Kano deputy governor explains resignation

Former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has explained why he stepped down from his position.

In a resignation letter addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Gwarzo said he chose to leave office voluntarily so the government could continue its work without distractions.

“I hereby tender my voluntary resignation from office, with effect from 27th March 2026. This decision has been reached after careful consultations and deep reflection,” he said.

He explained that his action was guided by his commitment to peace, stability, and the overall interest of the people of the state.

Gwarzo stressed that his resignation should not be misunderstood as an admission of guilt.

“In view of the prevailing circumstances, I have taken this step in the spirit of responsibility and statesmanship, to allow the government and the State to move forward without undue distractions,” he added.

“This resignation is made voluntarily and in good faith. It should not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing, but rather as a conscious decision in the interest of institutional integrity, democratic values, and public service.”

The former deputy governor said his priority remains the progress of Kano State, noting that stepping aside at this time would help maintain focus on governance.

What El-rufai’s sudden release from ICPC custody means – Wakili

Imran U. Wakili, a popular social media commentator has claimed that the sudden release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC means he was unfairly detained.

DAILY POST reports that shortly after reports of the death of El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma on Friday, ICPC released the former governor.

Reacting, Wakili in a post shared on X, claimed that the prolonged detention of the firmer governor was not based on any proven wrongdoing, stating that the authorities only wanted to humiliate him.

According to the social media influencer, the timing of the release shows that there were ulterior motives behind the arrest and detention.

“The sudden release of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai shows that they were only keeping him to humiliate him, not because he committed any crime,” Wakili wrote.

He added that though the release may indicate “a little conscience,” it also underscores what he described as unjust treatment.

WASSCE records 32.72% pass rate

WAEC studentsThe West African Examinations Council has released the results of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, 2026 – First Series, recording a 32.72 per cent pass rate.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Head of Public Affairs at the WAEC National Office, Moyosola Adesina.

According to the statement, out of 10,523 candidates who sat the examination, 3,429 candidates representing 32.72 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The statement read, “3,429 candidates representing 32.72 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

“The percentage of candidates in this category in the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024 and 2025 – First Series, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, were 30.95 per cent and 26.96 per cent respectively. Thus, there is a marginal increase of 5.76 per cent in performance in this regard.

This is the highest pass rate in three years, compared to 30.95 per cent in 2024 and 2025 First Series of the CB-WASSCE, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, 4,598 candidates (43.87 per cent) obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects (with or without English Language and Mathematics).

Of those who achieved credit in the core subjects, 1,847 (53.86 per cent) were male, while 1,582 (46.14 per cent) were female, reflecting a slight male lead.

Meanwhile, WAEC indicated that while 8,418 (80.32 per cent) candidates had their results fully processed, 2,062 (19.68 per cent) had a few subjects still under processing due to errors.

WAEC also noted that 75 candidates (0.72per cent) had their results withheld over reported cases of examination malpractice. Investigations are ongoing, and affected candidates will be informed directly of the Council’s decisions.

The examination, conducted nationwide between January 28, and February 14, 2026, saw 10,523 candidates register, an 11.49 per cent increase from the 9,438 candidates in 2025.

Of these, 10,480 candidates sat the examination across 166 centres in the country.

WAEC disclosed that among the candidates, 43 candidates with varying degrees of special needs were registered, including 11 visually impaired, four hearing impaired, and four albino candidates, all of whom were adequately accommodated during the examinations.

The gender distribution of candidates showed that 5,106 were males (48.72 per cent) and 5,374 were females (51.28 per cent).

Rivers APC suspends Fubara over alleged anti-party activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has suspended Fubara Dagogo, a prominent member from Bonny Local Government Area.

The decision was taken by the Ward 4 Executive Committee after allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct were levelled against the party chieftain.

The crisis arose after Dagogo took legal action against the APC over its upcoming national convention.

He approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting an order to halt the party’s planned event.

In his suit, Dagogo alleged that he was unjustly prevented from contesting for the position of National Vice-Chairman (South-South).

Although Dagogo reportedly paid N5.1 million for the nomination form, he claimed the party refused to provide the required documents to formalize his candidacy.

He subsequently petitioned the court to suspend the South-South zonal congress and recognize his eligibility for the position.

Additionally, he sought the nullification of any election conducted without his participation and demanded N100 million in damages for what he described as marginalization.

However, the leadership of his ward in Bonny viewed this legal move as a direct violation of the party’s internal discipline.

The Ward Chairman, Richard Ibani, announced the suspension, stating that the resolution was passed during a committee meeting held on March 16.

The document confirming his removal was signed by the Ward Secretary, Donald Jumbo, and 21 other executive members.

The ward leaders maintained that Dagogo’s actions were an embarrassment to the party and a breach of the APC Constitution 2022 as amended. Specifically, they cited Article 21.2 (I), (II), and (VII), which deal with party discipline and the conduct of members.

In a strongly worded statement, the committee noted that they had previously cautioned members against acts that could ridicule the party.

