MEZIESBLOG

Good evening from Meziesblog. Here is today’s comprehensive news summary from across major Nigerian newspapers.

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🔴 Politics and Governance

Presidency: Nigerians Have Right to Defend Themselves Amid Rising Insecurity

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has affirmed that the Federal Government is committed to ending killings across the country while also asserting that Nigerians possess the constitutional right to defend themselves when attacked. Speaking on Arise Television, Bwala was reacting to the recent attack on the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen invaded L.A. Primary School, abducting teachers and pupils. He stated that citizens should not be helpless in the face of aggression, especially when their lives are under threat, maintaining that self-defence remains a legitimate right of citizens facing violent attacks.

President Tinubu: Oil Subsidy, Exchange Rate Cabals Want Me Dead

President Bola Tinubu has declared that oil subsidy and exchange rate cabals are wishing him dead, following the twin policies he introduced upon assuming office in 2023. Speaking through former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, who represented him at the launching of the book “The NADECO Story” in Lagos, the President acknowledged that his cancellation of multiple exchange rates and oil subsidies had angered powerful interests engaged in round-tripping. He however vowed to remain determined in his resolve to restructure the economy regardless of the threats. The event, organized by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), also featured Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba, and Olubadan of Ibadanland Senator Rasheed Ladoja among others. Tinubu further promised to perform better in his second term if re-elected, stating that the major issues before him now are the economy and security.

Jonathan Laments: Political Thuggery Now a Profession in Nigeria

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has decried the growing influence of political thuggery in Nigeria, describing the country as the only nation in Africa where thuggery has become a profession. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association Law Week in Abuja, Jonathan called for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems to strengthen democracy and restore public confidence in elections. He added that it is not unusual to see thugs fly first class while university professors struggle to afford economy tickets, highlighting the alarming distortion of values in the society. The former president also warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces a deepening legitimacy crisis if the judiciary continues to determine electoral winners instead of the ballot box.

APC Primaries: Desmond Elliot Loses Return Ticket, Fubara Withdraws from Rivers Guber Race

In a major political upset, lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has lost the return ticket to Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the immediate past Lagos Special Adviser on Housing, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. Odunuga-Bakare, backed by Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, secured a total of 11,385 votes, while Elliot polled just 270 votes across the wards in the constituency. Elliot subsequently withdrew from the primary election, citing alleged intimidation and denial of access to his supporters during the exercise.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. In a personally signed statement, Fubara said his move followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his family, friends and associates. Another governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dr. George-Kelly D.A., also withdrew from the primary election citing the need for party unity and loyalty to the leadership of the APC.

SDP Crisis Deepens as Gabam-led Faction Expels Adebayo, Gombe, Others

The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) took a fresh turn on Wednesday as the faction led by Shehu Musa Gabam announced the expulsion of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, factional National Chairman Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, National Secretary Olu Agunloye, and other members of the National Working Committee aligned with Gombe. In a related development, the Gabam-led SDP has elected Abimbola Akeem Atanda as its presidential candidate for the 2027 polls. Atanda’s election took place during the 2026 National Convention/Presidential Primary at the Bola Tinubu Conference Centre, following a voice vote by delegates from the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

🟡 Economy and Finance

CBN Retains Monetary Policy Rate at 26.5% as Reserves Climb to $49.49bn

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unanimously resolved to keep the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 percent after its 305th meeting held in Abuja. The meeting had 11 members in attendance, and the decision was taken after discussions on the state of inflation, borrowing conditions, and the wider economy. The committee kept all other key monetary policy tools unchanged, indicating that the central bank is continuing with its current approach to managing prices and supporting stability in the financial system. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso also announced that the country’s external reserves have climbed to $49.49 billion.

Tinubu Hails NDLEA for Busting Nigeria’s Largest Meth Lab Worth $362.9 Million

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling what its chairman described as the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever discovered in Nigeria. The laboratory, concealed in a forest in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, was operated by a Nigerian kingpin who imported three Mexican nationals to supervise production. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) said the agency seized drugs valued at $362.9 million (approximately N480 billion) on the international market. The three Mexican nationals arrested were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto (46), Jesus López Valles (40), and Torrero Juan Carlos (51), alongside four Nigerians arrested at the scene. A subsequent raid at the Lekki residence of the alleged cartel kingpin, Anochili Innocent, led to his arrest. The total number of suspects in custody stands at 10, including the kingpin, three Mexican nationals, and six Nigerian collaborators. Tinubu warned that West Africa has become a great concern in the global war against narcotics, with drug barons turning the region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America.

FG to Launch AfCFTA Startup Acceleration Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The Federal Government has declared that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has moved beyond negotiations and entered a critical implementation phase, urging Nigerian entrepreneurs and digital businesses to take the lead in driving cross-border trade across the continent. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, speaking as the incoming Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, challenged African leaders and businesses to dismantle long-standing barriers hindering intra-African trade. She announced the launch of the AfCFTA Startup Acceleration Programme 2026 under the AfCFTA–Korea Africa Foundation partnership, designed to support 30 high-potential African startups seeking to scale beyond the continent and gain access to global markets, particularly South Korea. Oduwole commended the Government of Togo for removing visa requirements for African passport holders and investors travelling into the country for short stays, describing the decision as a major breakthrough for mobility, trade, and investment across Africa.

