The Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that no amount of financial inducement or political pressure will deter the party from wresting power from Governor Douye Diri in the 2027 governorship election

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, the State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo, urged Governor Diri to focus on inclusive leadership that prioritises the welfare of Bayelsans through sustainable development and economic growth rather than engaging in political machinations.

Ikuromo specifically warned the state government against attempting to entice NDC aspirants with financial incentives aimed at creating division within the party.

“No form of inducement can divert the NDC from its objective of assuming leadership in the state,” he asserted.

He advised that such resources should instead be channelled towards addressing critical infrastructural challenges in the state, such as the commissioned but non-functional gas turbines.

Addressing reports of internal discontent, the NDC chairman revealed that a comprehensive grievance redress mechanism has been put in place under the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

He added that the party’s National Executive Council will soon release the list of candidates for various positions in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable.

Ikuromo commended Senator Dickson’s leadership style, particularly his fairness in managing the party’s primary elections nationwide and his commitment to the inclusion of youth and women.

He called on all NDC members and supporters in Bayelsa to remain united and focused on the goal of taking over governance from what he described as a ruling party that has failed the people.

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President Bola Tinubu says his administration is laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that works for the common prosperity of all citizens.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of the two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The President, represented by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that his administration’s ongoing reforms in the past three years have been tough but necessary.

He, however, said, “The results are here – the roads, the bridges, the rails, and housing. We are laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that works – and works for all and for our common prosperity.

“Stay with us, support us, stand by the Renewed Hope Agenda. The best of Abuja and the best of Nigeria are still ahead of us”.

Tinubu said in line with the Abuja Master Plan, the roads, when fully developed, would enhance vehicular traffic within the southern part of the city and provide vital inter-district connections from Phase I to Phase 4 of the FCT.

He explained that the main carriageway (Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way) was inaugurated earlier by his administration, adding that the service carriageways are not a luxury but are designed to ease access.

The President noted that the residents of Dutse, Gudu, Gaduwa, Duboyi, and a housing estate in Phase II face heavy vehicular congestion daily in S2 (Abdulsalami Abubakar Way) and S20, especially during peak periods.

He said that when the service carriageways are completed, the pain will reduce, adding that traffic will then flow freely, travel time will drop, businesses will save money, and families will spend less time.

“That is the dividend of democracy, and that is the renewed hope that you can feel and you can touch every day.

“This inauguration is part of the broader infrastructure revolution we promised Nigeria. In the past three years, we have refused to accept excuses; we choose actions.

“From the Arterial Road N20, now Prof. Wole Soyinka Way, to N16 Interchange, linking Jahi and Gwarinpa, to the roads in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Mabushi, the FCT is transforming before our eyes,” he said.

He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying, “You have earned your name, ‘Mr Project’.

“Most people thought that it was only in Rivers, but you’ve shown clearly that it’s your DNA to do projects always.

“Through your action, and not just talk alone, you’ve shown that truly, you are Mr Project.

“Since you assumed office, you have awakened the abandoned projects, you’ve set clear targets, and you’ve delivered them in record time.”

In his remarks, Wike said the newly awarded contract would be affected by political activities towards the 2027 general elections.

He assured that, politics or not, the FCT Administration will continue to work with a view to changing the landscape of the capital city as directed by Mr President.

He added that the project will be completed and inaugurated in January 2027, assuring the contractor that the FCTA will meet its financial obligations.

“I want this job to be inaugurated before we go for the general elections in 2027,” he stated.

The minister warned land grabbers who have begun development on the road corridor to stop, and directed the acting Director, Development Control, to pull down all ongoing illegal developments on the corridor.

“We have found out that each time we want to carry out construction, people who have not been genuinely allocated land encroach, forge documents, and begin to develop. It will not work,” he said.

He directed the director to liaise with the Director of Lands to ensure that those who have not been given lands there but have begun construction there are doing so in vain.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), explained that the Southern Parkway is one of the major roads of the Southern Development Corridor of the city.

According to Dauda, the road begins from the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Jonathan Expressway) in Phase I of the city from the Central Area, and terminates at the same Inner Southern Expressway in Phase 4 in the Southern Corridor of the city.

