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that Nigeria shares with the nations of the Caribbean, the Federal Government of Nigeria extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement added.

FG also called on the global community to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Caribbean nations.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria calls upon the international community and our partner organisations to rally in support of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, and to provide all necessary assistance to help these nations in their urgent recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica,” the ministry concluded.

According to reports, Hurricane Melissa has left nearly 50 people dead across the Caribbean after unleashing catastrophic winds, flooding, and destruction on multiple islands. The storm—one of the most powerful on record—has devastated Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, while Bermuda remains under a hurricane warning.

It was reported that in Jamaica, at least 19 deaths have been confirmed, mainly in the western parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, with widespread power and communication outages complicating rescue efforts. Haiti has reported 30 deaths, over 1,000 homes flooded, and 16,000 people displaced, while Cuba is reeling from major infrastructure damage amid its economic crisis. Around 735,000 Cubans were evacuated as homes collapsed and power lines were torn down.

The United States and the United Kingdom mobilised aid, with US disaster response teams deployed across the region. (Punch)

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Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka says US revoked his visa

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has said the US revoked his visa and banned him from the country.

The 91-year-old author, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986, said the US consulate asked him to bring in his passport so his visa could be cancelled in person as new unspecified information had come to light.

Soyinka called the invitation a “rather curious love letter from an embassy” in a news conference held on Tuesday and told organisations hoping to invite him to the US “not to waste their time”.

The US embassy in Nigeria has said it cannot comment on individual cases.

The Nobel laureate has previously held permanent residency in the US but renounced it in 2016, tearing up his green card in protest of President Donald Trump’s election.

The green card is a permanent residence permit for the US – prized by many African immigrants to the US.

Soyinka affirmed on Tuesday that he no longer had his green card – and jokingly added that it had “fallen between the fingers of a pair of scissors and it got cut into a couple of pieces”.

The famed author has had regular teaching engagements at US universities for the past 30 years.

“I have no visa. I am banned,” he said on Tuesday.

Soyinka has long been critical of the Trump administration’s radical stance on immigration and linked the visa revocation to his outspoken criticism.

He said his recent comparison of Trump to Uganda’s dictator – “Idi Amin in white face” – may have contributed to the current situation.

“When I called Donald Trump Idi Amin, I thought I was paying him a compliment,” Soyinka said, “he’s been behaving like a dictator.”

Idi Amin was a Ugandan military officer and dictator who ruled the country from 1971 to 1979, infamous for his brutal regime and widespread human rights abuses.

When asked if he would consider going back to the US, Soyinka said: “How old am I?”

In July, the US State Department announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for citizens of Nigeria and several other African countries.

According to the policy, nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians and nationals of Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana would now be single-entry and valid for only three months, rolling back the up to five-year, multiple-entry visas they had enjoyed previously. (BBC)

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Anambra: Soludo mocks APC, party vows to end reign

The All Progressives Congress has declared that it will put an end to the 19-year reign of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra State.

The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party would defeat APGA in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

Yilwatda stated this on Friday at the All Saints Anglican Church Cathedral, Onitsha, during the APC governorship campaign rally for its candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.

He described the APC as “a messenger of hope,” stating that he was in the state to deliver the message of hope.

“The APC will uproot APGA in the next remaining eight days and 196 hours to the November 8 governorship election. We in the APC cannot afford to allow APGA to continue governing an important state like Anambra as an adopted son when we have our own son in the person of Ukachukwu.”

Speaking at the rally, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the APC couldn’t afford to lose Anambra, adding that he would like the state to become the 25th APC-controlled state.

Ukachukwu expressed optimism that the APC would soon replace APGA’s “deceitful nonperformance” in the state with a high level of development in the nearest future.

“We will soon replace insecurity, multiple taxation, corruption, and nonperformance with adequate security, steady power supply, industrial development, and an agricultural chain,” Ukachukwu stated.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum assured the electorate in the state that their votes would count in the coming election.

The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Basil Ejidike, and the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, Arinze Awogu, in their separate speeches, expressed optimism that the APC would take over the Anambra Government House at Agu-Awka this time around.

Meanwhile, the state governor and APGA candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, mocked the APC and its candidate for flagging off their campaign seven days before the election.

Soludo, while speaking at the APGA campaign rally held at Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, said the APC campaign was proof that the party was not serious about the contest.

He urged the people to come out en masse on November 8 and vote out the APC and other opposition parties contesting the race.

Soludo said, “This is shocking and a mockery for a political party like the APC to flag off its campaign seven days before the voting process. Though it’s not a surprise, because its candidate is in the race to gain cheap popularity.

“Please, on the day of the election, step out en masse, collect their money, eat it, and vote them out.

“What I can tell you here today is that I have no competitor in this governorship race. What you have seen in the last three years of my administration in terms of transformation is evidence that we will win the election — and we can only win when we all go out and vote.” (Punch)

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APGA 2023 presidential candidate, Justice Umeadi, quits party, withdraws from politics

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general election, Justice Prof. Peter Umeadi, has announced his resignation from the party and his withdrawal from all forms of partisan politics in Nigeria.

