The US government on Thursday made it easier for Americans to use cannab!s for medical reasons by reclassifying the drug and enabling more research into its safety and efficacy.

Mar!juana has been reclassified as having moderate to low addiction potential, “expanding patients’ access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions,” acting attorney general Todd Blanche said.

It was earlier classified as “Schedule I,” a category for drugs with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” that includes heroin and methamphetamine, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

It has now been moved to the third rung of the five-level Drug Schedule.

The Department of Justice said Thursday’s move followed up on President Donald Trump’s executive order in December on increasing medical mar!juana research.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has met with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to address the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the FCT.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, focused on resolving the dispute that has kept public primary schools shut across the territory. The teachers embarked on strike over unpaid arrears, non-implementation of promotion benefits, and other welfare issues.

Wike assured the union leaders of the FCT Administration’s commitment to addressing their grievances, noting that steps are being taken to clear outstanding entitlements. He urged the teachers to return to classrooms in the interest of pupils who have been out of school.

The NUT said it would consult with its members on the minister’s proposals before taking a decision on suspending the industrial action.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired a broadside at President Bola Tinubu over his request for Senate approval of a fresh $516 million external loan to finance portions of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project, warning that Nigeria must not “borrow blindly” in the name of development.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku acknowledged the necessity of infrastructure development — particularly a project connecting the Northwest to the Southwest — but drew a sharp distinction between noble intentions and reckless fiscal decisions.

“At a time when Nigeria is already groaning under the weight of unsustainable debt, the resort to yet another foreign loan — without transparent terms, clear cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment framework — raises profound questions about prudence and accountability,” Atiku stated.

The former Vice President was emphatic that the matter should not be reduced to a regional debate. The people of Northern Nigeria, he argued, like their counterparts across the country, deserve development that is sustainable and transparent — not one mortgaged against their future.

“What Nigerians expect is not just ambitious projects, but responsible financing. Development must not become a euphemism for deepening debt traps that generations yet unborn will be forced to repay,” he said.

Atiku argued that while strategic infrastructure can unlock economic corridors, it must be pursued within the bounds of fiscal discipline, sound prioritisation, and openness — and that borrowing must never substitute for creativity in governance or efficiency in resource management.

On the contracting process, he cited the controversy that trailed the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a cautionary tale.

“Nigerians have not forgotten the serious questions surrounding the opaque award process of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway — where due process, competitive bidding, and value-for-money considerations were widely called into question. We must not replicate such a troubling precedent,” Atiku warned.

He insisted that the Sokoto–Badagry project must not degenerate into “another exercise in favouritism or insider contracting,” adding that “public infrastructure cannot become a private bazaar for cronies and connected interests.

“Every kobo borrowed in the name of the Nigerian people must be matched with transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to procurement laws,” he said.

Atiku urged the National Assembly to subject the loan request to the highest level of scrutiny and ensure that its terms serve the interests of Nigerians — and that the project delivers measurable economic value.

“Nigeria must build, but Nigeria must not borrow blindly. Progress anchored on opacity and debt accumulation is neither progress nor leadership — it is postponement of crisis,” he said.

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President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with All Progressives Congress, APC, governors at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja

The meeting is taking place at the Council Chamber instead of the Conference Room, which was the initial venue.

Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, among others, are currently on ground.

It was, however, gathered that some states were represented by their deputy governors.

The meeting is coming barely three weeks before the party conducts its primary elections ahead of the 2027 polls.

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President William Ruto has criticised Nigeria’s economic conditions and English usage, pushing back against comments by President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians are better off than citizens of other African countries

The exchange followed remarks by Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated key infrastructure projects and defended his administration’s economic policies despite rising fuel prices.

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said.

In a now-viral video response, Ruto dismissed the comparison, pointing to Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, particularly its persistent power supply issues, and taking a swipe at its English usage.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said, using humour to defend his country’s standing.

The remarks come amid broader economic pressures across Africa, including rising fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

The exchange has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users criticising both the comparison and the tone of the remarks.

On X (formerly Twitter), a user, Bureau-39, wrote, “Let’s not drag the whole country into this shit between two incompetent mad corrupt politicians. Both the countries speak good English, Kenya leans toward a clearer, more British-influenced style, while Nigeria mixes it with rich local flair and pidgin that can sound like its own dialect.”

Another commenter, Frank Bryant, questioned the basis of the debate, saying, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”

Xave added, “and you think they would listen to you the only thing Africans are good at is fighting amongst themselves.”

Obiridike commented, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Similarly, Michael James echoed, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

While Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest do oil producers, it continues to grapple with inflation, currency instability and erratic electricity supply.

Kenya, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a regional hub for finance and technology, though it also faces economic challenges, including rising debt and cost-of-living pressures.

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with the extended leadership of the Senate at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

It was reported that far-reaching decisions on key national issues were reached during the high-level engagement, which addressed matters described as being of urgent national importance.

