FocalPoint Reports

PAP: Leave Otuaro Alone, Allow Delta Enjoy Its Turn of Representation – IPDI Warns Detractors Prominent Ijaw leaders, civil society organisations, and youth stakeholders in Delta State have called for an end to what they described as unnecessary attacks and distractions against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD. In a statement signed by the President of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI), Comrade Ozobo Austin, the group said the Niger Delta, particularly Delta State, deserves stability and uninterrupted support while one of its sons Dr Otuaro occupies a strategic federal position as administrator. According to the statement, Otuaro's appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provides Delta State with a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to federal policies and programmes in the post-amnesty era. "High Chief Dennis Otuaro is more than an individual; he represents Delta Ijaw, the Niger D...

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has berated Nigerians over the attacks on First Lady, Remi Tinubu, after encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli. Remi made the remarks while speaking with journalists following the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday. Speaking on the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady said the programme had been providing grants, rather than loans, to vulnerable Nigerians to help them start businesses and improve their livelihoods. She said, “We’re trying to give hope, and to start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant. “So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I keep gi...

... Says State Open For More Investments  Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday inaugurated the Osubi branch of Zenith Bank Plc in Okpe Local Government Area, describing the development as a strong endorsement of the state's economic potential and investor-friendly environment.  Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the opening of the bank's 19th branch in Delta State demonstrated growing confidence in the state's economy and the success of efforts by his administration to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.  He said: "This is more than just a banking facility coming on stream. It is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Delta State and in the opportunities that lie before us".  He commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Adaora Umeoji, and the bank's management team for fulfilling their promise to establish a branch in Osubi...

The Niger State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended plenary indefinitely over what lawmakers described as “unresolved issues” with the executive arm of the state government. The decision followed a motion moved by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Mohammed Abubakar-Kabir, popularly known as Ustaz, who urged the House to halt legislative proceedings until the pending issues with the executive were addressed. Moving the motion during plenary, Abubakar-Kabir said the House could no longer continue with normal proceedings while unresolved matters between the legislature and the executive remained unattended to. Although he did not disclose the specific issues, the lawmaker warned that history would not be kind to the lawmakers if they allowed matters affecting the independence of the House to be ignored. He said the current Assembly had a responsibility to defend the autonomy and integrity of the legislative arm. According to him, posterity would judge members ...

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied any form of complicity in the delay in establishing State Police in Nigeria. The clarification was made by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, at a stakeholders’ security meeting in Awka, Anambra State. He explained that the process is entirely dependent on constitutional amendments, and the creation of state police remains a legislative matter that falls within the powers of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly. IGP Disu, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, appealed to stakeholders to remain patient, noting that lawmakers were already working toward establishing state police through the required constitutional procedures. “The power to create the state police is a constitutional issue that resides with the national and state assemblies. “When the National Assembly makes provision to amend the law establishing the NPF an...

By David Zipamone  The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has called on the governors of the six South-South states to urgently reactivate and adequately fund the BRACED Commission as part of efforts to address the growing security threats confronting the region and the country. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Secretary, Tare Magbei, the Forum urged the governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states to treat the worsening security situation across Nigeria as a warning signal and move swiftly to strengthen regional cooperation on security matters. The group expressed concern over the increasing spread of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes beyond their traditional hotspots, noting that criminal activities are gradually extending into new parts of the country. According to IPF, recent reports indicate that kidnapping-for-ransom and related criminal activities have expanded southward, prompting growing national concerns a...

The Kwara State Government has filed a criminal defamation case against former Senate President Bukola Saraki over remarks linked to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The case is being heard at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin. The government said the former Senate President made and shared statements on social media and in newspapers, claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq did not attend or complete secondary school education. In the charge filed by the State Ministry of Justice, the government said the claims were false and insulting. It also said the comments could disturb public peace and fall under Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code. When the matter came up in court on Wednesday, the prosecution lawyer, Rafiu Balogun, said the case was fixed for arraignment. He asked the court to issue a bench warrant since Saraki was not in court even after being served court papers. The prosecution also urged the court to turn down a request for adjournment from the defence side...