He explained that the Southern Parkway is a major road of the southern development corridor, which begins from the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) in Phase I and terminates at ISEX in Phase 4 in the south. (NAN)

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The Lagos police command says its operatives have intercepted a truck conveying 47 sacks of military camouflage and 80 cartons of  “illicit substances” to the south-east.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Tijani Fatai, Lagos police commissioner, said the truck was intercepted at the Lekki-Epe corridor while heading out of Lagos.

Fatai said the command has commenced an investigation to ascertain the source and intended recipients of the recovered items.

The police commissioner added that three suspects were arrested.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered truck was allegedly being used to transport the military camouflage uniforms to the eastern part of the country,” he said.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine the source, ownership, and intended recipients of the recovered items, as well as establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other persons connected with the criminal act.”

‘ILLEGAL FOREIGN NATIONALS RESCUED’

The Lagos police commissioner said some foreign nationals were “rescued from possible mob action” in the Epe area of the state.

Fatai said the foreign nationals include 14 Chadians, nine Burkinabes, four Beninoise, four Malians, two Togolese, two Cameroonians and one Ghanaian.

The commissioner said 20 of the individuals entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 had valid ECOWAS travel documents.

He added that the matter has been referred to relevant authorities, including embassies and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared a curfew in 10 local government areas of the state.

It was gathered that the 10 local government areas are those surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.

Our correspondent reports that the park has been a source of concern for residents.

It was learnt that the park is where the students and teachers who were kidnapped recently are being held by bandits.

It was learnt that 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped last month in some communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Makinde on Tuesday declared a curfew in the 10 local government areas surrounding the park.

The declaration of the 16-hour curfew in the 10 local government areas was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.

The statement was made available to NigerianEye through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Tuesday evening.

The statement said that the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

It added that the curfew will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and will last for 48 hours in the first instance.

The affected local government areas are: Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (Headquarters: Saki), Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede/Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti) and Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo).

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The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned key commissioners and government officials to address the worsening flood crisis that has ravaged several communities across the state.

Persistent rainfall and rising water levels from the River Niger have submerged homes, markets, farmlands, and business premises in flood-prone areas such as Ogbaru, Idemili North, Oyi, and parts of Onitsha.

Major commercial hubs including Relief Market, Ochanja Market, and Building Materials Market Ogidi were among the worst hit.

Videos circulating online show residents wading through submerged streets, while two persons are feared drowned at the Building Materials Market.

A Toyota Venza was also swept away by floodwaters, highlighting the intensity of the disaster.Lawmakers expressed deep concern during Tuesday’s plenary, noting that blocked drainages and poor environmental practices have worsened the situation.

The Assembly resolved to invite the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu; and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi, to appear on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Minority Leader Johnbosco Akaegbobi lamented the destruction of lives and property, while other lawmakers stressed the need for proper channelisation of floodwaters, improved refuse disposal, and construction of catchment points.

Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze commended the motion, emphasizing that the resolution would help tackle flooding challenges and reaffirmed the Assembly’s duty to protect lives and property in Anambra State.

Meanwhile, residents continue to count their losses. One poultry farmer in Ogidi, identified as Chinyere, said the flood swept away her birds, leaving her stranded after investing borrowed funds in large-scale farming.

The disaster has left many families displaced, forcing them to seek refuge in upland areas as communities struggle with economic and social disruption.

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A former chairman of the Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, has died in bandits’ captivity.

Besse was abducted earlier in June.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in a post on X by Bakatsine, a journalist who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.

Recall that a video had emerged, showing the former APC chairman and his associate being humiliated by bandits in the Birnin Gwari forest.

Bakatsine wrote: “DEVASTATING UPDATE: Alhaji Muhammadu Mai
Barga Besse, the immediate former APC Chairman of Koko/Besse LGA in Kebbi
State, has now also been confirmed dead in captivity.

“This means both men seen in the videos released from the Birnin Gwari forest have lost their lives without ever reuniting with their families after their abduction.

“What began as disturbing footage of humiliation has ended in the worst possible tragedy. Two lives gone, two families shattered and more painful questions about the security crisis facing communities across northern Nigeria.

“May Almighty Allah forgive them, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort their loved ones.”