The Senate delegation was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

Other lawmakers present at the meeting were Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu; Senator representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, Adamu Aliero; Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, Danjuma Goje; and Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi.

Details of the resolutions reached at the meeting were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially commenced activities for the 2027 general elections as the 38-day window for political parties to conduct their primaries opened today.

Political parties now have exactly 38 days, from April 23 to May 30, 2026, to hold primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly positions.

This period also covers the resolution of any disputes arising from the primaries.According to INEC guidelines, parties are required to submit their membership registers to the commission at least 21 days before conducting their primaries.

The deadline for the submission of all membership registers is May 10, 2026.This milestone marks the formal beginning of the electoral process for the 2027 polls, setting the stage for intra-party democratic exercises across Nigeria’s 18 registered political parties.

Stakeholders have been urged to adhere strictly to the timelines to avoid disqualification or legal complications.

INEC has also warned parties to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and internal democracy during the primary elections.

Further details on monitoring, guidelines, and timelines for other aspects of the electoral process are expected to be released by the commission in the coming weeks.

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President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Akpabio, who read the communication from President Tinubu, thereafter referred it to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action, with a directive to report back as soon as practicable.

Recall that President Tinubu had on Tuesday sacked Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy alongside Ahmed Muda Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

In a separate correspondence, President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s approval for the appointment of Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Akpabio subsequently referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, which is expected to report back within one week.

Additionally, the President requested confirmation for the reappointment of Barrister Benedict Umeno as a member of the Code of Conduct Bureau, representing the South-East, for a second term in office. This request was referred to the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, also with a one-week deadline to present its report.

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The management of Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo, near Port Harcourt, where a two-year-old pupil died, has appealed to the Rivers State Government to reconsider the suspension of its academic activities.

Also, some stakeholders appealed to the government and the parents of the pupil, Wynnie Akakue, who died from injuries after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in the classroom, for intervention and understanding amid the unfortunate incident and grief.

Recall that following the ill-fated March 17 incident, the parents of the deceased, Dr Iasuaka Akakue and Mrs Chinyere Akakue, cried foul and accused the school of a cover-up while insisting on justice for their daughter.

Following the public outcry, the Rivers State Government ordered the suspension of Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Elimgbo.

The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, said in a statement that the school would remain shut and barred from resuming activities until all issues surrounding the incident are fully addressed and resolved.

But speaking to newsmen, some parents of pupils said the continued closure of the school was already taking a toll on them, adding that it is negatively affecting their children and putting teachers out of jobs.

The proprietress of the school, Toyon Obikoya, said the suspension of academic activities came as a shock to them but pleaded with the government and the parents of the late pupil, who was in their care when the incident occurred, for mercy and understanding.

She stated, “The children in Wisdom Gate International School are our children. We see that our commissioner is a father; he is our grandfather in this institution. That’s why we are calling on him. He has done the right thing by suspending activities for now.

“But we are telling him that he should please show us mercy because other children’s education is equally at stake. The parents are calling, but because we are a law-abiding institution, we can’t do otherwise.

“But these children, where do we take them to? The period they were writing exams was when this incident happened, and so we had to close the school. We are crying out for people to please intercede and see all children as theirs.”

Obikoya reiterated that the school remains saddened by the incident and is extending its sincere empathy to the parents of the pupil, adding that the management has made efforts to reach the family.

“The family demanded that we speak to them through their lawyer, and knowing this, we moved to his hometown in Tai, Ogoni Kingdom, to reach the bishop of the Anglican Diocese, who led us to the grandparents of our dear pupil. We reported the incident and shared our sincere empathy with the family before leaving.

“Afterwards, the management of the school also travelled to Etche to see the bishop. We did all of these to see how we could reach the family, not to intimidate or show pomposity.”

The proprietress also said the matter has been taken to court, pointing out that the school is a law-abiding entity and will not obstruct any investigation.

One of the parents, simply identified as Cynthia, described the incident as heartbreaking, saying, “It’s really heartbreaking. I’ve lost a child, so I understand the pain the parents are going through.

“There is nothing we can do to bring back the child, but we are pleading for empathy and a little compassion because, as parents, it’s really difficult for us. Wisdom Gate has been good academically and morally.

“Please have mercy on behalf of my co-parents. It’s difficult for us. We are confused. Most of us are not sleeping well. Like me, my blood pressure is rising.”

While sharing in their grief, the parents also raised concerns about the continued closure of the school and appealed to the state government to consider the impact on other pupils.

“It’s a pathetic case. Putting myself in the parents’ shoes, of course, I may have done worse. I don’t even know which way to turn. Changing schools for my daughter right now is costing me a lot. It is very expensive, but we are not trying to monetise their pain.

“But we are pleading for the teachers here who will be out of jobs. Closing the school is going to put us in a very big problem. I’m not saying they shouldn’t do what they want to do, but we are asking for mercy at this time,” another parent said while fighting back tears.

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