In a letter personally signed and dated November 24, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of APGA Ward 1, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr. Onyekwelu Jideobi, Justice Prof. Umeadi expressed appreciation to APGA for granting him the opportunity to fly its flag in the last presidential election.

The letter titled “Resignation from Membership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)” read in part:

“I respectfully write to resign from my membership of Nri Ward 1, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). By the same token, I withdraw from all partisan politics in Nigeria.

I thank APGA for fielding me as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. The resignation of my membership from APGA and withdrawal from partisan politics in Nigeria takes effect from today. Accept the assurance of my warmest regards.”

Justice Prof. Umeadi, who ran on the Umeadi–Mohammed 2023 ticket, was the first jurist and law academic to emerge as a presidential candidate of a major political party in Nigeria. His campaign was anchored on the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, and due process, with a vision for social progress and equitable opportunity for all Nigerians.

He joined APGA on March 20, 2019, at Nri Ward 1, and clinched the party’s presidential ticket on June 1, 2022. His candidacy, widely regarded as a new chapter for legal professionals in Nigerian politics, emphasized integrity, fairness, and institutional reform.

Born on July 4, 1955, Justice Prof. Umeadi served as Chief Judge of Anambra State from 2011 to 2019. He is also a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Life Bencher, Patron of the Anambra Book and Creativity Network (ANBUKRAFT), and a member of the World Jurist Association (WJA).

With numerous awards and professional recognitions to his name, Justice Prof. Umeadi’s withdrawal marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds to have ventured into partisan politics. (Vanguard)

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Adebutu Kessington brokers peace as Ooni, Alaafin end feud

The head of the Oduduwa race Worldwide & Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Council, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Friday held a meeting in Lagos, where they reaffirmed commitment to the unity and peace of communities across Yorubaland.

The historic meeting, held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, was convened by the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu, during his birthday anniversary.

A release made available by the palace of Ooni of Ife, said the two monarchs in a communique issued after the meeting, emphasised their shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the advancement of the Yoruba people.

“They announced the creation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a body that will focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland,” the release read.

The monarchs also called for continuous dialogue and collaboration between the two ancient thrones, stressing that the Yoruba race can only achieve greatness through unity and collective progress.

“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history. We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and to upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears,” the communiqué stated.

It further read, “The meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, focused on strengthening inter-kingdom cooperation and encouraging other traditional rulers to emulate the spirit of togetherness demonstrated by the two monarchs.

“In their closing prayers, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly sought divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent at large. The session ended with an exchange of goodwill and royal blessings between the two revered thrones.”

Speaking, Sir Adebutu, who convened the meeting, expressed joy at witnessing the unity between the two prominent monarchs, describing it as a milestone that would foster peace and progress among the Yoruba people. (Punch)

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Tinubu committed to press freedom, says Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains an ally of the media.

Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday when he hosted a delegation of the NUJ leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vice-President also said that Tinubu is committed to protecting and advancing the journalism profession in the country.

Shettima stated that Tinubu has long been supportive of the media and would not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

He, however, said that the government and citizens alike expect a lot from the media, emphasising that the journalism profession stands almost at par with the judiciary.

According to him, journalists are expected to hold public officials accountable and adjudicate on issues of governance.

”In President Bola Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years.

“I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession.

”You are the life wire of the nation — we can’t afford to muzzle you,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima, who described the media as the conscience of the nation, stressed that authorities cannot afford to intimidate journalists, as they are indispensable to the survival of democracy in the country.

“Past generations of Nigerian leaders — from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and even Obafemi Awolowo — were first journalists before they became political leaders,” the Vice-President recalled.

Shettima acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry, noting that several media organisations in Nigeria struggle to pay staff salaries and emoluments.

He appealed to the NUJ to remain hopeful, promising that President Tinubu would continue to support the union.

“Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organisation. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,” he added.

Shettima further noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was made in the national interest.

The Vice-President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repositioning the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens.

Earlier, the National President of NUJ,  Alhassan Abdullahi, drew the Vice-President’s attention to some critical issues confronting journalists in the course of doing their job.

Abdullahi urged him to use his office “to take a firm stance in defending press freedom, and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty.”

He also urged the government “to initiate a comprehensive review of colonial-era laws such as sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that continue to criminalise journalism.”

He maintained that “libel should be decriminalised.”

He also demand the facilitation of a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that no reporter is harmed for simply reporting the news.

He also called for government’s partnership with the media to initiate a media support framework, including training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and a targeted bailout for critical media institutions.

The NUJ also sought partnerships with TETFUND, universities, and international media institutes to uplift training standards across the profession.

He also called for the creation of a Permanent Government- Media Liaison Platform under the office of the Vice-President.

This, according to him, will foster regular engagement, clarify national policies, and prevent the vacuum breeding misinformation.

Abdullahi pledged the support of the Nigerian press for the President Tinubu’s development agenda.