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed those criticising him over lands within the capital city. Wike spoke during the commissioning of Judges Quarters, Court of Appeal, and the flag-off of construction of Quarters for Industrial Court and Code of Conduct Tribunal Judges in Abuja to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third-year anniversary. He explained that he took over lands within the capital city for the sake of development. Wike revealed that some of the plots used for the construction were allocated 15 years ago and left undeveloped but were revoked by the FCT Administration under his leadership and developed for the Judges Quarters. According to him, “This land was allocated to Julius Berger 15 years ago and I revoked it. If you don’t want to be accused don’t be a politician, in fact, the day you become a politician is the day the will write your history, even those who don’t know you. I thank God that today they can see that I trul...

The Senate has cut short its ongoing recess and scheduled an emergency sitting for June 23 to address pressing national issues, with security expected to take centre stage during deliberations. The lawmakers were directed to return to the Senate chamber by 11 a.m. The notice calling for the special session was issued on June 15 by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo. According to the notice, the emergency meeting was convened on the instruction of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to allow senators consider urgent matters affecting the country. The Senate explained that the special sitting became necessary because of issues requiring immediate legislative attention, especially concerns surrounding national security and other important national matters. The development means senators will return to work earlier than planned. The upper chamber had adjourned plenary on June 11 and was expected to resume regular legislative activities on July 7. The emergency session comes ...

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has denied reports suggesting that a court ordered his arrest, insisting that he is neither in hiding nor evading law enforcement authorities. Nnaji’s denial followed a recent publication by Premium Times on an alleged court order linked to an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Dr Robert Ngwu, Nnaji’s camp described the report as inaccurate. The statement said the former minister remained accessible to public authorities and had never avoided any law enforcement agency. “Chief Nnaji is not in hiding and has never evaded any law enforcement agency,” the statement said. According to the statement, Nnaji has lived at his Asokoro residence in Abuja for nearly two decades, while his Independence Layout residence in Enugu has been publicly known since 1990. “As a former Minister of the Federal Republi...

The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church Worldwide, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has criticised the decision to release and reintegrate repentant terrorists into society, describing the move as dangerous amid the country's persistent security challenges. Speaking during a recent prophetic message shared on Facebook, Ayodele expressed concern over the policy of granting freedom to former insurgents while many Nigerians continue to suffer from kidnappings, killings and other forms of insecurity. The cleric specifically questioned the role of political leaders in decisions that allow former terrorists to return to their communities, arguing that such actions could undermine efforts to restore peace and public confidence. “These governors have to be queried,” Ayodele said. According to him, the continued release of former terrorists raises serious concerns at a time when several parts of the country are still battling insecurity and violent attacks. The prophet also r...

A former Commissioner for Works in Ondo State, Chief Erastus Akeju, has died at the age of 88 after a brief illness. Akeju’s death was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the facilitator of the Ondo State APC Elders Forum, Chief Demola Ijabiyi. Akeju previously served as Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government Area before he was appointed Commissioner for Works during the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati. He was later involved in party leadership as Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in Ondo State. Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District, described the late Akeju as a dedicated leader who spent much of his life serving the people. He said Akeju made strong contributions to the growth of Ondo State, especially during his time in public office. The senator also said Akeju’s work at the local government level stood out for bringing governance closer to the people. According to him, his time in office set a st...

In a statement by its director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA said preliminary information showed the aircraft encountered difficulties during an attempt to land at Asaba Airport, and subsequently executed a missed approach. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered the grounding of a privately operated aircraft, and suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) after it landed on a roadway near Asaba, before departing the area without regulatory clearance. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Ogwashi-Uku area, close to Asaba Airport. In a statement by its director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu, the aviation industry regulator said preliminary information showed the aircraft encountered difficulties during an attempt to land at Asaba Airport, and subsequently executed a missed approach. “Reports from officials at the scene indicate that all occupants exited the...

