Women from the Mushere community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, took an unprecedented step by staging a nude protest over the removal of the traditional ruler of Mushere Chiefdom, the Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, by the state government.

The removal of the monarch, announced by the Ministry for Chieftaincy Affairs, was linked to ongoing insecurity in the chiefdom and allegations of his involvement in some conflicts, as well as his failure to address violent attacks, leading to accusations that he was a sellout among residents.

However, many indigenes of the chiefdom have risen in defence of the dethroned traditional ruler, claiming that his removal was a witch-hunt, as he had worked hard to restore peace and return displaced people to their homes.

Supporters of the monarch also claim that the government’s action was a misplaced priority during an active security crisis.

Since his removal in early April, different groups have staged pockets of protests demanding his immediate reinstatement, but the mother of all the protests was the naked demonstration by community women who stormed the council secretariat carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Bring Back Julius Our Chief,” calling on the government to immediately reinstate their monarch, insisting that his removal has destabilised the community.

In video footage of the protest that circulated widely on social media, a group of elderly women was seen completely naked and marching through the community, chanting solidarity songs and expressing their grievances.

One of the leaders of the protesters, who spoke to journalists on why they had to go naked during the protest, said they stripped naked to tell Governor Mutfwang that he had erred in removing the monarch, insisting that he had done a lot to restore peace in the chiefdom.

“We had to remove our clothes to protest and demand that our paramount ruler, Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, who was unjustly removed from office, be reinstated immediately.

“This is a message from us to Governor Caleb Mutfwang that he should return Mishkakam Julius Diblang immediately or a big calamity will befall him. The world has seen our nakedness, and those who understand these things will know that you don’t take a woman’s nakedness for granted.

“Governor Mutfwang should better listen to us and bring back Mishkakam Mushere before it’s too late,” she said.

There is a renewed call for the annulment of the audit report by Savannah Energy on Ibom Power Company, IPC, (Akwa Ibom State owned power company) and for the engagement of independent and qualified audit firms that would conduct a fresh audit of the company.

Governor Umo Eno shortly after assumption of office in 2023 had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Savannah Energy- owners of Accugas, (the gas suppliers to Ibom Power Company) to conduct a technical audit of Ibom Power with the aim of identifying the operational challenges and reposition the plant for optimum performance.

The audit, which was done under the supervision of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) was eventually submitted to Gov Eno in April 2024 amid allegations of conflict of interest and non visitation of the facility during the exercise.

Open Forum, a Non governmental organisation in the State, was first to raise concerns about the ethical validity of the Akwa Ibom State Government appointing Savannah Energy, the gas suppliers to Ibom Power Company as auditors of Ibom Power.

Then, some staff of Ibom Power lamented that Savannah Energy never visited the company before submitting its report.

Open forum was recalled to have said, “This represents a clear conflict of interest and violates international auditing standards, including the IFAC Code of Ethics and ISA 200/220. Awarding an audit to a company with vested commercial interests undermines credibility, transparency, and public confidence.”

The Convener of the Forum, Mathew Kofi Okono popularly known as MKO called for full independent audit of not just the Ibom Power Company but all other government owned investments under the supervision of AKICORP which according to him are in almost derelict states.

“The Forum calls for engagement of a fully independent and qualified audit firm for a credible, comprehensive, operational and technical audit of Ibom Power, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) and indeed all government-owned investments in the state with a view to repositioning them for optimum performance and improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“It is common knowledge that virtually all government-owned investments in the state under the supervision of AKICORP are either dead or on life support,” he said.

Meanwhile, almost two years after the audit report was submitted, the power situation in the State has not gotten better. Much has not been heard about the company aside the reforms and the sack of its Managing Director, Dr. Mayen Etukudoh.

Etukudoh was booted out of Ibom Power Company after his chilling revelations at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly where he informed the House of non-funding from the state government despite reported annual appropriations since he assumed office in 2016 till his exit in 2025.

He also reported in one of the public hearings a missing $80m said to have been given to Ibom Power Company by the Federal Government of Nigeria but never found its way to the company’s account.

Etukudoh’s exit from the company and the replacement with another has not brought significant impact in power supply in the State as Akwa Ibom is still dependent on a perennially epileptic National Grid.

Worried by the state of power in Akwa Ibom, Gov Eno recently constituted a Power Reform Implementation Committee (to be managed by a consultant) to find lasting solutions to issues of power outages and blackouts.

However, some analysts and experts have described the committee as lacking professional expertise in electricity generation, transmission, and utility management.

