A member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Makoda Constituency, Hon. Muhammad Ahmad Tomas, has left the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tomas made his return known on Monday during a visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, at his residence in Abuja.

He was accompanied by the chairmen of Makoda and Dambatta local government areas, Alhaji Isa Currency and Alhaji Jamilu Abubakar Dambatta.

Receiving the lawmaker, Senator Barau described his return to the APC as a welcome development, saying it aligns with efforts to strengthen governance and political stability.

“This is a timely and commendable decision. It shows commitment to development and good governance,” Barau said.

The Deputy Senate President also assured Tomas of fair treatment within the APC, adding that the party remains open to returning members and committed to equal opportunities for all.

He further expressed confidence that Tomas’ return would boost the party’s strength in Kano North and across Kano State.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Barau said he was optimistic that the development would further consolidate the APC’s presence in the region.

Tomas’ defection comes after he recently lost the NDC ticket to contest for a second term in the Kano State House of Assembly, a decision that was reportedly reached through consensus within the party.

The lawmaker had earlier left the APC for the NDC, where he was received by party leaders, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, before returning to the ruling party.

The President-General of the Idoma Association USA, Edwin Ochai, has said that the greatest challenge confronting the Idoma nation is not a lack of education, intelligence or human capacity, but the absence of unity and a collective vision.

Ochai stated this on Saturday during the 2026 Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture held in Otukpo, Benue State.

Reflecting on the presentations and discussions at the event, he said the lecture broadened his understanding of the current realities facing the Idoma people and the path they must take to secure a better future.

According to him, one of the most striking lessons from the centenary lecture was that despite producing numerous professors, military generals, technocrats, public servants and other distinguished professionals, the Idoma nation has not translated its vast human resources into the level of political, economic and social development it deserves.

“The greatest challenge facing us today is not a lack of education, intelligence or human capacity. Rather, it is the absence of unity and a collective vision,” he said.

Ochai noted that the achievements of individual Idoma sons and daughters across various sectors demonstrate that the nation is not lacking in talent, knowledge or leadership potential.

He, however, lamented that personal interests, political divisions and clan loyalties often take precedence over the collective good, thereby limiting the community’s ability to harness its full strength for development.

“The Idoma people continue to excel, but their collective strength remains underutilised. A people united by a shared purpose can achieve far more than even the most brilliant individuals working separately,” he stated.

The Idoma Association USA leader said the centenary celebration should serve not only as a reflection on the achievements of the past century but also as a call to action for greater unity and purposeful leadership.

As the country approaches another election cycle, Ochai urged the Idoma people to rise above sentiments, personal relationships and short-term gains when choosing their leaders.

According to him, voters should focus on candidates with proven competence, integrity, vision and a genuine commitment to advancing the interests of the Idoma nation.

He said the people must critically evaluate every aspirant seeking public office by examining their track record of service, ability to unite the people and commitment to development, education, youth empowerment, security and economic growth.

“The future of our people depends not on who speaks the loudest or spends the most money, but on who possesses the vision, competence, integrity and commitment to advance the interests of the Idoma nation,” he said.

Ochai further stressed the need for leaders who can mobilise professionals, entrepreneurs, traditional institutions, women and youths towards a common developmental agenda.

He described the election season as an opportunity for the Idoma people to make informed decisions that would benefit both the present and future generations.

According to him, the centenary celebration should inspire the Idoma nation to embrace unity, collective purpose and visionary leadership capable of transforming the area into a model of progress, influence and development.

“The time to act is now. The time to unite is now. Now is the time to make a wise choice,” he added.

A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced seven men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry more than a decade ago.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Boma Diepiri on Thursday, concluded a long-running case arising from the killing of the clergyman in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, in December 2013.

Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.

The court found them guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related offences.

Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully established the charges against the defendants and consequently imposed the death sentence on all seven convicts.

The court heard that the victim was allegedly lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was abducted by members of the group.

He was reportedly blindfolded and restrained before being killed, after which his body was abandoned in a creek in the area.

The judge further ordered that the firearm recovered during the investigation, along with other exhibits tendered in evidence, be released to the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, who were also standing trial in connection with the matter, were cleared of all allegations.

The court discharged and acquitted both men of the 25-count charge after determining that the evidence presented was insufficient to link them to the offences.

The verdict triggered emotional reactions in the courtroom, with some of the convicts and their relatives shedding tears as the sentences were pronounced.

A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced seven men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry more than a decade ago.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Boma Diepiri on Thursday, concluded a long-running case arising from the killing of the clergyman in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, in December 2013.

Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.

The court found them guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related offences.

Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully established the charges against the defendants and consequently imposed the death sentence on all seven convicts.

The court heard that the victim was allegedly lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was abducted by members of the group.

He was reportedly blindfolded and restrained before being killed, after which his body was abandoned in a creek in the area.

The judge further ordered that the firearm recovered during the investigation, along with other exhibits tendered in evidence, be released to the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, who were also standing trial in connection with the matter, were cleared of all allegations.

The court discharged and acquitted both men of the 25-count charge after determining that the evidence presented was insufficient to link them to the offences.

The verdict triggered emotional reactions in the courtroom, with some of the convicts and their relatives shedding tears as the sentences were pronounced.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has condemned an alleged statement by Governor Bassey Otu that opposition politicians in the state would be “crushed” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, Archibong described the reported remark as reckless, disappointing and unbecoming of a democratic leader, arguing that it reflects intolerance for dissenting voices and an attempt to intimidate political opponents.

