By Ejike Agbata

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Senator representing Anambra Central, Uche Ekwunife, on Monday hosted the Head of Political Section of the British High Commission, Lucy Green, and her team during a courtesy visit to her office in Abuja.

The high-level engagement focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as addressing key national and global issues including governance, economic reforms, security, and women’s participation in politics.
Speaking during the meeting, Ekwunife called for deeper collaboration between both countries, stressing the need for partnerships anchored on inclusive governance, sustained economic reforms, and joint efforts to tackle security challenges.

“Our bilateral relationship must continue to evolve in ways that deliver real impact for our people,” she said.
The former lawmaker also made a strong case for increased inclusion of women in politics, decrying the barriers many women face, including intimidation, harassment, financial exclusion, and reputational attacks.

She proposed that the international community consider imposing visa restrictions on individuals who deliberately malign or blackmail women for participating in politics.
Ekwunife further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to women’s inclusion through key appointments and for implementing bold economic reforms. She specifically highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and other initiatives aimed at easing economic pressures and promoting growth.

According to her, while the reforms may take time to fully yield results, they are already improving resource availability, particularly at the grassroots level.
On national security, Ekwunife emphasized the need for collective responsibility, urging collaboration among government, security agencies, and citizens. She noted that communities play a critical role through credible intelligence gathering.

She also highlighted the economic and innovative potential of Nigeria’s South-East region, encouraging broader engagement across the country’s regions to better harness opportunities and promote unity in diversity.

Ekwunife reaffirmed her commitment to sustained dialogue and strategic collaboration with international partners, particularly the United Kingdom, in advancing democratic stability, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has attributed the success achieved in the fight against vote buying to the strategic role played by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC.

Mrs Babalola also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in reducing election violence, which has enabled peaceful electoral processes.

The Osun INEC boss made this revelation as she continued her courtesy visits to the two agencies on Tuesday in Osogbo.

She appealed for intelligence sharing between the agencies and INEC as the commission prepares for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Mrs Babalola described the ICPC as one of the critical stakeholders in the electoral process, noting that its role in preserving the integrity of elections remains visible and widely acknowledged.

She added that the commission was aware of the role played by the ICPC in the success of previous elections, saying, “Through your vigilance and intervention, you have contributed visibly to maintaining transparent and credible elections.”

The REC revealed that the ICPC had been at the forefront of combating vote buying through various programmes, which have significantly reduced the menace.

“We believe that vote buying requires reorientation and not just arrests. As we prepare for the next governorship election, it is important to stress that the fight against vote buying is a collective effort,” she said.

She urged sustained collaboration, stating, “In this regard, we ask for more collaboration between INEC and ICPC. We encourage ICPC to continue to deploy strategies that will address both the root causes and manifestations of vote buying in our electoral process.”

Mrs Babalola assured that INEC remained committed to upholding professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional mandate to ensure credible and corruption-free elections.

Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, acknowledged that INEC plays a vital role, stressing that credible elections are the bedrock of democracy.

He noted that INEC often receives both praise and criticism depending on electoral outcomes, adding that the ICPC remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the electoral body.

Olatunji disclosed that vote buying extends beyond direct monetary exchange, alleging that permanent voter cards were being traded for empowerment schemes in some local government areas of the state.

“Vote buying starts long before election day. We need to do our best, and there must be synergy among stakeholders,” he said, urging INEC to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.

During her visit to the NSCDC, Mrs Babalola commended the corps for its strategic role in election activities, stating that its relevance and contributions could not be underestimated.

“Your agency has demonstrated outstanding responsibility in protecting INEC materials and personnel, thereby ensuring a peaceful atmosphere within the electoral space in Osun,” she said.

She called for increased collaboration and enhanced security coverage of INEC facilities before, during and after the August 15, 2026 poll.

In his response, the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, said the corps had consistently partnered with INEC by deploying personnel to offices across the 30 local government areas, particularly during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

He assured the REC of continued cooperation, noting that the NSCDC, as an institution rooted in democratic principles, fully understands the importance of credible elections.

Sotiyo added that the NSCDC national headquarters was prepared to reinforce the Osun Command and collaborate with other security agencies ahead of the poll.

“Be rest assured that the NSCDC will give you maximum support to ensure that the coming election is hitch-free,” he said, warning that any individual or group that contravenes the Electoral Act would face the full weight of the law.

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Pastor Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 Rivers State governorship election, has purchased the party’s N50 million nomination form as he eyes the 2027 governorship race.

The purchase signals Cole’s determination to contest once again for the Brick House under the APC platform.