He noted however that the press will always maintain the right to speak truth to power for the survival of democracy.

“We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government.

“Same way we call out government when we feel that certain issues are not clearly given the needed consideration, we also would be ready to applaud government when things have been done right,” he added.

He commended the administration of President Tinubu over “tangible efforts and firm support in key areas of national development,” despite the economic headwinds facing Nigeria, like many other nations.

Abdullahi acknowledged that in less than three years, the administration has undertaken bold reforms targeted at stabilising the nation’s economy. (Punch)

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Ekiti gov hails Tinubu for appointing Oluyede as CDS

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

He described the gesture as a profound recognition of excellence and a source of pride for the people of Ekiti State.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Tinubu made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs on Friday.

Oluyede, a native of Ikere-Ekiti, was until his new appointment the Chief of Army Staff.

His elevation to the apex of Nigeria’s military hierarchy, Oyebanji said, is both a testament to his dedication and a reflection of Tinubu’s commitment to merit and national service.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, from Ado-Ekiti and put on the state website on Saturday, the governor thanked the President, saying the appointment recognises “the exemplary qualities of the Ikere-Ekiti-born General.”

“The Government and the people of Ekiti State are grateful to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for General Oluyede’s appointment. We wish him success in this new assignment and pledge our unalloyed support for him,” the statement read.

Oyebanji praised the new Defence Chief as a shining example of the Ekiti spirit of service, honour, and excellence.

“General Oluyede epitomises the core values of courage, integrity and loyalty for which Ekitis are known.

“He possesses a high level of integrity and professionalism required to make a success of the new assignment being given to him by the President,” Oyebanji said.

Expressing confidence in the General’s leadership, Oyebanji said he has no doubt Oluyede will bring his vast military experience to bear on the job.

“He is a gallant officer with a proven track record of accomplishments in his illustrious military career.

“We are confident he will leverage his extensive experience and expertise in charting a new direction for the military, particularly during this critical period,” the governor noted.

Oyebanji’s message struck both a note of pride and gratitude — pride in the elevation of an illustrious Ekiti son, and gratitude to Tinubu for what he called “a deserved appointment that reaffirms the values of competence and patriotism.”

With this appointment, Ekiti joins the nation in celebrating one of its own at the helm of Nigeria’s defence establishment — a moment Governor Oyebanji said “reflects honour not only for General Oluyede, but for the entire state.” (Punch)

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Tinubu appoints new service chiefs, Oluyede becomes Defence Chief

President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs.

This is “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture,” a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, read Friday.

The statement is titled ‘Tinubu changes service chiefs.’

According to Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

“The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement further read.

Tinubu charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

All appointments take immediate effect.

Similarly, PUNCH Online reported on June 19, 2023, that Bola Tinubu approved the immediate retirement of all the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller-General of Customs. (Punch)

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Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC chair

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Amupitan took the oath of office at 1:50 pm at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu charged Amuputan to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and electoral process, as well as strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.

“As the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination to the important role and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate is a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arm of government.

“The significant achievement marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism.

“Our democracy has come a long way. In 25 years, we have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system, through innovation and reforms. We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago.

“We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex, multifaceted society,” the President said.

“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy, safeguarding the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach. It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible.

“We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow. To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process, from registration to campaigning, immediate access, voting and counting should be transparent, non-violent and credible.

“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against official setbacks.

“I therefore charge you, Professor, as you take on this important assignment to protect the integrity of our elections and electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” Tinubu added.

Amupitan arrived at the State House on Thursday morning, dressed in a white ‘agbada’ paired with a gold cap, exchanging greetings with onlookers ahead of the ceremony to formalise his assumption of office as the head of the nation’s electoral umpire.

Amupitan’s swearing in by the President comes a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment as INEC Chairman following a rigorous screening session on October 16. (Punch)

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Tinubu condoles with Abba Moro over son, grandson’s death

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, following the tragic deaths of his son, Victor Moro, and grandson, Abba Moro Jr.

In a Tuesday statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President described the losses as heartbreaking and urged the family to find comfort in the short but meaningful lives of the departed.

Tinubu commiserated with the Senator’s family, friends, and associates, particularly those from the Benue South Senatorial District, which Moro represents in the National Assembly.

“The President urges the family to find solace in the impactful lives of the children, whose time on earth, though short, is truly a blessing to the many lives they touched and those who came in contact with them,” the statement read in part.

He prayed for divine strength and consolation for the bereaved family, asking God Almighty to “receive the souls of the departed children and comfort the family.”

Senator Moro, a former Minister of Interior, has represented Benue South since 2019 and currently leads the opposition caucus in the 10th Senate.

Moro’s son died in a car crash on the Mararaba axis of Nasarawa State soon after returning from studies abroad.

Multiple outlets said the accident happened a day after the family buried the senator’s grandson, Abba Moro Jr.

The grandson’s death reportedly occurred earlier and he was laid to rest shortly before the crash that killed Victor; however, the cause of the child’s death has not been publicly disclosed. (Punch)