The Federal Government has processed payments exceeding ₦700 billion in verified obligations owed to local contractors, as part of efforts to clear long-standing debts and inject liquidity into the economy. The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this on Monday, June 8, 2026, in a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie. According to the ministry, about ₦436.6 billion was processed in May alone, while payments had also been approved for more than 1,240 contractors across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The ministry said the payments were approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, after a verification and reconciliation exercise to ensure that only duly validated claims were paid. It said the latest disbursements were part of the government’s efforts to address inherited payment obligations, especially debts affecting indigenous contractors, small businesses and medium-size...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a list of candidates contesting bye-elections on the platforms of various political parties. List released in a statement on Monday, is for the bye-elections across various senatorial districts and federal constituencies scheduled for June 20, 2026. The bye-elections will be held in Ondo South senatorial district, Nasarawa North, Rivers South East, Enugu North, Kebbi State House of Assembly (Zuru Constituency) and Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State. 1. Ondo South Senatorial District • Adesanya Olaoluwa — APP • Faduyile Francis Adedayo — APC • Akinwumi Adeolu Harrison — APM • Nejo Funso Clement — BP 2. Nasarawa North Senatorial District • Halilu Danladi Envwulu-Aza — APC • Maku Labaran — LP • John Paul Araneshri — NNPP • Emmanuel David Ombugadu — PDP 3. Rivers South East Senatorial District • Douglas Fabeeke Beeka — AA • Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari — APC • Sam Kinanee Barikpoa — LP • Nwogu O...

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the disbursement of ₦204,275,209.80 to the next of kin of civil servants who died while in active service in the state. The payment, according to the state government, is part of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, pensioners and families of deceased public servants. The cheques were presented to beneficiaries in Osogbo, the state capital, during a ceremony where the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, represented the governor.  In a statement released on Monday, June 1, via its 𝕏 account, the Osun State Government said the total amount released covered beneficiaries at both the state and local government levels. According to the government, ₦125,631,083.45 was approved for beneficiaries at the state level, while ₦78,644,126.35 was released for beneficiaries at the local government level. The government said the payment was meant to provide support to families of workers who lost their b...

Members of the Take-It-Back Movement, on Monday, stormed the Oyo State Government House, Ibadan, to protest worsening insecurity and the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The protesters defied heavy rainfall as they marched through parts of the state capital, demanding urgent action from the state government and security agencies. They had earlier converged on Mokola Roundabout before proceeding to the Government House, where they called for improved security across schools, roads and communities in the state. Despite the downpour, the demonstrators said they would not abandon the protest because the lives of abducted pupils, teachers and other residents were at stake. They chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions calling on the government to act quickly against kidnapping and violent attacks in the state. Some of the placards read, “Security for all, not for a few,” “End kidnapping in Oyo State now,” “Safe...

Verse, Neroitech Inventions to work with PCRC To Strengthen Police-Community Relations In Nigeria Neroitech Inventions, a Nigerian information technology and digital innovation company based in Warri, in collaboration with Verse, has announced its participation in the June 2026 General Meeting of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), as part of efforts aimed at strengthening police-community engagement and promoting sustainable national development. The participation underscores Verse’s growing commitment to grassroots relationship building, civic inclusion, and strategic partnerships that encourage trust, dialogue, and cooperation between Nigerian communities and the Nigeria Police Force. According to the organisers, the engagement forms part of broader initiatives designed to support the Police Community Relations Department and deepen collaboration with stakeholders dedicated to advancing peace, security, and social cohesion across the country. The June 2026 P...

NDC Election: Mulade Appreciates Electorates, Pledges Inclusive Representation for Warri Federal Constituency  By David Ziamone  The winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Warri Federal Constituency, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has expressed profound gratitude to party delegates, supporters, and constituents for the overwhelming support that secured his victory in the keenly contested primary election held on Friday in Delta State. In a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists, Mulade described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the confidence, trust, and acceptance reposed in him by the people of Warri Federal Constituency. The environmental rights activist and peace advocate said he remains humbled by the mandate entrusted to him and assured constituents that he would prioritize their interests through effective, people-oriented, and responsive representation if elected. According t...

NDC Crisis: Group Demands Suspension of Esimaje Awani Over Self-Declaration Saga By Donatus Akpoguma Fresh political turmoil has engulfed the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a pressure group within the party has called for the immediate suspension of Comrade Esimaje Vincent Awani over allegations of anti-party activities and an alleged unilateral declaration of himself as the party’s candidate for the Warri Federal Constituency ahead of the party primaries and official decision for the 2026 elections. The development has heightened internal tensions within the fast-rising political platform, with party stakeholders warning that the controversy could undermine the NDC’s growing popularity and electoral prospects in Delta State if urgent disciplinary measures are not taken. The group, operating under the banner of Concerned NDC Members for Good Governance and led by Comrade Okorodudu Akpoyibo, accused Awani of allegedly attempting to create par...