​They stated: “The ward exco has always advised its members to desist from actions capable of ridiculing our party, but your recent actions have shown that you are not willing to respect and abide by the constitution and actions of our great party.”

The suspension is indefinite and took effect immediately.

The ward leadership has also called on the state secretariat to uphold the resolution and apply further necessary actions.

ADC has demonstrated readiness to become formidable national platform – Ogbodo

An opposition leader in Enugu State, Ray Kene Ogbodo has declared that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, stands as a viable national platform to rescue Nigeria from bad leadership.

Ogbodo, in a press statement made available to journalists on Friday, expressed optimism that the Senator David Mark-led ADC will restore the lost hopes of Nigerians.

The ADC chieftain spoke through his media aide, Mr. Azubuike Akam, noting that the recent NEC meeting that rectified the released timetable for the nationwide congresses and national convention of the African Democratic Congress was a significant milestone in the party’s journey to rebuild Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

Ogbodo described it as a demonstration of commitment to internal democracy and institutional discipline.

“The congress timetable beginning with polling unit/ward congresses and culminating in the national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026 reflects the party’s determination to strengthen its structures from the grassroots to the national level.

“This transparent process is not merely about electing party officials.

“It is about renewing hope, deepening participation, and positioning the ADC as the credible vehicle through which Nigerians can reclaim their future.

“Across Nigeria today, citizens are grappling with unprecedented hardship.

“Families struggle daily with the rising cost of living, collapsing infrastructure, and economic policies that appear disconnected from the realities of the people.

“What we are witnessing is not simply economic difficulty; it is the result of years of leadership failure, policy inconsistency, and a troubling disconnect between those in power and the citizens they claim to serve,” he stated.

Ogbodo further stated that the situation in Enugu State was particularly concerning.

The 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the AAC in Enugu State said the time had come for a new political culture, one built on integrity, compassion, competence, and service for the people.

“The congresses announced by the party leadership represent more than an administrative exercise.

“They are the foundation of a movement to rescue Nigeria from the grip of outdated political thinking and to replace it with a new generation of leadership that listens, learns, and leads with courage.

“The ADC has already demonstrated its readiness to become a formidable national platform, strengthening its grassroots structures and mobilizing citizens ahead of future elections.

“Our party stands today as a broad coalition of Nigerians who believe that the country can, and must do better.

“The message we send through this process is clear: Nigeria does not lack resources or talent; what has been lacking is leadership that puts the people first.

“The suffering of Nigerians must end. Economic sabotage, corruption, and governance driven by narrow political interests must give way to policies that empower citizens, stimulate productivity, and restore dignity to the Nigerian people.

“To Ndi Enugu and Nigerians across the federation, I say this: the journey to national renewal has begun. The ADC is ready to provide the leadership and platform required to rebuild trust in governance and restore hope in our democracy.

“The congresses and convention ahead will further consolidate our resolve, deepen participation, and prepare our party to offer Nigerians a credible alternative,” he declared.

Military probes ‘Sallah returnee’s’ death amid alleged terror links

The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has launched an investigation into the controversial killing of a man, Abdulrahman Mustapha, in Maiduguri, following widespread allegations of extrajudicial action by troops.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 22 near the Polo axis close to the Federal High Court, has sparked outrage on social media.

It was alleged that Mustapha, also known as Abchin, was unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit when he was shot dead by military personnel.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, described the allegations as serious, confirming that an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the statement, Mustapha might have attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an act the military described as a direct threat to troops.

However, the military indicated that initial findings suggest the situation may be more complex than portrayed.

According to the Theatre Command, preliminary operational indicators point to possible security concerns, including suspicions that the deceased may have been linked to a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance group or sleeper cell.

“Initial findings indicate the possibility that troops may have encountered individuals consistent with a Boko Haram/ISWAP reconnaissance element or a sleeper cell operating within the area. This assessment is based on several factors, including reports that the individual in question allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an action indicative of hostile intent and a direct threat to troops’ safety.

“Additionally, the individual was reportedly found in possession of multiple identification cards bearing different names from that cited in the petition, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic, which may suggest cross-border movement, possible infiltration, or the use of a decoy identity,” part of the statement read.

I rejected requests by parents to transfer their children to medicine, law – ABSU VC

The Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu , Professor Ndukwe Okeudo has said that admission process in the institution is being run on tight merit-based system which can not be compromised.

He also disclosed that he rejected attempts by some parents to have their children transferred from other disciplines into the fields of Medicine and Law.

Professor Okeudo who was addressing Journalists in preparation for the 30th, 31st and 32nd combined Convocation claimed that admission and other activities in the University have been standardized since he took over as Vice Chancellor in November, 2024.

He said it was wrong for parents to attempt transferring their children into Medicine, Pharmacy and Law .

“People were pressuring; transfer my child to Medicine, transfer my child to Law, I said no !

” If your child did not pass Medicine and Law in JAMB, they can’t study them,” Professor Okeudo said.

The Vice Chancellor, who praised Governor Alex Otti for clearing the salary backlog left by the previous administration in Abia, also thanked him for the projects his administration is executing in the University.