Engr Emmanuel Eno, a London based Akwa Ibomite, in his post on Facebook kicked against the composition of the Akwa Ibom State Power Reform Committee on grounds of “professional negligence.”

According to him, “The committee lacks a track record and needed technical capacity. If the goal is efficiency, sustainability, or real reform, this committee is destined to fail before it even starts. Power reform is technical, complex, and affects millions of our Akwa Ibom people.”

Also speaking, the former Vice Chancellor University of Uyo, Prof. Akpan Ekpo in a radio programme anchored by MKO advocated strongly for the engagement of indigenous experts to revive and reposition the power company instead of “engaging in talk shows,” as power according to him is a technical matter.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued by Okono on Monday, he noted that Akwa Ibom State government should as a matter of urgency consider the establishment of Ibom Gas Company to facilitate a coordinated investment in the gas sector to ensure undisrupted supply of gas to Ibom Power and other investments and service other clients as a way of boosting the IGR of the state.

He also called for a diligent review of the 2009 MoU with Savannah Energy (Accugas) on the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement and other investments, like the 69km Gas Pipeline to the Gas Plant.

Going back to memory lane, MKO said with the supply of gas being projected as a potential major challenge to the operation of Ibom Power Company, the Akwa Ibom State in 2009 under the administration of former Gov Godswill Akpabio signed a $66m Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Seven Energy owners of Accugas, now known as Savannah Energy for Accugas to build and operate a gas infrastructure in the state that will supply gas to Ibom Power.

“The sum of $33m was paid upfront as a form of commitment with the balance structured for monthly deductions from the State Government account.

“Additionally, Akwa Ibom State Government built a 69km gas pipeline to assist the company in the establishment of their $350m gas processing plant in the State.

“But the 10-year agreement signed with the company saw the state paying $2 instead of 40 Cents as gas was selling for then. The price differentials later tilted in favour of the state, which meant revenue to the coffers of the government.”

He said such an agreement should be revisited to ascertain the position of the state government.

He expressed hope that with the decentralised national power policy, presence of Ibom Power plant, abundant gas and manpower in the state (experts), Akwa Ibom State would be a model in resolving the intractable power crisis in Nigeria.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has disclosed that the state is statistically positioned as the leading light of Africa.

He said the state stands as the leading light of the continent economically and geographically.

Obasa made these remarks when he received the new leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The organisation, led by its President, Engineer Leye Kupoluyi, visited the Speaker in his office on Thursday.

Obasa, in a statement made available to DAILY POST, noted that the state has remained pro-business and pro-people.

He added that the state is the centre of Nigeria’s economy.

He also mentioned that despite the fact that Abuja is the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos continues to drive the nation’s economic strength.

Obasa, while speaking further, insisted that Lagos remains the best destination for investment in the country.

He said, “Lagos is the centre of Nigeria’s economy. We have always been pro-business and pro-people, and our laws reflect this commitment.

‘Lagos is strategically positioned to be the leading light of Africa, geographically, economically, and otherwise.’”

Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, has ignited fresh political conversations after making remarks seen as indicative of a possible successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The development comes amid growing speculation surrounding the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as a potential consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party’s anticipated primary process.

Olusi, a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, made the remarks on Wednesday during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre in Onikan.

While addressing participants at the event themed “Addressing Urbanisation and Urban Challenges of Lagos State,” Olusi repeatedly referred to Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos,” a statement that drew immediate attention from political stakeholders and observers present.

The comment, delivered in a public forum attended by key figures within Lagos’ political and traditional structure, has since been interpreted as a possible signal of elite preference in the state’s succession dynamics.

Also present at the gathering was former governor Babatunde Fashola, who was seated beside Hamzat during the proceedings, further fuelling speculation over the political undertone of the event.

Observers noted that Olusi’s repeated references to Hamzat suggested continuity within the state’s leadership structure, with the GAC chairman at one point explicitly describing him as “our incoming Governor of Lagos.”

The remarks reportedly drew noticeable reactions from delegates, given their implications for the 2027 race.

Olusi also highlighted Hamzat’s indigenous roots, describing him as a “son of the soil” and referring to him as “a cousin from Egbe,” a comment he said emphasized Hamzat’s deep ties to Lagos’ traditional and political landscape.

The IBILE Eko Summit, which brings together political leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders of Lagos origin, is widely regarded as an influential platform within the state’s political framework, often serving as a space where consensus and direction on governance and succession are subtly shaped.

The All Progressives Congress has rejected claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that the country remains a full multi-party democracy.