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Residents and opposition parties in Borno State are demanding an independent investigation after a non-existent ₦4 billion railway project appeared in the state’s 2025 budget implementation report.

The controversy erupted when the Borno State government admitted that the project, listed as “100% completed,” was an administrative error.

Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, clarified that no rail project was awarded, funded, or executed in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council or Jere Local Government Area during the fiscal year.

Opposition groups, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Africa Democratic Congress, rejected the explanation.

Aliyu Balarabe, Publicity Secretary of the NDC, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to launch a transparent probe.

“We are not talking about millions, but billions of naira. If it is an error, where are the funds?” Balarabe asked.Similarly, Baba Mustapha of the ADC described the situation as “unfortunate,” insisting that public funds must be accounted for.

Residents also voiced skepticism, questioning the credibility of the government’s expenditure figures.

Hassan Aminu, a Maiduguri resident, argued that if such a massive error could slip into the budget, the entire spending report should be re-evaluated.

The issue has sparked widespread calls for accountability, with critics warning that dismissing the matter as a clerical mistake undermines public trust in governance.

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Concerned leaders and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State have petitioned the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), demanding a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and unethical behaviour against the state chairman, Otunba Femi Patrick Soluade.

In a petition dated June 20, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman, the group accused Soluade of misappropriating and mismanaging party funds, removing authorised signatories from the party account without proper approval, and directing aspirants to pay nomination or expression-of-interest fees into his personal bank account instead of the official party account.

The petitioners, Hudu Idris, Ismaila Adejumon, Temitope Adebayo, and Rashidat Yekin, said the petition was driven by their commitment to accountability, transparency, justice, discipline, and adherence to the party’s constitution. They warned that the alleged issues, if left unaddressed, could damage the party’s unity, credibility, and chances in future elections.

Key allegations

Financial impropriety: Concerns over the management of funds in the Ogun State ADC account at Sterling Bank, including demands for a comprehensive forensic audit of all inflows and outflows since Soluade assumed office in December 2024.

Unauthorised changes: Alleged removal of other signatories to the party account without consultation or approval from relevant party organs.

Diversion of funds: Claims that more than ten aspirants were instructed to pay into the chairman’s personal account rather than the designated official party account.

Other misconduct: Allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a female aspirant, intimidation, high-handedness, and an alleged assault on his deputy (which Soluade has denied).

The petitioners called for the immediate constitution of an impartial investigative panel to hear testimonies, examine all allegations, and review relevant bank records.

Soluade was appointed acting chairman in December 2024 following the voluntary resignation of the previous acting chairman, Itunu Abioro.

Chairman’s responseWhen contacted, Femi Soluade dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. He described the reported assault on his deputy as a resolved misunderstanding and insisted he remains on good terms with the individual.

“I have been funding the party by myself and using my goodwill,” he said, adding that records of inflows and outflows exist and would be made available to the national leadership. Soluade expressed confidence that he would be vindicated, stating, “I have my integrity and it cannot be dragged in the mud.”

The NWC is yet to issue an official response to the petition as of the time of this report.

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Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the immediate dismantling of all unauthorised police roadblocks across the state’s highways.

On Monday, Adepoju personally led a statewide inspection of police checkpoints as part of efforts to implement the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s, directives against extortion, illegal roadblocks, and officer misconduct.

During the exercise at the Rivers-Imo boundary, the CP emphasised the need for officers to maintain professionalism, avoid disrupting traffic flow, and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the number of checkpoints in the area had already decreased significantly, with any remaining illegal ones removed on the spot.

“We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic,” Adepoju stated. He added that compliance so far has been encouraging.

The inspection aligns with broader national directives from the IGP, requiring officers to be properly dressed, display visible name tags, and refrain from extorting the public. Adepoju warned that violators would face disciplinary action, with some officers already identified for lacking proper uniforms or name tags.

He stressed that routine monitoring by police leadership is essential to ensure professional conduct and urged the public to report any cases of misconduct or extortion through official channels.

The operation covered key areas including the East-West Road corridor in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas. The CP was accompanied by senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (State CID) and other tactical unit commanders.

This move forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to eliminate unauthorised checkpoints while allowing legitimate policing duties that do not inconvenience road users.

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