Meanwhile, a total of 10, 255 Scholars would participate in the combined Convocation on Friday.

Plateau residents in shock as aborted twin babies found at refuse dump

Residents of the Special Site community in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State were, on Thursday, thrown into shock following the discovery of the bodies of aborted twin babies in a refuse dump.

According to eyewitnesses, the aborted babies -a male and a female- were discovered in the early hours of the day in a polythene bag after unknown persons dumped them.

A resident of the area, who did not want his name mentioned, said the aborted babies were found behind the house of a taxi driver identified as Enman Danladi.

Danladi, who commented on the incident, said the strange discovery sparked outrage among other residents when a local farmer alerted him to the discovery after noticing a dog sniffing at the bag, which was swarming with flies.

Danladi said that after the farmer drove the dog away, he opened the polythene bag only to find the aborted twins, forcing him to raise an alarm.

Danladi said when the farmer rushed to his house to inform him, he gathered other neighbours who later dug a small grave at the site to bury the remains of the babies.

“It was a pathetic sight. Women were crying while the men expressed anger and cursed whoever was responsible.

“One woman who had struggled with infertility was crying uncontrollably.

“Such acts are usually done by people from outside the area so they cannot be traced,” he added.

New Lagos CP declares war on cultism, violent crime

​The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has vowed to intensify efforts against cultism and other violent crimes in a bid to enhance security across the state.

Fatai made the pledge on Thursday while delivering his inaugural address as the 42nd Commissioner of Police of the Lagos State Police Command, outlining his strategy to confront emerging security challenges.

He said the command would adopt proactive and intelligence-driven approaches to crime prevention, stressing that criminal elements would no longer find refuge within the state.

“Our operational focus will include reducing crime to the barest minimum, tackling cultism and violent crimes, strengthening visibility policing, ensuring discipline on our roads, and restoring peace in identified black spots across the state. Criminal elements will find no safe haven in Lagos,” he stated.

Describing his appointment as a call to duty, the police chief acknowledged the unique security pressures associated with Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

“A secure environment is fundamental to economic growth and public confidence. We are prepared to confront these challenges head-on,” he added.

Fatai also emphasized the need to strengthen community policing by fostering closer collaboration between the police, residents, and other stakeholders.

“We will continue to build trust, deepen cooperation, and encourage residents to see the police as partners in progress,” he said.

He highlighted youth engagement as a key component of crime prevention, noting that constructive interaction with young people would help curb criminal tendencies and promote peace.

The commissioner also emphasized the importance of synergy among security agencies, assuring that the command would work closely with the military and other relevant bodies to improve intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.

He warned officers against acts of misconduct, stressing that discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights would be strictly upheld.

“Discipline, professionalism, and integrity are non-negotiable. The command has zero tolerance for police brutality and all forms of misconduct,” he said.

Fatai called on residents to remain law-abiding and support security agencies by providing credible information, assuring both the state government and the public of his commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Osun 2026: INEC charges stakeholders to safeguard credible poll

As the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, intensifies its grassroots engagement strategy across Osun State, election stakeholders have been charged to take greater responsibility for ensuring credible elections.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, gave this charge during a series of stakeholders’ meetings held in Osogbo, Ede North and Ede South local government council areas on Wednesday.

Addressing participants drawn from political parties, transport unions, security agencies and civil society organisations, Dr Agboke emphasised that the credibility of the electoral process depended largely on collective adherence to electoral guidelines.

He stressed that no candidate would be declared winner without securing the mandate of voters.

“Nobody will win any election in Osun State without the votes of the people,” he said.

The REC explained that the decision to hold meetings across all local government areas was aimed at engaging stakeholders within their respective communities.

He described the election as special and called for a united approach among stakeholders to ensure a peaceful outcome.

According to him, “such decentralised consultations were necessary for effective planning and coordination.

“Election activities must be jointly handled by all stakeholders to guarantee success.”

As part of measures to strengthen accountability, he disclosed that all ad-hoc staff engaged for the election would be required to sign an affidavit of commitment to service before deployment and warned that any breach of the oath would attract prosecution.

Agboke also cautioned electoral officers, including presiding officers and collation officers, against tampering with results.

“Election matters are serious and should only involve individuals committed to democratic development.

“We will trace any altered result to the responsible official, and such a person will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.

He extended similar warnings to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW, urging them to refrain from partisan activities during the election period.

According to him, “INEC would collaborate with the union strictly in its organisational capacity. A situation room would be established to monitor compliance on election day.”

The REC disclosed that the Commission had been dealing with misinformation since his assumption of office, but insisted that such challenges would not derail preparations for the Osun governorship polls.

Security agencies also used the forum to reassure stakeholders of adequate arrangements to maintain peace before, during and after the elections.

In their welcome address, electoral officers highlighted areas of concern within their jurisdictions, including locations prone to overcrowding, drug-related activities and thuggery, particularly in parts of Ede North, calling for targeted security interventions ahead of the polls.