Nigeria–Vietnam Trade Grows Fourfold to Over $1 Billion in 10 Years

The Ambassador of Vietnam to Nigeria, Bui Hung, has disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and Vietnam has grown from about $250 million in 2015 to over $1 billion in 2025, describing the development as a major milestone in the economic relations between both countries. Speaking during a press briefing marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Vietnam, the ambassador explained that Nigeria exports crude oil, liquefied gas, raw cashew nuts and other agricultural products to Vietnam, while Vietnam exports textiles, footwear, plastic raw materials, telephones, electrical components, agricultural machinery, and pharmaceuticals to Nigeria. Vietnamese shipbuilding firms have also exported high-speed patrol boats to Nigeria and provided repair and construction services for large-tonnage vessels for Nigerian companies.

🟢 Security and Defence

LG Vice Chairman Abducted in Ekiti State

The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Grace Ogunleye, has reportedly been kidnapped along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road. A press release signed by Falade announced the incident, which has heightened concerns over security in the state. Details of the incident remain sketchy as of press time, with security agencies yet to issue an official statement on rescue efforts.

Oyo Police Confirm Kidnapping of Two CRIN Staff, Dismiss Mass Kidnap Reports

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) by unidentified gunmen, while dismissing reports circulating on social media alleging a fresh mass kidnapping in parts of Ibadan. The Command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic across the state.

NAF Destroys Terrorist Strongholds in Borno Along Nigeria-Cameroon Border

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its air component under Operation Hadin Kai has destroyed terrorist strongholds in the Southern Tumbuns and Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, stating that the precision airstrikes successfully neutralized several terrorist enclaves and significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the insurgents in the region.

IGP Passes Out 1,068 Constables in Akwa Ibom to Boost Community Policing

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has passed out 1,068 newly trained constables in Akwa Ibom State, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to strengthening operational capacity and discipline nationwide. The constables underwent intensive firearms and tactical training conducted in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government to enhance crime prevention and community policing at the grassroots level.

🔵 Judiciary and Legal Affairs

Court Fixes June 5 for Judgment on Suit Seeking Deregistration of ADC, Accord Party

The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has fixed June 5 for judgment in the suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and others over alleged constitutional breaches. The Attorney General of the Federation has thrown its weight behind the suit, according to documents obtained from Tribune Online. The position of the AGF was contained in a notice filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court had earlier set aside the order for status quo ante bellum made by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in the leadership dispute of the ADC, effectively restoring the David Mark-led executive from its delisting by INEC.

🟠 Education and Labour

ASUU Warns: Fragile Peace in Varsities Under Threat by FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that the failure of the Federal Government to implement signed agreements and pay withheld salaries is threatening the fragile peace in public universities nationwide. The union cautioned that continued neglect of these agreements could lead to industrial action, further disrupting the academic calendar and worsening the crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

FG Begins Disbursement of Outstanding 2025 Allowances to Bilateral Education Scholarship Beneficiaries

The Federal Government has begun the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries abroad. This development brings relief to Nigerian scholars abroad who have been awaiting the payment of their allowances for several months.

🟣 Oil and Gas

FG to Implement Host Community Development Trust Scheme for Oil-producing Communities

The Federal Government has announced that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), is expected to bring development, peace and stability to oil-producing communities. The Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Rabiu Umar, made the remark during a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt. He unveiled the HCDT Digital Portal, describing it as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability. The portal will handle trust registration, document submission, contribution tracking, compliance reporting, and project monitoring. Umar stressed that the success of the scheme depends on trust, transparency, and cooperation among all parties.

🔴 International Relations

UK Envoy Ends Nigeria Visit, Calls for Religious Tolerance

The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country. During the visit, Smith held meetings with the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, as well as the co-chairs of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Daniel Okoh and Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. The visit featured a roundtable with partners of the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme, a £38 million conflict and resilience initiative operating in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, and Plateau states. Smith called for greater tolerance across religions and beliefs in Nigeria and expressed hope that the level of community cohesion witnessed in Abuja could be replicated nationwide. The visit builds on the outcome of President Tinubu’s March 2026 state visit to the United Kingdom, which reinforced the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

🟤 Infrastructure and Transport

FEC Approves Three Major Rail Projects for Lagos, Kano, Kaduna

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved contracts for three major rail projects to boost infrastructure and economic growth. The projects will be implemented in Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Nigeria Accounts for Over 70% of Regional Cargo – NPA

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has stated that Nigeria accounts for more than 70 percent of all cargo arriving in the West and Central African sub-region. Dantsoho, who is also the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), attributed Nigeria’s dominance to the size of its economy and population, as well as its role as a gateway for landlocked neighboring countries including Mali, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. The NPA has already deployed an electronic call-up system that reduced turnaround time at Apapa Port to under 15 minutes, with plans to modernize both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. Five deep-seaport sites in Nigeria—Badagry, Olokola, Ibom Port in Uyo, Bakassi in Cross River, and Bonny in Rivers State—have received necessary approvals and certifications, with investor negotiations ongoing.

🔵 Other Highlights

• NEC Adopts 112 as Nigeria’s Unified Emergency Number: The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s unified national emergency number, in a major step to strengthen coordinated response to disasters and security incidents across the country. The decision was taken at the 157th NEC meeting held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
• Nigeria Customs Intercepts N18.9 Billion Illicit Drugs in Lagos: The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted illicit drugs valued at N18.9 billion in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The seizure was announced by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a news conference in Lagos.
• Tinubu Swears in INEC National Commissioner, Four Permanent Secretaries: President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission and four new Permanent Secretaries. The brief ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting.
• Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri Raises Alarm Over Stolen Blessed Sacrament: The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has raised the alarm over a break-in at St. Mulumba Parish, Wetheral Road, Owerri, during which a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament was stolen. The Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick C. Mbarah, disclosed this in a letter addressed to priests, religious and the laity of the Owerri Archdiocese.