Cole, a businessman and co-founder of Sahara Energy, had earlier declared his intention to run in 2027, citing the need for better governance in the state.

His early acquisition of the expensive nomination form is seen as a strong indication of seriousness and financial preparedness ahead of the party primaries.

Political activities for the 2027 elections are already heating up in Rivers State, with several aspirants positioning themselves within the APC and other parties.

More reactions and developments from Cole’s camp and other stakeholders are expected in the coming days.

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German automaker Mercedes-Benz has reportedly filed a complaint with the Italian Carabinieri against Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for allegedly failing to complete payments for a leased vehicle.

Osimhen is currently one of the most clinical strikers in world football. His career has seen him flourish in Belgium, France, Italy, and now Turkey.

However, his most significant achievements have come in the Serie A and the Süper Lig, where he secured league titles with Napoli and Galatasaray, respectively.

During his four-year stay with Napoli, Osimhen led the club to their first Scudetto in nearly four decades—a feat that earned him legendary status in Naples.

Due to these exploits, his move to Galatasaray last summer included a massive financial package, making him the highest-paid player in the history of the Turk- ish Süper Lig.

The Super Eagles star current- ly earns north of €20 million annually at Galatasaray, and it is heavily reflected in his lifestyle.

Osimhen has built a reputation for his philanthropy, frequently supporting family, friends, and even strangers on social media.

Just last weekend, he sponsored a group of Nigerian fans to fly to Istanbul for the derby against Fenerbahce, where he scored in a decisive 3-0 victory.

However, despite his high earnings, recent reports suggest that the former CAF Footballer of the Year could have some money issues.

According to a report by Napolista, Mercedes-Benz has alerted Italian authorities regarding an outstanding debt. The company claims Osimhen failed to complete the purchase of a vehicle leased in 2023 and has neglected to return the car.

Consequently, the 27-year-old striker has allegedly accrued a debt of €90,000 (approximately ₦142 million). The situation is unexpected, given that Osimhen’s weekly wages have significantly been more than that amount since his title-winning season in Naples.

Known for his affinity for luxury jewelry and high-end vehicles, Osimhen recently showcased his collection to a content creator, featuring two Lamborghinis, a Rolls-Royce, and a Mercedes-Benz—the latter likely being the vehicle in question.

As of now, Osimhen’s representatives have not released an official statement. The striker will likely look to resolve the matter quickly to protect his reputation and focus on his career in Turkey.

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The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has rescued 14 victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

The police said the victims were freed following sustained intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated efforts targeting criminal elements operating within the maritime corridor.

Force public relations officer, DCP Anthony Placid, announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has successfully secured the release of fourteen (14) victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

“Acting on credible intelligence, joint operatives intensified surveillance and conducted targeted operations across identified flashpoints, leading to the safe rescue of all victims without harm.

“The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and necessary debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families.”

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the joint security team for the successful operation, describing it as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing.

The police also assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

It was reported on April 21 that the abduction occurred when suspected sea pirates intercepted a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar in Cross River State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

Initial reports had indicated that the passengers included some Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination candidates, though the official did not confirm that.

This rescue comes days after the incident drew attention from the Senate, which had urged security agencies, including the Navy and Police, to intensify operations along Niger Delta waterways to secure the release of those abducted.

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President Bola Tinubu is receiving Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

According to Punch, both men, dressed in matching sky-blue agbada, entering the Villa at approximately 4:20 pm.

The purpose of the visit had not been officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

However, it may be connected to Sani’s new role in the ruling party ahead of the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

On April 26, the All Progressives Congress appointed Sani as Chairman of its Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign Council.

The role places Sani at the centre of the APC campaign in Bamidele’s home state.

Sani is also the APC’s Coordinating Governor for the North-West and was appointed by Tinubu as Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for party outreach, engagement, and mobilisation in February.

Tuesday’s meeting comes hours after APC nomination forms went on sale.

Bamidele’s return to the Villa comes barely a week after Tinubu rebuffed a push by the extended Senate leadership, which Bamidele was part of, for automatic return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At that meeting on April 22, multiple sources told The PUNCH that the President told the senators plainly that state governors, as the leaders of the APC in their respective states, would determine who gets the party’s ticket.

He subsequently formalised his position in a separate meeting with APC governors the following day.

Bamidele had himself described the April 22 meeting as one at which “far-reaching decisions were taken” on “matters of urgent national importance,” following a resolution at a closed executive session of the Senate earlier that day.

The Senate Majority Leader represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District and is one of the most high-profile senators whose re-election prospects are complicated by Tinubu’s stance on letting governors handle the primaries in their states.