The party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat on Arise TV.

“By the last estimates, Nigeria has about 200 million people, and the largest proportion in any political organisation belongs to the APC. So when you talk about Nigerians speaking collectively, you cannot rely on what I call a cacophony of individuals speaking out of emotion without facts. As a government, we must respect democratic institutions, and no one should cast aspersions on democracy or the judiciary without hard evidence.

“One of the key features of democracy is the diversity of ideas and the freedom for people to speak without fear. Today, Nigeria has a vibrant and independent media space. Everyday, there are editorials and talk shows criticising the government. That shows that freedom of speech, association, and organisation are clearly alive in our country.”

He said Nigeria currently has about 19 registered political parties, arguing that this alone disproves allegations of one-party domination.

“As at the last count, we have no less than 19 registered political parties in Nigeria. Those claiming to have problems are not up to four or five. So you cannot say there is a one-party state.”

He stressed that the APC remains focused on strengthening its structures and expanding grassroots support across the country, rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political accusations.

“The job of the APC is very clear. We intend to build a pan-Nigerian political party that truly resonates with the grassroots and is able to articulate policies and programmes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President. We will not be distracted by people whose outcry is driven by sentiments that are not rooted in facts,” he added.

Residents of Edikwu Ukpogo in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have fled the community following a series of attacks reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.

The residents left behind farms and other livelihoods, raising fresh concerns about security and humanitarian conditions in the state.

Benue State has continued to face recurring clashes between farming communities and armed groups, often leading to displacement and loss of lives. Apa LGA is among the areas that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent years.

The once active community of Edikwu Ukpogo is now described by locals as deserted.

Families reportedly fled in fear after successive attacks, abandoning properties and farmlands critical to their survival.

The displacement has disrupted agricultural activities, worsening concerns over food security and economic stability in the area.

Reacting to the development, a political leader, Hon. Adole Jose Ehoda, described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent intervention by the government and security agencies.

He urged authorities to restore security, protect lives and property, and provide relief materials for displaced residents.

Residents and observers have also expressed growing frustration, questioning how long communities will remain vulnerable without adequate protection.

As displacement continues, attention is shifting to the response of security agencies.

The Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA has appealed to Abia residents and other road users on Aba-Azumini highway to avoid any act that may destroy the newly completed work on the road.

FERMA, which spoke through Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, South-East 2 Zonal Director, warned that burning of tyres during festivities would destroy the road.

Speaking on the highway during the inspection of the road, Omonowo said that harmful practices by youths and other community members on new roads contribute to the failure of some roads across the country.

“Our advice to the road users, especially the indigenes is to protect the road from destruction. Let nobody come and destroy it or be burning tyres in the name of celebration.

“This portion of the highway was in critical and terrible condition, a death trap to commuters and villagers before FERMA intervened”, he said.

Omonowo expressed satisfaction with the quality of job done by the contractor that handled the work, saying that the Catch Pit constructed in the project would prevent overflow of water.

He said that the road which connects Aba and some other communities in Abia up to Cross River State, carries heavy traffic of vehicles, hence FERMA’s intervention.

The South-East 2 Zonal Director, who said that his office is in charge of Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River States, urged Nigerian construction companies to do more in quality delivery, to be able to effectively challenge foreign construction companies.

Also speaking, the Federal roads maintenance engineer, Abia State, Festus Okafor said FERMA workers are not suffering harassment or other forms of violence from youths and other villagers in Abia State during their operations.

As part of effort to strengthen security arrangements for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), operatives of the Ogun state police alongside operational assets have been deployed across the 72 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the exam is scheduled to hold from 16th to 25th April, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the deployment followed the command’s adoption of proactive, firm, and intelligence-led security measures aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and credible examination exercise across all CBT centres in Ogun State.

Babaseyi stated that the operational plan is designed to guarantee visible police presence, early threat detection, and swift response to any security concern before, during, and after the examination period.

He said, “In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, all Area Commanders within jurisdictions hosting CBT centres have been placed on heightened operational alert and directed to take full charge of security management within their areas.

“They are to ensure strict supervision of deployed personnel, sustained patrols around examination environments, and close coordination with Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams, and JAMB officials to ensure seamless conduct of the exercise.”

He warned that any attempt to engage in examination malpractice, impersonation, or any form of disorderly conduct will be met with swift and decisive action, including arrest and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, assured residents of robust, proactive, and firm security coverage throughout the examination period and urged candidates to strictly comply with all examination guidelines and conduct themselves responsibly at all centres.