NDC Primary Crisis Deepens in Warri Federal Constituency as Group Accuses Awani of Plot to Destabilise Party By Donatus Akpoguma  Fresh cracks have emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC in Delta State following allegations that a party member, Comrade Esimaje Vincent Awani, is allegedly mobilising protests and ethnic sentiments against the party’s consensus arrangement ahead of the Warri Federal Constituency primary process. A pressure group under the platform of “Concerned NDC Members for Good Governance,” led by Comrade Okorodudu Akpoyibo, accused Awani of orchestrating moves capable of plunging the party into internal division and political unrest at a critical period in its electoral preparations. The group, in a statement made available to journalists in Warri, on Tuesday, alleged that Awani convened a controversial stakeholders’ meeting at his event centre located along Shell Contractors Road, near Eagle Roundabout off Ogunu Road Warri, Delta State, ...

A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed July 20, 2026, for judgment in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), challenging consumer lending regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC.  Justice A.L. Allagoa reserved judgment after lawyers for both parties adopted their final written addresses in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/760/2026 at the court’s Ikoyi division on Monday. The case centres on the legality of the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, also known as the DEON Regulations, issued by the FCCPC. Arguments during proceedings focused heavily on the extent of the FCCPC’s powers within Nigeria’s digital economy and telecommunications sector. Though the parties were absent in court, WASPAN was represented by Kemi Pinheiro SAN, Chukwudi Enebeli SAN, Muyiwa Odubela and Pelumi Agbeyo, while Olufunke Aboyade SAN appeared for the FCCPC ...

Egbema Youths Call On Comr. Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka To Contest For Warri North Constituency II Assembly Seat, Youths of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have unanimously called on prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka, to contest for the newly created Delta State House of Assembly seat for Warri North Constituency II. The call was made during an emergency meeting convened by the Egbema New Political Wave following the release of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The meeting, presided over by former President of the Egbema Youth Council Worldwide, Comrade Kelvin City Eferusuoa, described Comrade Mingo as a dependable, selfless, and courageous leader whose contributions to the development, unity, and recognition of Egbema Kingdom remain outstanding. Addressing members during the gathering, the group urged Comrade Mingo to h...

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared Roland Ebipade Clark to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. Hon. Clark secured his clearance following a successful screening exercise conducted by the Special Screening Committee constituted by the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) of the party. The committee was set up to screen aspirants who were unable to participate in the earlier exercise due to the overwhelming number of qualified Nigerians seeking to contest elections under the PDP platform. Political observers describe the clearance as a major milestone in Hon. Clark’s political ambition and a clear indication of the confidence the party leadership reposes in his ability to provide quality representation and effective leadership. Since the announcement of his clearance, supporters, political associates, and well-wishers across Delta State have continued to felicitate with the PD...

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that state governors are already mobilising enormous financial resources to support President Bola Tinubu’s political campaigns for 2027.  Okonkwo made the remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, while giving a harsh assessment of the Tinubu administration nearly three years after assuming office. Okonkwo said politics has become the only thriving sector under the current administration, claiming that governors are mobilising ₦800 billion ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the Nollywood actor-turned-politician, the current administration is determined to eliminate any serious electoral competition in 2027. He said, “This is the government of catastrophe. The only viable business is politics. “The governors are already budgeting ₦800 billion to support the campaign. That is the only industry that is blossoming under Tinubu because he d...

The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced the assumption of duty of Felix Ohagwu as the 47th Commissioner of Police in the state. Ohagwu succeeds Adebowale Lawal, following his deployment by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. The Command said the deployment was part of ongoing efforts by the police authorities to strengthen internal security and improve policing across the country. This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh. According to the statement, Ohagwu is a seasoned police officer with more than three decades of service experience. The Command said the new police commissioner had served in several investigative, operational and administrative capacities in different parts of the country. It added that his experience would be valuable in sustaining peace, improving crime prevention and strengthening public confidence in policing in Ondo State. Upon assuming office, Ohagwu pledg...