His fate at the Senate primaries, now fixed for May 18, will be determined in significant part by his relationship with Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced a three-week break for students following a peaceful protest over persistent transportation challenges and welfare issues on campus.

The protest took place on Tuesday, with students gathering as early as 6 a.m. at the main gate to express frustration over the new CNG-powered bus and tricycle system.

Students complained about long queues, overcrowding, delays, and higher costs, which have disrupted movement across the large campus.

This latest demonstration follows an earlier 72-hour lecture boycott held in mid-April over the same transport problems.

Students also raised concerns about mid-semester eviction from parts of Awolowo Hall and delays in the e-portal system affecting registration and results.

In a statement, the Students’ Union described the protest as peaceful and in line with Great Ife traditions, urging management to provide urgent solutions such as more vehicles and better route coverage.

The three-week break is seen as management’s move to ease tensions and allow time to address the grievances. Students have been asked to vacate the campus while discussions continue.

The situation highlights ongoing difficulties in implementing infrastructure changes while maintaining smooth academic activities at the university.

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The Delta State Commissioner of Police has strongly condemned the extra-judicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, and ordered the immediate arrest of the officer responsible.

The incident occurred on April 26, 2026, in Effurun, following a tip-off regarding a suspect allegedly attempting to transport a Beretta pistol and ammunition via a waybill service.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, a team led by ASP Nuhu Usman was deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody. However, Edafe noted that ASP Usman discharged his firearm in “clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force,” resulting in the death of the suspect.

In response, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Effurun Area Commander to transfer ASP Usman to the State Headquarters in Asaba for disciplinary action. The command reiterated its commitment to accountability and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest professional standards.

‘’The officer has since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee, currently in session, for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.

The Command, in line with the policy of the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizes respect for the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability and public trust. The Command further reaffirms its zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.” he said

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, assured the bereaved family that the Command is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States has “no closer friends” than the British, as he welcomed King Charles III to the White House on a state visit overshadowed by tensions over the Iran war.

In speech during a pomp-filled welcome featuring a 21-gun salute, Trump’s tone was a world away from the recent broadsides aimed at Britain’s government for failing to join the conflict with Tehran.

“In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British,” said Trump, referring to the fact that the visit marks the 250th anniversary of the US colonies declaring their freedom from British rule.

Using a phrase prized by British governments since Winston Churchill first used it after World War II, Trump said that the two countries had a “special relationship, and we hope it will always remain that way.”

The US leader also praised the British military, saying that “nobody fought better together” with the United States — despite recently deriding Britain’s two aircraft carriers as “toys.”

After his speech, four US jets roared over the White House in a noisy flypast as Trump, Charles, Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump watched.

On the second day of the four-day state visit, Charles will later address the US Congress and is expected to call in his speech for “reconciliation and renewal” amid the recent strains in ties.

Beautiful British day

A long-term fan of the British royals, Trump appeared in a jovial mood on a rainy Washington morning as he looked to the sky and quipped: “What a beautiful British day this is.”

The 79-year-old president even joked about how his late mother “had a crush on Charles”, who is now 77.

Cannons rang out while a military band played “God Save the King,” the British national anthem, and the Star Spangled Banner, the anthem of the United States.

Charles shook hands with top Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The king and the president — who received his own state visit to Britain last September — inspected troops from different branches of the US armed forces.

A band of soldiers dressed in uniforms from the Revolutionary War that drove the British out of America two and a half centuries ago then marched past, playing fife and drums.

As the ceremony unfolded, construction noise could be heard from the site of the huge $400 million ballroom that Trump is building at the White House.

The Trumps are next due to host the royals in the Oval Office behind closed doors. In the evening, they will return to the White House for a grand state dinner.

Tight security

Security has been tight for the visit, which comes just days after a shooting at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by Trump.

The first day of the trip featured a more informal welcome, with the Trumps treating Charles and Camilla to tea and cakes in the White House before showing them beehives on the famed lawn.

But the second day will feature perhaps the most public-facing moment, when Charles becomes the first British monarch to address Congress since his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in 1991.

It comes at a delicate moment after Trump raged over London’s refusal to help with his war in Iran.

In the 20-minute speech, Charles is expected to appeal to Trump in guarded terms, saying that defending common democratic ideals is “crucial for liberty and equality.”

“Time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together,” he is expected to say.

But he will have his work cut out to placate the mercurial Republican in the longer term.

Trump has repeatedly lambasted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his war opposition, alongside the country’s immigration and energy policies.

AFP

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