The PDP flagbearer expressed particular concern that the statement was attributed to Governor Otu, who is widely known for his Christian faith and often identified as an apostle.

He accused the governor of embracing political intimidation rather than demonstrating the moral values expected of a man of faith.

Citing Proverbs 22:22-23, Archibong urged the governor to refrain from actions or comments capable of suppressing opposition voices, stressing that democratic governance thrives on accountability and constructive criticism.

He maintained that the opposition would not be intimidated by threats, pledging instead to pursue a peaceful, issue-based campaign focused on the interests and welfare of Cross River people.

According to him, the period leading to the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity for a thorough assessment of the performance of the current administration, insisting that any government that has delivered on its promises should have nothing to fear from public scrutiny.

Archibong argued that the administration had itself provided the basis for criticism through its policies and actions, adding that a truly successful government would be judged by its achievements rather than attempts to silence opponents.

He said the governor should focus on “crushing” poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment through purposeful governance, strategic investments and visionary leadership, rather than targeting opposition figures.

The PDP candidate also challenged the administration to address issues highlighted in the recent SBM Intelligence report, which he said had negatively affected the state’s image.

Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful campaign, Archibong insisted that no amount of intimidation would deter the opposition from holding the government accountable, adding that Cross River people deserved sustainable wealth creation and tangible development, not merely the signing of memoranda of understanding.

The Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has said that the 2026 primary elections held by different political parties in the country is worse than the ones of 2022.

Amadi made this remark in an interview on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST on Sunday night.

He said that why no lessons were learnt was that there were often no real consequences for violating due process.

According to him, political actors do not internalize the cost of breaking the rules because they were rarely penalized for doing so.

“The 2026 primaries are worse than the 2022 primaries. If candidates or parties lost elections for failing to follow fair and transparent procedures, they would be forced to learn from those mistakes.

“Unfortunately, a culture of what many describe as political banditry has emerged, where some believe they can disregard due process without consequences.

“When such behavior is rewarded rather than punished, it only encourages further violations and weakens democratic institutions,” he said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed a 31-day series of project commissioning across the capital city.

Wike said the commissioning is earmarked to celebrate the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

While speaking at a political lunch in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the Minister highlighted the important achievements in his administration during his time, crediting the significant infrastructure growth to the President’s strategic support and vision.

Wike stated that the month-long commissioning circuit will include important road systems, public services, and large-scale city improvement projects aimed at completely transforming the country’s capital.

Ignoring the critics, the Minister directly highlighted the scale and quality of what his administration has accomplished in the FCT.

“In this third year of President alone…, we are spending 31 days to start new projects in Abuja. I’m not talking about boreholes. “I dare anyone to disagree with this,” Wike said.

He pointed out that the quick progress happening in Abuja clearly shows strong leadership.

Wike also challenged the opposition leaders to keep up with the extent of the work being done.

As he pointed out his achievements in the FCT, the former Governor of Rivers State shifted to an unexpectedly friendly tone about the strong political tension in his home state, extending a general pardon to all his political rivals.

“I want to take this chance today to say that I have forgiven everyone,” Wike said, emphasizing that ongoing political fighting doesn’t help anyone.

“I truly want you to come back home. We have been involved in politics, and we have hurt ourselves; now is the perfect moment for you to come back,” he said, encouraging both former friends and opponents to put aside their pride and join together again.

Even though there was a big offer for peace, the Minister was very clear about how strong his political team is at home, calling it an unbeatable “rainbow coalition.”

Wike gave serious warnings and made strong statements about the current political situation.

He clearly warned outside groups not to try to disturb the peace in Rivers State, saying, “Anyone from another state who is trying to harm Rivers State will face issues…

“You put your hand in, you get burned.”

He claimed that his political system has successfully secured control over future elections.

“If you’re discussing the governorship election in this state, just forget it; it’s over…

“If you believe that some kind of miracle will happen to change everything for us, that’s not true,” he said.

Assuring his supporters of their strong position, he said, “We are always very alert, any time, any day.” “We will bring you back, and we will collaborate with everyone. We are not selfish.”

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has threatened to ‘Occupy Aso Rock’ if the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State were not rescued.

The African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate made this known in a post on X on Sunday.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs must act swiftly to secure the release of those held captive.

“If Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his service chiefs fail to track down and secure the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and other kidnapped people, we will have no choice but to occupy Aso Rock Villa this week!” he wrote.

DAILY POST recalls that the victims were abducted on May 15 after gunmen attacked schoolchildren in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.

Gunmen had kidnapped no fewer than 45 schoolchildren and teachers and killed an assistant head teacher as well as a commercial motorcyclist.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has announced the appointment of Commandant Offor Kenneth Onyeso as the new State Commander of its Rivers State Command.

Offor, who hails from Ogida in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, officially assumed duty as the 27th State Commander of the command on May 20, 2026.

A graduate of Education Administration and Accountancy from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Offor joined the NDLEA as a cadet officer on November 1, 1994.

Over the years, he has served in several strategic capacities within the agency, including as Deputy State Commander of the Ebonyi State Command and Deputy Zonal Commander of Zone 12 in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement on Friday, the agency described him as a seasoned narcotics officer whose experience, professionalism and dedication to duty contributed to his appointment.

During his resumption, Offor pledged to strengthen the agency’s operations in the state through intelligence-driven enforcement and sustained preventive initiatives.

He said, “I will uphold the core values of the agency through robust enforcement, intelligence led operations, and sustained public sensitisation and prevention programmes.”

The new commander also appealed to stakeholders, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public to support the agency’s efforts to rid Rivers State of illicit drugs and related crimes.